Doris Matsui: “today we consider House Resolution 559, the rule allowing consideration of the conference report accompanying the fiscal…”

“today we consider House Resolution 559, the rule allowing consideration of the conference report accompanying the fiscal year 2006 Labor HHS Education Appropriations bill. This legislation is the clearest demonstration of the contempt for the proper functioning of this body and ultimately disrespect for democracy. The Labor HHS Education Appropriations bill is an incredibly important piece of legislation. It determines funding levels for job training programs, community college programs, child labor protections, and community health centers. This legislation is the primary funding vehicle for the National Institutes of Health. It determines how our government approaches timely and important issues like stem cell research, global AIDS research, pediatric medicine, cancer research, and so many other critical issues. It is also the principal funder of some of the most innovative and practical research going on today at the universities and colleges across the Nation. In my home State of California, two thirds of all basic research at the University of California system is from Federal dollars. As examples using these dollars, the university researchers found a way to differentiate Alzheimer's from other dementia. They are making strides on identifying genes that cause specific cancers. They are looking into factors that influence brain development.…”