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During her lengthy tenure in Congresswoman Roybal-Allard’s office, Debbie has been a strong supporter of the behavioral and social sciences. The Congresswoman is a senior member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the NIH and NCHS. Debbie has supported and submitted NIH population report language, submitted questions to key Administration officials representing NIH and CDC during subcommittee hearings, and supported PAA funding requests. In 2013, when NIH was threatening to withhold support for health economics research, Debbie worked with PAA, APC, and AEA to draft and circulate a “Dear Colleague” letter to then NIH Director Francis Collins. The letter, which was signed by over 80 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, encouraged the NIH to sustain its support of health economics research, resulting in NIH adopting a less restrictive stance and continuing its support. Thank you Dr. Jessup! 

Since 2004, Congressman Butterfield has represented the First Congressional District of North Carolina—a district that includes portions of the research triangle area. For many years, he has served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which as oversight authority of the NIH. Throughout his career, Congressman Butterfield has been a strong supporter of the NIH and NSF. He leads the annual “Dear Colleague” letter encouraging consistent, robust increases in funding for the NSF. Further, he signs similar letters in support of the NIH. He is an original founder of the bipartisan Social Determinants of Health Congressional Caucus. Congressman Butterfield is retiring from Congress in 2022. Congratulations and thank you to Congressman Butterfield!

The other winners of the 2022 Excellence in Public Service Award were Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Senator Shelby (R-AL). Their awards will be presented at a later date.