The National Children's Study -- created by Congress in 2000 with the goal of tracking environmental effects on the health of approximately 100,000 children from before birth to age 21 -- isn't funded in the Bush administration's upcoming budget. So programs ramping up to enroll kiddie participants are wondering if the study is going to happen at all.

From a to-the-point story from Lois M. Collins with Deseret News:

The president's 2007 budget proposal not only didn't fund the study but actually directed it to be closed down. Congress responded with strong language from both the House and Senate indicating avid support for the study. But Congress hasn't actually committed a penny yet in future funding.

"They've implied provision (for the study) but didn't say what that will be," said National Children's Study director Dr. Peter Scheidt. "So we've responded by preparing to do both."

If the president's language and budget are adopted, he said, "we're obligated to terminate our efforts." If Congress comes through, "we're preparing to go forward."