House Passes Bipartisan Welch Bill to Fund Pediatric Research

Press Release

Last week, the House passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Welch and Rep. Greg Harper (R- MS) which authorizes $126 million in funding for pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health. The new funding is offset by eliminating taxpayer support for the Democratic and Republican political conventions held every four years.

"This is a small but important step in advancing life-saving research into pediatric cancer and other chronic diseases affecting children, " said Welch. "Passing this bipartisan bill demonstrates that this Congress can put down the partisan battle axes and do something constructive. And I hope it represents the first step in restoring drastic cuts in the NIH budget triggered by the irresponsible budget sequester."

The legislation would invest $12.6 million annually for 10 years in scientific research for pediatric disease and disorders by creating a `10-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund'. The initiative wouldbe administered by the Common Fund at the NIH. It was named in memory of Gabriella Miller, a 10-year-old children's health research advocate, who recently died of brain cancer.

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