Congressman Andre Carson (IN-07) and Congressman Mike Levin (CA-49) have introduced the Medical Research for Our Troops Act, aimed at reinstating full funding to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). The bill, H.R. 3906, was introduced on June 11 and has garnered the support of 70 organizations and 22 original cosponsors.
The CDMRP, a Department of Defense-administered program established in 1993, funds high-risk, high-reward medical research addressing conditions that disproportionately affect veterans, service members and underrepresented communities. In March, House Republicans passed a bill cutting the CDMRP budget by 57%, threatening advancements in treatments for diseases such as ALS, breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injuries.
“This program must be immediately restored to its full strength to save lives, save jobs, and to serve our brave servicemembers and veterans,” Carson said, emphasizing the critical role of ongoing research. “At this very moment, veterans, children and families are desperately waiting for medical breakthroughs. We can’t afford to make them wait any longer.”
The CDMRP has contributed to significant breakthroughs, including research at Indiana University School of Medicine for mild traumatic brain injuries and a collaboration with Purdue University to create devices for spinal cord injuries. Nationwide, its research has led to advances in treating epilepsy, chronic pain and melanoma.
Levin echoed Carson’s concerns, stating, “House Republicans cut funding for medical research on diseases that disproportionately affect veterans and service members. This endangers the lives of our nation’s heroes and makes us all less safe.”
Mark Vieth, coordinator of the Defense Health Research Consortium, highlighted the importance of restoring funding.
“This legislation is essential not only for advancing treatments and cures for cancers and other conditions but also for stemming the brain drain of our nation’s medical research talent to China and Europe,” Vieth said.
The Medical Research for Our Troops Act seeks to reverse funding cuts, ensuring continued innovation and lifesaving solutions for those who serve the country.
For more information, visitCarson’s website at carson.house.gov.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
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