U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) welcomed National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya, M.D., Ph.D., to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where Dr. Bhattacharya delivered a presentation at the UAB Hill Student Center. Senator Britt also addressed attendees and emphasized the importance of NIH-supported research in Alabama.
Senator Britt stated, “from the very moment that I had the opportunity to meet (HHS) Secretary Kennedy, to meet Dr. Bhattacharya throughout the confirmation process, I made sure that the importance of NIH and the incredible work that’s done here at UAB was front and center. I am so proud of what you do here … It is my belief that we have to continue lifesaving, life-changing research. We have to be focused on finding cures.
“In a place like Alabama where [Dr. Bhattacharya] just noted chronic disease and so many of the life-threatening diseases and illnesses and challenges that we see across the country disproportionately affect our state, the clinical trials that are done here, the research that is done here, the proximity to the issue makes a difference. It has been an honor to tell your story to the highest levels here in the United States …
“[President Trump] is committed to finding cures, he is committed to seeing life-changing, lifesaving research continue and Alabama lead the way and America lead in innovation. This is where we want it to occur. You have a champion in me,” she continued.
Before Senator Britt’s remarks, UAB President Ray Watts thanked her for her support for NIH-funded research at UAB: “Senator Britt, thank you for [inviting Dr. Bhattacharya] and for being here today. I want you all to know that Senator Britt has continued to champion … biomedical research. This spring, she welcomed O’Neal Cancer Center Director Barry Sleckman to testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee. At another hearing, she (questioned) Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy (to) discuss UAB as an institution carrying out federal research responsibly, of which we’re very proud.
“Senator Britt also courageously led Senate colleagues in sending an effective letter to the Office of Management and Budget in support of critical research funding. And she has also spoken directly to President Trump about NIH-funded research and secured his commitment to continuing the pursuit if cures…. She’s been recognized by a range of national organizations now for her leadership, and her presence here today in support of Dr. B and UAB is so important to us … (there is) no greater champion in the country for federal research funding and for saving lives than Senator Britt,” Dr. Watts said.
During their visit, Senator Britt joined Dr. Bhattacharya on a tour of construction at UAB’s Biomedical Research and Psychology Building with university leaders overseeing its development; this facility will accommodate researchers from both medicine and psychology departments when completed.
As part of her ongoing advocacy efforts referenced by Dr. Watts during his remarks, Senator Britt recently led 13 Republican senators urging implementation of appropriations legislation containing significant funds supporting NIH programs across various fields such as cancer—legislation signed into law earlier this year by President Trump—which resulted in immediate fund releases lauded by several major medical organizations including The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Association of American Cancer Institutes, and United for Medical Research.
Additionally, Senator Britt helped secure $28.63 million designated specifically for Alabama through Senate Appropriations Committee action tied to next fiscal year’s Labor, Health & Human Services bill.
