Tuesday, December 4, 2001

Probably one of the most significant days for NIH and me regarding the budget of the institution. Word was that the “pass back” for NIH would be $0.5 billion, which would be devastating for NIH (no new initiatives and $275 shortfall on Type 5s). I entered into intensive negiations with Tommy Thompson over a 2-3 hour period in his office during which time he frequently called the White House discussing our negotiations. The bottom line is that Tommy and the President wanted to give the NIH a pass back that I would be able to publicly defend to the constituents, the Press, and the Congress. I laid down some strict conditions of this support. It was $2.0 billion for NIH excluding bioterrorism. I calculated that it would take $1.3 billion to reach current services, $200 million for maintenance of campus (including security). This would leave about $500 for new initiatives. On top of that I needed 1.0 billion for bioterrorism. They wanted to know my opinion of whether the constituents would accept this “almost” meeting the doubling trajectory. I told Tommy to tell the President that I would definitely defend this pass back since it actually was a great deal given the constraints on budget due to the demands of the war and the bioterrorism (BT) defense. I gave him my word that I would support him and the President. Tommy also informed me that a few people in OMB were very pissed off at me because I testified at the 2 Senate Hearings (especially the Specter Appropriations Hearing) that we needed $200 million more in FY2002 for BT. He also re-affirmed that Sen. Brownback was not in favor of my nomination for NIH Director because he felt that I was too liberal and he wanted his candidate who is Bob Redfield, a born-again Christian. Tommy said that the President wanted me , but was getting pressure from the far right. I am perfectly comfortable with this situation. I am what I am. Take me or leave me. I am happy with what I am doing now.