Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense Medical Research Program. As provided by law, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has reviewed this program.

From program inception through the end of 2004, approximately 565 million Breast Cancer Research stamps have been sold. Six years of sales has raised a net voluntary contribution of $40.8 million. The costs associated with the Breast Cancer Research stamp include design, printing, packaging, advertising, promotion, training, legal fees, market research, programming for retail automation, and receipt printing costs. The Postal Service deducts selected incremental costs from Breast Cancer Research stamp revenues and then pays the proceeds to the research agencies. Through the end of 2004, approximately $0.9 million has been withheld to cover these incremental costs.

The Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp, authorized by legislation enacted by Congress in 2001, provides assistance to the families of emergency relief personnel killed or permanently disabled in connection with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The stamp was issued in New York City on June 7, 2002, and sells

for 45 cents. Like the Breast Cancer Research stamp, it is valid for the current cost of a one-ounce, single-piece First-Class Mail letter. It will be offered for sale through December 31, 2004. Since inception, 128 million Heroes of 2001 stamps have been sold. This has resulted in a contribution of $10.2 million to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for disbursing payments to eligible participants. The Postal Service has recovered costs of $0.5 million.

The Stop Family Violence semipostal stamp, authorized by legislation enacted by Congress in 2003, provides assistance to the programs and organizations fighting domestic violence. The stamp was issued on October 8, 2003. Like the Breast Cancer Research and Heroes of 2001 stamps, it sells for 45 cents and is valid for the current cost of a one-ounce, single-piece First-Class Mail letter. It will be offered for sale through December 31, 2006. Since inception, 19 million Stop Family Violence stamps have been sold. This has resulted in a contribution of $1.3 million to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help fund domestic violence prevention programs. The Postal Service has recovered costs of $0.2 million.