A Senator’s response

Isn’t it nice to have our voices heard? Here is one example:

Dear Ms. Schwartz:

Thank you for writing to me about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 and funding for cancer research and prevention. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.

I strongly support biomedical research and believe it holds tremendous promise to develop new treatments and possible cures for a myriad of diseases and conditions, including cancer. Since my arrival in the Senate, the study, prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer have been among my highest priorities. As co-chair of the Senate Cancer Coalition, I have consistently supported increased funding for cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute, and through the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research programs.

As you know, on February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the ARRA (Public Law: 111-5) into law. This important legislation represents a significant investment by the Federal Government in an effort to create jobs, improve our Nation’s aging infrastructure, and assist states with struggling deficits. The Economic Recovery legislation includes $10 billion for NIH to conduct biomedical research in areas such as cancer, and $300 million for the National Center for Research Resources for shared instruments and other capital research equipment.

I appreciate hearing your support for this legislation and thoughts on improving it. While the final bill was not perfect, I believe it provides the President with the tools needed to stabilize the economy and stem further job losses.

Once again, thank you for writing. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Also, may I take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. And may 2010 be a good year for us all.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein