This teleconference was a timely discussion on the current status and overview of the National Children's Study (NCS), why the study is important to organizations that work with children, and information about the ongoing legislative efforts that hope to restore funding for the NCS.

We will post resources mentioned on this call as soon as they are available.  Please feel free to email the presenters with questions of how to phrase letters to congressional leaders, information on priorities, etc:

Jo Merrill, jmerrill@marchofdimes.com
Karen Hendricks, khendricks@aap.org
Phil Landrigan, phil.landrigan@mssm.edu

The Specter-Harkin Amendent, referred to on the call, has passed:  Debate over the 2007 Budget Resolution resulted in a 73-27 vote in favor of an amendment proposed by Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA).  The Specter-Harkin Amendment will provide an additional $7 billion for health, education, and labor programs above the president's budget request, and is critical for the funding of the National Children's Study.  The House will begin debate over the Budget Resolution the week of March 27th. 

The National Children's Study Progress: A Funding Update, a periodic update posted at NCS_Study_Assembly@List.NIH.gov from the NCS Study Assembly housed at NIH. 

Recent news articles on the future of the NCS, from Environmental Health News.

Response Letter (PDF) to the Senate Appropriations Committee, drafted by the Institute for Children's Environmental Health (ICEH), signed by organizations and individuals around the country, requesting to restore funding for the NCS.

We appreciate any feedback you have about these resources.  Please email Julia Vashavsky, CHE Program Associate, with questions or comments.