Senate FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Bill Includes $400 Million for NIH

May 8, 2008 – The Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to soon consider legislation to provide funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that will also include additional fiscal year (FY) funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Although chiefly a vehicle for war funding, the FY 2008 supplemental appropriations bill will also include significant funding for a number of domestic priorities, including NIH. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, successfully sought the inclusion of an additional $400 million in FY 2008 funding for NIH. According to Senator Harkin, this funding would allow for approximately 700 additional research grants this year.

Originally scheduled to be considered by the Appropriations Committee on May 8, committee action on the proposal has been postponed until May 15. The bill must be approved by the Appropriations Committee and then voted on by the full Senate. The House version of the FY 2008 supplemental appropriations bill does not currently contain any similar funding for NIH.

ASH will continue to follow congressional efforts impacting NIH funding and keep members informed via the ASH Web site.