Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 3391, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0.

This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representatives Wexton and Cole, plays a crucial role in providing essential support for pediatric cancer and disease research.

This bill is named in honor of Gabriella Miller, a Virginia resident who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of 10. Gabriella was an inspirational activist who tirelessly advocated for research into childhood diseases like cancer until her passing in October 2013.

Her strong voice and bravery turned tragedy into the original Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which was signed into law in 2014. This research program at the National Institutes of Health has made progress toward understanding childhood cancer and disease.

The original law established a 10-year pediatric research initiative fund and authorized funding for childhood disease research. The law has also led to the founding of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Data Resource Center, a comprehensive data resource for research and patient communities meant to advance discoveries.

Despite this progress, cancer is the top disease-related cause of death for children and teens in the United States. It is estimated that over 9,500 American children under age 15 will be diagnosed with cancer this year.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Representative Wexton, for her leadership on this legislation, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to make a significant impact in the fight against pediatric cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I simply would encourage all my colleagues to vote for this important bill to help cancer research, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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