The number of Americans with oral cancer has been increasing for the past decade. The survival for oral cancer patients is among the lowest of all types of cancer. Oral cancer researchers across the United States are searching for answers to these important questions. Oral cancer has historically lacked appropriate federal research support needed to make important new breakthroughs for oral cancer patients. The public health impact of oral cancer demands increased federal funding to improve outcomes and quality of life for Americans with oral cancer. The federal government provides most of the funding for cancer research in the United States through the National Institutes of Health. The level of federal support for oral cancer research is not adequate given the number of Americans suffering from this disease. Oral cancer research deserves substantially increased federal support which cannot be achieved unless all stakeholders (patients, families, friends, and advocates) demand action from their elected representatives in Washington.