NIH & CDMRP Funding, Senator Casey Responds

Dear Mr. Austin: Thank you for taking the time to contact me about federal funding for medical research and prevention efforts related to multiple sclerosis (MS). I appreciate hearing from you about this issue. Pennsylvania has the fifth highest prevalence of MS in the country, and there are approximately 20,000 people in Pennsylvania living with MS. I believe we must take a comprehensive approach towards MS, including raising awareness; funding research; developing affordable, accessible treatment and providing support for the caregivers and medical professionals helping individuals with MS. In March 2017, I introduced S. Res. 77, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. I am pleased to report that this resolution passed the Senate via Unanimous Consent on March 1, 2017. I am also the chair of the Senate Multiple Sclerosis Caucus, which fosters discussions about access to quality health care, MS research and disability rights while raising awareness about MS in the broader community. I also believe that it is essential to support medical research. Providing sustainable funding for federal agencies that conduct medical research is critical if we are going to continue to lead the world in bio-medical research and to advance vital and cutting-edge research into prevention and treatment for chronic conditions and diseases. Each year as Congress begins its appropriations process, I join my colleagues in signing letters to the Senate Committee on Appropriations in support of federal funding for medical research into specific diseases at the Department of Defense. Most recently, I authored a letter requesting funding for all of the medical research programs at the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP); 35 senators joined me in sending this letter to the Committee on Appropriations. The CDMRP is a valuable asset to the Department of Defense and the Nation, and it is critical to continue funding this program. I also authored a bipartisan letter in support of funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health, and was joined by 56 other Senators on this letter. Please be assured that improving and ensuring health care for all Americans is one of my top priorities in the Senate. As the Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations process continues, please know that I will continue to fight for federal funding for medical research and prevention efforts as part of that goal. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this or any other matter of importance to you. For more information on this or other issues, I encourage you to visit my website, http://casey.senate.gov. I hope you will find this online office a comprehensive resource to stay up-to-date on my work in Washington, request assistance from my office, or share with me your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and to Pennsylvania. Sincerely, Bob Casey United States Senator