Today, Congressional leaders released the text of the omnibus spending bill that will be debated and hopefully passed before Congress adjourns for the year. The omnibus bill funds all 12 appropriations bills, including THE one which provides funds for CDC and NIH for fiscal year 2016.
The omnibus spending bill provides $32.1 billion for NIH, a $2 billion (6.6 percent) increase. These funds are not earmarked to any specific condition but we will continue to push for growth in the Fragile X research portfolio at NICHD, NIMH, NINDS and other NIH agencies. At the CDC’s NCBDDD, the bill does provide for $2 million for FX in 2016, a $400,000 (25%) increase.
The omnibus is not perfect but we know that it could have been a lot worse if Fragile X advocates had not continued to advocate for the continuation and growth of Fragile X research and programming. As always, we owe thanks to our advocates for their hard work and dedication to the cause.
Author
Jeffrey Cohen
is the NFXF’s director of public policy and government affairs. He has previously served as a member of the NFXF Board of Directors as well as the interim executive director of the NFXF. Jeffrey has two children living with FXS who are successfully transitioning into independent and productive adults. Jeffrey holds degrees in business administration and law.