H.R.1497 - NIH Reform Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1497, the NIH Reform Act, proposes to dismantle the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and replace it with three separate national research institutes: the National Institute of Allergic Diseases, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and the National Institute of Immunologic Diseases. The bill outlines the organizational structure, appointment of directors, and duties for each of the new institutes. It also includes provisions for the transition of authorities and conforming amendments to other sections of the Public Health Service Act.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be a restructuring of the NIH's research efforts related to allergic, infectious, and immunologic diseases. This could lead to a more focused approach in each of these areas. The bill also changes the appointment process for the directors of the new institutes, requiring Senate confirmation.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Focus: Separating NIAID into three institutes could allow for more specialized research and attention to each disease category.
- Improved Accountability: Dedicated institutes may lead to clearer lines of responsibility and accountability.
- Streamlined Research: Focused research efforts could potentially accelerate discoveries and treatments.
- Enhanced Expertise: The new structure may attract and retain specialized experts in each field.
- Modernization: The bill updates the Public Health Service Act to reflect current scientific understanding.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Disruption of Existing Research: The transition could disrupt ongoing research projects and collaborations.
- Increased Administrative Costs: Creating three separate institutes may lead to higher administrative overhead.
- Potential for Siloing: Separating the institutes could hinder interdisciplinary research efforts.
- Loss of Synergies: The integrated approach of NIAID may be more effective in addressing complex diseases.
- Transition Challenges: The orderly transition of authorities and resources could be complex and time-consuming.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional authority granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which provides for the general welfare of the United States. Specifically, this section allows Congress to allocate funds and create institutions to promote public health through scientific research. The appointments of directors with Senate approval also aligns with the advice and consent role of the Senate as described in the Appointments Clause (Article II, Section 2, Clause 2).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).