Culberson Prioritizes Medical Research in FY17 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill

Press Release

Representative John Culberson (TX-07) included several medical research provisions in the FY2017 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill that was approved by full committee today.

Rep. Culberson requested additional funding for the Muscular Dystrophy program, which received $6 million in funding in the legislation. This funding will allow additional research efforts to enhance life for those living with Duchenne and other forms of Muscular Dystrophy.

Rep. Culberson also included language to urge the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), to devote additional resources for kidney disease and cardiovascular events as they relate to diabetes.

"I have met with Houstonians that are suffering from diseases that currently have no cure, like diabetes and Duchenne. These individuals' stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring. Their hope lies in the advancements of medical research to find a cure and manage their symptoms. This legislation is a tool to fund necessary research initiatives and encourage innovation to improve their lives," Rep. Culberson said.

Additional requests that Rep. Culberson secured in the Labor HHS Appropriations bill and report include:

Amending the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prevent the discrimination of a health entity that is morally objecting to the performance of abortions.

The development and research of biomarkers, a characteristic that can assist in the measurement of normal biological processes, by NIDDK. NIDDK is also encouraged to work with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to develop biomarkers specifically related to autoimmune disease like type 1 diabetes.

Language supporting the development of Duchenne newborn screening programs and encouraging public and private entities to expand on the Center for Disease Control's development of a screening test.

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