Thompson Testifies in Defense of CDC Funding Cuts, NIH Budget Boost

Testifying before the House Labor-HHS appropriations subcommittee yesterday, HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson answered some "pointed questions" about the Bush administration's budget priorities, CongressDaily reports. Members of both parties were "particularly critical" of the administration's proposed cutbacks for the CDC. However, Thompson said that administration decided that it would "get more bang for the buck" by using the funds for research at the NIH instead (Rovner, CongressDaily, 5/2). The budget icludes a $2.75 billion, or 13.5%, boost for that agency's budget in FY 2002 (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 4/10). Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.) said that while he supports an increase in spending for the NIH, the administration's attempt to hold down overall spending "freez[es] or cut[s]" other programs. Thompson also indicated support for "parity" in Medicare mental health benefits. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries pay more for outpatient mental health visits than for other services, and inpatient mental health services are limited. Thompson said that parity "needs to be done" but added that "it's not going to be done overnight" (Rovner, CongressDaily, 5/2). To view a Healthcast of the hearing, click here.