; and (B) identifying risk factors and the underlying biological mechanisms associated with leading causes of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the United States, including cardiovascular disease, infection and immunity, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, and mental and behavioral health. (b) Implementation The Director of the Institute may award grants or enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transactions to carry out subsection (a), including with researchers from racial and ethnic minority groups (as defined in section 1707(g)(1)). (c) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $53,400,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2031. .