Research is essential for the United States to remain a world leader in the development of health advances. The benefi ts of research extend beyond healthy citizens. Research improves our nation’s productivity, increases employment, and improves the fi nancial well-being of our citizens. More progress must be made, both in understanding disease processes in order to develop cures and in bringing these advances to everyone. I congratulate the American Thoracic Society on this book, which highlights many of the advances that recent research has brought about and demonstrates the value of working together to improve the lung health of Americans
