Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Friday, January 31, 2003

KANSAS CITY - U.S. Senator Kit Bond today announced that the U. S. Congress is on the verge of approving $1 million to fund cardiovascular proteomics research at the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus.

"This money will make a vital difference on our efforts to combat heart disease, which prematurely claims nearly one-million American lives every year," said Bond, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "UMKC's cutting-edge work will create a better understanding of the proteins that underlie these diseases."

The $1 million for UMKC is contained in the Senate version of the fiscal 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which has already been approved by the full Senate. The next step is for this legislation to be reconciled with the House of Representatives' version of the bill before it is passed again by both chambers and sent to the President for signature. Bond expressed confidence that the $1 million for UMKC will be in the final version signed into law by the President.

"This kind of critical research funding is worth fighting for," said Bond, who made this announcement during a visit to the school. "I am pleased I was able to convince my colleagues to support this measure."

This money will help UMKC develop a a dedicated Program in Cardiovascular Proteomics (PCP) within the School of Biological Sciences. In particular, the funds would be used for the renovation, modernization and instrumentation of the school's laboratory facility dedicated to this research effort.

Today's funding announcement is just another concrete example of Senator Bond working to fulfill his vision for Missouri. Bond believes every community within Missouri should have a sound, healthy environment with a strong education and research system and job opportunities that will keep Missouri's best and brightest at home with great opportunities and a good quality of life.

Kit Bond is Missouri’s senior Senator and is now in his third term after having served the state previously during two terms as Governor.