November 29, 2007

On November 1 the House and Senate agreed on a FY 08 Labor, HHS Appropriations bill, which includes $30 billion for NIH. This is an increase of $1.1 billion (3.8%) over the FY 07 level. This number includes a $300 million transfer for the Global HIV/AIDS program, which leaves $29.7 billion for NIH, a net increase of $899 million (3.1%). The agreement exceeded both the initial Senate request of $29.9 billion and the House proposal of $29.65 billion. NHLBI’s budget would see a 2.69% increase for FY 08 (from $2.92 billion in FY 07 to $3.00 billion in FY 08).

However, the President vetoed the bill on November 13, citing that the Labor, HHS appropriations bill is $10 billion above his budget request. The President had proposed a $480 million cut to NIH. On November 15 the House of Representatives failed to override the veto, not reaching the necessary two-thirds of votes needed. A total of 51 Republicans voted with 226 Democrats for the override; 141 Republicans voted to sustain the veto; and 15 Members did not vote.

NIH is now operating under a Continuing Resolution that funds federal programs falling under the Labor-HHS-Education umbrella at FY 07 levels through December 14.

Congress is continuing to negotiate with the President on the appropriations bill and possible areas for reductions. If you have any questions, please contact Nevena Minor, Manager, Legislative Affairs at nminor@hrsonline.org.