On Oct. 4 the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation to ban most asbestos-containing materials (materials with asbestos concentrations of 1 percent or less by weight are not covered) and begin federal investment in the research critically needed to develop effective treatments and, perhaps even one day, a cure.
Since 1999, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has awarded more than $4 million in research grants to study this dreaded cancer. That is an essential start, but just a drop in the bucket compared with what is needed. Murray’s bill authorizes federal funds of $10 million per year for medical research so that tens of thousands of people who were exposed to asbestos decades ago and may be diagnosed with mesothelioma in the future can benefit from better therapies. Like Bruce, they will be in the fight of their lives. This important legislation will help them win that battle.