AFIP Update April 5, 2007
We have some good news to report! The language below regarding the AFIP was inserted into the emergency supplemental appropriations bill as a manager's amendment and was agreed to by voice vote late last night.
The final bill passed the Senate this morning with a vote of 51 to 47. Senator Kennedy's staff has asked us to pass along a thank you to everyone for all of your hard work and commitment to this issue. We couldn't have gotten this far without everyone pulling together. Clearly, our calls and letters to the Senate have made a difference.
As we head into conference the CAP will continue to update you on a regular basis. If you have any questions please contact Rebecca Spangler at rspangl@cap.org.
Sec. ___Notwithstanding any other provision of law, none of the funds in this or any other Act shall be used to reorganize or relocate the functions of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) until the Secretary of Defense has submitted, not later than December 31, 2007, a detailed plan and timetable for the proposed reorganization and relocation to the Committees on Appropriations and Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives. The plan shall take into consideration the recommendations of a study being prepared by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), provided that such study is available not later than 45 days before the date specified in this section, on the impact of dispersing selected functions of AFIP among several locations, and the possibility of consolidating those functions at one location. The plan shall include an analysis of the options for the location and operation of the Program Management Office for second opinion consults that are consistent with the recommendations of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, together with the rationale for the option selected by the Secretary.
April 5, 2007
Dear AANP Members:
Many pathology organizations, including the AANP, have been working to save the AFIP and its invaluable tissue collection. Relevant correspondence may be found below.
The Senate recently passed a bill supporting the AFIP, and a similar bill will be pending in the House. We have therefore been asked to have all our members contact their congressional representatives on behalf of the AFIP. In particular, we are asked to send copies of the bipartisan letter that was sent to the Honorable William Winkenwerder, Jr by the AANP, USCAP, ASIP, etc. That letter is at the bottom of the letters below, and is also attached to this e-mail for your convenience. You may print out the letter and fax or mail the paper copy, or just e-mail the letter directly. The names, addresses, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses of your congressional representatives may be found at this website: http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/.
The letter and the link to addresses will also be posted on the AANP website.
Sincerely,
Barbara J. Crain, M.D., Ph.D.
President, AANP
Link to Bipartisan Form Letter