Sherrod Brown - Senior Senator for Ohio, 2007-2024
Senator Brown receives a A- for his generally warm support of biomedical science funding. Previously, he has advocated for increasing both NIH and NSF budgets, and has signed on to similar legislation this term. He has passed a bill increasing funding to funding the study of pediatric illnesses, a personal focus of his. Despite often co-sponsoring bills with members of the NIH caucus, he is not yet a member - which would boost his grade even further.
“As one of our nation’s premier research institutions, NIH has the potential to promote tremendously valuable research that can help save lives.”
Co-sponsored: S. 1250: American Cures Act
Co-sponsored: S.1299 - 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act
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”.
Robert “Rob” Portman - Junior Senator for Ohio, 2011-2022
Senator Portman receives our C grade for his relative lack of statements about or support for neuroscience funding. While he cares about artificial intelligence research and opioid prevention and treatment, he has not specifically advocated for funding the NIH, NSF, BRAIN initiative, or research to support those interests. He additionally is not a member of the NIH caucus.
“By coordinating and synchronizing our country’s research and development efforts, this bill ensures not just that the United States remains an AI leader, but that it does so by developing AI technology that prioritizes American values.”
Co-sponsored: S.1558 - Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act