Roller Coaster of a Week
It’s been an eventful week-plus in Washington, with NIH very much in the spotlight. If this letter has a roller coaster feel to it, that’s because it’s an apt description of current events.
On the Hill:
(Really) Good News: On July 24, Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) and 13 other influential Republican senators sent a letter to Russ Vought, Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), calling on the administration to spend FY25 appropriated funds for the NIH. Millions in appropriated funds for the NIH have been withheld or delayed since the start of the year.
“We are concerned by the slow disbursement rate of FY25 NIH funds, as it risks undermining critical research and the thousands of American jobs it supports,” the letter states. “Suspension of these appropriated funds – whether formally withheld or functionally delayed – could threaten Americans’ ability to access better treatments and limit our nation’s leadership in biomedical science.” The letter gives advocates a reason for optimism as advocacy for research funding gains momentum. Read the letter here.
Concerning Development: Days later, OMB sent instructions to NIH directing them to stop issuing grants altogether. Fortunately, that directive was reversed.
Important Appropriations Progress: Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee marked up its Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) bill, recommending a net $400 million increase for the NIH. The Senate markup contained essentially flat funding or modest cuts for other research and public health research agencies (e.g., CDC would receive a cut of $70 million or ~1%.) More details on those numbers in next week’s letter. Here are links to the bill text and report language.
Our nation must – and with advocacy will – do far more to bolster funding for NIH, CDC, and our nation’s science and public health infrastructure as a whole. But given that the president’s budget request recommended an $18 billion cut to NIH, a $4.9 billion cut to CDC, a $600 million cut to ARPA-H and the de-funding of AHRQ, the bipartisan Senate results are encouraging. We are particularly grateful to Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME), Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), LHHS Subcommittee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Ranking Member Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) for their leadership and commitment. Read our press statement here. The next step for this bill is full Senate consideration.
The House is expected to take action on its version of the FY26 LHHS bill when lawmakers return to Washington in September. With just weeks remaining before the Sept. 30 fiscal year deadline, the need for robust advocacy continues. Use our editable email to urge your members of Congress to reject proposed budget cuts and protect the future of life-saving scientific and health research. Do this in August while members are back home listening to constituents; and then keep it up in September.
Key Inclusions: The Senate’s appropriations bill would continue to block the administration from changing how NIH reimburses the indirect costs of research. It would also stop the administration from moving forward with its plan to “forward-fund” up to 50% of certain grants in FY26. Long story short, if the administration was permitted to take this step, there would be a dramatic drop in the number of grants funded in FY26. The Senate bill would help prevent that sudden drop in research support.
CDC Director: On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Dr. Susan Monarez as Director of the CDC in a 52–47 party line vote. Dr. Monarez previously served as Deputy Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). She is the first CDC Director to be confirmed under a 2023 law requiring Senate approval. Dr. Monarez holds a PhD in microbiology and immunology and brings a strong background in biodefense and cross-sector innovation to the role.
Alliance Member-Only Meeting…A Challenge Issued: Join us next Tuesday, Aug. 5, at noon ET for a Research!America alliance member-only meeting when we’ll cover recent and potential developments in Washington, including the possibility of another rescissions package potentially sending FY25 research funding back to the federal treasury. We’ll also introduce our August Advocacy Challenge, a fun and flexible way to take action whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned pro. To RSVP, members should email Jacqueline Lagoy for the Zoom registration link.
The National Health Research Forum: Mark your calendars for Research!America’s 30th Annual National Health Research Forum, taking place virtually on Sept. 3 and 10, and in person on Sept. 17. This year, we’re introducing a dynamic new format that will provide actionable insights and foster collaborative discussions into critical health and scientific challenges facing the country as we explore this year’s theme: The Pulse of Progress. Registration and agenda information will be available in early August. Stay informed about the 2025 National Health Research Forum here.
Interested in supporting this event? Please contact Kristen Furlong to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Last Chance to Nominate A Champion: Time is running out to submit your nominations for our 2026 Advocacy Awards. The deadline is tonight, July 31, at midnight. The Advocacy Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose commitment to advocacy for research and innovation has advanced medical, public health, and scientific progress in profoundly important ways. Please review the award descriptions and submit your nominations now.