THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY PETRI, CALTAGIRONE, CLYMER, D. COSTA, HENNESSEY, MURT, O'NEILL, RAPP, READSHAW, SWANGER, VULAKOVICH AND WAGNER, FEBRUARY 8, 2011

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, FEBRUARY 8, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Urging the Congress of the United States to increase funding to

the National Institutes of Health by 6.7% in each of the next

three years to accelerate the momentum of discovery to

improve health and quality of life for millions of Americans.

WHEREAS, For the fifth consecutive year, funding for health

research in the United states has remained flat; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, national health expenditures grew

significantly, however, spending dedicated to health research

only increased by .10%; and

WHEREAS, If the United States is to achieve its goal of

improving the public's health, the nation's investment in health

research must continue to grow long term; and

WHEREAS, Research funding by the National Institutes of

Health (NIH) drives the transformation of the practice of

medicine; and

WHEREAS, The NIH's ability to conduct and support lifesaving

research is at risk without increased funding; and

WHEREAS, NIH-supported research has resulted in the

prevention, diagnosis and treatment of many diseases and has

decreased the absolute number of cancer deaths in this nation

for the second year in a row; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ranked

fourth in the total amount of money awarded by the NIH to

conduct and support research; and

WHEREAS, Recent polls show that a majority of Americans said

more funding for medical and health research now is essential to

our future health and economic prosperity; and

WHEREAS, Activities supported by NIH are integral to this

nation's international competitiveness and to the health and

well-being of all Americans; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania urge the Congress of the United

States to enact legislation to increase funding to the National

Institutes of Health by 6.7% in each of the next three years to

accelerate the momentum of discovery to improve health and

quality of life for millions of Americans; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to

the presiding officers of each house of Congress and to each

member of Congress from Pennsylvania.