It took five extra months, but Congress has finally completed work on FY 2022 spending. This means greater certainty for medical and materiel research funding supported by the Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs, included congressionally directed programs that support the work of Duke Health providers and researchers. Notably, the VA’s Medical and Prosthetic Research Program received a $67 million boost to its budget, totaling $882 million, for the current fiscal year. The increase reflects bipartisan support within Congress and priorities of the Biden administration to improve Veterans’ access to essential benefits and services, including continuing education, employment opportunities, and physical and mental healthcare.

Questions about these or other policy issues, please contact James Tucker at james.l.tucker@duke.edu