Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act

Great Seal of the United States (obverse)

Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act (Public Law No: 113-94) is a significant piece of legislation in the United States that was enacted to prioritize funding for pediatric research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This act is named in honor of Gabriella Miller, a young advocate for pediatric cancer research who passed away from brain cancer at the age of ten. The law aims to redirect funds from political conventions to pediatric research initiatives, specifically focusing on diseases such as cancer, autism, and other genetic conditions affecting children.

Background

Gabriella Miller was a passionate and vocal advocate for pediatric cancer awareness and research funding. Her diagnosis and subsequent activism brought national attention to the lack of funding for pediatric cancer research. Following her death in October 2013, there was a significant push from the public and lawmakers to increase funding for research into pediatric diseases and conditions.

Legislative History

The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS) and had bipartisan support. The act proposed to eliminate federal funding allocated for political party conventions and instead redirect those funds to the NIH for pediatric research. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives in December 2013 and by the Senate in March 2014. President Barack Obama signed the act into law on April 3, 2014.

Provisions

The key provision of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act is the reallocation of funds previously used for political conventions to the NIH. Specifically, it authorizes $12.6 million annually for ten years to support pediatric research initiatives. This funding is managed by the Common Fund at the NIH, which is dedicated to supporting transformative research projects that can potentially benefit multiple diseases and conditions.

Impact

The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act has had a significant impact on pediatric research funding in the United States. By providing a dedicated source of funding, the act has enabled the NIH to launch and expand research projects focused on understanding and treating conditions that affect children. One of the notable initiatives supported by this act is the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program, which aims to accelerate discoveries in pediatric cancer and structural birth defects by facilitating access to genetic data.

Criticism and Support

The act received widespread support from pediatric research advocates, healthcare professionals, and the public. However, some critics argued that the amount of funding redirected by the act was insufficient to meet the extensive needs of pediatric research. Others expressed concern about the precedent of reallocating funds from one public sector to another, suggesting that a more sustainable funding model should be developed for critical research areas.

Conclusion

The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act represents a pivotal step towards enhancing pediatric research in the United States. By reallocating funds to support critical research areas, the act honors Gabriella Miller's legacy and underscores the importance of investing in the health and future of children. While challenges remain in ensuring adequate funding for pediatric research, the act has set a precedent for prioritizing children's health in federal research funding.