A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the operations of the National Institutes of Health should not experience any interruption, delay, or funding disruption in violation of the law and that the workforce of the National Institutes of Health is essential to sustaining medical progress.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 93
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-25: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1352)
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-24T14:29:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 93) expresses the non-binding opinion of the U.S. Senate that the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a federal agency responsible for medical research, must continue its operations without any illegal interruptions, delays, or funding cuts. It emphasizes the critical role of the NIH workforce in advancing medical progress and protecting public health.
Key Provisions
The resolution states the Senate's sense in two main points:
- Protection of NIH Operations: To safeguard the health, economy, and national security of Americans, NIH activities—including research on diseases like childhood cancers, Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart disease, infectious diseases, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder)—should not face any unlawful interruptions, delays, or funding disruptions.
- Value of NIH Workforce: The NIH's employees, including scientists, researchers, and medical professionals, are vital for ongoing medical advancements. Any interference with their work could hinder the development of life-saving treatments, weaken the overall biomedical research system, and impair the nation's response to public health threats.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a resolution expressing the Senate's opinion and does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It has no legal force and introduces no changes to existing statutes or regulations governing the NIH.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: It serves as a symbolic signal to Congress, the executive branch, and federal agencies to prioritize stable funding and operations for the NIH, potentially influencing budget negotiations or policy decisions to avoid disruptions.
- On Citizens: Could indirectly benefit the public by reinforcing the importance of uninterrupted medical research, which supports treatments for common and serious diseases, ultimately aiding health outcomes and economic productivity through innovation.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores U.S. commitment to global biomedical leadership, which might encourage international collaborations in health research.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- NIH Workforce: Scientists, researchers, and medical professionals whose jobs and research efforts are highlighted as essential.
- Patients and Advocacy Groups: Individuals and organizations focused on diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, and ALS, who rely on NIH-funded research for potential treatments.
- Broader Public and Economy: American taxpayers and businesses that benefit from medical advancements and public health protections.
- Policymakers: Members of Congress and executive officials involved in health funding and appropriations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a "sense of the Senate" resolution, it carries no enforceable authority but can guide future legislation or appropriations bills related to NIH funding.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's oversight role under Article I of the U.S. Constitution for federal spending and health policy, without challenging executive powers.
- Political: Introduced by a bipartisan group of senators, it acts as a precautionary statement amid potential budget disputes or government shutdown risks, signaling strong Senate support for the NIH to deter funding threats and promote stability in federal health research.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Cosponsors (23)
Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-25: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1352)
- 2025-02-25: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the Senate that the operations of the National Institutes of Health should not experience any interruption, delay, or funding disruption in violation of the law and that the workforce of the National Institutes of Health is essential to sustaining medical progress. — issued 2025-02-25 — PDF (2 pages)