Walz Supports Women's Health Bills.

U.S. Representative Tim Walz, D-Minn., has agreed to cosponsor two important women’s health bills, according to his spokesperson.

Walz will add his name as a cosponsor of the Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Research Act of 2009 and the reauthorization of Johanna’s Law, said Meredith Salsbery, director of communications for Rep. Walz.

“The Congressman has been and continues to be a tireless advocate for cancer research in hopes of some day finding a cure,” Salsbery said. “He closely evaluated these two bills and decided they deserved his support in addition to the other cancer research bills and efforts he supports.”

Salsbery stated Walz decided to support the bills after being contacted by a concerned constituent.

Constituent participation in the legislative process is important, according to Salsbery.

“Every Congress there are thousands of bills introduced, which is why it is essential for constituents to share with us which bills are important to them,” Salsbery said.

H.R. 1816, the Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Research Act of 2009 is to provide additional funding for research into an early detection ovarian cancer test.

There is currently no early detection test for ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer has a survival rate of more than 90 percent if detected early. Only 19 percent of ovarian cancer cases are found early, according to the American Cancer Society.

H.R. 2941 will reauthorize Johanna’s Law, which will expand the national gynecologic cancer education and awareness campaign.