Senate sends Obama childhood cancer research bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Tuesday passed Republican-backed legislation to repeal taxpayer funding for political conventions and to go on record in support of devoting $126 million over the coming decade for additional research into pediatric cancer and other childhood disorders like autism and Down syndrome.

The measure was passed by unanimous voice vote at the request of Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. It now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature. The House passed the measure late last year.