[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 144 (Tuesday, September 17, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MEDICAL 
  RESEARCH AND OBSERVING ``MEDICAL RESEARCH WEEK'' FROM SEPTEMBER 16 
                       THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

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                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 2024

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a resolution 
recognizing ``Medical Research Week'' from September 16 through 
September 20, 2024. This important resolution recognizes the important 
breakthroughs of medical research improving health outcomes for 
patients and communities, securing global competitiveness in science, 
boosting job creation, educating the next generation of scientists, and 
strengthening economic growth.
  Medical research through the support of the National Institutes of 
Health (NIH), continues to serve a vital role advancing health and 
medicine. This research can lead cutting edge preventative strategies 
for treatments and additional cures for longstanding medical challenges 
such as cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, sickle cell, and obesity. I 
have met with Hoosier families that are struggling with these rare 
diseases, and I have been moved by the impact that medical research has 
on their lives. These insights have inspired me and my colleagues about 
the necessity of medical research to provide more treatment options and 
better diagnoses for all Americans.
  NIH research funding generates nearly $93 billion in economic 
activity and continues to support more than 400,000 jobs across the 
United States. Medical research is not only focused on improving the 
health of all Americans, but it is also as an economic driver for 
growth and job opportunities. NIH work ripples far beyond its 
headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, into every state. It drives demand 
for medical supplies and research equipment, boosts local and regional 
economics to benefit manufactures and suppliers across the country, and 
into many United States territories.
  I'm proud to represent Indiana's 7th Congressional District which has 
become a healthcare and innovation hub in America. In my home state of 
Indiana the NIH awarded $414 million dollars in grants and contracts 
during FY23 that directly supports 5,359 jobs for Hoosiers and over 1.1 
billion dollars of economic activity. In my district alone the NIH has 
contributed $264 million dollars in grants to 9 different research 
sites in 2023; including Indiana University, Purdue University, Butler 
University, Marian University, the Regenstreif Institute, and others.
  NIH supported medical research plays a primary role in several 
sectors. The NIH supports noncommercial and clinical research with 
private sector innovation, allowing for major achievements in rare 
diseases such as ALS, substance use disorders, stroke, and Parkinson's.
  During my service in Congress, I have consistently advocated for more 
resources to expand medical research that promotes better screening 
tools for underserved and under-studied populations, and that is more 
inclusive of diverse participants in clinical trials. Congressional 
action has helped improve medical research through the NIH, CDC and 
DOD's pancreatic cancer research program, supported in part by the 
bipartisan appropriations letters I lead each year to increase overall 
funding and increasing funding for the Veterans Medical and Prosthetic 
Research Program. I urge all my colleagues to join me in these 
appropriations requests and oppose the short-sighted budget cuts some 
have proposed. Imagine what we could accomplish with more robust 
investments in medical research in our nation, from making strides to 
combatting antimicrobial resistance, to harnessing the power of 
personalized medicine to treat disease, and more. These critical 
breakthroughs in medical research are our nation's best hope in finding 
cures, prevention measures, and treatments for diseases affecting 
millions of Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this 
resolution to recognize the importance of medical research in America I 
urge the House to support this resolution.

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