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Ask Your Representatives to Support the Knock Out Cancer Act
As noted in the January 2024 AACI Update, Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus, and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), jointly introduced the Knock Out Cancer Act (KO Cancer Act) for the 118th Congress in December 2023. This bipartisan legislation seeks to revolutionize cancer research funding by allocating a 25 percent increase to the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) budget for the fiscal years (FY) 2024 through 2028. The initiative is a response to the pressing need for research funding that aligns with current cancer mortality rates, ensuring a more effective and targeted approach to combating cancer.
Originally introduced in the 117th Congress with a focus on funding, the newly proposed legislation for the 118th Congress also addresses the critical issue of cancer drug shortages. The bill mandates a comprehensive study, led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in collaboration with relevant agencies, to explore the root causes of these shortages, including economic factors, supply chain failures, delays in drug development and FDA approval, and a lack of generic drugs and biosimilar biological products.
If enacted, the KO Cancer Act could play a key role in providing stable, predictable funding to usher in a new era of progress in cancer research. However, as of March 1, Congress has yet to pass FY2024 appropriations for the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Subcommittee bill that funds the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the NCI. As a result, advocates anticipate a small increase at best—and funding cuts for the NIH and NCI at worst—underscoring the urgent need to supplement funding for these agencies.
The KO Cancer Act's success depends on bipartisan support, co-sponsorship, and increased awareness of the legislation on Capitol Hill. AACI has drafted a letter template for cancer center members to customize for their congressional delegations. Write to your legislators today to urge them to support the KO Cancer Act.