Dianne Feinstein - Senior Senator for California, 1992-2024
Senator Feinstein’s earns an A for her various bill sponsorships which indicate a broad interest in health issues, especially women’s health and cancer research. Her co-sponsorship of Alzheimer’s funding and sponsorship of expanding cannabinoid research are the two largest neuroscience-related areas of interest. As a member of the NIH caucus, she is dedicated to increasing NIH budget, although not specifically targeted for neuroscience.
“It is my hope that the number of stem cell lines available for federally-funded research will be expanded so that the government can continue to participate in this vital research and provide hope to the millions of Americans with diseases that might be cured.”
Relevant sponsored legislation this session:
Sponsored: S.2032 - Cannabidiol and Marihuana Research Expansion Act
Co-sponsored: S.Res.29 - A resolution expressing support for the designation of a "Women's Health Research Day".
Kamala Harris - Junior Senator for California, 2017-2022
Harris has strongly supported increasing funding for higher education, which would enable more students to pursue neuroscience. Her previous support for biomedical funding increases is also a big positive. As a member of the Senate Committee on the Budget, she has an outsized role in deciding final budget allocations for neuroscience funding. Harris meeting with the Society for Neuroscience and affirming her commitment to neuroscience funding is an additionally encouraging sign of support. Harris could improve her rating by joining the NIH Caucus.
Sponsored: S.1067 - Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019
Sponsored: S.1299 - 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act
*NeuroVote takes the stance that diversity in science creates better science and that sexual harassment decreases the efficiency and quality of neuroscience research. For evidence supporting this claim, please see this article.
Relevant sponsored legislation this session:
Co-sponsored: S.1744 - Keep STEM Talent Act of 2019
Co-sponsored: S.427 - Autism CARES Act of 2019
Co-sponsored: S.Res.29 - A resolution expressing support for the designation of a "Women's Health Research Day".