William L. Clay: “S. 597, as amended, ensures greater accountability by requiring that the NIH and DOD issue annual reports to Congress…”

“S. 597, as amended, ensures greater accountability by requiring that the NIH and DOD issue annual reports to Congress detailing how proceeds from the breast cancer research stamp are allocated. In addition, the bill extends reauthorization of the breast cancer research stamp until 2011. I am grateful to Senator Feinstein for agreeing to this change. Now the Senate version of the breast cancer semipostal will be identical to the measure I sponsored, H.R. 1236, which was unanimously passed by the House on October 30, 2007. Unlike many programs that are not reauthorized timely but continue to operate, the breast cancer research stamp must be reauthorized or the U.S. Postal Service will discontinue selling the stamp. In fact, the Postal Service was forced to take this stamp off sale for 26 days in 2004 because the Senate did not act in time. Amid constituent concerns of stamp sales being halted, I contacted the Postmaster General of the U.S. Postal Service to ensure that sales would continue. I was assured that the stamp would not be removed from shelves; however, the Senate must pass this bill by December 31.”