Letter Opposing NIAID Funding Shift

July 16, 2003

Mr. Joshua B. Bolton
Director, Office of Management and Budget
725 17th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20503

Dear Director Bolton:

I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the recent decision to shift research funds away from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to fund the procurement of the anthrax vaccine. While obtaining the vaccine is necessary and essential to protect our country from potential bioterrorism threats, the responsibility of procuring the anthrax vaccine should lie with the new Department of Homeland Security, which has taken over management of the national vaccine stockpile and is the appropriate agency to oversee anthrax vaccine procurement. Redirecting NIAID's research funding will compromise the important work of NIAID and reduce our nation's capacity to fight another threat—the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The United States is recognized globally as a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. NIAID-funded AIDS research has increased our understanding of the virus and enhanced our ability to prevent and treat this disease that is devastating entire populations across the globe. As the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to grow, destabilizing the health and economic viability of countries worldwide, our search for advanced treatments and vaccines must accelerate to slow this dangerous trend.

The proposed shift in funding will have serious consequences on the critical HIV/AIDS and health-related research work that is being done. Numerous research grants will experience reductions in funding; initial payments to new grantees will be delayed up to six months, while payments for existing grantees will be restructured or delayed. Scientific research requires time and stable, continuous investment of resources. Under such restricted timeframes and with uncertain funding, successful advances are unlikely.

I strongly urge you to reverse the decision to shift NIAID funding. NIAID must be allowed to remain committed to its mission of advancing critical scientific knowledge through research. The Administration and Congress must also work together to appropriate new funding from outside NIAID research dollars to procure the anthrax vaccine so to not compromise our nation's existing and future health-related research. As a global leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the United States must continue its vital research efforts.

Thank you for your consideration and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Mark Ishaug
Executive Director