The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act Passes Unanimously in the HELP Committee, Moving on to the Senate

On November 14th, CureSearch staff and parent advocates joined forces on Capitol Hill for the mark-up of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act by the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

We are pleased to announce that the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act was considered in the HELP committee and was passed unanimously, without amendment, and after minimal discussion or debate. This brings us closer then ever to passage of this legislation. 

During the mark-up, Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, one of the bill's sponsors, emphasized to his colleagues on the Committee that parents and advocates have a right to have a voice in how their tax dollars are spent.  The childhood cancer community has a powerful and passionate voice and has used it well.  Over the past several months thousands of letters have been sent by childhood cancer advocates to their Members of Congress and information about the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act has appeared on hundreds of parent web pages, list servs and blogs.  We are grateful for your impassioned, relentless support! 

There is still much work to be done and many challenges lie ahead. The bill now needs to either pass by unanimous consent by the full Senate (which is unlikely) or to be voted on by the full Senate.  If the latter happens, we will need 60 yes votes in order for the bill to pass the Senate. 

Please continue to reach out to those Senators who are not yet co-sponsors to secure their support.

Information about those Senators who are not yet co-sponsors>

Send a letter to your Member of Congress urging them to vote to pass the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act>

Thank you for your help in achieving this milestone; together we will continue to move forward to get this historic legislation passed.

Learn more about the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act>

Read Senator Jack Reed's article>

Read Senator Norm Coleman's article>