Going for Gold
The Winter Olympics are wrapping up this weekend and people around the world are keeping a keen eye on the international competition and how countries are faring in the medal count. There is another ongoing international competition. Our recently released 2026 survey found that 9 in 10 Americans say it is important for the U.S. to be a global leader in science and technology. In the same survey, 71.5% of Americans say they are concerned that China could surpass the U.S. as the world’s leading S&T power. To illustrate this competition, watch this short video from our Americans for Medical Research campaign. Advocacy that leads to public and private investment, discovery, and innovation is a sure-fire way to ensure that the U.S. wins that race.
FY27 Appropriations: On the funding front, it looks likely that the president’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget proposal will not be released until mid-March or even early April. The congressional appropriations process is nonetheless shifting into high gear, with deadlines for providing input on funding priorities approaching in some congressional offices. Keep up-to-date on office appropriations request deadlines with our tracker.
The House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, which writes that committee’s funding proposal for NIH, CDC, AHRQ, and other key research and public health agencies, is holding a “Member Day” on Thursday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m. in Rayburn 2358-C. The hearing is open to any House member who would like to make the case for their funding priorities. Have you asked your representative in the House to be there, making the case for research funding? Use this editable “action alert” email to make that request. The current email focuses on NIH, but you can modify it to promote their participation in support of other agencies as well.
Organizational Sign-on Opportunities: Research!America is a signatory on the following letters, and as always, we will keep an eye out for other sign-on opportunities to pass along to you:
- NIH: The Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research is circulating an organizational sign-on letter in support of a $4.1 billion increase in the NIH budget in FY27, exclusive of ARPA-H funding. Review the Q&A and sign on here. The deadline for signing is Feb 27.
- AHRQ: AcademyHealth is circulating an organizational sign-on letter in support of a $155 million increase in the AHRQ budget in FY27. Read the letter and sign on here. The deadline for signing is Feb. 27.
- ARPA-H: An informal coalition of organizations interested in ARPA-H advocacy is circulating an organizational sign-on letter in support of a $200 million increase in the ARPA-H budget, in a manner that supplements, rather than supplants, other NIH funding. Sign on here. The deadline for signing is March 3.
Focus on FDA: On Tuesday, Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) released a report outlining 15 recommendations to modernize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The report highlights the success of programs such as the Oncology Center of Excellence and urges similarly innovative approaches.
Leadership Changes at CDC and NSF: NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has taken on a second role, that of CDC’s acting director. Reportedly, the former CDC Acting Director Jim O’Neill will be the president’s nominee to head the NSF.
Engaging Hearts: you won’t regret taking the couple of minutes required to read this Salt Lake Tribune op-ed, a powerful testimony to the significance of U.S. investment in medical research. A mother in Utah speaks to the role of research in saving the life of her then 2-year old daughter and — because of research — she is eagerly awaiting a new baby. Consider sharing your story of hopes realized thanks to research with your local news organization. See our resource for writing a letter-to-the-editor, use the resources provided by The OpEd Project, or connect with our Senior Director of Communications Glenn O’Neal and we’ll help!
…And Minds: Join Research!America for a special Zoom discussion on Thursday, Feb. 26 from noon to 1 p.m. ET. I will share findings from our newly released 2026 National Public Opinion Survey, mentioned at the start of this letter. The survey highlights new, noteworthy, and in several cases, surprising insights on Americans’ views about science and medical research. The event is open to all without charge. Register here.
Leadership Panel: We are just a few weeks away from our 30th annual Advocacy Awards, on March 10, 4 to 7 p.m. ET at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Last week I highlighted our first panel; our second panel will discuss leadership during a time of change. Board member and American Psychological Association Chief Executive Officer Arthur Evans Jr., Ph.D. will moderate a panel of honorees including: Dr. Nora Volkow, Dr. Arthur Rubenstein, Dr. Gerald Chan, Sr. Nicholas Wald, DSc (Med), and Dr. Richard Johnston Jr. Read more about all the honorees here and register here.
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