Following is a statement by Association of American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman regarding the Senate’s FY19 Labor-HHS-Education funding bill, approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier today:
We are pleased Senate appropriators have proposed a $2 billion increase for NIH. NIH-supported research seeks cures, therapies, and medicines on behalf of the American people. AAU and its member universities are thankful for the leadership of Chairman Roy Blunt, Ranking Member Patty Murray, and their House counterparts Chairman Tom Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, for continuing to prioritize NIH and our nation’s global leadership role in medical research and technology.
We commend Senate appropriators for providing a $100 increase to the maximum Pell Grant award and continuing to support Year-Round Pell. A critical program for low-income student access, we hope Year-Round Pell and the proposed maximum award increase will be included in the final FY19 funding bill.
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities comprises 62 distinguished institutions that continually advance society through education, research, and discovery.
Our universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for academic research, are improving human life and wellbeing through research, and are educating tomorrow’s visionary leaders and global citizens.
AAU members collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of research universities to society.