Last week, the House passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Welch and Rep. Greg Harper (R- MS) which authorizes $126 million in funding for pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health. ‘ The new funding is offset by eliminating taxpayer support for the Democratic and Republican political conventions held every four years. ‘
‘This is a small but important step in advancing life-saving research into pediatric cancer and other chronic diseases affecting children, ‘ said Welch. ‘Passing this bipartisan bill demonstrates that this Congress can put down the partisan battle axes and do something constructive. ‘ And I hope it represents the first step in restoring drastic cuts in the NIH budget triggered by the irresponsible budget sequester.’’
The legislation would invest $12.6 million annually for 10 years in scientific research for pediatric disease and disorders by creating a `10-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund’. The initiative would be administered by the Common Fund at the NIH.’ It was named in memory of Gabriella Miller, a 10-year-old children’s health research advocate, who recently died of brain cancer. Her story is told in this CNN report.
Washington, DC. (December 16th, 2013)-Welch's office