Lowey Announces $3 Billion Increase in Federal Funding for NIH

WHITE PLAINS – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester) held a press conference on Thursday at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital to announce a substantial increase in federal funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2018, which funds the federal government through September. The $3 billion, or 8.8%, increase from the FY2017 enacted level is the largest increase in NIH funding in 15 years.

Lowey was joined at the event by representatives from the Burke Medical Research Institute and the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Investments in cutting-edge medical research will improve health outcomes, ease suffering, and provide thousands – even millions – of Americans with longer, healthier, and more productive lives, while also benefitting the economy,” said Lowey. “The $3 billion increase for the NIH is an example of the progress we’re making in funding the pursuit of cures for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, Parkinson’s, and ALS. I was proud to lead House Democrats in securing these funds and will fight for even more next year.”

As Ranking Member, the highest ranking Democrat, on the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Lowey was instrumental in securing this $3 billion increase in NIH funding, which will support groundbreaking medical research across the Lower Hudson Valley. Additionally, the funding boost will bring NIH’s investment in Alzheimer’s research to $1.82 billion, a $414 million increase from the FY2017 enacted level, and the BRAIN Initiative to $400 million, a $140 million increase from the FY2017 enacted level.

“Research on Alzheimer’s disease has been grossly underfunded. The additional funds which Representative Lowey has encouraged Congress to allocate has, and will continue to make a difference in our fight against this terrible disease,” said Dr. Gary E. Gibson, Professor of Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medicine and Director of the Laboratory for Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolic Dysfunction in Neurodegeneration at the Burke Medical Research Institute.

“The Alzheimer’s Association is extremely grateful for Congress’s investment in research that will ultimately put an end to Alzheimer’s disease, which impacts over 5 million individuals and their families, nation-wide. Because of this federal commitment, and the leadership of Congresswoman Lowey, ground-breaking research is moving forward, and we look forward to the day when Alzheimer’s is just a memory, instead of a thief that steals memories,” said David Sobel, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association Hudson Valley Chapter.

“I am so proud of the work being done right here in Westchester County thanks to NIH dollars. The recent NIH funding boost will enrich our communities and, most importantly, shepherd needed progress in the fights against diseases, like Alzheimer’s, that have touched so many of our lives. As a longtime supporter of medical research and increased NIH funding, I am pleased that pioneering research continues to be a priority for Congress,” said Congressman Eliot Engel.

In 2017, NIH provided $2.386 billion in grants to researchers in New York, including at Burke Medical Research Institute; supported nearly 30,000 jobs; and stimulated $5.9 billion in economic activity in the state.

Securing robust funding for NIH has been a leading priority of Congresswoman Lowey. During her tenure on the House Appropriations Committee, NIH funding has nearly tripled, providing the resources needed to advance cutting-edge research and improve the health and well-being of millions of Americans.