Senate Committee Champions Biomedical Research Funding that Advances Cancer Care

On April 30, 2025, the United States Senate Appropriations Committee gathered for a hearing to discuss the future of federal funding for biomedical research in the United States.  This session engaged a variety of voices from committee members, physicians, patients, caregivers, and advocates.  

The Committee's main responsibility is to distribute federal funds that ensure that agencies like the FDA and the NIH have the necessary resources to drive scientific discoveries.

During the hearing, several experts and advocates testified, sharing their views on the benefits of federal funding and the urgent need for continued investment in life-saving research.  

Federal Funds Advance Discovery, Save Lives, and Offer Hope 

For many years, the U.S. has prioritized biomedical research, trained the next generation of scientists, and accelerated the pace of disease-curing discoveries.  In the last 30 years, cancer death rates have dropped by 34%.  These improvements are a direct result of federally funded programs devoted to cancer prevention, early detection, and advancing treatment options. 

Maintaining strong federal support allows researchers to keep making progress, develop new treatments faster, and expand access to clinical trials for patients across the country. 

There was strong support from both political parties in attendance for maintaining—and not cutting—federal funding for biomedical research.  Legislators on both sides agree that continued federal support is essential for helping agencies like the NIH and FDA build on past achievements and address pressing health challenges.  

Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) pointed out that the FDA has approved over 600 cancer treatments because of years of government-supported research.  Agencies will need continued funding to build on this progress. 

Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) spoke about the long-term impact of cutting biomedical research funding, highlighting that cuts will likely lead to fewer medical student acceptances and research positions, slowing progress in finding new treatments.   

Emily Stenson, a pediatric cancer advocate, shared her daughter Charlie’s experience with cancer and emphasized that federal funding for clinical trial research has given her family the hope that she believes every family facing a cancer diagnosis deserves. “Hope gets you through the hardest days. Sometimes hope is all you have. We need to be able to provide that to all families”.

Investing in Innovation and Public Health

Continued investment in health agencies promises not only medical advancements but also helps grow the economy and improve public health outcomes.  The Committee’s discussion shows a strong commitment to advancing biomedical research and ensuring that the United States remains a leader in scientific innovation.

How You Can Help Advance Research Through Your Experience 

In addition to federal funding, progress in cancer research also depends heavily on understanding the real-world experiences of people living with blood cancer.  Your voice can directly shape the future of blood cancer treatment.

By using tools like HealthTree Cure Hub®, you can complete short yet impactful surveys about your diagnosis, treatments, and side effects. This information helps speed up research and leads to more personalized and effective care. 

Click the buttons below to access these simple surveys and to learn the results of past patient-accelerated research. 

Make an Impact with Brief Blood Cancer Surveys

News Updates on Real-World Research

Sources: 

• Biomedical Research: Keeping America's Edge in Innovation
• 2025 Cancer Statistics Report