Richard Blumenthal - Senior Senator for Connecticut, 2011-2022
Senator Blumenthal earns our A+ grade for his exceptional support of biomedical funding, supporting inclusive and diverse scientific environments, and specific advocacy for neuroscience funding. As a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Special Committee on Aging and a member of the NIH caucus, he has continued to advocate for both NIH and NSF funding increases.
“NIH investment is key to saving lives”
Co-sponsored: S. 1250: American Cures Act
Co-sponsored: S.775 - Scientific Integrity Act
Co-sponsored: S.1067 - Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019
Co-sponsored: S.1744 - Keep STEM Talent Act of 2019
Co-sponsored: S.1338 - Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2019
Christopher Murphy - Junior Senator for Connecticut, 2013-2024
Senator Murphy receives our grade of a B for his decent but not exceptional support of neuroscience research. As a member of the Committee on Appropriations and Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, he directly is involved in setting the NIH budget. While he has previously supported a bill to increase mental health research and supported the 21st century cures act, this term he has not signed on to meaningful neuroscience funding legislation. He could improve his grade through joining his fellow Connecticut senator on the NIH caucus, and signing on to more supportive legislation.
"Our strong commitment to medical research on cancer and so many other diseases separates the United States from the vast majority of countries in the world. I strongly believe that we should be committing substantially more resources to this effort”
Co-sponsored: S.427 - Autism CARES Act of 2019
Co-sponsored: S.1338 - Beyond the Box for Higher Education Act of 2019