Dianne Feinstein: “I am proud to support the breast cancer research stamp bill, H.R. 1585, sponsored by Congresswoman Susan Molinari and…”

“I am proud to support the breast cancer research stamp bill, H.R. 1585, sponsored by Congresswoman Susan Molinari and approved in the House of Representatives yesterday on a vote of 422 to 3. I, along with Senators D'Amato, Faircloth, and the original 51 cosponsors of my bill, the breast cancer research stamp Act (S. 726), have worked very hard to give life to this innovative breast cancer research stamp idea, which originated with a physician--Dr. Bodai from my State, and I am happy to see it become a reality today. At a time when the National Cancer Institute can only fund 26 percent of applications, a drop from 60 percent in the 1970's, this legislation creates an innovative way for citizens to contribute to breast cancer research. Under this bill: Postal Service would establish a special rate of postage for first-class mail, not to exceed 25 percent of the first-class rate, as an alternative to the regular first-class postage. The additional sum would be contributed to breast cancer research. The rate would be determined in part, by the Postal Service to cover administrative costs and the remainder by the Governors of the Postal Service. Seventy percent of the funds raised would fund breast cancer research at NIH and 30 percent of the funds raised would go to breast cancer research at DOD. The Postal Service would provide the stamp within a year from the date of enactment.”