July 2, 2015
WASHINGTON – The following statement may be attributed to United for Medical Research:
“United for Medical Research strongly supports the NIH funding provisions included in the 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 6) and calls on members of the House of Representatives to approve the bill when it is considered after the July 4 congressional recess.
While UMR believes H.R. 6 should maintain the original $10 billion amount for the Innovation Fund, this bill begins the essential work of reversing a decade of underfunding of the NIH and provides a blueprint for sustainable future growth in the agency’s budget. The research, discovery, and innovation necessary to prevent, treat, and cure our most vexing diseases depend on steady and robust funding from NIH. The 21st Century Cures Act’s combination of three years of increased annual authorizations and creation of a mandatory five-year $8.75 billion Innovation Fund represents an enormous step forward for NIH funding and for finding cures.
The depth of support for H.R. 6 among patient organizations, industry, and universities is a testament to how thorough and bipartisan this legislation truly is.
UMR commends the leadership of Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton and Representative Diana DeGette in forging this meaningful legislation. We urge all members of the House to join in ensuring that the United States remains the world’s medical innovation leader, and we look forward to working with the Senate to pass their version later this year.”