When we take a look at the budget for the National Institutes of Health at $28 billion, it is, candidly, scandalous that with our resources, our resource capability, research capability in biomedical science, that people are still dying of breast cancer or colon cancer or heart disease.

I know that the president will listen to what Senator Frist has to say. I'm not saying he's going to agree with it. But what Senator Frist has had to say is weighty, and I think may bring us all together on this issue.

Voting is fundamental in our democracy. It has yielded enormous returns.

It's going to be a long, hot summer, we know that. It's going to be very difficult.

As a physician, Senator Frist has a moral calling to save lives and alleviate suffering. He joins Nancy Reagan, dozens of Nobel Laureates, thousands of scientists, and millions of patients across the nation in calling for an end to the restrictions that have shackled the search for new cures. I applaud his courage in putting patients over politics.

It is a decision that will bring hope to millions of Americans. I know there's still a long ways to go with the legislation, but a large step has been taken by the majority leader today ... and I admire the majority leader for doing it.