Tulsa World: Senate likely to pass key breast-cancer bill

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Senate likely to pass key breast-cancer bill

By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau
Published: 3/1/2008 1:37 AM
Last Modified: 3/1/2008 1:37 AM

The legislation is similar to a measure Sen. Tom Coburn derailed two years ago.

WASHINGTON -- With the Senate's top Democrat on board, supporters expressed confidence Friday that breast-cancer legislation similar to a bill Sen. Tom Coburn derailed two years ago will pass this year.

Fran Visco, president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, said supporters believe they have a commitment from Senate leadership as well as the support of 67 co-sponsors.

Coburn declined to comment.

Last time out, the Oklahoma Republican succeeded in holding up legislation sponsored by then-Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I. His party was in control of the chamber and the majority leader was Bill Frist of Tennessee.

This year, Democrats are in control and the majority leader is Harry Reid of Nevada.

Traditionally the majority leader sets the agenda for the Senate floor and decides how long to honor a senator's hold on a specific bill.

Reid spokesman Jim Manley said the majority leader will try to take his bill to the floor as quickly as possible.

Manley conceded Coburn could try again to kill the legislation.

"Sen. Reid will try to address any concerns that Sen. Coburn may have, but this is an important piece of legislation that deserves to be passed as quickly as possible," he said.

Earlier this week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

Committee, which includes Coburn as a member, passed the bill on a voice vote.

That vote occurred after the panel rejected Coburn's efforts to amend the bill.

In his press statement, Reid noted the committee passed the bill intact despite the threat of 15 amendments filed by Coburn.

"I'm pleased this bill passed another hurdle," he said.

Reid's bill would authorize $40 million per year over five years to fund research into the possible links between breast cancer and the environment. Co-sponsors include both Democrats and Republicans.

Visco noted the bipartisan support and grassroots momentum for the bill across the country.

"Now more than ever we need legislation that will fully fund the best long-term research strategies," she said.

"It is only through comprehensive and collaborative research models that we will discover the causes of breast cancer, and gain the knowledge needed to prevent it, treat it more effectively, and hopefully, eradicate this disease."

Jim Myers (202) 484-1424
jim.myers@tulsaworld.com

By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau

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	Report Comment Mel, (3/1/2008 8:22:00 AM) Hey Sen. Reid, how about prostate cancer? Any thought to passing legislation to fund prostate cancer research? Did you know that September is National prostate cancer awareness month? Something tells me you weren't aware of that! How about a few Hollywood types putting on concerts for prostate cancer research? Breast cancer gets $28,000 for each life lost to breast cancer and prostate cancer gets $16,800 for each life lost to prostate cancer. How about a hold on politicization of cancer research ?
	Report Comment Fire Tom Coburn, Tulsa (3/1/2008 8:27:52 AM) Easy there #1. Thanks to your U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, this bill was derailed and now he threatens to put a hold on it again. Don't rail at Reid, at least he is doing SOMETHING, unlike Coburn, who would prefer government do NOTHING, other than, of course, allow people to take automatic weapons into National Parks so they can go unfettered on killing sprees. Try calling Coburn's office and telling him what you so eloquently stated, then report back and let us know what he says. Inquiring minds want to know.
	Report Comment Mel, (3/1/2008 8:38:59 AM) Oh PLEASE #2! Aren't you getting a little emotional on the weapons issue? Its against the law to have an automatic weapon in the US anywhere. Also, I guess that "doing something " is always getting the government involved! Your "inquiring mind" should do some "inquiring" and get the facts straight before spouting off.
	Report Comment Darren, Oklahoma City (3/1/2008 9:04:28 AM) You mean to tell me that with the billions of dollars of our money that the federal government spends every year on medical research, somehow breast cancer was over looked? Of course not! This bill is nothing more than a press release bill for politicians and DC advocacy groups to grand stand and issue press releases so they can claim they are doing something. I believe that was the point of Senator Coburn's objections but you wouldn't get that from the one sided Tulsa World.
	Report Comment Ted Kennedy is Drunk, (3/1/2008 9:47:36 AM) Mel, you are absolutely right on prostate cancer being ignored. You never see a race held for prostate cancer. I, like, you didn't think weapons in park was connected to this story, but then it's Oklahoma.
	Report Comment Fire Tom Coburn, Tulsa (3/1/2008 10:33:49 AM) My dear Mel: Unfortunately, I think I might be right on the weapons issue. See below. ASSAULT WEAPONS Are there limitations on assault weapons? No Oklahoma - No state restriction on the sale or possession of military-style semiautomatic assault weapons. Assault weapons are as easy to buy as hunting rifles. Congress and President Bush allowed the federal assault weapons ban to sunset in 2004. See also: Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines. And, as far as the Wacky Tom amendment goes, see this: Under the Coburn Amendment, state law would supercede the current federal regulations. So, if you have a concealed carry license that's valid in the state(s) the national park you're visiting is located, go ahead, load up that handgun and carry it around your campsite, over to Old Faithful, back to the general store for a six-pack of beer, and then back to your tent. If state law allows you to hang an AK-47 off your truck's gun rack, and then march with the loaded assault rifle along a backwoods trail to say "hi" to the bird watchers and flower gazers, all the better. As far as government involvement goes, looks like you are wanting government involvement in prostate cancer research. And well there should be. Eradicating cancer should be a top priority for our country. Agree or disagree with that statement?
	Report Comment Fire Tom Coburn, Tulsa (3/1/2008 10:35:49 AM) #5. If you want a race for prostate cancer, get off your duff and organize it. These things don't happen without people getting off their rear ends and putting in some hard labor. Great cause. Do something about it other than gripe.
	Report Comment Jen, Sand Springs (3/1/2008 11:37:43 AM) #7 is absolutely right. Race for the Cure, the 3-Day Walk are sponsored by the Susan G. Koman (sp?) foundation. A foundation created by the sister of Susan Koman who died of breast cancer. So #5 if you want to raise funds to fight prostrate cancer, get moving. If it doesn't happen you only have yourself to blame.
	Report Comment Ted Kennedy is Drunk, (3/1/2008 1:59:42 PM) I am doing it! It's just not in Tulsa since I don't live there! Someone in Tulsa needs to do it for the cure! Oh yeah #6, I am off my duff!
	Report Comment Graychin, Eucha (3/1/2008 2:41:42 PM) Why is Coburn against this bill? What is so terrible about looking for causes of breast cancer? Fifteen amendments? Nothing about this makes any sense. But I need to remind myself - we're talking about Sen. Coburn. Of course it doesn't make sense.
	Report Comment Otis Cistrunk, Mars (3/1/2008 11:46:12 PM) Major Tom to ground control: Senator Tom Coburn needs to come back to planet earth. Whatever lofty goals he has in his own mind, he is screwing the people of Oklahoma with his dogma. What happened to his pledge to be a one term wonder?
	Report Comment Timothy, Ray (4/23/2008 1:47:06 PM) Anybody who loves a woman - any woman - will be in favor of this bill. If Dr. Coburn has a problem with the possibility that terrible illness could be prevented through environmental action and public health in general, then he should get over his personal greed and vanity issue. Real doctors want people to be well even if it means that the medical cash registers of America ring a little less often. If Coburn can't use his unique position as a physician who is also a lawmaker to do good in this world, then his constituents needs to wise up, wake up, and choose somebody who can do something right. Thank God for Senate Majority Leader Reid. Timothy Ray

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