The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) praised policymakers after they introduced a new medical research line item to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program that would enhance arthritis research funds under the Department of Defense’s (DoD) National Defense Authorization Act for the 2024 fiscal year. The ACR noted that although the DoD had provided financial support through its Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, funding for arthritis research has not historically been guaranteed. Following advocacy efforts to acquire funding to advance the understanding of arthritis risks, outcomes, and treatments, appropriations leaders in the House of Representatives acknowledged the necessity of arthritis research with $10 million in annual funding. The ACR hopes that the new funding can help reduce the cost of arthritis care and inspire the development of novel therapeutics for patients with the condition in the armed forces and the general population. “This funding is critical to advancing arthritis research and I’m optimistic that we will see the impact and benefits of this investment for years to come,” concluded Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, President of the ACR.