 Legislative
Action Alert
December 16, 2010
*ACTION
ALERT* *ACTION ALERT *
NIH APPROPRIATIONS ACTION ALERT
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!
BACKGROUND
Congress is currently working to finalize the FY11 appropriations process in the closing days of the lame duck session. Last week, the House of Representatives passed a "Continuing Resolution" that funds most departments, agencies and programs of the Federal government at current FY10 levels through the end of FY11 (Sept. 30, 2011).
Of specific interest to the Scleroderma Foundation, the Continuing Resolution level-funds existing institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health and provides $25 million in new funding to support the Cures Acceleration Network. CAN is a new NIH program established in the health reform bill designed to speed the translation of basic biomedical research findings into better clinical treatments and cures.
The Senate has not taken-up the House-passed CR. Instead, Senate Democrats yesterday released an "omnibus" appropriations package for FY11. This legislation contains all 12 unfinished FY11 appropriations bills, including the bill that funds the NIH. The omnibus package provides a $750 million increase for the NIH. Included in this increase is $50 million for the Cures Acceleration Network.
In the next few days, Senate Democratic leaders will attempt to pass the omnibus bill on the Senate floor. It is unclear at this time if they have the votes to secure passage. If the bill fails to advance, then the Senate will likely approve the House-passed Continuing Resolution. That would result in level funding for the NIH in FY11. If the Senate does pass the omnibus bill, then it will go to the House for consideration. Passage of the omnibus bill is a preferable outcome for NIH advocates as it provides a $750 million increase in funding for much needed biomedical research.
ACTION REQUESTED
Contact your two senators today. Ask them to support an increase of $750 million for the NIH as called for in the Senate omnibus appropriations bill. Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be connected to the appropriate office.
TIPS FOR CALLING SENATE OFFICES
- Be prepared to leave a brief (60 to 90 second) voicemail explaining that you are calling in support of increased funding for the National Institutes of Health in FY11.
- Identify yourself as a constituent and a member of the Scleroderma Foundation. Ask to speak with the senator's healthcare legislative assistant.
- When connected to the health aide (or his/her voicemail), explain that hope for a better future for patients and families living with scleroderma lies in biomedical research support by the NIH.
- Ask your senators to support an increase of $750 million (2.4 percent) for the NIH in FY11 as called for in the Senate omnibus appropriations bill.
- Give the aide your contact information and ask to be kept informed of the senator's action on this important issue.
Calling works best. However, you also may e-mail senate offices. You may find information for your senators at www.congress.org by entering your ZIP code in the box on the right-hand side of the page.
If you have any questions, please contact the Scleroderma Foundation at (800) 722-HOPE.
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