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NEWS

National Advisory Dental &
Craniofacial Research Council

Kathy Hammitt Awarded Seat on the Council
FNIDCR Treasurer Kathy Hammitt was recently appointed to serve on the National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council as one of 13 members whose training and interests as scientists or members of the public uniquely prepare them to serve in this capacity. She is currently Director of Research and Scientific Initiatives, Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation in Bethesda MD.

To help achieve the goals of the NIDCR, the National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council (NADCRC) has the responsibility of advising, consulting with and making recommendations to the Secretary, DHHS, and  the Director, NIDCR, on matters relating to the directions of research, research support, training and career development supported by the Institute.  Included in this responsibility is the completion of the secondary review of research grant applications with a focus on NIDCR scientific program priorities and program balance as well as the conduct of research by the Division of Intramural Research, NIDCR.

Dr. Tabak’s Report
At the council’s meeting on September 24 at NIH, NIDCR Director Dr. Larry Tabak gave a detailed report on the institute. See the entire report at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/AboutNIDCR/Director/DirectorsReportSeptember2007.htm

2007 Annual Gala
Reserve Monday December 10 – You’re Invited!
Thank you to the members who have already contributed sponsorship or ticket requests for the 2007 Annual Gala. The Friends is asking for a united voice in support of this year’s unique Gala.  And we want you, your company, your school and/or your institution to be involved! The Board looks forward to your company’s contribution, as so many of you have so kindly made in the past. Your sponsorship will be noted in the on-site program and reserved tickets will be provided.

Even if you can’t attend, we ask for you to make a contribution.

Sponsorship & Tickets
You should have already received a mailing with a letter and form. If not, links to forms are below.

LEGISLATIVE

Monitoring Update
Two major legislative pieces are being acted upon by Congress:  SCHIP reauthorization and FY08 spending bills.

NEWS FLASH: President Vetoed Legislation Today

SCHIP Reauthorization:  Now Includes Dental Coverage!
Last week, with bipartisan support, Congress passed a House-Senate compromise bill to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) by investing an additional $35 billion over five years. The increase in funding is paid for by a 61-cent increase in the tobacco tax.

The measure will provide health insurance to 10 million children, an increase of four million children.  However, the House did not pass it with enough votes, 290, to override a presidential veto. SCHIP was due to expire September 30, 2007. 

At first, the compromise bill did not include dental coverage.  However, negotiators from the House side were successful in their bid to include dental coverage for all children enrolled in the program. 

Title V, Section 501 of the bill provides comprehensive dental coverage in CHIP. States may either provide a dental benefit as contained in the CHIP statute or choose among three other coverage options:

Today, President George W. Bush exercised his veto of the compromise legislation.

Because Congress cannot override the president’s veto it has prepared a short-term extension of SCHIP as a provision in a Continuing Resolution (CR) that is expected to run through November 16.  The CR temporarily funds government programs and agencies and is needed because Congress has yet to finalize all 12 FY08 spending bills prior to the end of the current fiscal year.

NIH & NIDCR Funding: Continuing Resolution Signed
The full Senate has yet to act on its spending bill that contains FY08 funding levels for NIH and NIDCR.  The House passed its version in July.  If and when the Senate does pass its version it will have to be reconciled between the two chambers before being sent to the president. 

Below is a synopsis of the actions of Congress on proposed FY08 funding levels for NIH and NIDCR to date.

NIH - The House of Representatives approved FY08 funding for NIH at $29.65 billion, which is a 2.6%, or $750 million increase, from FY07.  This is $1.028 billion more than the president’s request. In the Senate, the Appropriations Committee approved $29.89 billion for NIH.  This is $1 billion more than FY07, or an increase of 3.5%, and $1.2 billion over the president’s request. It is also an increase from what the House approved. 

NIDCR - The House of Representatives approved FY08 funding at $395.7 million while the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $398.6. The House and Senate versions approve levels that are higher than the administration’s request for NIDCR FY08 funding.  The administration’s budget earmarked $389.7 million for NIDCR. 

FY07–08 Budget Comparison - The chart below as presented by NIDCR Director Dr. Lawrence Tabak, DDS, provides a breakdown how the proposed 08 funding is to be allocated within NIDCR, using the administration’s allocation of $389.7 million.

* In millions $.

Where Does the Spending Legislation Go From Here?
As a result of not completing all 12 spending bills prior to end of the current fiscal year (including the bill that provides funding for NIH and NIDCR), Congress passed a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund government programs and agencies at current levels.  The CR will run through November 16.  In anticipation of a presidential veto of SCHIP legislation, the CR also includes the short-term extension of SCHIP at current levels.

Of particular interest to FNIDCR, the Senate will look to address the Labor-HHS-Education spending bill after Columbus Day recess.  It includes the funding for NIH and NIDCR.  Moreover, it contains $150 billion in spending, $9 billion more than President Bush’s request, making it subject to a veto.