Earmark funds to support the development of a liquid bandage that could save soldiers on the battlefield is money well spent, U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson said during a UNMC Delegates event on Thursday.
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U.S Sen. Ben Nelson speaks at Thursday’s UNMC Delegates event. (David Hussey) |
During Thursday’s Delegates event, Dr. Carlson presented to approximately 75 people about the research.
“Mark Carlson is possibly the most important person in this room today because of the work he’s doing to help save the lives of our service men and women,” Nelson said after Dr. Carlson’s presentation.
During Thursday’s event, Nelson was praised by UNMC Vice Chancellor for External Affairs Bob Bartee for helping secure more than $55 million in earmark funds for the medical center during the past six years.
“Imagine the headlines in the Omaha World-Herald if a private donor gave that much money to UNMC,” Bartee said. “But Sen. Nelson has quietly, without much fanfare, targeted support for UNMC that benefits all Nebraskans.”
The earmark process, Nelson said, is an appropriate use of such money for the health of the nation and its economy.
The senator said he will continue to pursue earmark funding in a transparent manner to support worthy projects that keep Nebraska competitive nationally.