Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: “Mr. Speaker, breast and cervical cancers have continued to increase in exponential numbers. Just today approximately 480…”

“Mr. Speaker, breast and cervical cancers have continued to increase in exponential numbers. Just today approximately 480 women across our Nation will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 120 will die from this affliction. Women's cancers are sweeping the families of our Nation at high speeds, and while researchers continue to look for cures and effective treatments, many women will never be able to see the benefits of such research because they simply will not be able to afford it. Today, by passing this legislation, we will be on our way to ensuring that low-income women without health insurance have access to lifesaving treatment. Cancer eats away at the spirits of women battling with this disease. These women should not have to waste their energy scrambling for an ad hoc patchwork of providers, volunteers and charity care programs that will only result in unpredictable, delayed, or incomplete treatment. For the women and families fighting cancer, every minute counts. They simply cannot and should not have to wait any longer for this treatment. Their lives may depend on the outcome of today's vote. I urge my colleagues to vote for the passage of this bill so that low-income women can have a fighting chance at beating breast or cervical cancer.”