The Last Lap for Funds

We are on the last lap for NIH funding as signed legislation.

A conference committee of both House and Senate members worked on the Senate bill passed Oct. 23. In a compromise move, stem cell research funding was removed to be addressed another day. This bill is a substantial increase over the 2007 level.

The House passed the conference committee bill today, and the Senate is considering the committee agreement, possibly today.

Why do we care? The bill provides $30 billion in funding for the National Institute of Health (NIH) for research and $2 million in funding the 2006 Lifespan Respite Care Act.

Why should we act? When the bill passes the Senate, it will face a likely presidential veto. The funding is important to many disabled and chronically ill people. If it is vetoed, we need our Senators and Representatives to support it.

If your elected officials voted for it, thank them. If not, tell them how important it is that they reconsider. To see how they voted, check HR 3040 on this vote monitor site or call their office. I found some conflicting information, so calling the office might be the best option.

Good luck, and thanks for your help and support.

technorati tags: nihfunding, hr3040, houseofrepresentatives, senate, lifespanrespitecareact, downthemspath