I was disappointed that this amendment was rejected by the Senate. However, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education , I will continue to work to provide further funding for important scientific research. While certain illnesses afflict both men and women, they affect women differently. For example, women are more likely than men to suffer a second heart attack . Other conditions and diseases are more prevalent in, although not exclusive to, women.
Depression is two to three times more common in women than in men.
Women are more likely to get autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Scleroderma, and multiple sclerosis. When I first began my work as a member of the Appropriations Committee , I was dismayed to find that, for the most part, women-specific diseases were shortchanged when it came to research funding. Although scientists have made important discoveries on how to treat this disease, more must be done. I have sought to increase funding for breast cancer research and treatment. I support doubling the NIH research budget over five years.