GEORGE W. BUSH I: Vows to Launch a ‘Medical Moonshot’
Campaigning in the battleground state of Florida today, Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) will promise to allocate more than $67 billion over 10 years to bolster public and private research for cures of fatal illnesses, the Associated Press reports. His plan includes a $32 billion increase in NIH's $35 billion budget, as well as a $5.1 billion boost for the National Cancer Institute by 2003. "I will fund and lead a medical moonshot to reach far beyond what seems possible today and discover new cures for age-old afflictions," Bush said in remarks prepared for today's appearance at a Sun City, Fla., senior center. In addition, he will pledge to offer a 10-year, $24 billion tax credit for private research and development of treatments for diseases. Today's stop marks Bush's second visit to the Sunshine State in two weeks, as he battles rival Vice President Al Gore for Florida's 25 electoral votes. "We're not going to let Al Gore scare senior citizens into voting for him," Bush said (Kellman, 9/22).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.