Wasserman Schultz, Debbie RSS Articles

Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, Dingell, Kelly Recognize Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Debbie Dingell (MI-6), and Mike Kelly (PA-16), House Cancer Caucus Chairs, introduced a resolution recognizing Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day on June 28. Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day is a celebration of inspiration, companionship, and connection for the communities around the country who come together to support cancer patients, survivors, caretakers, and loved ones.

Community is Stronger than Cancer Day is celebrated on June 28th each year to coincide with the birthday of Gilda Radner, the Saturday Night Live star who died of ovarian cancer and whose experience at The Wellness Center in Santa Monica inspired the creation of Gilda’s Club (now Cancer Support Community).

“No one should ever have to fight cancer alone. As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand the importance of having a strong community and support system during this battle,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to stand with my fellow House Cancer Caucus Co-Chairs in recognizing the often-unseen roles of families, friends, and neighbors in this fight.”

“When more than 18 million Americans are living with a history of cancer, and millions more step forward as caregivers, it’s clear community is not just part of the fight—it is the fight. Like so many families, including my own, I’ve seen how this disease tests every ounce of strength and resolve,” said Fitzpatrick. “As Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, I am continually inspired by the survivors, caregivers, and advocates I have the honor of working with to expand access, fight for hope, and break down barriers to care. This resolution marks an enduring commitment to the idea that compassion and connection will always be stronger than cancer, and that no one should ever face this journey alone.”

“Nearly every family in America has been touched by cancer in one way or another – whether you are a survivor, have lost someone, are a caretaker, or a member of a community that has come together to support a patient,” said Dingell. “Community Is Stronger Than Cancer Day recognizes and celebrates the powerful role that community has in supporting all those impacted by cancer.”

“This resolution stands with the more than 18 million Americans who are living with cancer. In Congress, we must continue working to fund cancer research and to promote legislation that brings new cancer treatments to market,” said Kelly. “As a Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus and also of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, I’ve had the honor to meet some of the strongest, most courageous Americans who have battled cancer. Today, may we come together to support cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones.”

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

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Wasserman Schultz Announces New Bill to Save TPS After SCOTUS Decision

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Sunrise, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened local immigration advocates to condemn the Supreme Court’s ruling to deny Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians in Trump v. Miot, and unveiled her forthcoming bill the TPS Review Act, to reassert judicial and Congressional review of the executive branch’s decisions about TPS.

Click here for video of the full press conference.

The crux of the Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Miot was that regardless of whether the Administration’s termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria was lawful, courts do not have the ability to assess the legality of the decision to revoke TPS.

“Hundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes will be torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will,” said Wasserman Schultz. “This fight is not over. When I return to Washington next week, I’ll introduce the TPS Review Act to restore checks and balances on the President’s handling of TPS, because nobody is above the law.”

The TPS Review Act would amend the Temporary Protected Status statute to institute judicial review, establish a cause of action for TPS recipients and their representatives to sue for relief in court, and allow Congress to reverse a TPS termination by simple majority vote under the Congressional Review Act.

This legislation will also require a standardized, documented process for the Executive Branch to review country conditions before TPS can be revoked, creating a paper trail for litigation, and place the burden of evidence on the Government to prove that a challenged TPS decision complies with these requirements.

Under this bill, TPS recipients would maintain their status and work permits automatically and indefinitely while a termination is litigated in court, eliminating the uncertainty that has harmed Florida businesses and consumers over the last year.

Wasserman Schultz was joined at the press conference by President and CEO of LifeNet4Families Denise Brown and Americans for Immigrant Justice Detention Attorney Sandra Cherfrere.

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Wasserman Schultz Statement on Supreme Court TPS Decision

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement on United States Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. Miot:

“I am heartbroken and infuriated by the Supreme Court's despicable decision on TPS for Haitians and Syrians.

“This callous ruling will have devastating implications for 1.3 million TPS recipients who have been targeted by Trump despite abiding by the law and contributing to Florida's economy. The Court selectively ignored Trump's open racism against Haitians to imply that race was not a factor in this case. We all know better.

“Hundreds of thousands of families who followed the law, passed multiple criminal background checks, earned work permits, and paid taxes will be torn apart, thrown in ICE jails, or sent back to a nation overrun by criminal gangs who murder and kidnap at will. Haitian-American children—U.S. citizens—will be orphaned, detained in horrific conditions, or deported alongside their parents to imminent danger. Americans will pay even higher prices for groceries, healthcare, housing, and childcare.

“I have proudly led the fight to protect Venezuelan, Haitian, and Cuban immigrant communities from Trump's collective punishment. I led nearly 200 Congressional Democrats in an amicus brief defending TPS in this Supreme Court case, and I fought alongside Rep. Ayanna Pressley to successfully force a House vote on legislation extending TPS for Haiti.

“And this fight is not over. The mission to protect our law-abiding neighbors from ICE brutality and provide a lawful pathway to permanent status has never been more urgent, and I will continue working tirelessly to achieve those goals.”

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Wasserman Schultz Joins Children's Services Council, Law Enforcement to Announce New Safety Initiative

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Lauderhill, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) joined advocates, law enforcement, and local elected officials to announce the launch of a major regional child safety initiative to distribute 400,000 free National Child Identification Program (NCIDP) kits to families throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Collier counties.

Watch the livestream here.

“If a child goes missing, information obtained by this kit can make all the difference in bringing them home. No one should experience that harrowing dread to see a police officer at your door or feel the real pain behind the missing child poster on a wall,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I look forward to working with the dedicated teams here today to end the missing child crisis. We owe it to every young person and parent to be fully committed to this fight.”

The ID kit allows parents to collect specific information by easily recording the physical characteristics, fingerprints and DNA of their children on identification cards that are then kept at home by the parent or guardian. If ever needed, this ID kit gives authorities vital information to assist their efforts to locate a missing child.

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Children Services Council of Broward President/CEO Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, LifeNet4Families President/CEO Denise Brown, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives VP Kevin Granville, United Way of Broward County President/CEO Kathleen Cannon, Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich, State Representative Daryl Campbell, Broward Human Trafficking Coalition Jumorrow Poitier, and Broward Sheriff’s Office Major Renea Peterson.

Democratic Caucus Votes to Place Wasserman Schultz on Influential House Foreign Affairs Committee

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington DC – This morning, the House Democratic Caucus unanimously supported appointing U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) to serve on the influential House Foreign Affairs Committee, a post that allows her to directly tackle issues impacting her diverse constituents and challenge the Trump Administration’s cruel, transactional policies, which harm our national interests and threaten South Florida’s strategic position as an economic hub linking the U.S. with Latin America and the Caribbean.

"South Florida is the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, and for our people, foreign policy is domestic policy for so many," said Wasserman Schultz. "I’m proud to have long represented one of the nation’s most diverse Caribbean and Latin American diasporas, whose stories and struggles shape my commitment to democracy and justice abroad and at home. I will seize this opportunity to continue to champion human rights, lift the voices of those suffering under violent repression, and fight Trump's self-serving, America-last foreign policy. And I'm deeply grateful to Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, and all my House Democratic colleagues for this vote of confidence."

Wasserman Schultz brings two decades of diplomatic and national security policy experience to this post. She has fought to restore Temporary Protected Status for Haitians as a member of the Haiti Caucus and advocated for Cuban political prisoners as part of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission. She currently co-chairs the Congressional Venezuelan Democracy Caucus, Cuba Democracy Caucus, the Abraham Accords Caucus, and co-founded the Victims of Communism Caucus. Wasserman Schultz will retain her post as a Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on the Appropriations Committee. The Democratic Caucus added her to the Foreign Affairs Committee along with U.S. Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Wesley Bell (MO-01).

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Wasserman Schultz, Miller, Cleaver, Bacon Introduce Legislation to Accelerate Cures for Polycystic Kidney Disease

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Carol Miller (WV-1), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), and Don Bacon (NE-2) announced the introduction of the PKD Cures Act to expand polycystic kidney disease (PKD) research at the National Institutes of Health and develop a comprehensive roadmap to identify research gaps and priorities, enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors, and develop a plan for integrating innovative technologies such as precision medicine and artificial intelligence into PKD research and care.

Over 500,000 Americans live with PKD, a condition that often leads to end-stage renal disease and kidney failure, necessitating dialysis and transplantation for many patients. It is estimated that cystic kidney diseases, including PKD, cost Medicare approximately $3 billion annually. The PKD Cures Act ensures NIH is dedicating the resources necessary to develop the next generation of cures for individuals living with PKD.

“PKD impacts more than half a million Americans, but doesn’t get nearly enough attention. We must pass this legislation to invest in research, improve treatment, and work towards a cure,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to support Americans with polycystic kidney disease and their families.”

“Kidney disease remains one of the most underrepresented and underfunded chronic diseases in our nation, despite the profound impact it has on hundreds of thousands of families. Polycystic kidney disease demands greater attention and sustained research efforts. This legislation is a critical step toward expanding research and delivering real hope to the more than half a million Americans living with PKD. By advancing this work, we are ensuring these patients are not overlooked and that they have a clearer path toward effective treatments, and ultimately a cure,” said Miller.

“Despite more than 600,000 Americans living with Polycystic Kidney Disease across the country, it is a condition that too often gets overlooked, both in terms of public awareness and medical research,” said Cleaver. “There are steps Congress can take to bolster research efforts that will lead to better outcomes and desperately needed relief for Americans facing this chronic disease. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan PKD Cures Act with Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Bacon, and Miller to begin that process immediately, providing the pathway to an eventual cure.”

“Polycystic kidney disease affects thousands of families and currently has no cure,” said Bacon. “The PKD Cures Act will expand federal research into the areas experts have identified as the highest priorities and direct NIH to develop a comprehensive roadmap for PKD research and innovation. I’m grateful to work with Rep. Wasserman Schultz on this bipartisan effort to accelerate progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”

“The introduction of the PKD Cures Act is a landmark moment for the PKD community. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases and can impact multiple generations within a single family. Yet until now, Congress has never introduced PKD-specific legislation," said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the PKD Foundation. “This bill directs the NIH to invest additional energy and resources into the avenues of research that the country's leading PKD scientists have identified as most promising and establishes a working group to chart a comprehensive roadmap for the future of PKD research and innovation. We are deeply grateful to Representative Wasserman Schultz and her bipartisan colleagues for their leadership and their commitment to the more than 500,000 Americans living with this disease. The PKD Cures Act brings us meaningfully closer to the better treatments, and the cure, that our community has long fought for.”

“The majority of those diagnosed with PKD will face kidney failure — not because we lack the scientific tools to fight back, but because we have never had the coordinated federal investment to apply them,” said Dr. Jesse Roach, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the National Kidney Foundation. “The PKD Cures Act gives the research community what it has needed for decades: a mandate, a structure, and accountability for results. NKF is proud to stand alongside our friends at PKD Foundation and ask Congress to pass this bill.”

“The American Kidney Fund is proud to support the PKD Cures Act. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common genetic disorders and creates very significant challenges for individuals and families; it affects about 500,000 people in the United States and is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure,” said LaVarne Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. "Expanding NIH research and developing a comprehensive roadmap will accelerate much-needed breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of this devastating disease.”

"The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) applauds the introduction of the PKD Cures Act and commends Representative Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Representative Miller (R-WV), Representative Cleaver (D-MO), and Representative Bacon (R-NE) for their bipartisan leadership to improve the nation's kidney health. This legislation has the potential to accelerate the development of new therapies and ultimately improve the lives of the 600,000 Americans living with PKD," said ASN President Samir M. Parikh, MD, FASN. "It strongly aligns with priorities identified in the kidney community's recent Transforming Kidney Health Research report, and ASN looks forward to working with Congress, the NIH, people living with PKD, and other stakeholders to advance this important legislation and bring us closer to a future free from the burden of PKD.”

The PKD Cures Act is endorsed by the PKD Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund, and the American Society of Nephrology.

The bill text can be found here.

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Wasserman Schultz Shares Broward County Residents’ High-Cost Utility Struggles, Offers Legislative Solutions

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Sunrise, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) convened Broward County residents to share how utility prices continue to squeeze families across South Florida, as electric, water, gas and other bills continue to climb, and she offered a raft of common-sense legislative solutions to bring these costs down.

“Congress can lower utility bills by passing legislation that caps excessive corporate profits and overcharges, and speeds up the deployment of low-cost clean energy,” said Wasserman Schultz. “We live in Florida, where sun, wind and water sources for clean, cheap energy are abundant. We did this kind of work in the Inflation Reduction Act. And we need to revive that, because Trump and this Republican Congress simply do not care about Americans’ monthly utility bills.”

During the press conference, Wasserman Schultz discussed her co-sponsorship of the Lowering Utility Bills Act, which cracks down on for-profit utility companies that make consumers pay for wasteful spending, huge profits margins, and unnecessary projects that raise residents’ bills. She also demanded stronger investments into clean energy, like wind and solar, and moving away from oil and gas reliance, priorities Democrats championed in the recent Inflation Reduction Act.

In recent months, Wasserman Schultz convened from local officials and Broward County residents who know first-hand about the high cost of housing, gas, and healthcare costs, while also proposing solutions to these issues.

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Hollywood Commissioner Idelma Quintana, LifeNet4Families CEO Denise Brown, newlywed father of three Philmon Brown, and domestic violence survivor and mother of an adult son with disabilities Joy Seymour.

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Wasserman Schultz, Hinson Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to Infant Formula and Donor Breast Milk

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and Ashley Hinson (IA-02) introduced the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act, bipartisan legislation that provides parents who are unable to breastfeed due to a medical condition with financial assistance to purchase infant formula and donor breast milk.

This legislation is named for Constance C. McDaniel, a mother, army veteran, and advocate who passed away from triple-negative breast cancer in 2025. While pregnant, Constance underwent chemotherapy, and after her child was born, she was unable to breastfeed because of her cancer treatment. Constance also learned her insurance did not cover the cost of infant formula, requiring her to pay out-of-pocket. She became involved with the Breasties and Bobbie for Changes to raise awareness and advocate for parents who cannot breastfeed due to a medical condition.

“For so many moms, the decision to breastfeed is one that is deeply personal, but too often, diseases like cancer take this choice away from them. It’s more important than ever that parents who need these nutritious products for their newborns out of medical necessity can get them,” said Wasserman Schultz. “I applaud Bobbie for Change, the Breasties, and the McDaniel family for their relentless advocacy on an issue that has gone overlooked for too long. I look forward to continuing this partnership and ensuring the Constance C. McDaniel Medically Necessary Infant Formula and Donor Milk Act becomes law.”

“As a mom, I can’t imagine the heartbreak of wanting to provide for your baby but being physically unable to breastfeed because of cancer, chronic illness, or another serious medical challenge,” said Hinson. “Yet, it is still too common - parents in those situations should be focused on caring for their child, not worrying about whether they can afford medically necessary formula or donor milk. This bipartisan bill is about supporting families during some of the hardest moments of their lives and making sure babies get the nutrition they need to thrive. I’m proud to work with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the moms and dads who brought this need to our attention.”

“Before we even had a product on the shelf, we said we’d fight like hell to fix this glaring gap, and today, we are bringing that fight to the halls of Congress,” said Laura Modi, CEO and Co-Founder of Bobbie and mom of four. “We always knew that sponsoring feeding journeys for these families was a temporary bridge. By taking this fight to Capitol Hill, we are moving beyond giveback and toward justice. We are proving that when private innovation and non-profit advocacy unite, we can create the kind of lasting, structural change that ensures no parent ever has to choose between their health and their baby’s nutrition again.”

“By collaborating with the members of Congress to draft this bill together, we’re taking our advocacy to the next level” said Allie Brumel, COO and Co-Founder of the Breasties and mom of two. “This is what long-lasting change looks like in practice: it’s the evolution of an urgent question into a piece of federal legislation that will hopefully outlast us all. We’re proving that when you build a community around a shared mission, you can create something far bigger than we ever could have imagined.”

“It borders impossible to put into words what transpired; the events, the timeline, the feelings, and what the consequences of all of that would be,” said Matt McDaniel, Connie’s husband and father of two. “Connie was on a mission and I’m so proud this bill will continue to honor her incredible legacy. I’m grateful for Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Hinson for hearing Connie’s story and turning it into action."

The full text of the bill can be found here.

This legislation is endorsed by Bobbie for Change, the Breasties, Brightspot Network, Chick Mission, Kasem, 4KiraforMoms, and Hope for PDCD Foundation.

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Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, led by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Nikema Williams (D-GA) proudly celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans, and released the following statement:

"As we mark Jewish American Heritage Month this May, we honor generations of Jewish Americans whose faith, resilience, and leadership in all facets of American life have contributed to our nation's strength.

"We also recognize the historic bonds between Black and Jewish people in the United States, forged through our shared struggle for justice, civil rights, and equality under the law. The achievements of Black Jewish Americans like Rabbi Alysa Stanton, the first Black woman rabbi, are a point of pride for both communities.

"At a time of rising antisemitic and racist attacks, political violence, and cynical efforts to reverse decades of progress and undermine our democracy, this solidarity has never been more essential.

“This May, as co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, we recommit to our mission of building cross-community collaboration, defeating hate in all forms, and fending off attacks on our fundamental rights as Americans."

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Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, Wilson Introduce Cancer Survivorship Bill

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick(PA-1), Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), and Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-2) re-introduced the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act (CCSA), a critical piece of legislation which will address gaps in survivorship care and develop desperately needed standards to improve the overall patient-centered quality of care and navigation needs of cancer survivors and their families.

This legislation is named for Lainie Jones, who faced adrenal carcinoma, sarcoma, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and recently passed away due to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Diagnosed with cancer for the first time at 18 months old, after her third diagnosis in her twenties, Jones found out she had Li-Fraumeni syndrome—a rare genetic condition that predisposes her to multiple cancers. She spent 13 years as an online advocate, encouraging followers to do self-checks and stay up to date with doctor visits.

“As a cancer survivor, confronting it head-on, with an all-hands-on-deck approach, is my personal and professional mission. With the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act, I am proud to introduce far-reaching legislation that better enables cancer survivors to choose their own path, provides them agency and autonomy over their personal health experiences and decisions, and addresses the entire survivorship continuum of care,” said Wasserman Schultz, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus. “From the point of diagnosis, through active treatment and transitions to primary care, until the end of life, this legislation sets the standards of care that all survivors need and deserve. This bill confronts care planning, transition, navigation, workforce, education, and awareness, and empowers survivors with the best possible resources and care to overcome this terrible disease. No survivor or family should be left in the wilderness to navigate this disease or its aftermath.”

“Cancer survivorship is not an afterthought—it is part of the fight. A diagnosis changes a life in an instant, but for survivors and their families, the challenges often continue long after treatment ends. Our health care system must meet that reality with the same seriousness, coordination, and compassion we bring to fighting the disease itself. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act strengthens the continuum of care—from survivorship planning and care navigation to workforce support, education, and long-term follow-up—so survivors are not left to navigate life after cancer alone,” said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus.

“I know from firsthand experience as a cancer survivor the importance of quality care not just to beat cancer, but also to thrive in the years following a diagnosis. I am proud to join Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and my colleagues in leading this effort to set new standards of care that address the unique needs of cancer patients from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare to ultimately improve their quality of life,” said DeSaulnier

"I am grateful to support all those recovering from breast cancer by joining my colleagues in leading the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act. Comprehensive postoperative care is critical to supporting patients. I am particularly appreciative of the medical professionals in South Carolina who worked with my daughter-in-law Jennifer Wilson to persevere against aggressive breast cancer. Jennifer's example to the women of South Carolina and elsewhere remains an inspiration,” said Wilson.

"The data is unambiguous: only one in three survivors receive a survivorship care plan, and that number is falling. At the same time, half of all survivors are experiencing financial hardship tied to their diagnosis,” said Shelley Fuld Nasso, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Nation. “These are not statistics — they are the daily reality of 18 million Americans living with, through, and beyond cancer. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act answers that reality with real solutions, from coverage of care planning and coordination to employment assistance to a payment model that rewards quality survivorship care. Cancer Nation has spent 40 years fighting for survivors' right to not just survive but thrive. This bill makes that possible, and we are proud to stand with Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, Wilson, and DeSaulnier in demanding it."

“Following active treatment, cancer patients are faced with a transition to survivorship care that can be disjointed and difficult to navigate. There are nearly 19 million cancer survivors across the US. These individuals often face higher healthcare costs for the rest of their lives,” said Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivor Act creates pathways to address the financial challenges of cancer survivorship and maintain patients’ access to the health services needed to address the long-term effects of cancer, giving them the best chance of remaining cancer-free. We offer our enthusiastic support for this bill and urge Congress to pass it.”

“More than 521,000 childhood cancer survivors face a lifetime of health challenges due to their treatment. Many transition into primary care without a survivorship care plan and are unprepared for the significant health issues they may face, including hearing loss, infertility, and cardiac late effects,” said Steve Woshala, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Cancer Cause. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act helps address the specialized needs of this population through provisions such as Medicaid coverage to ease transitions of care.”

“Over the last 20 years, we have made tremendous strides in the treatment of lymphoma and many other blood cancers, as well as understanding the unique needs of cancer survivors,” said Meghan Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer of the Lymphoma Research Foundation. "The Lymphoma Research Foundation commends Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, and Wilson for reintroducing the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act and recognizing that surviving cancer brings with it a set of physical, psychological, and financial needs that require ongoing attention and support. The Foundation is committed to the continued support of people with lymphoma and their care partners, to ensure that they not only survive but thrive in the face of a diagnosis.”

This legislation addresses:

Care Planning and Transition: Provides coverage to address the transition to primary care to help survivors develop personalized treatment care plans, standardizes processes, and consolidates treatments to guide survivorship monitoring and follow-up care;
Alternative Payment Model: Studies existing reimbursement landscape to develop an alternative payment model to ensure a coordinated approach to survivorship care across an episode of care, including the creation of comprehensive navigation services;
Quality of Care: Establishes grants to promote utilization of navigation, employment of risk-stratification, transition to primary care, utilization of care plans, potential use of at-home care, and better use of information technology for patient experience data;
Employment: Establishes employment assistance grants to help survivors, their families, and caregivers when faced with a range of workforce challenges; and
Education, Awareness: Creates resources for survivors and health professionals to promote early detection, preventive care and help providers provide high-quality services.

It also addresses innovation and technology use, long-term studies on cancer survivorship progress in the U.S., access to fertility and preservation services, and provisions concerning childhood and adolescent cancer.

Over 50 organizations have endorsed the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act:

Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+), Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Coalition, Alliance for Fertility Preservation, American Association for Cancer Research, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Society for Radiation Oncology, Association for Clinical Oncology, Association of American Cancer Institutes, Blood Cancer United, The Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, Cactus Cancer Society, Cancer Awareness Network for Children, Inc., CancerCare, Cancer Nation, Cancer Support Community, Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Professionals Network (CSPN), Cervivor, Chemo Divas Foundation, Children's Cancer Cause, Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Circle of Care for Families of Children with Cancer, Inc., Digestive Disease National Coalition, Emily Whitehead Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Head for the Cure, Hodgkin's International, I'm Not Done Yet Foundation, International Myeloma Foundation, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, LUNGevity Foundation, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance, Man Up to Cancer, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, The National Pancreas Foundation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, Nicole Cares Foundation, Nueva Vida, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Patient Empowerment Network, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Project Life, RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association, Sharsheret, Sisters Network Inc., Stupid Cancer, Inc., Susan G. Komen, Teen Cancer America, Tigerlily Foundation, Triage Cancer, Unite for HER, Worth the Wait, Young Survival Coalition, and ZERO Prostate Cancer.

The full bill text can be found here.

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