Congressional Affairs (Prepared January 25, 2008)

Appropriations

On December 26, 2007, the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, which included funding for the NIH. The Act provides $29.456 billion (including $150 million for Type I Diabetes) for NIH. This figure reflects the 1.747 percent across-the-board cut to most accounts included in Division G of the law, including NIH. The Act includes a transfer of $295 million within NIH for the Global AIDS Fund; $111 million for the National Children's Study; $504,420,000 for the Common Fund; $96,030,090 for research on chemical, radiological and nuclear countermeasures; $10,000,000 for the Director's Discretionary Fund; and $25,000,000 for the flexible research authority.

NIDA's appropriation within this legislation, after the 1.747 percent across-the-board cut, is $1,000,700,000. This is $335,000 above the President's requested budget, and $79,000 above the final FY 2007 appropriated level.

Hearings, Briefings, and Events of Interest

Friends of NIDA Capitol Hill Briefing: On November 8, 2007, the Friends of NIDA, in conjunction with the Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus, held its ninth in a series of briefings designed to educate members of Congress and their staff about substance abuse issues. The briefing focused on nicotine and tobacco addiction. While tobacco use is still a very large public health problem, control efforts over the last half century have been very successful, considering that not long ago there were no scientifically validated treatments for tobacco addiction and treatment had little place in health care delivery. Today, however, numerous effective treatments exist, and tobacco use assessment and intervention are considered to be requisite duties of clinicians and health care delivery entities. Nora D. Volkow, M.D., Director of NIDA, opened the briefing with an overview of the Institute's tobacco research portfolio. Timothy Baker, Ph.D., Professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and Director of Research at the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, followed with a discussion of current findings on the treatment of tobacco use that will serve as the basis of the 2008 Public Health Service (PHS) Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence. Michael Fiore, M.D. Professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health an Director of the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, then provided his perspective as both a physician treating smokers and Chair of the panel revising the PHS tobacco treatment guidelines. The event concluded with the success stories of Shirley Reimer and Preston Young, two patients who quit smoking using a combination of national telephone help lines and nicotine replacement therapies. The briefing garnered an unprecedented 29 Friends of NIDA scientific and professional organization cosponsors, which reflects the serious concern surrounding the issue.

Bills of Interest

[For the full text and additional information about any bill, go to the Library of Congress website at http://thomas.loc.gov].

Potential Institute Name Change - H.R.1348/S. 1011 - On March 6, 2007, Representatives Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and John Sullivan (R-OK) introduced H.R.1348, to redesignate the National Institute on Drug Abuse as the National Institute on Diseases of Addiction, and to redesignate the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism as the National Institute on Alcohol Disorders and Health. Similarly, on March 28, Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE), Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Michael Enzi (R-WY) introduced S. 1011, the Recognizing Addiction as a Disease Act of 2007, which would make the same changes. In a press release, Senator Biden said the intent of the legislation is to recognize addiction as a preventable and treatable neurobiological disease, and to better identify the roles and missions of our research institutes. "Addiction is a neurobiological disease - not a lifestyle choice - and it's about time we start treating it as such," said Sen. Biden. "We must lead by example and change the names of our Federal research institutes to accurately reflect this reality. By changing the way we talk about addiction, we change the way people think about addiction, both of which are critical steps in getting past the social stigma too often associated with the disease." The House bill was referred to the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee; the Senate bill was marked up and passed by the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on June 27, 2007. The bill has been placed on the Senate calendar under General Orders. The bill is currently being "held" by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC). He must release his hold if the bill is to receive full consideration in the Senate. Related issue: On December 13, 2007, the Senate passed under unanimous consent S. 2484, an Act to rename the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development as the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute on Child Health and Human Development. The bill passed the House under suspension of the rules on December 17, 2007. S. 2484 was introduced on December 13 by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and signed by the President on December 21, 2007.

Stem Cells - H.R. 3/S.5 - On January 5, 2007, Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) introduced H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. The Senate companion, S. 5, was introduced on January 4, 2007, by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). The bills would require the Secretary of HHS to conduct and support research using human embryonic stem cells regardless of the date on which such cells were derived. Both the House and Senate passed their bills. The Senate bill was amended prior to floor consideration. As amended, the bill would also require the Secretary to conduct and support research involving methods of obtaining pluripotent stem cells that do not involve the use of human embryos. The House passed the amended Senate bill, thus sending the bill to the President. The President vetoed the bill. Concurrent with his veto, the President issued an Executive Order requiring the Secretary of HHS to enhance funding for research on alternative methods to derive pluripotent stem cells that do not involve human embryos.

Stem Cells - S. 30 - On April 11, 2007, the Senate passed S. 30, the Hope Offered Through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act, by a roll call vote of 70-28. The bill, introduced on March 29, 2007, by Representative Norm Coleman (R-MN) would require the Secretary to support research to develop pluripotent stem cells using methods that do not involve either the creation of, harm to, or destruction of human embryos. As mentioned above re: S.5, the President issued an Executive Order requiring the Secretary of HHS to enhance funding for research on alternative methods to derive pluripotent stem cells that do not involve human embryos.

Genetic Non-discrimination - H.R. 493/S. 358 - On January 16, 2007, Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) introduced H.R. 493, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007. The Senate companion, S. 358, was introduced by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) on January 22, 2007. These bills, which would prohibit discrimination in health insurance and employment on the basis of predictive genetic information, are identical to legislation passed by the Senate during the 109th Congress. The bills would prohibit health insurers in both the group and individual markets from (1) using genetic information to impose enrollment restrictions or to adjust premium or contribution amounts, (2) requesting genetic testing or results except as necessary for treatment, payment, or health care operations, or (3) requesting or requiring the use of genetic information for the purposes of underwriting. The bills define a genetic test as an analysis of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, or metabolites that detects genotypes, mutations, or chromosomal changes. The House passed its bill on April 25, 2007; the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee has reported its bill favorably; floor action in the Senate is pending.

Insurance Parity for Mental Health and Substance Abuse - H.R. 1424/S.558 - On February 12, 2007, Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) introduced the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007, a bill to provide parity between health insurance coverage of mental health benefits and benefits for medical and surgical services. On March 9, 2007, Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) introduced the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007, to amend section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, and section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans. The Senate passed its bill in September of 2007; the House bill has been reported favorably by the committees of jurisdiction, and awaits floor action.

Community Re-entry for Prisoners - H.R. 1593/S. 1060 - On March 20, 2007, Representative Danny Davis (D-IL) introduced the Second Chance Act of 2007, to reauthorize the grant program for reentry of offenders into the community in the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, to improve reentry planning and implementation, and for other purposes. The Senate version of this bill was introduced by Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) on March 29, 2007. The bills include a strong focus on drug treatment in the criminal justice system, and consultation with NIDA is required in several bill sections. The House passed its bill in November, and the Senate bill awaits further action.

Tobacco - H.R. 1108/S. 625 - On February 15, 2007, Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) introduced H.R. 1108, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - a bill to protect public health by providing the Food and Drug Administration with certain authority to regulate tobacco products. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) introduced an identical bill in the Senate. The Senate bill has been amended and reported out by Committee; full Senate action is pending. Further action is also pending in the House.

Crack vs. Powder Cocaine - Several bills have been introduced to address the sentencing differences for those convicted of selling or possessing different forms of cocaine. Most attempt to equalize penalties. Representative Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) introduced H.R. 79, the Powder-Crack Cocaine Penalty Equalization Act of 2007. Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY) introduced H.R. 460, the Crack-Cocaine Equitable Sentencing Act of 2007. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced H.R. 5035, the Fairness in Cocaine Sentencing Act of 2008. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) introduced S. 1383, the Drug Sentencing Reform Act of 2007. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced S. 1685, the Fairness in Drug Sentencing Act of 2007. Senator Joseph Biden introduced S. 1711, the Drug Sentencing Reform and Cocaine Kingpin Trafficking Act of 2007. All of these bills have been referred to their appropriate committees and further action is pending.

Freedom of Information - Several bills designed to broaden accessibility to government information were introduced last year (H.R. 1309, H.R. 1326, S. 849, S. 2427). Senator Patrick Leahy introduced S. 2488, the Open Government Act of 2007, to combine various proposals, which passed the House and Senate and became law in December. The law aims to promote accessibility, accountability and openness in government by strengthening Section 522 of Title 5, U.S. Code (the Freedom of Information Act).

H.R. 405 - On January 11, 2007, Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) introduced the Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act of 2007, to amend the Public Health Service Act regarding residential treatment programs for pregnant and parenting women, a program to reduce substance abuse among nonviolent offenders, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. See. S. 884.

H.R. 970 - On February 8, 2007, Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) introduced H.R. 970, the Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2007, to amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with respect to the distribution of the drug dextromethorphan, and for other purposes. The bill was passed in October. See also S. 1378, S. 2274.

H.R. 1155 - On February 16, 2007, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced H.R. 1155, a bill to amend Title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the exclusion from medical assistance under the Medicaid Program of items and services for patients in an institution for mental diseases (the "IMD Exclusion"). The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 1170 - On February 16, 2007, former Representative Martin Meehan (D-MA) introduced H.R. 1170, the Comprehensive Awareness of Problem Gambling Act of 2007. H.R. 1170 includes a research provision which would require the President to establish a national program of research on problem gambling. The bill would require the President to appoint an advisory commission to coordinate activities of Federal agencies relating to research on problem gambling including the activities of the NIH. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 1199 - On February 27, 2007, Representative Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) introduced the Drug Endangered Children Act of 2007, to extend the grant program for drug-endangered children. The bill passed in September. See S. 1210

H.R. 1200 - On February 27, 2007, Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced H.R. 1200, the American Health Security Act of 2007. The purpose of the bill is "to provide for health care for every American and to control the cost and enhance the quality of the health care system." Of interest to NIH is section 722, which would establish the Office of Primary Care and Prevention Research within the Office of the Director; require the establishment of a data system of information regarding primary care and prevention research that is conducted or supported by the ICs; require the establishment of a clearinghouse to provide information on research and prevention activities of the ICs that relate to primary care and prevention research; require a biennial report on primary care and prevention research; and authorize $150 million for FY 2008, $180 million for FY 2009, and $216 million for FY 2010. In addition, the legislation would amend the authorities of the NIH Director to require that sufficient resources are sufficiently allocated for projects on primary care and prevention research. H.R. 1200 was jointly referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Oversight and Government Reform; and Armed Services.

H.R. 1663 - On March 23, 2007, Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) introduced HR 1663, The Medicare Mental Health Modernization Act of 2007, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand and improve coverage of mental health services under the Medicare Program. The bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 1943 - On April 19, 2007, Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) introduced the Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2007, to provide for an effective HIV/AIDS program in Federal prisons. The bill passed the House in September, and was sent to the Senate, where it is pending before the Judiciary Committee.

H.R. 2073 - On April 30, 2007, Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) introduced the Child Health Care Crisis Act of 2007, to help bring new professionals into the mental health services field. The bill creates educational incentives such as grants, scholarships and loan forgiveness programs to encourage more professionals to enter and remain in child and adolescent mental health. It would also support institutions of higher learning in their efforts to enhance and prioritize children's mental health issues in their curriculum and training opportunities. The bill was referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. See S.1572.

H.R. 2223 - On May 8, 2007, Representative Jon Porter (R-NV) introduced this bill to direct the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to conduct a study on prescription drug take-back programs, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 2425 - On May 22, 2007, Representative John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the Stop Marketing Illegal Drugs to Minors Act, to amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide enhanced penalties for marketing controlled substances to minors. The bill was referred to the Committees on the Judiciary and Energy and Commerce. See S. 1211.

H.R. 2552 - On May 24, 2007, Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY) introduced the Hepatitis C Control and Prevention Act of 2007, to amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, promote and support a comprehensive prevention, research and medical management referral program for hepatitis C virus infection. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. See S. 1445.

H.R. 2645 - On June 11, 2007, Representative William Jefferson (D-LA) introduced the Judicial Initiative Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Improvement Act of 2007, to amend the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 to improve mental health and substance abuse treatment by providing grants for justice system personnel training, treatment programs and diversion programs, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committees on Education and Labor and Judiciary.

H.R. 2647 - On June 11, 2007, Representative William Jefferson (D-LA) introduced the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Juvenile Services Improvement Act of 2007, to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve mental health and substance abuse services for juveniles. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 2900 - On June 29, 2007, Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) introduced the FDA Amendments Act of 2007. The bill passed the House and was referred to the Senate in July. See S.1082.

H.R. 2994 - On July 11, 2007, Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) introduced the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007, to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to pain care. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 3000 - On July 11, 2007, Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced the Josephine Butler United States Health Service Act. Of interest to NIH are provisions that would establish the United States Health Service and a National Health Board. Upon enactment, NIH, AHRQ, ATSDR, CDC, and SAMHSA would be transferred to the National Health Board. It would also establish the following new institutes: National Institute of Epidemiology; National Institute of Evaluative Clinical Research; the National Institute of Health Care Services; the National Institute of Pharmacy and Medical Supply; and the National Institute of Sociology of Health and Health Care. This bill has been reintroduced continually since the 105th Congress. The bill was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means.

H.R. 3014 - On July 12, 2007, Representative Hilda Solis (D-CA) introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2007, to improve the health of minority individuals. Provisions of interest to NIH include a requirement that each Federal health agency develop and implement a national strategic action plan to eliminate disparities on the basis of race, ethnicity, and primary language and improve the health and health care of minority populations through programs relevant to the mission of the agency. NIH-related provisions would amend authorities of the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) to require (1) the Director of the Center, in consultation with the respective Institute and Center (IC) directors or their designees, plan, coordinate, and evaluate research and other activities conducted or supported by the agencies of the NIH and carry out periodic re-evaluations of these activities; (2) annual review and revision of a comprehensive plan and budget for the conduct and support of relevant research; (3) systematic review of research activities, including establishment of mechanisms for tracking minority health and health disparities research conducted within the ICs, with assessments of the appropriateness of such research within the overall goals and objectives of the Plan; and (4) early identification of applications and proposals for grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements supporting relevant extramural training, research, and development that are submitted to the ICs. In addition, provisions would require that the Director, NCMHD, expend all amounts appropriated under section 485E for minority health and health disparities research, in accordance with the section and applicable law and in collaboration with the Director, NIH, and the IC directors. The bill was referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Education and Labor, Natural Resources, and Judiciary.

H.R. 3130 - On July 23, 2007, Representative Darlene Hooley (D-OR) introduced the Enhanced Methamphetamine Treatment Grants Assistance Act of 2007, to amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to provide for enhanced comprehensive methamphetamine treatment services. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 3186 - On July 26, 2007, Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA) introduced the Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act, to understand and comprehensively address the oral health problems associated with methamphetamine use. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. See S. 1906.

H.R. 3187 - On July 26, 2007, Representative Brian Baird (D-WA) introduced the Meth Mouth Correctional Costs and Reentry Support Act, to amend title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to understand and comprehensively address the inmate oral health problems associated with methamphetamine use, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. See S. 1907.

H.R. 3409 - On August 3, 2007, Representative Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX) introduced H.R. 3409, the Place to Call Home Act, to create the conditions, structures, and supports needed to ensure permanency for the nation's unaccompanied youth, and for other purposes. The bill contains a number of provisions related to improving funding and coordination of drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services. The bill was referred to the Committees on Education and Labor, Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Judiciary.

H.R. 3411 - On August 3, 2007, Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) introduced H.R. 3411, the Juvenile Crime Reduction Act, to improve the treatment of young people in the juvenile justice system with mental health or substance use disorders. The legislation would establish a number of grant programs to increase training, technical assistance, and coordination of service providers, including those who provide addiction treatment services, to young people who are involved with the juvenile justice system. H.R. 3411 would establish a number of grant programs aimed at improving services for youth in the juvenile justice system with mental health or substance use disorders. The bill was referred to the House Committees on Education and Labor and Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 3433 - On August 3, 2007, Representative Steven Pearce (R-NM) introduced the Methamphetamine Treatment and Rehabilitation Best Practices Act of 2007, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, to conduct a survey of research available on methamphetamine addiction and treatment. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 3434 - On August 3, 2007, Representative Steven Pearce (R-NM) introduced the Americans Saving through Health Research Bonds Act of 2007. The bill would amend 31 USC 3105 to authorize the Secretary to designate one or more series of health research bonds or certificates (or any portion thereof) to benefit each of the NIH institutes. The Secretary would be required to deduct and withhold ten percent of the amount of any interest payable under any such bond, which would be paid to the designated NIH institute to carry out research activities. It would also be required that the amount of any such payment would not be taken into account in making decisions regarding funds appropriated or otherwise provided to the NIH. The bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R. 3561 - On September 18th, 2007, Representative Gene Green (D-TX) introduced H.R. 3561, the Community Coalitions for Access and Quality Improvement Act of 2007, legislation that would authorize a grant program aimed at better integrating health care delivery. Primarily concerned with expanding and coordinating the delivery of health services, H.R. 3561 seeks to increase access to health care for low-income and uninsured populations. In determining grant eligibility, priority would be given to applicants who seek to expand drug and alcohol addiction and mental health treatment services. The bill was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

H.R. 3656 - On September 26th, 2007, Representative Phil English (R-PA) introduced H.R. 3656, to require states to withhold assistance to applicants for, and recipients of, temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) with respect to whom there is substantial evidence of recent unlawful drug use. The legislation would require states to drug test TANF applicants and recipients suspected of using illicit drugs. The bill was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R. 3749 - On October 4, 2007, Representative Darlene Hooley (D-OR) introduced H.R. 3749, the Methamphetamine Prevention Enhancement Act, to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the establishment of a Drug-Free Workplace Information Clearinghouse, to authorize programs to prevent and improve treatment of methamphetamine addiction, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 3992 - On October 30, 2007, Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2007, to amend Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide grants for the improved mental health treatment and services provided to offenders with mental illnesses, and for other purposes. The bill passed the House in January, 2008. See S. 2304.

H.R. 4129 - On November 8, 2007, Representative Hilda Solis (D-CA) introduced the Homeless Access to Recovery through Treatment Act, to amend the Public Health Service Act to strengthen and expand substance abuse and mental health services to persons experiencing homelessness in the United States. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R. 4232 - On November 15, 2007, Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) introduced H.R. 4232, the Improving the Quality of Mental and Substance Use Health Care Act of 2007, to improve mental and substance use health care in the U.S. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

S. 884 - On March 14, 2007, Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Family-Based Meth Treatment Access Act of 2007, to amend the Public Health Service Act regarding residential treatment programs for pregnant and parenting women, a program to reduce substance abuse among nonviolent offenders, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. See H.R. 405.

S. 980 - On March 23, 2007, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced the Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2007, to amend the Controlled Substances Act to address online pharmacies. The legislation seeks to impose registration and reporting requirements on pharmacies that deliver controlled substances via the Internet. In her comments on the bill's introduction, Senator Feinstein expressed particular concern with the growing problem of prescription drug abuse and addiction. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee, which held a hearing in May, and reported the bill favorably in September. Further Senate action is pending.

S. 1082 - On April 10, 2007, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) introduced S. 1082, The Food and Drug Administration Revitalization Act. The bill is focused primarily on FDA and contains sections regarding user fees and drug safety monitoring procedures. As amended, the bill also contains several provisions of interest to NIH. First, the bill would expand the Clinicaltrials.gov registry to include mandatory reporting of certain drug and device clinical trials. The bill would also require that the ClinicalTrials.gov website provide corresponding linkages to peer-reviewed literature and certain publicly available FDA information regarding the results of those trials. Second, S. 1082 includes provisions to reauthorize the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act. Third, the bill contains provisions to expand research on pediatric devices. Finally, an amendment offered by Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) was added during floor debate, requiring the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to make recommendations regarding oversight and regulation of genetic tests. The Senate passed its bill in May.

S. 1210 - On April 25, 2007, Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) introduced S. 1210, the Drug Endangered Children Act of 2007, to extend the grant program for drug-endangered children. The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, where it is pending. See H.R. 1199.

S. 1211 - On April 25, 2007, Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) introduced the Saving Kids from Dangerous Drugs Act, to amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide enhanced penalties for marketing controlled substances to minors. The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. See H.R. 2425.

S. 1337 - On May 8, 2007, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) introduced the Children's Mental Health Parity Act, to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to provide for equal coverage of mental health services under the State Children's Health Insurance Program. The bill was referred to the Committee on Finance.

S. 1367 - On May 10, 2007, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced the Treatment and Prevention of Methamphetamine Abuse Act of 2007, to amend the Public Health Services Act to provide methamphetamine prevention and treatment services. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

S. 1378 - On May 14, 2007, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced S. 1378, the Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2007, to amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act with respect to the distribution of the drug dextromethorphan, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, where it awaits action. See H.R. 970.

S. 1445 - On May 22, 2007, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) introduced the Hepatitis C Epidemic Control Prevention Act of 2007. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, promote, and support a comprehensive prevention, research, and medical management referral program for hepatitis C virus infection. The bill also would require the Director of NIH to establish a Liver Disease Research Advisory Board, which would be charged with developing a Liver Disease Research Plan. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. See H.R. 2552.

S. 1470 - On May 23, 2007, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced the Drug Free Varsity Sports Act of 2007, to provide States with the resources needed to rid our schools of performance-enhancing drug use. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

S. 1572 - On June 7, 2007, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced the Child Health Care Crisis Relief Act of 2007, to increase the number of well-trained mental health service professionals (including those based in schools) providing clinical mental health care to children and adolescents, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. See. H.R. 2073.

S. 1882 - On July 26th, 2007, Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) introduced S. 1882, the Public Health Preparedness Workforce Development Act of 2007. The bill would create scholarship, loan repayment, and grant programs to recruit and retain public health workers. Intended to increase the ratio of public health workers to the population, S. 1882 would bring doctors, nurses, researchers, technicians, and other medical workers, including those working in the behavioral sciences, into the public health field. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

S. 1906 - On July 31, 2007, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced the Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act, to increase understanding and comprehensively address the oral health problems associated with methamphetamine use. The bill would require the Secretary of HHS to expand and intensify clinical research, health services research, and public health research on associations between substance use disorders, oral health, and the provision of dental care in collaboration with Federal and non-Federal entities. In addition, the bill would authorize funds to carry out this section as well as one that would require SAMHSA to support training of dental personnel to be aware of such findings. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. See H.R. 3186.

S. 1907 - On July 31, 2007, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) introduced the Meth Mouth Correctional Costs and Reentry Support Act., to amend title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to understand and comprehensively address the inmate oral health problems associated with methamphetamine use, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. See H.R. 3187.

S. 2237 - On October 25, 2007, Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) introduced S.2237, a bill to fight crime. The legislation includes several drug-related programs. The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 2274 - On October 31, 2007, Senator Joseph Biden introduced S. 2274, the Dextromethorphan Abuse Reduction Act of 2007, to amend the Controlled Substances Act to prevent the abuse of dextromethorphan, and other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S. 2304 - On November 5, 2007, Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) introduced the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2007, to amend Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide grants for the improved mental health treatment and services provided to offenders with mental illnesses, and for other purposes. The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. See H.R. 3992.