level on which the programs are operating this fiscal year. This request is sorely lacking in realism when considered in light of the tremendous accomplishments made in the field of medical research. Fundamental research and applied research have resulted in the things which money cannot buy. I am speaking of the reduction in disability, lengthening productive life, good health and happiness, and high morale. This request obviously does not take into account increases in prices and in the national population, and certainly does not consider continued improvements and progress in medical research. This is evident in the fact that the justifications offered in support of the budget recommendations are so futile. The only concrete justification given is that the amount requested-despite the fact that it will not adequately maintain NIH programs would be in tune with the administration's stand on inflation and on balancing the budget. I respectfully submit, Mr. Chairman, that it behooves all of us to constantly bear in mind that the health and welfare of the American people is a primary object of our Government. The Nation itself is only stable and secure to the extent that its citizens are provided for. Despite improvements in cancer control through surgery and radiation, we are still short of that breakthrough that will free mankind from this terrible disease. The death of John Foster Dulles serves to dramatize just how much further there is to go before we can bring this dread scourge of mankind under control. The struggle against disease is not limited by national boundaries and ideologies. Indeed all nations are challenged to mobilize their resources against disease. As you know, during my study tour of Europe last winter with my subcommittee on International Health, I secured agreement from even the Soviet Premier to participate with the United States in a worldwide undertaking to pool medical researcn in the struggle against cancer and other dread diseases. We are going to have such a worldwide onslaught on pain and disease, during the International Health Year-following the passage by Congress of my resolution calling for American leadership to establish such a year. I am saddened by the fact that the administration talks boldly about the need for greater medical research but does nothing about it. It is my understanding that several months ago NIH officials informed the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare that at least $351,279,000 was needed to operate NIH programs in the coming fiscal year. This is $57 million more than what was requested but is by no means adequate. It is my hope that the committee will recommend an appropriation of $478 million for medical research under NIH. This is the amount suggested by 16 of the Nation's leading medical scientists. I submit that this would be a realistic appropriation which could be economically used by NIH in seeking the causes and cures of mankind's dread diseases. I am indeed grateful to you, Mr. Chairman, and to the committee for allowing me this opportunity. (Whereupon, at 12:38 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 1959, the hearing was concluded.) DEPARTMENT OF LABOR LIST OF WITNESSES Ambursen, Frances A. Arnow, Philip- Johnson, Frank. Leopold, Alice K. Lundquist, Clarence T Maas, Melvin J. Manor, Stella P McCauley, William McConnell, Beatrice. Meyer, Herbert A. Miller, Herbert P. Minor, Leroy T Mitchell, Hon. James P. Morrison, Alice A Motley, Arthur W. Norwood, William A., Jr. Nystrom, Harold C.. O'Connell, James T. Omohundro, E. L. Temporary unemployment compensation. President's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handi- Table: Analysis of 1960 budget estimate.. Legislative recommendations contemplated. Progress of program - Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training: Appropriation estimate.. Increase requested___ Obligations. Postal rate increase- 888 41 43 41 44-45 48 42-43 42 84 84 85 88 82 88 87 87-88 82-83 85-88 83 88 86 III |