[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HOUSE RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL 
                      INSTITUTE OF VIRAL DISEASES

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                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2021

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a House 
Resolution calling for the establishment of a new unit of the National 
Institutes of Health (NIH), to be known as The National Institute of 
Viral Diseases, to increase federal research in the field of viral 
diseases. As viral diseases are unique to infectious diseases, we must 
strengthen our scientific understanding and the government's role in 
discovering viral diseases causes, prevention and treatments.
  I am introducing this resolution to build upon our federal 
governments' investment in scientific research and to consider 
expanding the scope of NIH's excellent work. Through my Appropriations 
Committee work across various subcommittees, I have become increasingly 
concerned that federal funding in the field of biomedical sciences in 
particular, has lagged behind the clinical work of NIH and the physical 
sciences of the National Science Foundation. Research methodology takes 
a unique approach, and as our nation continues to grapple with the 
coronavirus pandemic, there is a need for more investment in biomedical 
research related to viral diseases.
  The benefits of federal funding for biomedical sciences can be seen 
beyond just the patients whose lives are saved. In 2012, Dr. Francis 
Collins the Director of the NIH cited data that shows for every $1 of 
NIH health research funding, it returns $2.21 in goods and services in 
a single year. Additionally, according to analysis by Families USA, 
every NIH grant generates an average of seven high-quality jobs. 
Investing in science pushes the boundaries of taxpayer dollars and 
delivers positive outcomes for consumers.

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