Funding Bill Gives $3 Billion Boost for NIH Medical Research

A just-unveiled $37 billion government funding bill increases funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $3 billion, reports The Hill . The new funds include another $414 million for Alzheimer's research, an additional $40 million for universal flu vaccine research, and $140 million more for brain research. "Investments in medical research will pave the way for new treatments and cures, lower costs, and, most importantly, give hope to people and families battling incurable diseases," said Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). Costs for treating Alzheimer's especially consume millions in federal spending each year, which lawmakers said could be prevented if the NIH can develop a cure. "People across the country are waiting for cures and treatments that could make a difference in their lives and the lives of their loved ones, and I am glad Republicans and Democrats could work together to invest in giving them more reason to hope," said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.).