107th Congress

House Committee on Appropriations -- Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education -- Public Witness Hearing -- March 14, 2001

Members Present

Representative Ralph Regula (R-OH), Chairman; Representative Dan Miller (R-FL); Representative Roger Wicker (R-MS); Representative Don Sherwood (R-PA); Representative John Peterson (R-PA); Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD); Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL); and Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI).

Summary

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) supported doubling the NIH budget and advocated for a $47 million increase in Hepatitis C research. ALF urged the NIH to convene a new Consensus Development Conference on Hepatitis C. ALF encouraged NIDDK to establish pediatric liver disease research centers. ALF also asked for increases in funding for organ donation programs at CDC and HRSA. Chairman Regula asked about liver regeneration and whether it is possible for individuals to donate portions of their livers, rather than the entire organ.

Alzheimer's Association: Mr. Chip Gerber, a support group member, discussed his experiences with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. Mr. Regula asked him if he was taking any of the medications which have been developed to prolong the disease.

National Medical Association (NMA): Representative Jackson introduced Dr. Rodney Hood, President, NMA. Dr. Hood discussed the prevalence of health disparities and he indicated that he was pleased about the creation of the NCMHHD. He encouraged the Subcommittee to continue to provide adequate funding for the Center.

National Black Nurses Association (NBNA): Representative Jackson introduced Millicent Gorham, NBNA. Ms. Gorham discussed the nation's nursing shortage and encouraged increased Federal support for training. She advocated for increases in the NINR budget for research on nursing practices, patient outcomes, and health disparities.

Research to Prevention: Representative Hoyer introduced former Senator Dale Bumpers, who testified on behalf of Research to Prevention. Senator Bumpers advocated for increased funding of prevention efforts at CDC. He was particularly interested in prevention of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. Chairman Regula asked Senator Bumpers for his views about whether Medicare and Medicaid should fund screening and prevention treatments for these diseases.

American Psychological Society: Dr. Alan Kraut, Executive Director, advocated for more NIH support of behavioral research and training. He urged NIGMS to support basic research on behavior. Chairman Regula asked Dr. Kraut about methods of distributing information about breakthroughs to medical practitioners. Representative Kennedy asked Dr. Kraut about NIMH's plans to conduct translational research and he asked about NIGMS' lack of involvement in behavioral research. Kennedy also wanted to know why NICHD has received lower than average increases compared to other IC's.

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF): Steve DePietro, a volunteer at JDF, discussed his son's battle with juvenile diabetes. JDF also supports doubling the NIH budget. Chairman Regula mentioned his recent visit to NIH and indicated that NIH seems to be making process in juvenile diabetes research.

The American Dental Hygienists Association: Stanley Peck, Executive Director, asked the Subcommittee to appropriate $370 million to NIDCR for research on oral health.

The Command Trust Network: Cherien Dabis testified about the dangers of silicone and saline breast implants. She indicated that little is known about the long term effects of saline breast implants and she urged the NIH to expand research in this area. She cited a study currently supported by NCI, but she said that implant industry is trying to discredit the study before the findings are even released.

American Heart Association (AHA): Dr. Rose Robertson, President, urged for more support of NIH (NHLBI) and CDC activities related to heart disease. Chairman Regula asked if AHA is duplicating efforts currently underway at CDC and NIH. Dr. Robertson mentioned that AHA has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Surgeon General and HHS to ensure that efforts to combat heart disease are coordinated and not duplicated.

Rare Diseases: National Organization for Rare Disorders: Diane Dorman, Senior Director for Public Policy, urged the Subcommittee to increase the budget of the Office of Rare Diseases to $25 million and to elevate ORD to a center.

Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation, Inc.: Representative Hoyer introduced Kim Vaughn of the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation, Inc. Ms. Vaughn, who is currently suffering from Sjogren's Syndrome, encouraged the Subcommittee to continue the process of doubling the NIH budget and to expand research activities on Sjogren's Syndrome.

Cooley's Anemia Foundations: Frank Somma and his daughter, Alicia, from the Cooley's Anemia Foundation urged increased support for research on Cooley's Anemia sponsored by NHLBI and NIDDK. They also advocated for increased support of blood safety programs at CDC.

Dystonia Medical Research Foundation: Dystonia Medical Research Foundation advocated for 16.5 percent increase in the NINDS and the NIDCD budgets in order to expand research on Dystonia. Representative Jackson asked if NINDS is dedicating enough resources to Dystonia research. Chairman Regula asked about difficulties related to diagnosing the disease.