The Results Are In
Research!America just released our 25th annual poll data summary, and the results are in: America Speaks! provides a look at the findings of recent research and public health-focused surveys. We know from experience that policymakers respond to — and make use of — these findings. We hope you will share the data far and wide in your advocacy and public engagement efforts.
One of many compelling results included in this new resource: An overwhelming majority (92%) of Americans — Republicans, Democrats, and Independents — believe the president and Congress should elevate the priority of ensuring faster medical progress.
This striking statistic was at the center of a community sign-on letter sent to appropriations leadership earlier today in support of NIH funding. Thank you to the 500 organizations and 2,355individuals who joined this letter. If you signed on and want to take your advocacy a step further, send it to your elected representatives and share why NIH funding matters to you. Use this editable email to make your voice heard.
On the Hill: Speaking of funding for research, the Trump Administration released concerning new details in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request it issued late last week. The “skinny” budget sent to Congress in May did not include funding levels for the FDA (we now know the White House proposes cutting federal funding for the FDA by 12%, while also proposing an increase of 4% in industry user fees). The newly issued budget request provides more details on the proposed reorganization of the NIH. You can read Research!America’s press statement on the latest budget request here, which has been quoted widely by CNN, STAT+, Inside Higher Ed, The Hill, and Science (subscription may be required).
The Impoundment Threat: Recent reports indicate the White House may withhold federal funds if appropriators allocate more than what is proposed in the President’s FY26 budget request beginning October 1. That would lock in the drastic cuts proposed for the NIH, NSF, and other research agencies and programs across the federal government. One of the questions on the table is whether this threat is real or simply a negotiating tactic on the part of the Trump Administration. In practice, advocates cannot afford to treat any threat as hollow. Instead, we need to keep making the case that regardless of which party is in the majority, Americans expect their leaders to capitalize on U.S. science and technology capacity, not starve and, in that way, squander it.
Next Week on the Hill: On Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. ET, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the NIH, will testify before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on LHHS to review the President’s FY26 budget request for the NIH. You can watch the hearing here.
Indirect Costs: An informal coalition exploring refinements to NIH indirect cost reimbursements has released recordings of two town hall meetings held in May. (Watch the video recordings here.) Both webinars highlight the on-the-ground significance of ensuring that grant funding supports both the direct and indirect costs associated with conducting research. They are amply worth the watch!
NSF Budget: The Science and Technology Action Committee (STAC) released a statement expressing serious concerns about the administration’s proposed 56% cut to NSF and deep cuts to other science funding. Americans across every state and in every community will feel the negative effects of the proposed cuts. If enacted, these cuts will make it impossible to maintain our nation’s excellence in science and technology (S&T). We urge Congress to fund R&D at the level needed to sustain our global leadership.
The State of the Science Address: National Academy of Sciences President and STAC member Marcia McNutt delivered her second annual State of the Science Address, expressing grave concerns that the U.S. is ceding leadership in S&T and offering recommendations for strengthening our nation’s scientific enterprise. The address was followed by a panel discussion that delved into steps we can take to sustain our edge in S&T. It was a packed house; if you missed this event, watch the recording here.
Alliance Member-Only Discussion: The pace of R&D-relevant developments on and off of Capitol Hill shows no signs of slowing. If you are with a Research!America alliance member, join us for an update on the latest. On June 10 at noon ET, Clay Alspach, Principal at Leavitt Partners, and Steven Grossman, President at HPS Group, will help us navigate it all. For Zoom registration, please email Jacqueline Lagoy. This meeting is not open to the press or organizations outside the Research!America alliance.
Join Research!America: If you haven’t already, join our multi-sector alliance! The membership process is straightforward, the benefits are compelling, and your participation informs and intensifies our community’s influence on and off Capitol Hill. Email Senior Director of Development and Membership Kristen Furlong for more information.