Several pieces of legislation have been introduced that propose additional funding for biomedical research from a variety of alternative sources. The Health Care Assurance Act, S. 24, would establish a National Fund for Health Research that would be funded through a graduated health premium set-aside. Senator Harkin also proposes establishing a National Fund for Health Research in S. 1504. The strategy of using revenue from the sale of postage stamps, while not a trust fund, is another example of alternative sources to increase funding for biomedical research. The Stamp Out Breast Cancer Act was enacted in Public Law 105-41, has operated successfully for more than a year, and is due to expire this year.
All measures are pending.
S. 24 - Health Care Assurance Act of 1999. This fund would be established through a graduated health premium set-aside. S. 296 - The Federal Research Investment Act. This bill proposes a long term strategy for research and development funding for fundamental scientific, medical, and engineering research that calls for a 2.5 percent annual increase above the rate of inflation for the years FY 1999 through FY 2010, and stipulates that no funds may be made available under the Act in a manner that does not conform with the discretionary spending caps. H.R. 785 - Biomedical Research Assistance Voluntary Option Act.