[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 117 (Wednesday, September 27, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H8266-H8269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL IMAGING AND BIOENGINEERING
ESTABLISHMENT ACT
Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and pass the bill (H.R. 1795) to amend the Public Health Service Act to
establish the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering,
as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 1795
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Institute of
Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Establishment Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Basic research in imaging, bioengineering, computer
science, informatics, and related fields is critical to
improving health care but is fundamentally different from the
research in molecular biology on which the current national
research institutes at the National Institutes of Health
(``NIH'') are based. To ensure the development of new
techniques and technologies for the 21st century, these
disciplines therefore require an identity and research home
at the NIH that is independent of the existing institute
structure.
(2) Advances based on medical research promise new, more
effective treatments for a wide variety of diseases, but the
development of new, noninvasive imaging techniques for
earlier detection and diagnosis of disease is essential to
take full advantage of such new treatments and to promote the
general improvement of health care.
(3) The development of advanced genetic and molecular
imaging techniques is necessary to continue the current rapid
pace of discovery in molecular biology.
(4) Advances in telemedicine, and teleradiology in
particular, are increasingly important in the delivery of
high quality, reliable medical care to rural citizens and
other underserved populations. To fulfill the promise of
telemedicine and related technologies fully, a structure is
needed at the NIH to support basic research focused on the
acquisition, transmission, processing, and optimal display of
images.
(5) A number of Federal departments and agencies support
imaging and engineering research with potential medical
applications, but a central coordinating body, preferably
housed at the NIH, is needed to coordinate these disparate
efforts and facilitate the transfer of technologies with
medical applications.
(6) Several breakthrough imaging technologies, including
magnetic resonance imaging (``MRI'') and computed tomography
(``CT''), have been developed primarily abroad, in large part
because of the absence of a home at the NIH for basic
research in imaging and related fields. The establishment of
a central focus for imaging and bioengineering research at
the NIH would promote both scientific advance and U.S.
economic development.
(7) At a time when a consensus exists to add significant
resources to the NIH in coming years, it is appropriate to
modernize the structure of the NIH to ensure that research
dollars are expended more effectively and efficiently and
that the fields of medical science that have contributed the
most to the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease in
recent years receive appropriate emphasis.
(8) The establishment of a National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering at the NIH would accelerate the
development of new technologies with clinical and research
applications, improve coordination and efficiency at the NIH
and throughout the Federal government, reduce duplication and
waste, lay the foundation for a new medical information age,
promote economic development, and provide a structure to
train the young researchers who will make the pathbreaking
discoveries of the next century.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL
IMAGING AND BIOENGINEERING.
(a) In General.--Part C of title IV of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following subpart:
``Subpart 18--National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering
``purpose of the institute
``Sec. 464z. (a) The general purpose of the National
Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (in this
section referred to as the `Institute') is the conduct and
support of research, training, the dissemination of health
information, and other programs with respect to biomedical
imaging, biomedical engineering, and associated technologies
and modalities with biomedical applications (in this section
referred to as `biomedical imaging and bioengineering').
``(b)(1) The Director of the Institute, with the advice of
the Institute's advisory council, shall establish a National
Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Program (in this
section referred to as the `Program').
``(2) Activities under the Program shall include the
following with respect to biomedical imaging and
bioengineering:
``(A) Research into the development of new techniques and
devices.
``(B) Related research in physics, engineering,
mathematics, computer science, and other disciplines.
``(C) Technology assessments and outcomes studies to
evaluate the effectiveness of biologics, materials,
processes, devices, procedures, and informatics.
``(D) Research in screening for diseases and disorders.
``(E) The advancement of existing imaging and
bioengineering modalities, including imaging, biomaterials,
and informatics.
``(F) The development of target-specific agents to enhance
images and to identify and delineate disease.
``(G) The development of advanced engineering and imaging
technologies and techniques for research from the molecular
and genetic to the whole organ and body levels.
``(H) The development of new techniques and devices for
more effective interventional procedures (such as image-
guided interventions).
``(3)(A) With respect to the Program, the Director of the
Institute shall prepare and transmit to the Secretary and the
Director of NIH a plan to initiate, expand, intensify, and
coordinate activities of the Institute with respect to
biomedical imaging and bioengineering. The plan shall include
such comments and recommendations as the Director of the
Institute determines appropriate. The Director of the
Institute shall periodically review and revise the plan and
shall transmit any revisions of the plan to the Secretary and
the Director of NIH.
``(B) The plan under subparagraph (A) shall include the
recommendations of the Director of the Institute with respect
to the following:
``(i) Where appropriate, the consolidation of programs of
the National Institutes of Health for the express purpose of
enhancing support of activities regarding basic biomedical
imaging and bioengineering research.
``(ii) The coordination of the activities of the Institute
with related activities of the other agencies of the National
Institutes of Health and with related activities of other
Federal agencies.
``(c) The establishment under section 406 of an advisory
council for the Institute is subject to the following:
``(1) The number of members appointed by the Secretary
shall be 12.
``(2) Of such members--
``(A) 6 members shall be scientists, engineers, physicians,
and other health professionals who represent disciplines in
biomedical imaging and bioengineering and who are not
officers or employees of the United States; and
``(B) 6 members shall be scientists, engineers, physicians,
and other health professionals who represent other
disciplines and are knowledgeable about the applications of
biomedical imaging and bioengineering in medicine, and who
are not officers or employees of the United States.
``(3) In addition to the ex officio members specified in
section 406(b)(2), the ex officio members of the advisory
council shall include the Director of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, the Director of the National Science
Foundation, and the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (or the designees of such officers).
``(d)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), for the purpose of
carrying out this section:
``(A) For fiscal year 2001, there is authorized to be
appropriated an amount equal to the amount obligated by the
National Institutes of
[[Page H8267]]
Health during fiscal year 2000 for biomedical imaging and
bioengineering, except that such amount shall be adjusted to
offset any inflation occurring after October 1, 1999.
``(B) For each of the fiscal years 2002 and 2003, there is
authorized to be appropriated an amount equal to the amount
appropriated under subparagraph (A) for fiscal year 2001,
except that such amount shall be adjusted for the fiscal year
involved to offset any inflation occurring after October 1,
2000.
``(2) The authorization of appropriations for a fiscal year
under paragraph (1) is hereby reduced by the amount of any
appropriation made for such year for the conduct or support
by any other national research institute of any program with
respect to biomedical imaging and bioengineering.''.
(b) Use of Existing Resources.--In providing for the
establishment of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging
and Bioengineering pursuant to the amendment made by
subsection (a), the Director of the National Institutes of
Health (referred to in this subsection as ``NIH'')--
(1) may transfer to the National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering such personnel of NIH as the
Director determines to be appropriate;
(2) may, for quarters for such Institute, utilize such
facilities of NIH as the Director determines to be
appropriate; and
(3) may obtain administrative support for the Institute
from the other agencies of NIH, including the other national
research institutes.
(c) Construction of Facilities.--None of the provisions of
this Act or the amendments made by the Act may be construed
as authorizing the construction of facilities, or the
acquisition of land, for purposes of the establishment or
operation of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering.
(d) Date Certain for Establishment of Advisory Council.--
Not later than 90 days after the effective date of this Act
under section 4, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall complete the establishment of an advisory council for
the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering in accordance with section 406 of the Public
Health Service Act and in accordance with section 464z of
such Act (as added by subsection (a) of this section).
(e) Conforming Amendment.--Section 401(b)(1) of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 281(b)(1)) is amended by adding
at the end the following subparagraph:
``(R) The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering.''.
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act takes effect October 1, 2000, or upon the date of
the enactment of this Act, whichever occurs later.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
North Carolina (Mr. Burr) and the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms.
DeGette) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Burr).
General Leave
Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and
extend their remarks on H.R. 1795.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from North Carolina?
There was no objection.
Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1795, the National Institute of Biomedical
Engineering and Bioengineering Establishment Act, is supported by over
170 of our colleagues in the House. It passed out of the Committee on
Commerce under voice vote, and I want to commend my colleague on the
other side, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo), for her great
support and co-sponsorship of this legislation. H.R. 1795 establishes a
new National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering at the
NIH, the National Institutes of Health.
Mr. Speaker, in an age where we talk about producing more resources
for the National Institutes of Health to do additional research, it is
incumbent on this institution to create a structure that makes sure
that we are chasing the best and the brightest. When we talk about the
issue of biomedical imaging, we need to look at ways to detect at an
earlier stage breast cancer and many other terminal and chronic
illnesses.
{time} 1230
It is incumbent on this institution to make sure that this institute
is there so that the resources that are made available for imaging
changes the latest and greatest breakthroughs that could possibly be
brought to the patient community.
MRIs and CT scans were not created in this country, but they were
refined in this country because of the emphasis we put on research and
development and on the refinement to make sure that every possible tool
is available for early detection of disease.
H.R. 1795 creates a research environment in which new imaging and
biotechnologies, techniques, and devices can be developed for clinical
use much more rapidly than under the present system.
For those that might say this does not require a new institute, let
me assure them that for 3 years we have tried to work with the National
Institutes of Health to make sure that the proper attention was paid to
this very important field of imaging and what we found was that every
disease in its research stages uses basic imaging, but there was not an
effort to move to the next generation of imaging that can mean the
difference between the number of options that patients are provided in
their treatment, in many cases the difference between life and death
because of early detection.
In the last Congress, 80 bipartisan House Members cosponsored this
bill, but it was to create only an imaging institute. Others supported
a bill by my dear friend, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo),
to establish a bioengineering center. It was our belief that to combine
these was in the best interest of both efforts and that we could rely
on the administrative resources of a single institute versus dual.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that our colleagues know our effort here
is to not create a new bureaucracy but it is to put somebody in charge
of this new exciting field that is driven by technology to make sure
that every patient in America has early detection as a tool against
disease whether it is chronic or whether it is fatal.
My hope is that every Member will support this legislation and that
we can move it so that it becomes law and this institute becomes a
permanent part of the National Institutes of Health.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1795 amends the Public Health Service Act to
require the director of the National Institutes of Health to establish
a National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering for the
purposes of conducting and supporting research, training scientists and
health professionals, disseminating relevant information, and
sponsoring other programs with respect to biomedical imaging,
biomedical engineers, and associated technologies and modalities with
biomedical applications, such as bioinformatics and telemedicining.
Bioimaging is truly the diagnostic tool of the 21st century. I am
proud to be a cosponsor, and I am also particularly proud of the hard
work that my colleagues, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Burr)
and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo), have done on the
legislation; and I commend them for this excellent bill.
More than any other area of medicine, medical imaging has radically
changed the way physicians detect, diagnose, and treat disease. In the
coming years, additional breakthroughs in imaging promise to save more
lives and further reduce the need for expensive, invasive, and painful
surgery.
This proposed institute fulfills all five of the criteria stipulated
by the Institute of Medicine in its 1984 report responding to the
health needs of the scientific community, the organizational structure
of the National Institutes of Health. It would also coordinate all
imaging research through the Federal Government in order to enhance
communication and avoid duplicity, activities now sorely lacking.
I have been assured by my colleagues, the gentlewoman from California
(Ms. Eshoo) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Burr), that the
proposed institute has been structured to control administrative costs
and mitigate against administrative growth.
Indeed, the numbers are sobering. Based on fiscal year 1998 figures,
the biomedical imaging program at the National Cancer Institute
administered a grant portfolio of nearly $60 million and 220 grants.
Given a generous ratio staff-to-grant, the newly proposed institute
should easily maintain itself with the 62 full-time employees already
working in this discipline through the NIH institute and centers.
It would draw most heavily from currently funded positions at the
National
[[Page H8268]]
Cancer Institute and have a responsibility for collection of 932 grants
totaling $201.5 million.
These figures, together with this great promise of this cutting edge
biomedical discipline, make a compelling case for moving forward with
the new institute; and I, therefore, support wholeheartedly the
legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my
time.
Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as she may
consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo), the sponsor of
the legislation.
Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the
time.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to join with the gentleman from North
Carolina (Mr. Burr) in this very important effort, and I salute him for
his leadership. I am pleased to have partnered with him, because I
think this is a very important idea for the people of our country. So I
am very, very proud of being the chief Democratic sponsor on H.R. 1795.
This legislation, as Members have already heard, creates a new
institute, a Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, at NIH. Dramatic
advances in both of these areas have really revolutionized medical
practice in recent years. New noninvasive imaging techniques such as
magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, and those three letters are mentioned
with all the familiarity of patients across the country and many, many
people speak of going in for an MRI; and also computed tomography, or
CTs. These have both paved the way for earlier detection and diagnosis
of diseases, and they have dramatically improved the quality of
treatment for so many people across our country.
But the next generation of breakthroughs, Mr. Speaker, will be longer
in coming, or they may not come at all unless we modernize the
structure at NIH.
The MRI and the CT, I was really taken aback to learn that they were
not developed in the United States. The lack of a dedicated research
effort in our country has forced the greatest country in the world
really to be relying on other countries for breakthroughs in medical
imaging and bioengineering. And that really is the basis and the intent
of the bill to change this.
H.R. 1795 ensures the continued and rapid development of new
diagnostic technologies by creating an independent research institute
at NIH which is focused specifically on medical imaging and
bioengineering. Establishment of a National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering will reduce duplication, it will lay the
foundation for a new medical information age, and it will provide a
structure to train young researchers who will make the breakthrough
discoveries for the rest of this very new and promising century.
At a time when the Congress is committed to doubling the NIH budget,
we must ensure that research dollars are expended more efficiently and
more effectively and that the field of medical science that has
contributed the most to the detection, the diagnosis, and the treatment
of disease receives appropriate emphasis.
I am very fond of saying that the NIH represents our national
institutes of hope. And I think that with this legislation we extend
that hope in an area that really holds a great deal of promise not only
for the genius of America but how that genius is applied to the
betterment of our people and for the breakthroughs that they are
counting on to be made to fight the war of diseases that have not yet
been conquered.
So, again, I want to compliment my colleague, the gentleman from
North Carolina (Mr. Burr), and everyone that has joined this effort. I
think it is a worthy one, and I urge all of my colleagues to support
it.
Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, again I thank the sponsors of this
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to once again thank my friends,
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo) and the gentlewoman from
Colorado (Ms. DeGette) and all the members of our committee and staff
who have worked on what I think is very important legislation.
I will end with a quote from the hearing that we had on this bill. It
was given by Dr. Nick Bryant, a former Director of Diagnostic Radiology
at the NIH.
Dr. Bryant said, ``I believe that the creation of a National
Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering is essential to
promote the development of new imaging techniques and technologies. In
order to flourish and grow consistently at the NIH, a scientific field
requires an organization with the mandate, the responsibility, the
authority, and the resources to direct and drive investigation in that
field. In the NIH structure, only institutes possess those
attributes.''
I believe his testimony to our committee best sums up why every
Member of Congress should support this legislation.
Most Members of Congress strongly support an increase in NIH funding.
Additional resources are important. But we should pass H.R. 1795 before
we commit more money. Our legislation will ensure a greater return on
our investment in medical science.
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I continue to have major doubts about the
wisdom of H.R. 1795, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering Establishment Act. Because this rushed process has not
resolved my doubts, I oppose this legislation.
At the September 14 Commerce Committee markup on this bill, I
expressed my long-standing concern about the administrative burdens and
duplication that come with authorizing new Institutes at the National
Institutes of Health. I understand that the intent of this bill is to
bring together programs in biomedical imaging and bioengineering that
support clinical research in other disciplines, thereby fostering basic
research in the development of improved diagnostic technologies. This
is a laudable goal, yet all Institutes come with Directors who appoint
administrative personnel, and new Institutes create opportunities for
needless duplication of existing work. NIH's budget is finite, and we
must be careful to use it wisely.
Do we need to spend more money on administrative bureaucracy or risk
duplication of existing work to achieve the goals of this legislation?
I think not, and neither does Secretary Shalala. Her attached letter to
me, received last night, concludes that a newly created Office of
Bioengineering, Bioimaging, and Bioinformatics ``ensures the most
effective and efficient deployment of resources to foster research in
this area.''
Are we prepared to say she is wrong, before the Office has a chance
to work? Are we prepared to substitute our judgment for that of the
National Institutes of Health? Are we prepared to take money from
research to spend on administrative support?
My answer to these questions is no. I cannot support this legislation
at this time.
The Secretary of Health
and Human Services,
Washington, DC, September 25, 2000.
Hon. John D. Dingell,
Committee on Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington,
DC.
Dear Representative Dingell: On September 14, the Committee
on Commerce marked up and ordered reported H.R. 1795, which
would establish a new National Institute on Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering at the National Institutes of
Health (NIH). During the markup, you raised questions about
the impact of the legislation on the operations of NIH. I am
writing in response a request made by your staff to address
these concerns.
NIH invests heavily in this promising field of research.
The majority of its Institutes and Centers (ICs) have
significant research efforts underway in bioimaging and
bioengineering. We believe that the application of imaging
techniques to scientific questions about health and disease
is part of the basic mission of NIH. We further believe it is
imperative that the ICs maintain their support for imaging
and engineering projects that are informed by compelling
biological questions.
The discovery of new imaging modalities and approaches is
being fostered in this collaborative environment, since the
engineers and physicists are constantly being challenged by
their biologist/clinician colleagues to develop new
approaches to studying the body. A critical mass of engineers
and physicists is present in many of these programs,
providing the necessary technical and theoretical insight to
develop advances in the biological sciences. There are many
examples in the various ICs of this synergy leading to
significant discoveries.
Three Institutes--the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute of Mental
Health, and the National Institute on Aging--are using
bioimaging advances to evaluate cognition. The
[[Page H8269]]
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute is collaborating
with other Government as well as private sector researchers
to develop new cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and
ultrasound techniques. The National Cancer Institute is
developing new, more sensitive diagnostic and treatment tools
using bioimaging techniques to detect and cure malignancies
that heretofore have been recalcitrant to current
interventions.
These are but a few examples of the tremendous amount of
research being conducted within the ICs, where collaborations
among scientists, physicists, and engineers are essential to
developing new technologies.
The establishment of another NIH Institute would require an
expensive administrative structure, for which additional
resources would be required, so as not to rob the existing
NIH ICs of their expertise and funds. While this Department
and NIH are thoroughly committed to this rich and exciting
research area, we have concluded that the newly created
Office of Bioengineering, Bioimaging, and Bioinformatics in
the Office of the Director, NIH, ensures the most effective
and efficient deployment of resources to foster research in
this area. The mission of the Office, for which a director is
no being recruited, is to provide a focus for biomedical
engineering, bioimaging, and biomedical computational science
among the ICs and other Federal agencies. The Office will
develop programs aimed at fostering basic understanding and
new collaborations among the biological, medical,
engineering, physical, and computational scientists and among
the various ICs. The purpose of the Office is to develop
effective research strategies while maintaining the core of
the research at the individual ICs that have the necessary
expertise to ask the appropriate questions and conduct the
best research. In sum, we have carefully considered various
approaches and are convinced that at this time a new Office,
rather than a new Institute with its attendant organizational
layers and administrative costs, offers the best and most
practical opportunity to exploit the many potentials of this
critical research. Experience with the new Office will
contribute to the evaluation of the need for a separate
Institute for bioengineering and bioimaging at NIH.
I would be delighted to answer any further questions that
you may have regarding bioimaging and bioengineering research
at NIH, and I look forward to working with you as you
consider legislation that would enhance our research efforts.
An identical letter on this subject has been sent to Chairman
Bliley.
The Office of Management and Budget has advised that there
is no objection to the transmittal of this letter from the
standpoint of the Administration's program.
Sincerely,
Donna E. Shalala.
Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to join my colleague from North
Carolina, Representative Burr, in sponsoring H.R. 1795--legislation to
create a new Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering at NIH.
Dramatic advances in bioimaging and bioengineering have
revolutionized medical practice in recent years. New noninvasive
imaging techniques, such as Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) and
Computed Tomography (CT), have paved the way for earlier detection and
diagnosis of disease, dramatically improving the quality of treatment.
But, the next generation of breakthroughs will be longer in coming,
or may not come at all, unless we modernize the structure at NIH. The
MRI and CT were not developed here in the United States. The lack of a
dedicated research effort makes us rely on other countries for
breakthroughs in medical imaging and bioengineering.
H.R. 1795 ensures the continued and rapid development of new
diagnostic technologies by creating an independent research institute
at NIH focused specifically on medical imaging and bioengineering.
Establishment of a National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering will reduce duplication, lay the foundation for a new
medical information age, and provide a structure to train young
researchers who will make the breakthrough discoveries of the next
century.
At a time when Congress has committed to doubling the NIH budget, we
must ensure that research dollars are expended more efficiently and
effectively and that the fields of medical science that have
contributed the most to the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of
disease receive appropriate emphasis. This is the goal and the effect
of H.R. 1795 and I urge the support of the full House.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1795, the
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering Establishment
Act. This legislation, introduced by Representatives Richard Burr and
Anna Eshoo, would establish a National Institute of Biomedical Imaging
and Engineering at the National Institutes of Health.
Earlier this month, members of my Subcommittee heard testimony from
three distinguished professors from Radiology departments throughout
the country. They indicated that breakthroughs in imaging, such as
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), have
revolutionized the practice of medicine in the past quarter century.
However, these technologies are inadequate in diagnosing some
diseases. The NIH itself has recognized the importance of this
discipline by designating imaging as one of the top four research
priorities at the National Cancer Institute. However, testimony
indicates that NIH's focus on imaging research should be broadened
beyond cancer.
Representatives Burr and Eshoo have introduced this legislation to
create an institute at NIH to focus on imaging research. This will
create a climate that promotes discovery and innovation in imaging, as
NIH has done in other fields of scientific discovery.
By approving the legislation before us, we can move into an era of
non-invasive medicine. I urge Members to support passage of H.R. 1795,
the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering
Establishment Act.
Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of legislation,
H.R. 1795, that would establish a National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering at the National Institutes of Health [NIH].
As an original cosponsor of this bill, I am pleased that the House of
Representatives will be considering this legislation today.
The National Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Institute would
conduct and support research on biomedical imaging and bioengineering
and associated technologies that have biomedical applications. There
are current 25 Institutes at the NIH. This new Institute would help in
the development of innovative imaging technologies to help patients.
Today there are currently two types of imaging technologies called
magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and computed tomography [CT or ``CAT''
scans]. These technologies are critically important to physicians who
use them to diagnose disease. As a result of these diagnostic tools,
physicians can avoid costly and invasive surgeries because they can
determine whether operations are necessary to help their patients.
Regrettably, many of these technologies have been developed in other
nations.
In addition, there is not one Institute at the NIH which is
conducting this type of cutting-edge research technologies that will
save lives and reduce health care costs. Under the current system, the
NIH focuses its research on disease-specific or organ-specific
research. However, imaging and bioengineering is not disease-specific
or organ-specific and therefore does not fit well into the structure of
the NIH.
This legislation would correct this inequity by ensuring that the NIH
conduct basic biomedical research on imaging techniques and devices,
including those involving molecular and genetic biology. This research
would include scientific projects on engineering, mathematics, and
computer science. This legislation would authorize funding for this
Institute through 2003. In order to be fiscally responsible, this bill
does not include any funding to purchase land or construct an
Institute. Rather, it would require the NIH to coordinate research
being done at other NIH facilities into one Institute. The measure also
establishes a 12 member Advisory Council of health care professionals
who are directly involved in biomedical imaging and bioengineering to
help in the establishment and research priorities of this Institute.
I believe that this bill will benefit our nation's health care
system. First, it would accelerate the development of new technologies
by funding clinical and research applications. Second, it would require
coordination at the NIH and throughout the Federal Government on
biomedical imaging. Third, it would provide a foundation for the new
medical information age. Fourth, it would help to ensure that young
scientists have the resources they need to conduct cutting-edge
research projects. Without this investment, I am concerned that many of
our brightest scientists will abandon their academic research to join
private sector firms which do not fund these basic research programs.
For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill.
Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of
my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Walden of Oregon). The question is on
the motion offered by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Burr) that
the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1795, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
The title of the bill was amended so as to read:
``A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to
establish the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and
Bioengineering.''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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