Charleston Leader

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies convened today to review the president’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget Request for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered an opening statement highlighting key issues and expressing her priorities.

Capito began by thanking Chair Baldwin and NIH Director Dr. Bertagnolli, congratulating him on his new role. She also acknowledged Dr. Bertagnolli's recent visit to West Virginia University to observe local research efforts.

“Dr. Bertagnolli, thank you for being here today and congratulations on your fairly new role as NIH Director," said Capito. "I also want to thank you for coming to West Virginia in March to see first-hand all of the amazing research we are doing at West Virginia University."

Capito emphasized the critical partnership between NIH and rural states like West Virginia, which face significant health challenges. She expressed gratitude to other NIH representatives present: Dr. Volkow, Dr. Hodes, Dr. Rathmell, Dr. Marrazzo, and Dr. Gibbons.

“This will be a challenging funding year, but biomedical research at NIH is a priority for me and has long been a bicameral, bipartisan priority,” she stated.

The proposed budget allocates $49.8 billion for NIH funding, including provisions for 21st Century CURES funding and ARPA-H initiatives. Additionally, $1.5 billion in mandatory funding is earmarked for the Cancer Moonshot program.

Capito highlighted the economic impact of NIH investments: “The NIH is a driver of economic growth, funding more than $92.89 billion in national economic activity in 2023.” In West Virginia alone, NIH supported 759 jobs and generated $148 million in economic activity last year.

She underscored ongoing research efforts in her state across various medical fields such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and substance use disorders: “Researchers throughout West Virginia are making significant contributions to biomedical research.”

Despite progress in many areas, Capito voiced concerns over specific budget allocations: “I do want to take a moment to express my disappointment that the proposed NIH budget does not devote new resources specifically for Alzheimer’s disease research at NIH.”

Addressing substance abuse issues was another focal point: “Also, I’d like to see more attention devoted to substance abuse,” she added while noting that the National Institute on Drug Abuse received only a nominal increase in this budget.

In closing remarks directed at fellow subcommittee members and witnesses present at the hearing, Capito reiterated her commitment: “I know we are dealing with a tough funding situation this year, but investments in biomedical research are so important for the future of our country.”