Dr. Francis Collins, new director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), spoke to reporters about a number of issues including the mission of the NIH, translating medical research into better care, and the relationship between drug companies and the government. He also said he would press Congress for more stable funding of the agency, which had a budget of $30.9 billion. Additionally, he addressed concerns about his faith as an evangelical Christian, saying that he would approach the new position as a scientist.