Debbie Dingell: “I rise in support of H.R. 6164, the ``National Institutes of Health Reform Act of 2006''. Despite certain shortcomings…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 6164, the ``National Institutes of Health Reform Act of 2006''. Despite certain shortcomings, this is an important piece of legislation that contains many significant and commendable goals. I want to congratulate Chairman Barton on crafting and moving the first National Institutes of Health (NIH) reauthorization bill in 13 years and I thank him for reaching out to stakeholders and colleagues on both sides of the aisle. In view of the numerous stakeholder endorsements of this bill, it appears that a careful balance has been struck in many of the bill's provisions. The bill is based on several recommendations of the Institute of Medicine report, ``Enhancing the Vitality of the National Institutes of Health.'' I hope that the provisions on greater accountability and transparency will help NIH use its resources in the most effective, efficient, and equitable manner possible. The greatest problem this Congress has created for NIH, however, is tight funding. After years of significant funding increases for NIH in its fight against disease, this Congress has effectively chosen to provide flat funding for NIH. After adjusting for inflation, this actually is a funding cut.”