Press ReleaseNeutral2026-05-14

Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, Wilson Introduce Cancer Survivorship Bill

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This press release from Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) was published on 2026-05-14 and titled "Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, Wilson Introduce Cancer Survivorship Bill".

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Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, Wilson Introduce Cancer Survivorship Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), and Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-2) re-introduced the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act (CCSA), a critical piece of legislation which will address gaps in survivorship care and develop desperately needed standards to improve the overall patient-centered quality of care and navigation needs of cancer survivors and their families. This legislation is named for Lainie Jones , who faced adrenal carcinoma, sarcoma, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and recently passed away due to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Diagnosed with cancer for the first time at 18 months old, after her third diagnosis in her twenties, Jones found out she had Li-Fraumeni syndrome—a rare genetic condition that predisposes her to multiple cancers. She spent 13 years as an online advocate, encouraging followers to do self-checks and stay up to date with doctor visits. “As a cancer survivor, confronting it head-on, with an all-hands-on-deck approach, is my personal and professional mission. With the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act , I am proud to introduce far-reaching legislation that better enables cancer survivors to choose their own path, provides them agency and autonomy over their personal health experiences and decisions, and addresses the entire survivorship continuum of care,” said Wasserman Schultz, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus . “From the point of diagnosis, through active treatment and transitions to primary care, until the end of life, this legislation sets the standards of care that all survivors need and deserve. This bill confronts care planning, transition, navigation, workforce, education, and awareness, and empowers survivors with the best possible resources and care to overcome this terrible disease. No survivor or family should be left in the wilderness to navigate this disease or its aftermath.” “Cancer survivorship is not an afterthought—it is part of the fight. A diagnosis changes a life in an instant, but for survivors and their families, the challenges often continue long after treatment ends. Our health care system must meet that reality with the same seriousness, coordination, and compassion we bring to fighting the disease itself. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act strengthens the continuum of care—from survivorship planning and care navigation to workforce support, education, and long-term follow-up—so survivors are not left to navigate life after cancer alone,” said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus. “I know from firsthand experience as a cancer survivor the importance of quality care not just to beat cancer, but also to thrive in the years following a diagnosis. I am proud to join Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and my colleagues in leading this effort to set new standards of care that address the unique needs of cancer patients from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare to ultimately improve their quality of life,” said DeSaulnier "I am grateful to support all those recovering from breast cancer by joining my colleagues in leading the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act . Comprehensive postoperative care is critical to supporting patients. I am particularly appreciative of the medical professionals in South Carolina who worked with my daughter-in-law Jennifer Wilson to persevere against aggressive breast cancer. Jennifer's example to the women of South Carolina and elsewhere remains an inspiration,” said Wilson. "The data is unambiguous: only one in three survivors receive a survivorship care plan, and that number is falling. At the same time, half of all survivors are experiencing financial hardship tied to their diagnosis,” said Shelley Fuld Nasso, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Nation. “These are not statistics — they are the daily reality of 18 million Americans living with, through, and beyond cancer. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act answers that reality with real solutions, from coverage of care planning and coordination to employment assistance to a payment model that rewards quality survivorship care. Cancer Nation has spent 40 years fighting for survivors' right to not just survive but thrive. This bill makes that possible, and we are proud to stand with Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, Wilson, and DeSaulnier in demanding it." “Following active treatment, cancer patients are faced with a transition to survivorship care that can be disjointed and difficult to navigate. There are nearly 19 million cancer survivors across the US. These individuals often face higher healthcare costs for the rest of their lives,” said Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivor Act creates pathways to address the financial challenges of cancer s

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Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, DeSaulnier, Wilson Introduce Cancer Survivorship Bill Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), and Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-2) re-introduced the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act (CCSA), a critical piece of legislation which will address gaps in survivorship care and develop desperately needed standards to improve the overall patient-centered quality of care and navigation needs of cancer survivors and their families. This legislation is named for Lainie Jones , who faced adrenal carcinoma, sarcoma, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and recently passed away due to glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Diagnosed with cancer for the first time at 18 months old, after her third diagnosis in her twenties, Jones found out she had Li-Fraumeni syndrome—a rare genetic condition that predisposes her to multiple cancers. She spent 13 years as an online advocate, encouraging followers to do self-checks and stay up to date with doctor visits. “As a cancer survivor, confronting it head-on, with an all-hands-on-deck approach, is my personal and professional mission. With the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act , I am proud to introduce far-reaching legislation that better enables cancer survivors to choose their own path, provides them agency and autonomy over their personal health experiences and decisions, and addresses the entire survivorship continuum of care,” said Wasserman Schultz, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus . “From the point of diagnosis, through active treatment and transitions to primary care, until the end of life, this legislation sets the standards of care that all survivors need and deserve. This bill confronts care planning, transition, navigation, workforce, education, and awareness, and empowers survivors with the best possible resources and care to overcome this terrible disease. No survivor or family should be left in the wilderness to navigate this disease or its aftermath.” “Cancer survivorship is not an afterthought—it is part of the fight. A diagnosis changes a life in an instant, but for survivors and their families, the challenges often continue long after treatment ends. Our health care system must meet that reality with the same seriousness, coordination, and compassion we bring to fighting the disease itself. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act strengthens the continuum of care—from survivorship planning and care navigation to workforce support, education, and long-term follow-up—so survivors are not left to navigate life after cancer alone,” said Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus. “I know from firsthand experience as a cancer survivor the importance of quality care not just to beat cancer, but also to thrive in the years following a diagnosis. I am proud to join Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and my colleagues in leading this effort to set new standards of care that address the unique needs of cancer patients from diagnosis to treatment to aftercare to ultimately improve their quality of life,” said DeSaulnier "I am grateful to support all those recovering from breast cancer by joining my colleagues in leading the Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act . Comprehensive postoperative care is critical to supporting patients. I am particularly appreciative of the medical professionals in South Carolina who worked with my daughter-in-law Jennifer Wilson to persevere against aggressive breast cancer. Jennifer's example to the women of South Carolina and elsewhere remains an inspiration,” said Wilson. "The data is unambiguous: only one in three survivors receive a survivorship care plan, and that number is falling. At the same time, half of all survivors are experiencing financial hardship tied to their diagnosis,” said Shelley Fuld Nasso, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Nation. “These are not statistics — they are the daily reality of 18 million Americans living with, through, and beyond cancer. The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act answers that reality with real solutions, from coverage of care planning and coordination to employment assistance to a payment model that rewards quality survivorship care. Cancer Nation has spent 40 years fighting for survivors' right to not just survive but thrive. This bill makes that possible, and we are proud to stand with Representatives Wasserman Schultz, Fitzpatrick, Wilson, and DeSaulnier in demanding it." “Following active treatment, cancer patients are faced with a transition to survivorship care that can be disjointed and difficult to navigate. There are nearly 19 million cancer survivors across the US. These individuals often face higher healthcare costs for the rest of their lives,” said Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “The Lainie Jones Comprehensive Cancer Survivor Act creates pathways to address the financial challenges of cancer s