Science Committee Discusses U.S. Competitiveness, Sets Hearing on NSF Reauthorization
The House Science Committee held an informational hearing on Tuesday, March 13 focusing on the National Academies report, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm.”  Without significant change, according to the report, U.S. leadership in technological innovation is in jeopardy.  The hearing concentrated on improving the quality of teachers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), encouraging student interest and participation, and convincing society to value new achievements in these disciplines.  While the hearing focused primarily on the traditional physical sciences, Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-Carlsbad) made specific references to resources needed for the life sciences.
      On Tuesday, March 20, the House Science Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held the first of two hearings on reauthorization for the National Science Foundation.  CHI has been working with members of the Committee to include language that highlights the interdisciplinary nature of current government funded research and is pushing for appropriate resources to be allocated across agencies.  For more information contact David Burt, CHI legislative director (858.551.6677 or burt@chi.org)

Drug Safety and User Fees Addressed at Senate HELP Committee Hearing
On Wednesday, March 14, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held an informational hearing, “Drug User Fees: Enhancing Patient Access and Drug Safety,” focusing on drug safety issues within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Committee Chairman Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Ranking Member Michael Enzi (R-WY) aim to include new drug safety legislation in the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), which must be reauthorized before Sept. 30.  In testimony, FDA Commissioner Andrew Von Eschenbach stressed that including drug safety provisions would require the FDA to renegotiate with industry for additional user fees to cover the agency’s increased workload.  The Committee had originally intended to mark-up PDUFA and the Medical Device User Fee Modernization Act (MDUFMA) on March 28, but it appears likely this will be delayed.  Because these two bills are essential for FDA operations, some legislators see them as vehicles for other proposals, including drug safety, follow-on biologics, and pediatric exclusivity.  CHI will continue to advocate clean passage of these bills and takes the position that other complex issues should be handled in separate legislation.

NIH Director Breaks with White House on NIH Budget and Stem Cell Research
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Elias Zerhouni testified on Monday, March 19 before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Health and Human Services at an informational hearing on the FY 2008 President’s budget request for the NIH.  Zerhouni voiced concern over current funding for the agency and his belief that underfunding will affect the country’s ability to address current health challenges and remain globally competitive.  Breaking with White House policy, Zerhouni made his strongest appeal to date for lifting restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.  While it appears that any change in embryonic stem cell research policy would require a change in the President’s moral philosophy, a measure (which the President is likely to veto) was already passed in the House earlier this year and it is expected to be considered by the Senate sometime around the April recess.

Upcoming Hearings and Events:

• March 21 – 10:00 am (EST)
  House Budget Committee
  Full committee markup of the concurrent resolution on the FY2008 budget
  210 Cannon House Office Building
  Link
  
• March 21 – 2:00 pm (EST)
  House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee
  Medicare Advantage Program
  1100 Longworth House Office Building
  Link
  
• March 22 – 9:30 am (EST)
  House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee
  FDA Drug Safety Oversight (Part II)
  2123 Rayburn House Office Building
  Link
  
• March 22 – 10:00 am (EST)
  Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
  Safe Medicines/Medical Devices for Children
  430 Dirksen Senate Office Building
  Link
  
• March 26 – 2:00 pm (EST)
  Senate Appropriations Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee
  NIH Mind, Brain and Behavioral Research
  116 Dirksen Senate Office Building
  Link
  
• March 27 – 1:00 pm (EST)
  Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
  Safe Medicines/Medical Devices for Children
  430 Dirksen Senate Office Building
  Link