FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Following is a statement by Association of American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman on Senate passage today of the FY17 continuing resolution, which includes significant funding for the National Institutes of Health pursuant to the 21st Century Cures Act.
We thank Congress for including in the new FY17 continuing resolution needed funds for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Innovation Fund to begin implementing the 21st Century Cures Act. This investment in NIH research will mean more and faster advances in our fights against cancer and other diseases.
We are disappointed that Congress was unable to complete the FY17 appropriations process in a timely manner. Research – whether supported by NIH or the National Science Foundation or the nation’s other science agencies – is most efficient and productive when funding is consistent and predictable. We urge the new Congress to finalize the FY17 process as quickly as possible and to support the increased investments in research and higher education that were already included in the appropriations process before it came to a halt.