Earlier this month at the National Institute of Health (NIH), President Bush gave a speech on a truly important topic: the increase in funding for cancer research since 2001. The increase has been about 25 percent since 2001, and that is fairly substantial. In Bush's own words:

"We're up about 25 percent or 26 percent since 2001; it's a commitment that I made when I first came to Washington; it's a commitment we're keeping. And the reason why it makes sense to spend taxpayers' money on cancer research is that we can make some good progress, and have."

With all the talk of how President Bush has been slashing scientific funding left and right, it's good to know that he still recognizes the need for cancer research, right?

Well I would love to be able to tell you Bush isn't lying this time but unfortunately, it is a bold faced lie.

Dr. Timothy Johnson, ABC News' medical editor, informed anchor Charles Gibson that the total budget for the NIH has indeed increased by $1.2 billion since 2001. Unfortunately for Bush, the majority of that money was due to an initiative put into place by President Bill Clinton, not George W. Bush.

Dr. Johnson further informed viewers that in fact, Bush cut the NIH budget last year, and more cuts for this year are planned as well. The 2007 budget for the NIH appears to have cuts at around $40 million, quite a large sum considering Bush's speech touting his increases since 2001, or shall we say Clinton's increases.

I could express how angry I am that Bush is cutting cancer research funding, but I think Dr. Johnson puts it into a nice calm form without expletives for me: "I think it's a real tragedy that we are cutting the budget for the National Cancer Institute at a time [when] we're on the verge of many exciting discoveries."

Bush has requested many cuts in budget for health care services and research across the board. These cuts don't just affect cancer research, but other amazing research opportunities, and scientists across America are feeling the cuts right in the work place. HIV research is affected, as is any research using stem cells, which has been affected by Bush's practical ban on the practice. Thankfully, some states, including California, are passing legislation to continue funding such research.

So, what can you do here in Seattle and at the UW to contribute to try and stop this? Well, unless you have millions of dollars to fund research, you can start by writing politicians and President Bush himself to show your concern over these cuts.

Another great thing you can do is volunteer for studies. The thought of being a guinea pig is a little scary, and any involvement with a research study should be discussed with your doctor, but there are very amazing opportunities in Seattle to contribute in this way.

Through our own University and local Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center you can participate in research for an HIV vaccine. Recent statistics from the World Health Organization indicate that in about 25 years, AIDS will join heart disease and stroke as one of the leading causes of death globally.

I myself became a volunteer for the HIV vaccine research a while back despite my hatred of needles and found it to be a fulfilling experience. A few seconds of discomfort is the least you can do to help stop HIV. Did I mention that you also get paid to volunteer your time with them? There's absolutely no risk of contracting HIV, so if you are between 18-50 years of age and in good health, go to http://www.seattlevaccines.org or call (206) 667-2300.

So until UW students become politicians ourselves or have millions of dollars to donate to research, stand up and do what you can. Bush has made it very apparent by his cuts and lies that he has no intention of giving a hoot about research, so do what you can to counteract his ineptitude. Call politicians, volunteer your time and resources to worthwhile research and make sure your voice is heard.

Reach columnist opinion@thedaily.washington.edu.