House Approves FY 2006 Labor-HHS Bill—Provides 0.5 Percent Increase for NIH

June 24, 2005—The House of Representatives approved fiscal year (FY) 2006 appropriations legislation for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies earlier today. The bill approved on the House floor adopted the funding recommendations proposed by the Appropriations Committee on June 16.

Overall, the bill provides $28.5 billion for NIH, a $142.3 million or 0.5 percent increase over FY 2005, but $3 million less than President George W. Bush's FY 2006 budget request. Such a small increase is effectively a cut in funding since this level would not keep up with the cost of medical inflation.

Although the NIH funding approved by the House was a disappointment to the medical research community, there is hope that the Senate will be able to provide more resources to NIH in FY 2006.

Right now, it is important for ASH members to visit the ASH Advocacy Center and send an e-mail to their Senators to strengthen support for NIH funding. It is a very tight year for the entire federal budget and grassroots support for NIH funding is critical. ASH is supporting an NIH budget of at least $30 billion for FY 2006, a 6 percent increase over the FY 2005 level. It is imperative that you send your e-mail as soon as possible; the Senate is expected to begin deliberations on FY 2006 NIH appropriations on July 12.

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