Another Bilirakis-Authored Bill to Benefit Children Passes

The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, which is coauthored by Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Jennifer Wexton, Peter Welch and Tom Cole passed the U.S. House of Representatives last night. This vital legislation will reauthorize the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First) and Data Resource Center for the next five years. This Pediatric Research Initiative has funded dozens of research projects around the country to advance knowledge and improve outcomes for children with cancer and a range of other rare diseases.

"Pediatric cancer remains the number one disease that leads to the death of American children. While survival rates have improved for some types of pediatric cancers, thousands of children are lost to cancer each year and many more encounter life threatening complications related to harsh chemotherapies. Children have significantly fewer treatment options than adults and oftentimes must rely on treatment regimens developed for adults because pediatric-specific treatments simply do not exist for many pediatric cancers and rare diseases. The Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is working to develop a clearer understanding of pediatric cancers and holds the promise for the development of better treatments and possible cures. As a longtime advocate for children and rare disease patients, I am proud to push for the continuation of this crucial research," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.