47 Leading Patient Advocacy Organizations Urge House Appropriators to Support Robust Federal Funding for Medical Research September 2, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:Stephanie S. JohnsonZERO Prostate Cancerstephjohnson@zerocancer.org | media@zerocancer.org(202) 998-2507 WASHINGTON (September 2, 2025) – Today, 47 of America’s largest and most influential patient advocacy organizations called on the House Committee on Appropriations to prioritize and support robust federal funding for medical research in the FY26 budget. In a letter sent to Chairman Tom Cole, Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, and Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Chairman Robert Aderholt, the organizations urged the committee to defend against cuts and prioritize the health of the country.“We are writing to strongly urge you and your colleagues to prioritize and support robust federal funding for medical research as you develop the FY26 budget,” the letter states. “Continued public investment in research for cures is critical to advancing prevention, early detection, developing innovative treatments, and finding life-saving cures. We know that more than 2/3 of all Americans oppose reductions to medical research funding, and we urge you to hold strong against cuts.”The letter was signed by organizations representing millions of Americans living with chronic and acute diseases, some of which are incurable. In the letter, the organizations highlight the breakthroughs achieved through medical research and warn of the devastating consequences of cutting federal medical research funding.“Federal investment in medical research has led to breakthroughs that have touched nearly every American, including: new treatments that are helping cancer patients live longer with fewer side effects; continuous glucose monitors that make it easier for people with diabetes to manage their condition every day; more effective therapies for people living with asthma and COPD to breathe easier; genetic testing to diagnose rare disorders in infants and children; finding new interventions and procedures to change the lives of people living with heart disease; the first FDA-approved clot busting drug for stroke; growing understanding of the biology of profound autism; advances like CAR T-cell therapy, precision immunology, and AI-driven diagnostics; recent breakthroughs that hold the promise of preventing inflammatory bowel diseases; and novel gene therapies for ALS,” among many others. “But this progress is at risk. Cutting federal medical research funding would have devastating consequences. These cuts would stall progress, end clinical trials prematurely, and close the door to potential lifesaving treatments.”In July, the Senate Committee on Appropriations passed a bipartisan bill that would increase federal investment in medical research at the National Institutes of Health by $400 million. Full text of the letter can be found on the United for Cures website. About ZERO Prostate CancerZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For over 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care. As the nation’s #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival—by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care—brings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org More for Press & Media Press Releases Press Releases Explore our newsroom for press releases and official statements about ZERO's latest updates, achievements, and partnerships. Press & Media Inquiries Press & Media Inquiries See how to contact ZERO's media contacts for press inquiries, logo and brand guidelines, and our recent press releases. Media Kits Media Kits Find essential tools to enhance your storytelling and coverage about ZERO. Advocacy Press Release More for you
47 Leading Patient Advocacy Organizations Urge House Appropriators to Support Robust Federal Funding for Medical Research September 2, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:Stephanie S. JohnsonZERO Prostate Cancerstephjohnson@zerocancer.org | media@zerocancer.org(202) 998-2507
WASHINGTON (September 2, 2025) – Today, 47 of America’s largest and most influential patient advocacy organizations called on the House Committee on Appropriations to prioritize and support robust federal funding for medical research in the FY26 budget. In a letter sent to Chairman Tom Cole, Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, and Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Chairman Robert Aderholt, the organizations urged the committee to defend against cuts and prioritize the health of the country.“We are writing to strongly urge you and your colleagues to prioritize and support robust federal funding for medical research as you develop the FY26 budget,” the letter states. “Continued public investment in research for cures is critical to advancing prevention, early detection, developing innovative treatments, and finding life-saving cures. We know that more than 2/3 of all Americans oppose reductions to medical research funding, and we urge you to hold strong against cuts.”The letter was signed by organizations representing millions of Americans living with chronic and acute diseases, some of which are incurable. In the letter, the organizations highlight the breakthroughs achieved through medical research and warn of the devastating consequences of cutting federal medical research funding.“Federal investment in medical research has led to breakthroughs that have touched nearly every American, including: new treatments that are helping cancer patients live longer with fewer side effects; continuous glucose monitors that make it easier for people with diabetes to manage their condition every day; more effective therapies for people living with asthma and COPD to breathe easier; genetic testing to diagnose rare disorders in infants and children; finding new interventions and procedures to change the lives of people living with heart disease; the first FDA-approved clot busting drug for stroke; growing understanding of the biology of profound autism; advances like CAR T-cell therapy, precision immunology, and AI-driven diagnostics; recent breakthroughs that hold the promise of preventing inflammatory bowel diseases; and novel gene therapies for ALS,” among many others. “But this progress is at risk. Cutting federal medical research funding would have devastating consequences. These cuts would stall progress, end clinical trials prematurely, and close the door to potential lifesaving treatments.”In July, the Senate Committee on Appropriations passed a bipartisan bill that would increase federal investment in medical research at the National Institutes of Health by $400 million. Full text of the letter can be found on the United for Cures website.
About ZERO Prostate CancerZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) is on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness, and support. Formerly known as the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, ZERO was founded in 1996 to stand up for people impacted by prostate cancer. Today, ZERO serves as the nation's leading prostate cancer organization, advancing a future where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. For over 30 years, ZERO has led the way in prostate cancer advocacy, screenings, and partnerships, successfully unlocking funding toward breakthrough discoveries, treatments, and lifesaving access to care. As the nation’s #1 provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services, ZERO has supported millions of people at-risk or diagnosed, and their families. As the voice of the prostate cancer community, ZERO's urgent focus on breaking barriers to survival—by closing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care—brings critical attention to those most likely to be impacted by this disease. Learn more at ZEROcancer.org
More for Press & Media Press Releases Press Releases Explore our newsroom for press releases and official statements about ZERO's latest updates, achievements, and partnerships. Press & Media Inquiries Press & Media Inquiries See how to contact ZERO's media contacts for press inquiries, logo and brand guidelines, and our recent press releases. Media Kits Media Kits Find essential tools to enhance your storytelling and coverage about ZERO.
