Fitzpatrick legislation ensures fair federal funding for pediatric cancer research

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Sept. 20 sponsored bipartisan legislation to ensure that a fair percentage of federal cancer research funds are dedicated to pediatric cancer research.

Rep. Fitzpatrick introduced the Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act, H.R. 4429, with six cosponsors including U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Mike Kelly (R-PA), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), whom he said are presenting “a united and bipartisan front to combat pediatric cancer.”

“There are few things more heart wrenching than childhood cancer,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “No child should have to suffer through the pain of cancer, nor should any parent have to watch their child struggle to survive.”

If enacted, H.R. 4429 would adjust federal funding levels for pediatric cancer research to match the same percentage of the number of American citizens under the age of 18 years as part of the general population, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Fitzpatrick’s office.

Reps. Stefanik and Kelly pointed out that almost 16,000 children nationwide are diagnosed with cancer each year.

“Children are the most vulnerable among us, and it’s simply unacceptable that the government spends a minuscule amount of funding on pediatric cancer research,” Rep. Stefanik said. “This legislation will ensure pediatric cancer researchers have the funding they need to save the lives of kids afflicted with cancer.”

“We can and will win the war against pediatric cancer for our kids! To do that, we need to invest more in the discovery of treatments and cures that work for our young warriors,” said Rep. Kelly. “The Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act is a giant step toward that goal because it focuses more money on childhood cancer research.”

H.R. 4429 has been referred to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.