This resolution recognizes the vital contributions of medical research, particularly NIH-funded work, to public health and the economy, while designating September 15-19, 2025, as "Medical Research Week."
André Carson
Representative
IN-7
This resolution officially recognizes the vital contributions of medical research to public health and economic growth across the nation. It specifically designates September 15 through September 19, 2025, as "Medical Research Week." The bill emphasizes the critical role of sustained federal funding, particularly for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in driving life-saving discoveries and ensuring national health security. It encourages public appreciation for the scientists and institutions conducting this essential work.
New Resolution Designates September 15-19, 2025, as 'Medical Research Week,' Highlighting NIH's $93 Billion Economic Impact
This resolution is essentially Congress giving a massive high-five to medical research across the country, officially designating September 15 through September 19, 2025, as “Medical Research Week.” It’s not just a feel-good measure; it’s a detailed acknowledgment of how research saves lives, drives the economy, and keeps the U.S. competitive on the world stage. The core message is that the work done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is critical, and it needs consistent, strong funding to keep the breakthroughs coming.
The Real-World ROI on Scientific Funding
When we talk about NIH funding, it’s easy to think of it as just government spending, but this resolution lays out the tangible return on investment. The text highlights that in fiscal year 2023 alone, NIH funding generated approximately $93,000,000,000 in new economic activity and supported roughly 412,000 jobs. Think about that: these aren't just lab jobs; this money supports everyone from the scientists at major universities to the technicians, administrative staff, and the local businesses supplying everything from lab equipment to lunch. For someone working in the trades or running a small supply chain business, this funding stream means steady contracts and local economic stability.
Why Medical Research Is a National Security Issue
The resolution connects medical research directly to national security and self-reliance. It argues that if the U.S. falls behind other nations in developing new cures and therapies, we risk losing control over our own health security. This isn't just about finding a cure for cancer; it’s about having the domestic capacity to respond quickly to new threats, like future pandemics or drug-resistant diseases. By emphasizing the NIH as the top global medical research organization, the resolution advocates for maintaining scientific leadership so we don't have to rely on foreign competitors for critical treatments.
From Lab Bench to Your Medicine Cabinet
The most important impact for everyday people is, of course, improved health. The resolution specifically recognizes that medical research has led to discoveries that save lives and improve health outcomes for conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and the ongoing opioid and mental health crises. For a busy working parent, this means better treatments for their aging parents, or potentially a better handle on the mental health support systems available for their kids. This resolution is essentially a policy stamp of approval on the idea that investing in the tough, expensive, and risky research—the kind that often takes decades to pay off—is crucial for the health and longevity of the American public.