The National Caucus of Basic Biomedical Science Chairs was formed in 1991 to address key issues related to biomedical science and health research, as conducted by the nation's medical schools and other academic and research institutions. The organization consists of the presidents and other officers of the national associations of the medical school chairs of basic biomedical science departments. We represent the faculties of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Neurobiology, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology, or their equivalents. We have particular interests in the sustained growth of the NIH budget, to assure that good ideas providing breakthroughs in the prevention or treatment of disease are funded. Thus, we wish to maintain our nation's leadership in scientific discovery and improvements in the quality of life. Such endeavors will also assure our nation's future economic competitiveness.