Elected Officials Must Make a Stronger Investment in Science and Innovation in 2012
As we wrap-up a turbulent year for government funded programs, we’re pleased that bipartisan support for medical research remains a hallmark of Congress’ commitment to science and innovation. Increased funding for federal health agencies will help scientists continue to fight deadly and disabling diseases, enhance preventive care and enable creative solutions to help speed safe and effective medical innovations to patients. But there is still more work ahead as we face potential cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies in the near future. We must continue to demand a strong investment in medical research to improve the health of Americans, create jobs and maintain our competitiveness in a global economy driven by innovation.
The $299 million increase for the NIH and the $38 million increase for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the FY 2012 appropriations bill are positive signs that government support for research and prevention remains a national priority, while many other agencies and programs were flat-funded or cut. The NIH and CDC are lynchpin agencies that support advances in life-saving medical treatments and research to preserve our nation's critical public health infrastructure. The Conference Agreement that approved the creation of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) was another step forward for U.S. research, promoting collaborative efforts by the public and private sector to quickly and efficiently maximize the potential inherent in scientific discoveries.
The Food and Drug Administration and the National Science Foundation also received modest increases that will help ensure the health and safety of Americans and the progress of science. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, which plays a pivotal role in improving health care quality and delivery, did not fare as well, receiving a cut of about $3million.
Health research faces even more budgetary challenges in 2012 and beyond. With an eight percent overall budget cut set for 2013, there is immense pressure on Congress to cut critical funding to agencies such as NIH, and we must continue to demonstrate the value of this funding for the health and economic wellbeing of our nation. It is mission-critical that medical research not be subjected to pervasive cuts that could damage our country’s reputation as a leader in health research and delivery. Already, there is a public perception that we are losing our place as a leader in health research. Seventy-seven percent of Americans believe the U.S. is losing its global competitive edge in science, technology and innovation and 54 percent believe the U.S. doesn’t have the best health care system in the world, according to a public opinion poll commissioned by Research!America .
Americans see health research as part of the solution in improving the economy and Americans’ quality of life, and our elected officials and candidates for office need to recognize and value it in the same regard. Medical research is important to Americans, and more policymakers need to make it a clear priority, talking about it and championing it. We are committed to working with Congress to ensure the stature of U.S. health research and the success of this and future generations of scientists.
For more information, visit www.researchamerica.org and www.yourcandidatesyourhealth.org.