107th Congress

National Center for Social Work Research Act

S. 70/H.R. 663, H.R. 3814

Background

On January 22, 2001, Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) introduced S. 70, the National Center for Social Work Research Act, which would have established the National Center for Social Work Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In his introductory remarks in the Congressional Record, Senator Inouye noted that the purpose of this Center would have been to support and disseminate information about basic and clinical social work research and training, with emphasis on service to underserved and rural populations. Senator Inouye expressed concern that, although the Federal Government provides funding for social work research activities through NIH and other agencies, there currently is no coordination of these efforts. Establishing the proposed Center would, he said, "result in improved behavioral and mental health care outcomes for our Nation's children, families, elderly, and others." He emphasized that the important role of social work researchers in contributing to health care delivery should be recognized. These remarks are identical to those he gave in January 1999 when he introduced the same bill in the 106th Congress.

On February 14, 2001, Representative Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) and cosponsor Representative Ciro D. Rodriguez (D-TX) introduced H.R. 663 (both were sponsor and cosponsor of similar legislation in the 106th Congress), legislation that was nearly identical to S. 70 and also titled the National Center for Social Work Research Act.

On February 27, 2002, Representative Rodriguez introduced H.R. 3814, legislation nearly identical to H.R. 663 and also titled the National Center for Social Work Research Act. Representative Hutchinson resigned from Congress to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration in August 2001.

Provisions of the Legislation/Impact on NIH

According to S. 70 and H.R. 663, the purpose of the Center would have been the "conduct and support of, and dissemination of targeted research concerning social work methods and outcomes related to problems of significant social concern." The Director of the Center would have been authorized to provide research training and would have established, in the Center or within nonprofit institutions, research fellowships "in the study and investigation of the prevention of disease; health promotion; the association of socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, age, and geographical location and health; the social work care of individuals with and families of individuals with acute and chronic illnesses; child abuse, neglect, and youth violence; and child and family care to address problems of significant social concern, especially in underserved populations and underserved geographical areas."

The Center would have had an advisory council to review grant applications, among other responsibilities. Ex officio members of the advisory council would have included the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Director of NIH, Director of the Center, Associate Director for Prevention at the National Institute of Mental Health, Director of the Division of Epidemiology and Services Research, Assistant Secretary of HHS for the Administration for Children and Families, Assistant Secretary of Education for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Community Planning and Development, Chief Social Work Officer of the Veterans Administration, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, and Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (or the designees of such officers).

The Director of the Center would have been required to prepare a biennial report to be included in the NIH Biennial Report. S. 70 and H.R. 663 would have added a requirement that the Director of the Center prepare a quarterly report to Congress with "a summary of findings and policy implications from research conducted or supported through the Center." H.R. 663 contained an authorization for appropriations of $30 million for each of the fiscal years (FYs) 2002 through 2006. S. 70 did not contain an authorization for appropriations.

H.R. 3814 was nearly identical to H.R. 663 and authorized $30 million for each of FYs 2003 through 2007.

Status and Outlook

S. 70 was referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on January 22, 2001.

H.R. 663 was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee on February 14, 2001.

H.R. 3814 was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee on February 27, 2002. It was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health on March 13.

Although there was no further action on this legislation during the 107th Congress, it is anticipated that similar legislation will be introduced in the 108th Congress.