ASCO Applauds Congress for Providing Additional $2 Billion in NIH Funding
On May 1, Congress announced a bipartisan 2017 budget deal that contains a $2 billion increase in medical research funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $475 million more for the National Cancer Institute. The budget also maintains funding for cancer control programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, and protects tobacco control measures at the Office on Smoking and Health.
Clifford A. Hudis, MD, FACP, FASCO, Chief Executive Officer of ASCO, commented, “We applaud Congress for its leadership in providing an additional $2 billion in funding for the NIH. This increase reaffirms the United States' longstanding, bipartisan commitment to scientific research and will reinvigorate the scientific community as it continues to rebuild after a decade of flat funding. It also offers hope to millions of Americans and their families who face a cancer diagnosis every year.”
He added, “While we're encouraged by the funding increase in the FY17 bill, we will continue to strongly advocate for robust funding levels for FY18. Scientific innovation doesn't happen overnight and requires sustained support. ASCO will continue to urge Congress and the Administration to make NIH funding a high priority.”
The content in this post has not been reviewed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) and does not necessarily reflect the ideas and opinions of ASCO®.
