For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 12:00 pm U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Kara Flynn, 202.257.8424, press@ashg.org
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) President Bruce D. Gelb, MD, released the following statement in response to the House Appropriations Committee advancing the fiscal year (FY) 2025 bill for the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies by a vote of 31-25 yesterday. ASHG is the world’s largest organization dedicated to advancing human genetics in science, health, and society through excellence in research, education, and advocacy.
“The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) appreciates, especially in this constrained fiscal environment, the committee’s efforts to largely preserve funding for medical research. To continue the trajectory of scientific discoveries and breakthroughs, the Society emphasizes the importance of budgetary increases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) above inflation rates and reaffirms our proposal of a minimum of $51.3 billion for the NIH’s base program level in FY 2025. NIH supports the important research and innovations of ASHG members and is essential to ensuring the next generation of geneticists has the support and training to drive the science of the future.
Additionally, contained in the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies bill is a proposed framework for major structural and policy changes for NIH. Any changes to NIH should involve active engagement with the biomedical research advocacy community and follow a bipartisan and bicameral process to avoid unnecessary disruptions to the research enterprise and the lifesaving research it supports. ASHG looks forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle and in both the House and Senate to provide input on proposed reforms to the NIH in the weeks and months ahead.
Support for the NIH and the research infrastructure is critical to improving the lives of patients with a wide spectrum of diseases and disorders, many of whom depend on human genetics and genomics research for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. ASHG members are at the forefront of innovations in genomics that accelerate breakthroughs and drive our nation’s economy. This research is made possible with crucial funding from NIH institutes and centers. ASHG looks forward to engaging with this committee and others to provide feedback on the proposed NIH reform framework.”
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About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its community of nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit: http://www.ashg.org.
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