Congress allots $5 Million for research at CDC

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: (c) Copyright 1993, The Connecticut CFIDS Association, Inc.
This article may be reproduced for non profit use with proper copyright and
attribution.

In September, the United States Senate Appropriations Committee voted to
increase the amount spent specifically on CFIDS by $2 million at the CDC.
Since last year's budget included $3 million for CFIDS at the CDC, this means
that in Fiscal Year 1994 (FY 94, running from October 1, 1993 to September
30, 1994), the CDC will receive a total of $5 million for CFIDS. As of mid
October, the FY 94 budget had not been enacted as parts of the budget had yet
to be completed. However, the House and Senate conference language for CFIDS
was identical and would most likely go into law as written.

Earlier this year, The CFIDS Association of America requested a total $26
million to be spent on CFIDS in FY 94, but the total amount of money spent on
CFIDS at the CDC, NIH, and NIAID will be about $12 million. It is important
to note, however, that requests for increases in medical funding for diseases
across the board were numerous in 1993 and, given the deficit cutting mood in
Congress, a $2 million increase at the CDC is seen by many as a modest
victory.

It would seem that the advocacy efforts being made by activists at all levels
are having a positive impact for sufferers.