Letter to the editor: Science champ

To the editor:

University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little recently presented The Science Coalition’s “Champion of Science” award to Congressman Kevin Yoder. This award recognizes members of Congress who have consistently made increased funding for scientific research a top priority. During the past six years, the congressman has done this in spades. Beginning in the Kansas Legislature, Yoder pushed for a dedicated state appropriation to the KU Cancer Center. As a freshman member of Congress, and with the entire Kansas delegation, Yoder tirelessly expressed support for KU’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation with senior NCI leadership.

Recently, Yoder called for a $3 billion increase in FY17 NIH funding, and obtained more than 100 signatures from Republican members of Congress. Yoder has also called for doubling NIH’s annual budget to $60 billion within 10 years.

Kansans and all Americans are fortunate to have Kevin Yoder at the front of the battle against cancer. If you see the congressman at one of his town-hall meetings, shake his hand and thank him for being our “Champion of Science.”