A Win for American Families
MADISON, WI – Rep. Gustafson, Chair of the Wisconsin Legislature’s Science, Technology, and AI Committee, praises President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for doubling funding for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, raising its annual budget from $50 million to $100 million.
“As Chair of the Science, Technology, and AI Committee, I see plenty of headlines that cast artificial intelligence as a threat,” said Rep. Gustafson. “But here’s the reality: under President Trump’s leadership, AI isn’t a threat — it’s a weapon. And we’re pointing it directly at childhood cancer. That is the kind of bold, unapologetic innovation America was built on.”
Established by President Trump in 2019, the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative brings together federal researchers, private-sector innovators, and families to create a powerful data engine for pediatric cancer research. With this expansion, the National Cancer Institute will use artificial intelligence to accelerate diagnostics, improve treatments, and shorten the path to cures — while ensuring parents remain in control of their children’s health information.
“While other nations debate and delay, America acts,” he continued. “This administration has made it clear: we will not sit back while cancer takes more young lives. We will marshal the full force of American science and technology to beat this disease once and for all.”
Childhood cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death for children in the United States, with incidence rising by more than 40 percent since 1975. Today’s action demonstrates a renewed national commitment to reversing that trend and protecting the next generation.
“President Trump is proving that fear of technology is wasted energy,” Rep. Gustafson concluded. “The real danger isn’t AI — it’s inaction. And thanks to this administration, inaction is off the table.”
