Democrats have fought to increase funding for biomedical research, which has led to groundbreaking advances in diagnosing, treating, and curing diseases – including new treatments for diabetes, depression and mental illness, AIDS, and cancer. Under a Democratic Administration, funding for biomedical research increased by 100 percent. But the Bush Administration has stalled increases in funding for biomedical research.

Democrats have fought to assure progress on diseases costing the nation billions of dollars. A Democratic Administration successfully increased the NIH budget by 100 percent over 5 years. As a result, NIH now supports the highest levels of research ever on nearly all types of disease and health conditions.

Fighting diabetes. Democrats dramatically increased funding for diabetes research and prevention at NIH and expanded health insurance coverage for the millions of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes to ensure they can afford their home health care equipment.

Democrats fought for funding increases for AIDS research, prevention, housing, and treatment. Democrats have worked to invigorate America's response to HIV and AIDS, providing new national leadership, greater resources, and a closer working relationship with affected communities. During a Democratic Administration, funding for AIDS research increased by over 80 percent at NIH, while funding for HIV prevention increased nearly 50 percent. Funding for the Ryan White CARE Act increased by over 300 percent.

Fighting cancer. Democrats dramatically boosted the federal investment in cancer research at NIH, increased access to breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment for low-income women through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and expanded coverage of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer screenings under the Medicare program.

Democrats fight childhood asthma. Democrats fought against childhood asthma with new efforts to teach children how to effectively manage their asthma, to determine environmental causes of asthma, and to develop new strategies to reduce children's exposure to asthma triggers.

Stem cell research. Democrats believe stem cell research should be considered as an option that could have far-reaching benefits for Americans suffering from a variety of diseases. The potential for new treatments and new cures is too great for us to ignore. The lives of millions of Americans could hang in the balance.