For Immediate Release: August 5, 2024, 11:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Kara Flynn, (202) 257-8424, press@ashg.org
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) President Bruce D. Gelb, M.D., released the following statement in response to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee’s approval by a 25-3 vote of the fiscal year (FY) 2025 bill for the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (L-HHS-ED) on August 1. ASHG is the world’s largest organization dedicated to advancing human genetics in science, health, and society through excellence in research, education, and advocacy.
“The Senate’s bipartisan L-HHS-ED appropriations bill, which sets funding levels for biomedical research, public health activities, education grants, and workforce programs, would provide a base of $48.851 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a net increase of $1.770 billion (3.8 percent) over the comparable FY 2024 funding level. The bill includes $127 million in Cures Act funding and would maintain funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) at the FY 2024 total of $1.5 billion for a combined $50.351 billion. Significantly, it not only prevents a further $280 million cut to Cures Act authorized activities in FY 2025 but fully restores funding for the All of Us Research Program, the BRAIN Initiative, and the Cancer Moonshot, which contributes to advancements in human genetics and genomics research.
We commend the Senate Appropriations Committee for its support of research investments in Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cancer, and women’s health. These essential areas of research and innovations will contribute to overall improved health for people everywhere.
The U.S. House of Representatives has not yet voted on its version of the L-HHS-ED bill. ASHG will continue to communicate with the House Appropriations Committee, urging them to exclude any language that would restructure NIH, and requesting members of Congress support legislation that funds NIH at the highest possible level in FY 2025 at least equal to the Senate’s proposed level.”
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About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its community of nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit: http://new.ashg.org.
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