CDMRP Funding Scripts - Phone and Meeting

Phone Script:

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City, State]. I’m calling to urge [Senator/Representative’s Name] to fully restore funding for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program — the CDMRP.

This program is critical for advancing research into rare cancers like cholangiocarcinoma, or bile duct cancer, which has limited treatment options and rising cases in the U.S. [Insert here why this matters to you personally].

The CDMRP funds high-impact, innovative research that other programs often don’t — and it does so with very low overhead and no duplication with NIH or VA efforts.

Please support full funding for the CDMRP so this life-saving research can continue. Thank you!

2 Minute In-Person Meeting Script

Hook (30 seconds)

Grab attention with impact and urgency

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. My name is ___  and I live ____. I’m here because recent cuts to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program — or CDMRP — put life-saving research at risk, especially for rare cancers like cholangiocarcinoma or bile duct cancer. CDMRP funding was cut by 57% this year — and [for patients like mine, or families like mine, that’s devastating.]”

Personal Connection (45 seconds)

Why you care / real-life impact

“Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare, aggressive cancer with very few treatment options. I’m connected to this issue because [share your story — for example: I lost my mother to this cancer / I’m a patient advocate / I work with families impacted every day].

The CDMRP has been one of the few federal programs investing in cutting-edge cholangiocarcinoma research — research that gives hope to families who often feel forgotten.”

The Ask (30-45 seconds)

Clear and direct

“I’m asking for your support to fully restore CDMRP funding in the FY25 budget. This program is incredibly efficient — with low overhead, no duplication of other federal research, and a focus on high-risk, high-reward science.

Restoring CDMRP funding means giving rare cancer patients — like those facing cholangiocarcinoma — a fighting chance.”