I hope that the agency will reconsider its position.

Since the passage of the National Cancer Act of 1971, there has been significant progress in the understanding of cancer biology, risk factors, treatments and prognosis of many types of cancer.

Despite these harrowing statistics, the National Cancer Institute does not have a comprehensive and strategic plan to address the disease and is currently allocating little more than 2 percent of its research budget to do so.

My Democratic colleague on the committee, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo of California, and I have introduced the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education Act that would do just that.

It is projected that the number of new pancreatic cancer cases will increase by 55 percent between 2010 and 2030.

The innovative U.S. biopharmaceuticals sector generates high-quality jobs and enormous economic output and exports for the economy of this country.

I strongly urge that the administration secure strong pharmaceutical IP provisions in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, including 12 years of data protection for biologics.

the legislation that Congressman Pallone referenced, legislation I have introduced, the Medical Gas Safety Act, which is bipartisan in nature

I want to work with you in this regard.

Your leadership role in this issue has been pivotal.

I do think that some changes in the regulations are necessary, and I respectfully request that we continue to work together on this issue as PDUFA is reauthorized.