As individuals who lost their first spouses to cancer 26 years ago and as volunteers for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, we know that for the past 50 years, every significant medical breakthrough, especially in the treatment of cancer, has been linked to sustained federal investment in research.

This commitment has contributed to the remarkable statistic of over 18 million cancer survivors currently living in the U.S. today. Any cuts to research funding would deal a devastating blow to cancer patients and their families, and the United States could lose its global competitive edge in biomedical research. That’s why we appreciated Senator Capito’s comments during a recent U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on biomedical research.

This is not a partisan issue. Cancer affects individuals and families across the political spectrum and the country, so both parties have a shared responsibility as we battle this disease.

We’re grateful for Senator Capito’s continued leadership on the Appropriations Committee and ask that she remain committed to protecting funding for cancer research. With more than 2 million people in America expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025, now is the time to strengthen, not weaken, our commitment to research.