FABBS reports on items of interest to many communities – scientists, policymakers, and the public. In our news, you will see updates on science funding and policy, articles that translate research for policy, and descriptions of the research contributions of scientists at all stages of their research careers.
American Rescue Plan Heads to the President’s Desk
COVID Relief
On Wednesday, March 10, the House passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, to incorporate amendments added by the Senate last week. The bill now heads to the White House for President Biden’s signature, successfully meeting the March 14 deadline, when expanded unemployment benefits will run dry.
Of note for FABBS members, the bill includes $600 million for the National Science Foundation to fund new and existing research to respond to COVID-19, and $100 million for
read moreNew Legislation Would Create National Gun Violence Research Program
Last week, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Chair of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, reintroduced the National Gun Violence Research Act that would create a comprehensive approach to gun violence research involving multiple agencies. The bill would authorize additional funding for the National Science Foundation ($15M), the National Institute of Standards and Technology ($1M), the Department of Health and Human Services ($25M), and the Department of Justice ($3M)
read moreBipartisan Group Proposes Funding for Research on Mental Health Effects of COVID-19
FABBS is monitoring new legislation recently introduced by a bipartisan and bicameral group of Members of Congress: the COVID-19 Mental Health Research Act. Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kaine (D-VA) introduced the bill in the Senate, while Representatives Tonko (D-NY) and Katko (R-NY) are sponsoring the House Version.
The bill would direct $100 million annually for five years to the National Institute of Mental Health to fund research on the mental health consequences of the pandemic, with
read moreNIH Announces UNITE Initiative to End Structural Racism
On March 1st, the Director of NIH, Dr. Francis Collins, announced a new NIH initiative called UNITE:
U — Understanding stakeholder experiences through listening and learning
N — New research on health disparities, minority health, and health equity
I — Improving the NIH culture and structure for equity, inclusion, and excellence
T — Transparency, communication, and accountability with our internal and external stakeholders
E — Extramural research ecosystem: changing
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