NIH/NIDCR Funding

Friends of NIDCR strives to ensure that Congress is committed to providing vital dental health services and supporting research initiatives to our nation.  This is accomplished through the proper funding of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).  A legislative update on the appropriations of funds to NIH and NIDCR for FY09 is provided below.

Status of FY08 Funding for NIH, NIDCR

Status of FY09 Funding for NIH, NIDCR

FY09 Federal Budget: Senate Passes $32 Billion for NIH
During the week of March 10th, the House of Representatives and Senate each passed its respective versions of the FY09 Federal Budget. 

In the Senate, when the Budget Resolution came to the Floor, an amendment offered by Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) to increase funding of NIH by $2.1 billion passed by an overwhelming vote of 95 to 4.  This brings the funding level for NIH to $32 billion.  The amendment had the support of 31 co-sponsors. 

The $32 billion for NIH is $2.95 billion more than the funding level presented in the President’s budget.  Also, the president has budgeted $390,535,000 for NIDCR which is six million below the funding level passed by Congress for FY08 and well short of the $420 million FNIDCR recommends for the Institute. 

When Congress returns to session the first week of April, it must address the reconciliation of the Budget Resolution between the House and the Senate in Conference.

However, because it is a resolution, it is not required to be signed by the President.

SCHIP Funding Remains Constant
Also, the administration would add nearly $20 billion to the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which is in line with the recent SCHIP extension signed into law last year. 

Don’t Like the Budget Funding Level? You Can Help!
Contact Your Senators and U.S. Representative today and urge them to support and advance biomedical and oral health research in the Fiscal Year 2009 Federal Budget by:

1. Telling your member of Congress that you are a constituent from ______
2. Funding fully the NIH Reform Act of 2006 whereby funding for NIH should be at least $31.5 billion
3. Funding NIDCR at $420 million
4. Saying “Thank You” for your legislator’s interest in advancing and supporting federally-funding biomedical and dental research

Find your members of Congress at:  www.house.gov  or  www.senate.gov.  

If you have additional questions, please contact our legislative director Andrew Kaffes at legislative@fnidcr.org.