August Cancer Advocacy Update: More Work Ahead
Before Congress left Washington for the August recess, there were important developments on two issues we’ve been following closely: federal funding for childhood cancer research, and a proposed OMB rule that could threaten the integrity of future research. As Members of Congress spend August in their home states and districts, please continue making your voice heard. Below is more about how you can take action.
FY27 Research Funding: Decisions Pushed to the Fall
Earlier this summer, we shared encouraging news from the House of Representatives, where appropriators advanced a Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) funding bill that includes slight increases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), along with important investments in childhood cancer research.
The House proposal includes full funding for the Childhood Cancer STAR Act and Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program, as well as $60 million for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (a $10 million increase over FY26).
There is still a long way to go before those funding levels become law. Before leaving for August recess, the Senate passed a temporary funding measure, known as a Continuing Resolution (CR). This CR would keep the federal government funded through December 11. The House will consider the Senate measure when lawmakers return at the end of August.
In the meantime, the broader FY27 appropriations process remains stalled in the Senate. That means many of the final decisions about NIH, NCI, and childhood cancer research funding will now be made later in the year.
The bottom line: The House has provided a promising starting point for childhood cancer research, but continued advocacy will be essential to protect and strengthen these investments in the final FY27 funding package.
OMB Research Rule: A Temporary Reprieve
We also have an important update on the proposed Office of Management and Budget (OMB) grants rule that we alerted you to last month.
The proposal could fundamentally change how federal research grants are awarded and managed, including weakening scientific peer review and giving political appointees greater authority over research funding decisions. Children's Cancer Cause joined with organizations and advocates across the childhood cancer community in urging Congress to protect the integrity and independence of medical research.
There is now some encouraging news: The Continuing Resolution passed by the Senate includes language freezing the OMB grants rule through December 11.
This is an important temporary safeguard - and points to the incredible power of advocacy - but it is not a permanent solution. The provision must still clear the House as part of the broader funding measure. And even if it's enacted, the freeze would currently last only through December 11th.
That makes the coming months especially important. Children with cancer depend on a strong, predictable research environment where funding decisions are driven by scientific merit and where promising research and clinical trials can move forward without political interference.
Your Voice Matters
Both of these developments point to the same conclusion: Congress is buying time, but the decisions that will shape childhood cancer research still lie ahead.
Whether you send a message, attend a town hall, or meet with Congressional staff during this recess period, please remind lawmakers that children with cancer need strong federal investment in research -- and a research system that allows the best science to move forward.
Thank you for standing up for children with cancer, survivors, and their families. We’ll continue to keep you updated as Congress returns this fall and these issues move forward.