Washington, DC -- U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein joined First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton today at a White House ceremony to mark the first day issuance of a new postage stamp to help raise funds for breast cancer research.

The 40-cent Breast Cancer Research Stamp is the first in U.S. history to have its net proceeds above the cost of postage earmarked for research organizations. It's issuance came after two years of efforts by Senator Feinstein, her Congressional co-sponsors and breast cancer research advocates. The additional 8 cents raised from the sale of each stamp will be directed to important breast cancer research programs.

"I am extremely pleased that the breast cancer stamp is now a reality," Senator Feinstein said. "This historic stamp represents an innovative way to raise breast cancer research funds without raising taxes. I hope all Americans will buy them so one day we will find a cure."

"According to the American Association of Cancer Research, 8 million people are alive as a result of cancer research," Senator Feinstein said. "Every additional dollar that we can raise through the sale of these stamps will help save lives."

The breast cancer stamp legislation in the House of Representatives was sponsored by Congressman Vic Fazio (D-Sacramento) and former Congresswoman Susan Molinari of New York. The legislation was signed into law by President Clinton on August 13, 1997.

The breast cancer stamp is deemed valid for postage as a First-Class stamp with the extra pennies from the sale of each going to breast cancer research programs at the National Institutes of Health (70%) and the Department of Defense (30%).

The U.S. Postal Service has said they will print 200 million stamps which could raise $16 million for research. The Breast Cancer Research Stamp will be available in the Washington, DC area on July 29, and available at post offices nationwide on July 30.

Dr. Ernie Bodai, a Sacramento, California, oncologist, thought up the idea of the stamp about two years ago while licking stamps for holiday greeting cards.

"Many people said that a stamp to raise money for breast cancer could not be done. But you should never underestimate California ingenuity. This stamp is a tribute to its originator -- Dr. Ernie Bodai, who has treated over 1,000 women with breast cancer.

"We also owe a debt of gratitude to Betsy Mullen of WIN Against Breast Cancer in Los Angeles and David Goodman of Orinda, California for their tireless efforts to promote and lobby for the stamp. Betsy herself is a survivor of the disease and David Goodman lost his wife to breast cancer early last year. Their effort provides testament to the fact that a few people can make a difference."

Also appearing at the White House event were the House sponsor, Representative Vic Fazio (D-Sacramento), U.S. Postmaster General William J. Henderson, and Betsy Mullen of WIN Against Breast Cancer in Los Angeles. Dr. Ernie Bodai, the Sacramento oncologist who came up with the idea of the stamp, was also present at the event.