Western New York Congressman Brian Higgins is urging Congress to make a sustained long-term investment in cancer and biomedical research.
Higgins testified before the House of Representatives Budget Committee hearing. Higgins noted that in his district, he represents the first comprehensive cancer center in the nation –Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
"I represent the first comprehensive cancer center in the entire nation – Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Buffalo and Western New York gave the nation and the world cancer research. It started at the predecessor of Roswell Park Cancer Institute called the New York State Cancer Laboratory," said Congressmen Higgins.
Higgins is a member of the House Cancer Caucus.
Higgins is calling on Congress to double the funding for cancer research over the next five years.
"Treating cancer early not only saves lives but also saves the nation funding. So it’s very, very important that this Congress realize in a bipartisan way its moral responsibility to fully find cancer research so that we can more effectively treat those who are afflicted and help heal spiritually those who love the afflicted. In order to be successful, cancer research must be sustained over term,” said Congressman Higgins. “It would be a failure of our institution to not recognize the potential of promising research taking place right now and give institutions, like Western New York’s Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the resources they need to save lives.”
You can view Higgins testimoney on line at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D3kAFelXGU&feature=youtu.be.