The Committee on Energy and Commerce in the House of Representatives has issued a News Release introducing H.R. 6903, the “Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008,” sponsored by Rep. Gene Green (D-TX), the Chairman of the Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee. The measure is cosponsored by Reps. Betty McCollum (D-MN); Hilda Solis (D-CA); Lois Capps (D-CA); Jan Schakowsky (D-IL); G.K. Butterfield (D-NC); Doris Matsui (D-CA); Tammy Baldwin (D-WI); and Steve Cohen (D-TN.)

After working closely with Subcommittee members and their staff, the Meso Foundation is very happy to see movement on this legislation after so long. We applaud the House Energy and Commerce Committee for following up on the historic leadership of Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Betty McCollum in taking up the issue of carcinogenic asbestos. The Foundation now calls on the committee to recognize the necessity of funding a robust asbestos disease research program as provisioned in the Senate passed legislation.  

The Meso Foundation is encouraging all patients, family members, researchers and advocates to continue forming relationships with the office of their re-elected or newly elected House Representative for pledged support of H.R. 6903 and to insist that asbestos disease research funds are included in this landmark legislation.

The only way to end this tragic disease is to ensure the necessary funding for a cure is made available.

Take Action Now!

The following links will provide access to tools and information to aid you in your advoacy efforts:

• Visit the Meso Community ACTION CENTER to contact your Representative
• Read the News Release issued by the Committee on Energy and Commerce
• View Representative Gene Green's Introductory Speech for H.R. 6903
• The full text of H.R. 6903
• Login to our Discussion Board to participate in the Advocacy Blogs
• Stay up-to-date on state proclamations with our Meso Awareness Day Map