Yesterday, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) voted for the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2017, which authorizes $4 million in annual research grants for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the next four years to study the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of congenital heart disease. More than 1.3 million Americans have some form of a congenital heart defect, which can lead to heart disease without treatment. February is also American Heart Month, a federally designated event, that aims to raise awareness and educate Americans about the risks of heart disease and how to prevent it. 

“Most of us know someone who has been affected by heart disease, stroke, or other cardiovascular complications,” said Rep. Peters. “Investing in NIH research can help accelerate groundbreaking discoveries and improve the lives of millions of Americans and people worldwide that are affected by heart disease. San Diego also receives more NIH funding than any other metropolitan region in the country, so this boost supports the life-saving treatments developed here and fuels San Diego’s innovative research industry.”

The bill also requires the NIH to report to Congress their ongoing research efforts, future research, and their areas of greatest need within one year of the bill’s enactment.