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Tom Reed announced his co-sponsorship of the bipartisan Kids First Research Act of 2013, a bill that invests $130 million in scientific research for pediatric diseases and disorders like autism, juvenile diabetes, and children’s cancer. The bill prioritizes funding for pediatric research by eliminating taxpayer financing of presidential campaigns and party conventions.

“Putting medical research at the top of the congressional priority list is right and appropriate,” Reed said. “Investing $130 million in additional research dollars so that we can better care for children could mean medical breakthroughs and most importantly, it could mean finding cures. We will continue to engage in this conversation of how to prioritize federal dollars and will fight for fair and efficient use of taxpayer dollars, putting our children first.”

The Kids First Research Act of 2013 eliminates the Presidential Election Campaign Fund (PECF) not used by presidential candidates and taxpayer dollars previously financing the Republican and Democratic party conventions. The remaining $130 million from the fund would expand pediatric research through the National Institutes of Health.

“We’re happy to partner with organizations like Autism Speaks, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National Fragile X Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the National Down Syndrome Society in support of this bill,” Reed continued. “Improving the quality of life for these children and prioritizing their health above political campaigns is something we can all come together to support.”

Reed said more than 100 bipartisan co-sponsors have signed onto the bill that is slated to come to the House floor for a vote this month.

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