Issue Position: Health and Medicare - Research

Issue Position

I believe that increasing research, education and outreach are the first steps to fighting disease. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has provided breakthrough research to treat diseases and to help people live longer and healthier lives.

There is no doubt that the NIH provides an invaluable service and will continue to receive my support. In the 1990s, I voted to double NIH's funding, and we have done that. The FY2007 NIH levels were increased by $619.5 million in the Continuing Resolution H.J.Res.20, which was signed into law on February 15, 2007 (P.L. 110-5). Additionally, the Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act that was signed into law on December 26, 2007 (P.L. 110-161), includes $29.2 billion in federal funding for the NIH. This is an increase of $329 million above the FY2007 levels.

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