The Academy for Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research (Academy) issued the following statement in response to the fiscal year (FY) 2017 spending package released today, which provides $34.1 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a $2 billion increase including $352 million provided in the 21st Century Cures Act for targeted initiatives.
The Academy strongly supports the $2 billion increase for the NIH included in the FY 2017 spending package and urges Congress and President Trump to finalize this investment without further delay.
The Academy believes that sustainable budget growth for the NIH is an urgent national priority. It is imperative for the NIH to support researchers nationwide whose potentially revolutionary new avenues of research means hope for patients. Biomedical imaging research holds promise for new earlier screening, better more accurate diagnoses and new treatment pathways. This funding level would continue a budget trajectory for the agency that drives that vision forward at a time of unparalleled scientific opportunity.
We want to congratulate the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees for persevering in support of a robust investment in NIH in FY 2017 to build on their success in FY 2016. In particular, we commend Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and House Subcommittee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), for continuing the longstanding bipartisan, bicameral tradition of championing the national commitment to medical research. The Academy looks forward to working with Congress and the Administration to secure $34.1 billion for NIH in FY 2017 now.
The Mission of The Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research is to raise the profile of imaging research through education and advocacy. The Academy works to increase resources and opportunities for imaging research, and promote the translation of that research to enhance human health.
