February 19, 2007

Congress has approved a spending package to fund much of the federal government for the remainder of FY 2007. The Joint Funding resolution provides $28.9 billion for NIH in FY 2007, an increase of $620 million (2.2%) over FY 2006. NIH had until now been funded under a continuing resolution at FY 2006 levels. While the increase for NIH does not keep up with inflation, the medical research community is relieved. Initial funding proposals would have flat-funded NIH for FY 2007, but due to the continued lobbying efforts and pressure put on Congress by stakeholders such as you, HRS members, through phone-calls and e-mails to legislators, we were successful in securing a 2.2% increase. We will continue working this year to educate Congress about the importance of NIH funding and cardiac arrhythmia research. If you would like to get involved in our efforts, please contact Nevena Minor, Coordinator, Health Policy at nminor@hrsonline.org or 202-464-3431.