Supporting Biomedical Research

Congressman Young has been a leading advocate for increased biomedical research during his tenure in the United States House of Representatives. While Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, between 1999-2004, he successfully led the effort in Congress to double federal medical research funding at the National Institutes of Health. He has likewise led the fight for federal funding for a variety of medical issues, including an increased immunization rate for preschoolers, improved public health programs nationwide, and cures for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases.  In addition, Congressman Young has worked with many groups in the disabled and health community to improve access to life-saving medication and information for those living with debilitating diseases, such as ALS and Lupus.  This has included his longstanding relationship with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Congressman Young has also been the recipient of various awards throughout his years of public service. In 2009-2010 alone he received the following honors:

• Parkinson’s Action Network 16th Annual Morris K. Udall Public Service Award
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Congressional Honors Award
• Distinguished Public Service Award from the Dystonia Advocacy Network
• National Breast Cancer Coalition Award
• Multiple Sclerosis Society 32nd Annual Ambassadors Ball Special Tribute
• Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Pioneer Award;
• American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network “National Distinguished Advocacy Award"

Finally, while in office Congressman Young has worked tirelessly to enact key legislation expanding research efforts in the medical field. Some of these measures from the 111th Congress include:

• H.R. 718, the Huntington's Disease Parity Act;
• H.R. 2505, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act;
• H.R. 2969, the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act.