FASEB President Lobbies Congress to Increase Funding for Research

By: Jennifer Zeitzer
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
On September 19, FASEB President Beth A. Garvy, PhD, joined more than 300 patients, scientists, caregivers, and other advocates on Capitol Hill for the Rally for Medical Research Capitol Hill Day. Garvy met with staff from the offices of Sens. Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, and Andy Barr to discuss how funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) benefits individuals and institutions throughout Kentucky. In fiscal year 2023, Kentucky received more than $200 million in NIH funding that went to universities across five congressional districts. The University of Kentucky (UK) is also home to a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

In addition to discussing long-COVID research currently underway at UK, Garvy urged her senators and representatives to finalize the fiscal year 2025 budget for NIH before the end of the year, noting that delays in funding prohibit the agency from issuing new grants or starting planned clinical trials. Garvy also had the honor of introducing NIH Director Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, at a reception on Capitol Hill the evening before the congressional visits.

Organized by the American Association for Cancer Research, the rally is held each fall to raise awareness among elected officials about the urgent need to provide sustained increases in funding for NIH to improve health, advance medical progress, and provide hope to those impacted by disease. FASEB has participated in the rally since its inception in 2012 and was a bronze sponsor this year. Pictures and other first-hand accounts from rally participants are available on social media.