NIH Appropriations Update: Senate Committee Approves 4 Percent Increase for NIH

On Wednesday, September 15, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved fiscal year (FY) 2005 appropriations legislation for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies. The bill approved by the Senate Committee provides $28.9 billion for NIH, a $1.1 billion or 4 percent increase over FY 2004. On September 9, the House passed a bill that provides NIH with $28.44 billion, an increase of $782 million or 2.8 percent.

Within NIH, the Senate FY 2005 spending bill includes: $4.89 billion for the National Cancer Institute, a $156 million or 3.28 percent increase; $2.98 billion for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a $107 million or 3.7 percent boost; $1.73 billion for the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a $67 million or 4 percent increase; and $1.09 billion for the National Institute on Aging, a $69 million or 6.8 percent boost.

Outlook
The Senate action on FY 2005 NIH appropriations is a positive step for next year’s funding level, but the lower funding level approved by the House sets the stage for a showdown when the appropriations bill moves to a House-Senate Conference Committee.

ASH will continue its advocacy efforts for increased NIH funding through the Grassroots Network and coalitions with other biomedical research societies. In addition, the Society will keep members informed about upcoming opportunities to contact legislators about FY 2005 NIH funding.

If you have questions, or need more information, please contact Jeff Coughlin, ASH Government Affairs Manager, at 202-776-0544.