U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) has proposed legislation that would shift more funding toward pediatric cancer research. Pediatric cancer affects more than 300,000 children a year around the globe.
Rep. Davis announced the Jonny Wade Pediatric Cancer Research Act, H.R. 2234, on April 22 while visiting HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield, Ill. The legislation would increase funding for the 10-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund by eliminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns, according to the text of the bill.
The bill is named after Jonny Wade, a Jerseyville, Ill., boy who died from brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 8 years old.
“I am honored to announce this legislation alongside Jonny’s mom and dad, Kim and Jon, and his twin brother Jacky, who have been tireless advocates for pediatric cancer research since Jonny was diagnosed, and I will continue to fight for this cause in Congress,” Rep. Davis said at the event.
Specifically, the bill calls for eliminating the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, which Rep. Davis’ office noted has not been used by any major party candidate since 2008. The $372.8 million balance of that fund would then be transferred to the Pediatric Research Initiative Fund. The National Institutes of Health would oversee the fund and research on pediatric cancer in general.
“Cancer is the second leading cause of death for children, yet, only four percent of cancer research funds go to children. The Jonny Wade Pediatric Cancer Research Act will continue Jonny’s mission and increase funding for pediatric cancer research,” Rep. Davis said.