Pryce-Van Hollen Legislation to Fight Childhood Cancer Becomes Law

Press Release

Congressman Chris Van Hollen today announced that the President has signed into law H.R. 1553, legislation to fight pediatric cancer. The House passed H.R. 1553, which Van Hollen co-authored along with Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH) unanimously in June. The bill would dramatically increase federal funding for childhood cancer research.

"This law will bring us one step closer to eradicating pediatric cancer," said Congressman Chris Van Hollen. "No child should have to experience and suffer the effects of cancer, and no parents should have to see their child suffer."

Van Hollen and Pryce worked with CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation of Bethesda, Maryland, the world's largest cooperative cancer research organization, to advance this legislation. Cancer is the number one killer of children under the age of fifteen who die from a disease. The bill targets federal resources and research dollars against the cancers afflicting children nationwide, and elevates our nation's prioritization of pediatric cancer through additional funding, improved treatment, and more centralized, accessible information for researchers and families.


The Pryce-Van Hollen Childhood Cancer legislation includes the following provisions:

* Centers of Excellence for Childhood Cancer Research: This legislation enhances and expands biomedical research programs in childhood cancer through an existing National Cancer Institute-designated multi-center national infrastructure.

* National Childhood Cancer Research Database: This legislation will establish a population-based childhood cancer database to evaluate the incidence trends of childhood cancers and to further investigate genetic epidemiology in order to develop and implement prevention and treatment strategies.

* Outreach and Education for Pediatric Cancer Patients and Families: This legislation provides for education and information services to patients and families affected by childhood cancer to ensure they are aware of and have access to appropriate clinical treatment as well as the array of needed support services.

* Authorization of Appropriations: $30 million annually for 5-fiscal year period.

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