Recent Press Releases

Washington, DC —  Senator John Thune issued the statement below in support of today's American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Celebration on the Hill 2006, during which 10,000 cancer patients, survivors, and advocates gathered on Capitol Hill to celebrate cancer survivorship and advocate for laws that will help fight the disease. Senator Thune also had the opportunity to meet with several cancer patients and survivors from South Dakota in his Washington office.

"The number of cancer patients, survivors, and advocates who assembled on Capitol Hill today was both a moving testament to the strong level of commitment across the country to fighting for a cure and a sad reminder of how many American families have been impacted by cancer's cruel grip.

"As a member of the Congressional Cancer Coalition, I have long advocated improved research, education, prevention, and treatment of cancer," Thune said. "I have also signed a bi-partisan letter in support of the Administration's goal of eliminating cancer death and suffering by the year 2015.

"Meeting today with several constituents from South Dakota who have struggled firsthand with cancer was extremely inspirational and reinforced for me the importance of working with my colleagues in Congress to make increased funding and research, which can lead to a cure for cancer, a reality."

The 2007 Senate Budget Resolution provides an increase of $1 billion over the President's request for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a total budget of $29.6 billion. Senator Thune also supported an amendment that added $7 billion to Labor, HHS, and Education appropriations, which determines the congressional appropriation for the NIH as well as the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

On July 20, 2006, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the 2007 Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations Bill. This bill would provide over $4.799 billion for the NCI, an increase of $9 million over the 2006 enacted level. The Senate version of this bill would also provide almost $6.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an increase of $108 million over the 2006 funding.