DeGette, Amo, Sanchez, Fletcher, and Houlahan Urge NIH to Reverse Research Funding Cuts
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01), Ranking Member of the Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee, along with Reps. Gabe Amo (RI-01), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) led 149 Members on a letter to the Acting Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Matthew Memoli, in response to the Agency’s decision to slash research funding.
“Slashing this funding means cutting financial support for the construction and maintenance of laboratories and high-tech facilities; energy and utility expenses; and the essential safety, security, and other support services researchers need to perform their work. Indirect costs make research possible. Without fair reimbursement for indirect costs, research institutions may be forced to close laboratories, lay off staff, stop clinical trials, and pause research programs. This will force Americans to go without lifesaving and life-extending treatments,” the letter reads.
Today’s letter comes after the NIH announced it would set a 15% cap on facilities and administration costs for research at universities and medical centers. Currently, NIH funding helps cover essential overhead costs for biomedical research to find breakthroughs in diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
The letter continues, “We are encouraged that a federal judge has issued a temporary order halting this controversial decision. However, the uncertainty and disruption caused by these irrational decisions highlight the need for the NIH to immediately rescind this guidance on indirect costs and refrain from taking unilateral action on payment for indirect costs in the future.”
The Members concluded the letter by posing the following questions:
1. What measures has the NIH taken to thoroughly assess the impact of capping indirect cost payments?
2. Were alternative solutions considered that would allow for budgetary savings without compromising research institutions’ ability to conduct research?
3. How does the NIH plan to address concerns from research institutions about potential layoffs and halted studies caused by the new indirect cost rate?
4. How will significantly reducing funds available to maintain critical laboratory infrastructure impact the overall quality and progress of biomedical research and innovation in the United States?
Read the full letter here.
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