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We're sorry, this alert is no longer available. If you would like to learn more about ways you can take action, please visit ASH Grassroots Network.The short explanation of this alert was:
On Monday, February 5, President George W. Bush released his FY 2008 budget proposal which included $28.6 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). By means of comparison, the final FY 2007 funding bill that the House passed last week (and which the Senate is expected to approve in the near future) contained $28.9 billion in funding for NIH.
Though the President's budget request is simply a starting point for the annual budget process, the fact that the starting point for this year's process represents a cut in funding for NIH is significant. If enacted, these proposed levels would represent a $310 million (or 0.8%) decrease in funding from FY 2007 to FY 2008. Combined with projected Biomedical Research and Development Price Index (BRDPI) increases of 3.7%, the effects of the Administration's proposed funding for FY 2008 would be devastating to NIH and hematologic research.
Now is the time to contact your Senators and Representative to generate their interest in supporting FY 2008 NIH funding. With a very tight year expected for the entire federal budget, grassroots support for NIH funding is critical to gain any traction in the congressional budget process. Your Senators and Representative need to hear from you about ensuring adequate funding NIH in FY 2008.
Congress begins hearings on the budget request this week, and the annual federal appropriations process will commence shortly. ASH will circulate a detailed analysis of the President's proposed FY 2008 budget and will continue to provide members regular updates throughout the FY 2008 budget process. In the meantime, you may find the NIH summary of interest.
If you have questions, please contact ASH Research Advocacy Manager Tracy Becker at (202) 776-0544 or tbecker@hematology.org.
If you would like to view details on this alert, please visit here.
