House Resolution Calling for the Establishment of the National Institute of Viral Diseases

Floor Speech

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Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a House Resolution calling for the establishment of a new unit of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to be known as The National Institute of Viral Diseases, to increase federal research in the field of viral diseases. As viral diseases are unique to infectious diseases, we must strengthen our scientific understanding and the government's role in discovering viral diseases causes, prevention and treatments.

I am introducing this resolution to build upon our federal governments' investment in scientific research and to consider expanding the scope of NIH's excellent work. Through my Appropriations Committee work across various subcommittees, I have become increasingly concerned that federal funding in the field of biomedical sciences in particular, has lagged behind the clinical work of NIH and the physical sciences of the National Science Foundation. Research methodology takes a unique approach, and as our nation continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, there is a need for more investment in biomedical research related to viral diseases.

The benefits of federal funding for biomedical sciences can be seen beyond just the patients whose lives are saved. In 2012, Dr. Francis Collins the Director of the NIH cited data that shows for every $1 of NIH health research funding, it returns $2.21 in goods and services in a single year. Additionally, according to analysis by Families USA, every NIH grant generates an average of seven high-quality jobs. Investing in science pushes the boundaries of taxpayer dollars and delivers positive outcomes for consumers.

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