As the federal government struggles to meet ever-growing budgetary constraints, the need for research into the causes of and potential therapies for treating cancer demands the urgent attention of Congressional leaders. This will require innovative, cost-effective approaches to address the unique needs of cancer researchers, physicians, and patients. As a new member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee, I will be in the forefront of this important debate; as a cancer survivor, I will approach this new assignment with a deep personal conviction. Key issues in the fight against cancer will focus on the way to make cancer screening available to all Americans, the National Cancer Institute Bypass Budget, and the process by which the Food and Drug Administration approves new therapies.