Arlen Specter: “I am concerned that the delays in mammograms could constitute a health hazard for women 40 to 49. And, beyond that, that…”

“I am concerned that the delays in mammograms could constitute a health hazard for women 40 to 49. And, beyond that, that there is much confusion in America on that subject. The upshot of it has been that there now appears that the subcommittee will render its report to the full committee on this Friday, and there will be a final report rendered next Tuesday which will eliminate the need for accelerated hearings in our subcommittee to try to come to a conclusion on this important matter. I emphasize that I appreciate the need for an independent medical judgment on this important subject. It seems to me that where all the tests have been performed and it is a matter of issuing guidelines, coming to closure and judgment on this should not require such a lengthy period of time. I believe that there is not a sufficient sense of urgency generally, and in Government specifically, as this issue has been addressed.”