11th Hour Legislation Preserves NIH and Federally Funded Life Science Research for Two Months
Posted on Wed, Jan 02, 2013 @ 02:14 PM
Despite GOP opposition, the Senate (89-8) and House (257-167) voted late last night to delay sequestration-related NIH cuts for two months. While this development simply kicks the can down the road, it does restore some certainty into the life science sector.
Unfortunately, under previous “continuing resolutions,” non-competing renewal NIH funding has been cut by 10 percent. This reduction will most likely reduce academic spending on research in 2013.
The big question remaining is, “does the 113th congress have the will to create a plan designed to provide long-term solutions regarding federal life science spending?”
While this and many other questions regarding the fate of the life science industry remain, we are still optimistic. Advances in genomics and companion diagnostics are creating unprecedented opportunities – especially in the field of oncology. Biofuels are emerging to help us realize energy independence, Agri-Bio science is helping to increase crop yields with less water and chemicals and we are making major advances in renewable chemicals and marine biotechnology.
We still believe Science is Beautiful.
To help support the protection of NIH research funding, please visit The Coalition for the Life Sciences and send a letter to your congressman/woman.