VBCF supports funding for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (DOD BCRP) in the FY2018 DOD Appropriations bill.
In order to maintain funding for the DOD BCRP, money must be appropriated by Congress. Representatives King (R-NY), McGovern (D-MA), Costello (R-PA) and Hastings (D-FL) are circulating a "Dear Colleague Letter," asking House Members to sign a letter to the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee leadership, supporting level funding for the DOD BCRP.
The deadline for signing
is Friday, March 31st.
The good news is several Virginia Members of Congress have already signed onto this letter: Rep. Scott Taylor (R-2nd) Rep. Robert Scott (D-3rd) Rep. Donald McEachin (D-4th) Rep. Donald Beyer (D-8th) Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10th) Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-11th).
If your Representative is not on this list,
contact them today and ask them to support breast cancer research by signing on to the letter
calling for level funding-$120 million-for the DOD peer-reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program for FY 2018.
Lymphedema Treatment Act
Experts estimate that from 20% to 30% of women will experience some level of lymphedema after breast cancer surgery or radiation.The Lymphedema Treatment Act (
HR 930 and
SB 497) would change Medicare law to cover compression supplies-setting an important precedent for Medicaid and other insurers to do the same. For more information and to take action, go to
Breast Cancer Action. Virginia legsilators who are co-sponsors of the House bill include:
Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10th), Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-9th), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-3rd), and Rep. Wittman (R-1st).
General Assembly Wrap-Up