Rep. Matsui Calls for Support of Funding for Cancer Research
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-05) today calls for public and Congressional support of H.R. 1236, which will make permanent provisions to allow the United States Postal Service (U.S.P.S.) to issue stamps that will help fund cancer research. The stamp was launched as a result of the efforts of a Sacramento resident. Rep. Matsui has been a long-standing advocate and champion for cancer research and funding.
"October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I cannot think of a better way to finish the month than to pay due attention to the need to fund breast cancer research. Research is the first step in finding answers to our nation’s most pressing health concerns," said Rep. Matsui.
The stamp was created due to the tireless efforts of Dr. Ernie Bodai, Chief Executive Officer of CureBreastCancer, Inc., and a Sacramento resident. Bodai led the all-volunteer, grassroots lobbying effort to create the Breast Cancer Research Postal Stamp in 1991. The money raised from the sale of the stamp is divided between the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Defense Department’s Health Research Division.
As of April of 2006, over 900 million stamps have been sold, raising over $55 million for breast cancer research. The stamp was first issued on July 29, 1998 at a ceremony at the White House. It is one of three 45-cent "semi-postal" stamps that raise funds for causes that are in the national public interest. Revenues from the sales are distributed to the designated executive agencies, with 70 percent going to the NIH and the remainder sent to the Defense Department’s Health Research Division.
"I commend Dr. Bodai’s work in getting this program up and running. Now, it is our responsibility in Congress to ensure that such a wonderful initiative receives the support it needs. Investments in cancer research now will pave the way for future generations of Americans to be healthy and happy," said Rep. Matsui.
