About AACR Science Policy and Legislative Affairs Activities

The AACR is a vital and involved member of the cancer and biomedical research community and part of this involvement includes representing the interests and concerns of cancer researchers and others in the political process.

The Association recognizes the public's great interest in the cancer problem and is committed to improving general understanding of the achievements in cancer research and the need for government support for the National Cancer Program. Representatives of the AACR periodically submit testimony to Congress, the National Cancer Advisory Board, and government agencies regarding funding needs and priorities in cancer research.

AACR members serve on the AACR Science Policy and Legislative Affairs Committee. The Committee is the principal vehicle through which AACR members analyze public issues of concern to cancer researchers, focus on mechanisms for strengthening funding for cancer research, and recommend relevant activities to the Board of Directors. The members of the Committee periodically visit legislators in Washington to make the case for increased funding for increased biomedical research. Members of the Committee maintain contact with their individual legislators to make sure that Congress is aware of the impact of its decisions concerning federal appropriations on continued progress against cancer. The AACR Office communicates with the Committee members and the general membership via e-mail Action Alerts, which are also available at this site.

The following resources are also available in this section of the AACR Website:

• Legislative News - Brief updates on the status of cancer research related legislation in the current session of Congress
• Press Releases/Articles - Recent articles relating to cancer science policy or legislative affairs
• Action Alerts - The most recent call for action relating to issues in the current session of Congress
• Members of Congress Contact Information - The names and contact information for key federal legislators in the current session of Congress
• Contact Congress - A link to a simple, automated service for the preparation of e-mails and letters to Members of Congress on issues of concern to you or via standard letters
• Testimony - Recent written or oral testimony or presentations provided to Congress or other agencies
• Position Statements - A list of recent positions taken by the Association
• Collaborating Partners - A partial list of some of the organizations that AACR partners and collaborates with to deliver its message to Congress, the government, and other organizations
• Links are also provided to The United States House of Representatives, The United States Senate, The President of the United States, and The Library of Congress Legislative Information Service (Thomas).