Looking Forward
As we come to the end of 2024, it is a good time to look around the corner. How will the upcoming changes in Washington, D.C., affect research advocacy? Join us for a frank, off-the record conversation on Dec. 16, from noon to 1 p.m. ET, focused on developments in the Congress and new administration bearing on the future of public and private sector driven medical and public health progress. Cheryl Jaeger from Crossroads Strategies and Leslie Zelenko from KDCR will discuss the policy and funding landscape, and we’ll reserve time for Q&A and brainstorming. This discussion is for members only. If your organization is a Research!America alliance member, email Jacqueline Lagoy to receive the Zoom registration link.
On the Hill: The House Republican Steering Committee this week selected Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) to lead the Energy and Commerce Committee in the 119th Congress that will be sworn in next month, taking over from retiring Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). Guthrie previously served as chair of the Health Subcommittee. We expect to learn about other key committee leadership positions early next week.
Congress is expected to pass another short-term continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government before the current CR expires on Dec. 20. Extending the CR has impacts across the government, including for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), stalling progress on lifesaving medical research and disrupting critical public health advancements. That’s why it is essential to continue the pressure on Congress to act now rather than kick the can down the road. Join us in urging your members of Congress to act quickly—patients and their families are counting on swift action. Tweet today using the message below to make your voice heard: .@Member please finish FY25 appropriations and grow @NIH funding as soon as possible. Patients need hope. #FundNIH #FY25Appropriations
Public Views on Vaccines: A recent Axios article, based on CDC data, documents the rise in exemptions from vaccine requirements among U.S. kindergarten students from 2013-14 to 2023-24. We will be asking about Americans’ attitudes toward the value and impact of vaccines in our January 2025 survey, so stay tuned to hear about the public’s views.
Some Good News: In its October release of the 2024 Youth Tobacco Survey findings, the FDA reported that tobacco use among middle and high schoolers is at its lowest level since the survey began 25 years ago. There was also a significant drop in e-cigarette use. Research!America’s 2024 survey found that 91% of Americans said not smoking was important to improving a person’s chance of a long and healthy life. While the FDA report shows there is still much work to do, these findings demonstrate the impact of a multi-faceted approach to reduce smoking. Medical and health research have played a significant role in curbing smoking rates, and so has advocacy.
ICYMI: Just sharing some pictures from last week’s Capitol Hill reception hosted by the Science and Technology Action Committee (STAC) and the National Science Board that featured remarks by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL), NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, National Science Board Chair Dario Gil and STAC Co-Chair and Research!America Board Chair Sudip Parikh. Sudip and Dario highlighted the urgency of meeting the moment via the VAST initiative. Please get in touch with Shilpa Rajan for more info!
It has never been more important: Research!America remains a staunch advocate for funding and policies that leverage research and development for the health, security, and prosperity of the American people. At a time of transition in national political leadership, your donations provide us with the momentum needed to make our case. We are committed to ensuring our nation fully leverages science and technology to remain at the forefront of lifesaving medical and public health progress. There’s significant work ahead, but thanks to your partnership and support, we are well-positioned to accomplish our ambitious goals. As you consider your year-end contributions, please consider making a gift to Research!America. Contact Katie Goode to learn more about our work, and thank you for your partnership.