HRES 708119th CongressIn Committee

Recognizing the contributions of medical research and observing "Medical Research Week" from September 15 through September 19, 2025.

Introduced: Sep 15, 2025

Healthcare

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H. Res. 708 is a non-binding House resolution introduced during the 119th Congress. It recognizes the contributions of medical research and designates September 15–19, 2025 as “Medical Research Week.” The measure emphasizes the essential role of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in advancing health, science, and the economy, and it calls for strong federal funding for NIH to sustain innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness. While it highlights impressive economic and workforce indicators associated with NIH-supported research, the resolution does not authorize spending or create new programs; rather, it expresses congressional support and seeks to raise public awareness. Key elements include reaffirming NIH’s unique role in high-cost or high-risk research, noting the broad geographic and economic impact of NIH-funded work, and urging the public to recognize the importance of medical research conducted nationwide. The bill is sponsored by Mr. Carson (and several cosponsors) and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Key Points

1Designates the period of September 15–19, 2025 as “Medical Research Week.”
2Recognizes the contributions of medical research to saving lives, improving health, and boosting economic growth and national competitiveness.
3Affirms NIH as the central federal sponsor of medical research, including foundational and clinical work that is costly or risky for private industry to pursue alone.
4Cites the broad economic and employment impact of NIH-supported research (nearly $93 billion in new economic activity and about 412,000 jobs in FY 2023, plus involvement of over 300,000 non-Federal scientists and personnel across 2,500+ institutions).
5Encourages greater public awareness and ongoing federal funding for NIH to maintain health security and scientific leadership.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- NIH-funded medical researchers, research institutions (universities, medical schools, and facilities), and the patients who benefit from advances in treatments and cures; federal policymakers and budget decision-makers.Secondary group/area affected- The broader U.S. economy and workforce connected to biomedical research (suppliers, manufacturers, and local economies), as well as states and U.S. territories hosting research institutions.Additional impacts- Increases public awareness of the importance of medical research; publicly signals congressional support for NIH funding; as a non-binding resolution, it does not change law or authorize new spending, but it can influence policy discussions and future funding priorities.

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