Specter-Harkin Amendment Passes

March 16, 2006 – The Specter-Harkin amendment to the Senate Budget Resolution was approved by an overwhelming vote of 73-27. The amendment would add an additional $7 billion for health and education programs, including NIH and CDC. The House of Representatives will likely begin consideration of its version of the 2007 Budget Resolution in the coming weeks. To see how your Senators voted, visit the roll-call vote.

ASH Members as well as other medical research advocates were extremely influential in gaining support for the amendment. The Society would like to express our sincere thanks to the members of the ASH Grassroots Network who participated in the Society’s campaign and helped achieve this important victory today.

This is the first step in the process, but a very important one. The Society will continue to keep you apprised about new developments and advocacy efforts for the upcoming House vote. If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact the ASH Government Relations and Practice Department at grassroots@hematology.org or 202-776-0544.