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---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2000 16:35:37 EST From: [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] Al Gore Statement on Parkinson's March 2000 As we approach the 21st century, we are making scientific and medical breakthroughs that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. In the last seven years, scientists have discovered the genes that help us predict breast cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and are on the very verge of genetic treatments to prevent or delay the onset of these diseases. Later this year, researchers on the Human Genome Project expect to complete sequencing of the genome, leading to a revolution in our ability to detect, treat and prevent all kinds of diseases. It is important for Americans to recognize that federal tax dollars have funded much of this research. Our wise investments in science have made possible this revolution in our ability to detect, treat, and prevent disease, but, remarkable as its achievements have been, the biotechnology enterprise is still in its infancy. We will reap even greater benefits as long as we sustain the intellectual partnership, public confidence-and financial support-that have moved biotechnology forward thus far, and federal investment is essential if we are to continue to reap the biotechnology benefits we are only beginning to imagine. That is why the Clinton-Gore Administration's FY 2001 budget includes almost $19 billion for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This budget proposal would increase NIH funding for biomedical research by $1 billion as a key component of a $2.8 billion increase in investment in the 21st Century Research Fund. These increases build on the commitment the President and Vice President have made throughout their administration to support investment in biomedical research. As a result of this commitment, NIH now supports the highest levels of research ever on nearly all types of disease and health conditions. And with Congressional approval, funding for the NIH in 2001 will be nearly twice as much as when President Clinton and Vice President Gore took office. Al Gore has been a strong advocate of funding for biomedical research and for the major increase in this year's budget. In addition to the work he has done as Vice President to increase investment and encourage bipartisan support for this crucial research, Al Gore has fought throughout his career to increase investment in biomedical technologies, remove barriers to groundbreaking research, and improve health care access for people with serious illnesses.