; a new, shorter course treatment regimen (3HP) reduces the length of treatment for LTBI from every day for 6 to 9 months to one dose per week for 12 weeks, increasing likelihood of treatment completion; and the use of blood-based diagnostic tests, Interferon-gamma release assays or IGRAs, increases ability to detect LTBI among patients in affected communities. 782. Additional funding for States in combating and eliminating tuberculosis Section 317E(f) of the Public Health Act ( 42 U.S.C. 247b6(f) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (3) Additional funding for States in combating and eliminating tuberculosis In addition to amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out sections 247–b(1)(2)(3) for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2021. . 783. Strengthening clinical research funding for tuberculosis (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall expand and intensify support for current and prospective research activities of the National Institutes of Health, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Tuberculosis Elimination to develop new therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines, and other prevention modalities in addressing all forms of tuberculosis (in this section referred to as TB ). (b) Included research activities Research activities under subsection (a) shall include— (1) research to develop novel, safe drugs and drug regimens for the treatment of TB, including in adolescent and pediatric populations and in pregnant and lactating women; (2) research to develop rapid diagnostic tests for all forms of TB, including diagnostics that can be used for pediatric populations and people living with HIV, diagnostics that can detect extra pulmonary TB and drug resistance, and diagnostics that can be used at the point of care