Monday, March 26, 2018 — Today, Lung Cancer Alliance is pleased to acknowledge last week’s passage of the Omnibus FY18 Appropriations Bill by Congress.

After months of operating under a continuing resolution, The President signed the $1.3 trillion dollar bill that includes increases to federal cancer and health programs highlighted by an additional $14 million for the Lung Cancer Research Program within the FY18 Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations Bill under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP).  Also, the bill allocates $37.084 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which includes $5.9 billion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Since 2008, LCA has consistently lead advocacy efforts to increase federal research funding through the annual appropriations process by working with members of Congress including Rep. Rick Nolan (D-MN), Chair of the Congressional Lung Cancer Caucus. The $14 million now brings the total 9 year funding to well over $127.5M. This is the largest lung cancer research program – public or private – outside of the National Cancer Institute. The Lung Cancer Research Program at CDMRP has played a critical role in supporting high-impact, innovative lung cancer research within the military and general public in several areas including risk assessment, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and outcomes.

LCA remains committed to restoring the $20 million funding level for CDMRP’s Lung Cancer Research Program in the FY19 budget.

Full details about the CDMRP can be viewed here.