This is the letter I recieved from my Senator.
Dear Ms. Hornberger,
Thank you for contacting me regarding biomedical research for Lupus. I appreciate hearing from you and learning your views.
As you know, in May 1999, Senator Robert Bennett of Utah introduced the Lupus Research and Care Amendments of 1999. This legislation was designated S. 1163 and referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee for further evaluation. S. 1163 would provide appropriations for research and services through the National Institues of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
As I am not a member of the HELP Committee, I will not have the opportunity to vote on this legislation in its present form. Should the full Senate have the opportunity to consider S. 1163 or similar legislation, I will keep in mind your strong support for its passage.
I am greatly concerned about debilitating diseases such as Lupus that affect millions pf Americans and cost our country dearly in the way of human suffering. I believe biomedical research is our strongest tool in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. As such, I recognize the vital role the NIH play in supporting biomedical research and development at leading research institutions nationwide. This public/private research partnership has allowed the United States to maintain its position as the world leader in medical technology.
I have been a strong supporter of federal funding for basic and clinical research withi the NIH. Because research for serious diseases such as Lupus should be enhanced, I supported Senator Connie Mack's Sense of the Senate Amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 1998 Budget Resolution. Over the next five years, the Mack Resolution doubles the funding for biomedical research through the NIH. You will be pleased to know that the Mack Resolution was adopted to the Fiscal Year 1998 Budget Resolution, which was subsequently passed by the Senate on May 23, 1997. In addition, I voted for the consolidated apropriations bill for FY2000, which includes a $2.3 billion increase in funding for the NIH, setting total funding for the NIH at $17.9 billion. Rest assured, I will continue to advocate expanded federal support for biomedical research within the NIH.
Thank you again for contacting me. If I can assist you with other matters, please feel free to call on me again.
Sincerly,
Rick Santorum
United States Senator