WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan, bicameral effort is underway in Congress to extend a long-standing U.S. Postal Service program that has generated millions of dollars for breast cancer research through the sale of special postage stamps.
U.S. Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) have introduced H.R. 8358, the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2026. The legislation would extend the authority of the U.S. Postal Service to issue the semipostal Breast Cancer Research stamp for an additional 10 years beyond its current 2027 expiration.
A companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Ashley Moody (R-FL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), reflecting broad bipartisan support in both chambers.
The Breast Cancer Research stamp allows consumers to voluntarily contribute to research funding by paying a small premium above the cost of standard postage. Proceeds from the program support research conducted through federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense’s medical research programs.
Since its launch nearly three decades ago, the program has raised close to $100 million for breast cancer research.
“The Breast Cancer Research stamp program proves that small actions can make a big difference, raising nearly $100 million for lifesaving research over the past three decades,” Van Duyne said. “I am glad to lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort to extend the program for another decade to give Americans an easy, voluntary way to support the fight against a disease that impacts 1 in 8 women.”
Wasserman Schultz, who has publicly shared her own experience as a breast cancer survivor, emphasized the personal impact of the legislation.
“I know what it's like to hear the dreaded words: ‘you have breast cancer.’ As a survivor, this fight is personal,” she said. “That's why I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Research stamp program, which raised nearly $100 million for lifesaving studies at the Defense Department and NIH.”
Lawmakers said the program provides a unique funding stream by allowing individuals to directly support research through everyday purchases, while also raising awareness of breast cancer.
The bill is backed by a wide coalition of national health and advocacy organizations, including Susan G. Komen, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Women’s Association, the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the NAACP, among others.
“For almost three decades, the Breast Cancer Research Stamp has raised nearly $98 million for breast cancer research—research that has led to significant progress in the detection and treatment of this disease but is still estimated to take the lives of 43,000 Americans in 2026 alone,” said Molly Guthrie of Susan G. Komen.
Medical leaders also highlighted the importance of sustained funding for research.
“For decades, progress against breast cancer has depended on strong, sustained support for research,” said Dr. Ronald J. Weigel of the American College of Surgeons. “Reauthorizing the stamp preserves a proven tool that raises awareness and helps fuel scientific innovation.”
In addition to Van Duyne and Wasserman Schultz, several members of Congress from both parties have joined as co-sponsors of the legislation.
If passed, the bill would ensure the continued availability of the Breast Cancer Research stamp through at least 2037, maintaining a voluntary funding mechanism that supporters say has played a meaningful role in advancing research, improving treatments and increasing survival rates.
