Captured in Quotes
Let me sum up what’s about to happen on Capitol Hill in four words: “Home for the holidays.”
This week, Senate leaders continued working toward passing a five-bill “minibus” package inclusive of Defense (which allocates funding to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs), Labor-HHS (NIH, CDC, AHRQ, BARDA, and other health agencies), and Commerce, Justice, Science (NSF and other science agencies). As of this writing, the Senate was still trying to determine whether it can move this Senate-only package before departing Washington. House and Senate appropriations leaders are expected to continue negotiating over the break.
All of this signals increased momentum. Let’s make sure plenty of emails about the importance of funding for NIH, NSF, and other research and public health agencies are waiting for members of Congress in January: Use the editable message in the box below to reach your representatives’ inboxes. The current text focuses on NIH; don’t hesitate to modify it for other key agencies.
Important Reads (Trust Me)
There’s a lot to take in right now re: NIH and NSF. A partial list:
- A Congressional Research Service brief on changes in NIH funding and grants policycovering the drop in NIH grants in FY25, the status of indirect cost reimbursement, the likely impact of multi-year funding, and more.
- A report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation making the case for increased NIH investment.
- An NSF request for information (responses are due by Jan. 20) about a new initiative focused on investing in public-private sector technology partnerships. A webinar about the initiative will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2 to 3 p.m. ET (register here). Of note, it appears to be modeled on DARPA and other “ARPAs.”
- The deadline for responding to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s request for information is fast approaching: Dec. 26.
Speaking of “ARPAs”
Research!America and 127 other organizations joined in a letter to Appropriations Labor-HHS Subcommittee leaders making the case for 1) sustaining ARPA-H funding; and 2) doing that in a manner that does not supplant other NIH funding streams. Both points are important: NIH and ARPA-H deliver for the American people and should be funded accordingly.
Advocacy in a Quote
Among the most inspiring and engaging facets of our Americans for Medical Research campaign are stories from people who care about research and the progress it brings. The image shown here features a quote from a mom in North Carolina. If you review these additional quotes and think, “these are inspiring and engaging,” you are not alone.
Headlines and highlights from Americans for Medical Research feature several news stories around the country about the importance of medical research funding. Use these quotes and articles in your advocacy efforts!
Also Worth Your Time
Here are a few additional items of interest:
- The House and Senate passed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the president is expected to sign the bill into law. As outlined in this terrific American Institute of Physics summary, the final bill includes several highly S&T-relevant provisions.
- Join us for a special alliance member-only meeting focused on recent developments at the FDA, as well as the appropriations state of play, on Thursday, Jan. 8, at noon ET. Email Jacqueline Lagoy to register.
- If you’re looking for something inspiring to watch over the holidays, consider Cracking the Code, a film about Dr. Phil Sharp’s rise from a rural farm boy with dyslexia to a Nobel Laureate whose discovery of RNA splicing launched a biotech revolution.
Inspiration
Last evening, I had the honor of attending a dinner hosted by the Rita Allen Foundation. During her remarks, Foundation President Elizabeth Good Christopherson said: “Science pursues the implausible all the way to transformation.” Her words not only beautifully describe what science can achieve, but what advocacy for science can achieve.
Earlier this year, an onslaught of grant terminations and other rapid-fire changes created an extraordinarily challenging environment for American science. But coming together, we took action, even when accomplishing our goals felt implausible. And we have been making strides forward, even if incremental. As someone who has lived and breathed advocacy for longer than I care to mention, thank you for what you are doing for science and advocacy for science.
Support Our Advocacy Work
With your support, Research!America is working every day to ensure our nation’s discovery, development, and innovation ecosystem not only survives, but thrives. Your support is crucial to ensuring that medical and public health progress remain a national priority. Donate now.
Thank You
The entire Research!America team is grateful for your partnership. We wish you a joyful – and restful – holiday season. After a short break, we will return on Jan. 8 with new content to support your advocacy.