"Disease Olympics"

http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/other/274387-after-long-haul-cancer-bill-passes-congress

After long haul, cancer bill passes

By Elise Viebeck - 12/25/12 06:00 PM ET

A bipartisan cancer research bill — aimed at tackling the disease's most dangerous forms — has finally passed Congress after nearly six years of work.

The Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act passed both chambers last week as part of the conference report on defense authorization bill.

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Eshoo's original bill would have overhauled the way federal researchers approach the disease, authorizing about $888 million in new funding and creating a 13-member advisory panel to direct pancreatic cancer research.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) had major concerns, arguing that the bill would undermine its peer-review system.

Some lawmakers — as well as federal officials — also hesitated to contribute to what they called as a "Disease Olympics," in which conditions with the loudest advocates receive the most federal money.


After years of waiting, Eshoo's bill was fast-tracked through committee this fall and passed the House under suspension, on a voice vote.