Representative Andy Harris (R–MD), an anesthesiologist who has shown a keen interest in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) while in Congress, has put his hat in the ring for NIH director in the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, he told ScienceInsider today. Harris says he knows that some biomedical scientists would view him as a controversial choice, but argues that his blend of research and political experience would make him a good advocate for addressing NIH’s flaws and for growing the agency’s budget in a time of fiscal restraint.
“I have conducted both clinical research and basic science research. And I have the background in the political arena to understand how funding occurs, how policies can change in new directions, and how reform can be accomplished,” says Harris, a fiscal and social conservative representing eastern Maryland.
Harris says he has spoken with the Trump transition team about his interest in NIH and that Representative Tom Price (R–GA), whom Trump has tapped to head the Department of Health of Human Services, NIH’s parent agency, is also aware of his desire to be considered for the NIH directorship.
Without a large NIH budget we prevent new research and disease cures. The NIH and pharmaceutical companies are two of the biggest entities responsible for funding the science research that leads to new drugs and cures for diseases. If you advocate for cutting the NIH budget then you are relying on pharma companies to fund research. Pharma companies get thier money from increasing prices and maximizing profits.
I would hate to lose him and his wisdom, compassion for our State of Maryland but what an opportunity for him? I feel that he would be a GREAT asset to the National Institute on Health Services!!!!
GO FOR IT, Mr. Harris! MAKE YOUR MARYLANDER'S PROUD!!!
How do "...growing the agency’s budget..." and "...a fiscal...conservative..." go together?
ReplyDeleteThey never get it. We want SMALLER government!
Do we have a viable Republican to take his place?
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is, no you can't have Andy Harris. We need him too much in Maryland!
ReplyDeleteWithout a large NIH budget we prevent new research and disease cures. The NIH and pharmaceutical companies are two of the biggest entities responsible for funding the science research that leads to new drugs and cures for diseases. If you advocate for cutting the NIH budget then you are relying on pharma companies to fund research. Pharma companies get thier money from increasing prices and maximizing profits.
ReplyDeleteI would hate to lose him and his wisdom, compassion for our State of Maryland but what an opportunity for him? I feel that he would be a GREAT asset to the National Institute on Health Services!!!!
ReplyDeleteGO FOR IT, Mr. Harris! MAKE YOUR MARYLANDER'S PROUD!!!
Mike Lewis
ReplyDelete"Practicing medicine". Do you think they will ever get it right?
ReplyDelete