HYDE-SMITH BACKS BILL TO REAUTHORIZE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH STAMP

HYDE-SMITH BACKS BILL TO REAUTHORIZE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH STAMP

Measure Reauthorizes Effort to Boost NIH & Defense Dept. Breast Cancer Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) is among the lead cosponsors of a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, a semi-postal stamp sold by the U.S. Postal Service with proceeds allocated toward breast cancer research.

The Breast Cancer Stamp Reauthorization Act (S.4318) would extend the sales of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp though 2037. Current authorization of the fundraising postage expires in December 2027. Since its initial authorization in 1998, the stamp has raised almost $98 million to support breast cancer research programs at the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, with more than one billion stamps sold.

"Breast cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer in Mississippi and claims the lives of hundreds of women in Mississippi every year. The Breast Cancer Research Stamp gives the public an important role in helping support research for a cure and better care for those with breast cancer," said Hyde-Smith, who has supported research funding as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

S.4318 was introduced by U.S. Senators Jackie Rosen (D-Nev.) and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) with cosponsors Hyde-Smith and U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).

Thirty-six organizations have endorsed the bill, including the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Women's Association, Livestrong, the NAACP, and Susan G. Komen.

"For almost three decades, the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has raised nearly $98 million for breast cancer research-research that has led to significant progress in the detection and treatment of this disease but is still estimated to take the lives of 43,000 Americans in 2026 alone. Every dollar raised through the Breast Cancer Research Stamp can help advance needed discoveries and save more lives," said Molly Guthrie, vice president of policy and advocacy for Susan G. Komen.

"For decades, progress against breast cancer has depended on strong, sustained support for research. The Breast Cancer Research Stamp has empowered Americans to be part of that effort while helping generate critical funding for breast cancer research at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense medical research programs," said Ronald J. Weigel, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS, Medical Director of Cancer Programs at the American College of Surgeons. "Reauthorizing the stamp preserves a proven tool that raises awareness of breast cancer and helps fuel scientific innovation to improve treatment options and resources for patients, survivors, and those at high risk of the disease."

The Breast Cancer Stamp Reauthorization Act has been referred to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for consideration.

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