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Bethesda, MD - The Federation
of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) expresses
its deepest appreciation to the U.S. House of Representatives for
its commitment to the health of the American people and the hope
provided by medical research, as illustrated through the addition
of more than $7 billion to the FY2007 budget resolution for important
health and education programs.
Over the past two months, FASEB society member scientists have generated
more than 15,000 letters, urging Congress to support life-saving
discoveries at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "The
scientific community joined our voices with those of our fellow
Americans, who are overwhelmingly in support of medical research
that seeks to find treatments and cures for cancer, Alzheimer's,
diabetes and other devastating conditions," said FASEB President
Bruce Bistrian, M.D., Ph.D. "We are grateful that the House
responded, and are thankful we can continue our proud tradition
of improving lives through science."
"In particular, we would like to thank Representative Mike
Castle for the tremendous leadership and dedication he has shown
in organizing a group of moderate Republicans to support critical
health, education and science programs," Bistrian continued.
"Congressman Castle's persistence in advocating for the health
and vitality of our nation inspired his colleagues and House leadership
to do the right thing in providing these funds."
According to Jon Retzlaff, FASEB Legislative Director, "The
additional money will allow appropriators to support NIH and the
medical advances that are a direct result of their research grants.
Moreover, FASEB is thrilled that adequate funding will be provided
to accommodate the President's Competitiveness Initiative, which
provides funding to the National Science Foundation and the Department
of Energy's Office of Science. Together with NIH, these agencies
generate the scientific opportunities and breakthroughs which improve
our quality of life and keep us at the forefront of technological
progress."
When asked what impact the House action would have, Bistrian added
simply, "For the scientist working in the lab, the physician
caring for patients, and the person whose life is inalterably changed
by illness, today is a day of renewed hope."
FASEB is composed of 22 societies with more than 84,000 members,
making it the largest coalition of biomedical research associations
in the United States. FASEB's mission is to enhance the ability
of biomedical and life scientists to improve-through their research-the
health, well-being and productivity of all people. FASEB serves
the interests of these scientists in those areas related to public
policy, facilitates coalition activities among Member Societies
and disseminates information on biological research through scientific
conferences and publications.
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