Kevin Roberts: “I come to the floor today to congratulate the University of Kansas on its prestigious designation as a National Cancer…”

“I come to the floor today to congratulate the University of Kansas on its prestigious designation as a National Cancer Institute Cancer Center. I do regret I can't be at the KU ceremony today to mark this designation by the NCI because of anticipated votes in the Senate, but I am certainly there in spirit. This designation of `` cancer center'' is such an important development for my state and others in our region because it means that many Kansans and their families who have faced frightening diagnoses-- and trying treatments--will no longer have to seek cures all the way down to Texas or up to Minnesota. They can, and will be able to, stay closer to home and their support systems. Simply put, it's great news for Kansas cancer patients in the region. I am personally gratified by this designation because it represents more than a decade of work with so many outstanding partners. It has truly been a team effort to achieve this important Federal designation. When I was first elected to this body in 1996, I created a blue ribbon committee of Kansas leaders in government, academia and the private sector to advise me on the State's science and technology needs. The goal was to make us more competitive in a global marketplace increasingly reliant on research and technology and to provide economic opportunity to stop out-migration of our best and brightest young people.…”