Roy Blunt: “I think that this important Department needs somebody who is confirmed, and in charge, and ready to take hold.”

when I gave my first speech on the Senate floor 12 years ago or when I cast my first vote in the House 26 years ago, I had really no way to anticipate the challenges and opportunities that were ahead of us. I come to the floor today…

I won't be able to work with you and others on this in the next Congress. I am coming to the end of my 26 years here. In a couple more weeks, I will move on to whatever is the next chapter, and I am excited about that. But I am frustrated…

Please continue this commitment and provide timely investments public health and research programs at the CDC and in the NIH.

We especially thank Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education Chairman Roy Blunt and Ranking Member Patty Murray for their unwavering support for the NIH.