January 16, 2009

The House Democrats have released their stimulus package, and have included money for the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy.  If the package passes in its current form, the NIH will receive $1.5 billion for grants, $500 million for intramural construction, and $1.5 billion for extramural facilities renovation.  NSF will also receive $3 billion and DOE will receive $1.9 billion.  It is unclear from the information released if the agencies will be required to spend the money over one or two years.

The House Appropriations Committee will likely mark-up the bill next week with debate in the full House shortly after.  Please watch your e-mail for information from The Endocrine Society in the coming weeks on how to contact your member of Congress to support research funds in the stimulus package.  If you have questions about the House Democratic package, please contact Stephanie Kutler, Director of Government & Professional Affairs, at skutler@endo-society.org.