April 13, 2006
House Fails to Pass Budget
The House
failed to pass its fiscal year 2007 budget resolution due to the inability of
the Republican controlled House to reach consensus. With no Democratic support,
the Republicans were divided with conservatives urging more spending cuts and
moderates pushing for increased spending in health and education programs. The
House was scheduled to debate the budget resolution passed by the House Budget
Committee. which mirrors President Bush’s budget
blueprint except for cuts to the Medicare program.
Also, a
controversial amendment, offered by moderate Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE), would have
added $7 billion to the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education budget,
which includes funding for NIH. However, the Republican leadership pulled the
entire budget bill when they realized they did not have enough votes to secure
passage. It is uncertain whether the House will try to work out a budget
resolution when they return from the April recess. The AGA will continue to
advocate for adequate funding for digestive disease research, through continued
support of the Castle amendment, and fair reimbursement for gastroenterologists
under Medicare.