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Legislative bills

Historic Investments in Health and Research Infrastructure

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has passed the fiscal year (FY) 2022 spending bill, which includes historic increases in funding for several key programs and agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) praises the bill's landmark investment in the NIH, particularly the significant commitment to the base budget for foundational research across the agency. The increased funding will enable scientists at academic medical centers nationwide to advance new and better future diagnostics, preventive interventions, treatments, and cures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FY 2022 spending bill includes historic increases in funding for the NIH, CDC, and HRSA, totaling over $40 billion.
  • The NIH's base budget will see a significant increase of $2.5 billion, with a commitment to foundational research across the agency.
  • The CDC will receive vital and meaningful commitments for research on firearm injury and mortality prevention, social determinants of health, community and youth violence prevention, and opioid overdose prevention and surveillance.
  • The HRSA Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs will receive increased funding, with a focus on diversity pathway programs, which is the largest in over a decade.
  • The comprehensive investments included in this legislation will provide essential resources to strengthen federal health infrastructure, addressing health inequities in rural, marginalized, and other underserved communities nationwide.
  • The AAMC commends Chairwoman DeLauro and Subcommittee Ranking Member Cole for their longstanding legacy of growing NIH's base budget.
  • The bill's increases for key preparedness programs at the CDC and the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response are critical in tackling current and emerging threats.
  • The AAMC fully supports the proposed Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to maximize innovation and discovery in the field of health.

Statistics:

  • $40 billion total increase in funding for the NIH, CDC, and HRSA
  • $2.5 billion increase in the NIH's base budget for foundational research
  • 10% increase in funding for the HRSA Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs
  • 20% increase in funding for key preparedness programs at the CDC and the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response

Sources:

  • Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), "AAMC Statement on FY 2022 Spending Bill" [https://www.aamc.org/press-releases/statement-fy-2022-spending-bill](https://www.aamc.org/press-releases/statement-fy-2022-spending-bill)

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