Make Your Voice Heard Now
Unfortunately, I’m beginning my letter with troubling news out of Washington, D.C. A leaked document indicates that the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget could propose slashing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget by $41 billion, or approximately one-third.
This draft from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposes cutting NIH’s budget by approximately 43% ($20 billion), the CDC’s budget by 44%, and FDA’s budget by 16%. Proposed funding for AHRQ, ARPA-H, and BARDA is complicated by restructuring and remains unclear. Additionally, the draft budget would collapse 27 NIH institutes and centers into eight, with several institutes and centers eliminated entirely.
It’s important to keep in mind that the president’s budget may differ from the OMB proposal, although we do not anticipate major changes. It’s also important to keep in mind that the president’s budget itself is a proposal. Congressional appropriations committees work to determine the funding levels for federal agencies and programs, informed–but not dictated–by the administration’s request. Once Congress determines appropriations, like all legislation, it is sent to the president for their signature.
The president has made it clear he will “make America safer, healthier, and more prosperous than ever before.” Cutting NIH’s budget by nearly half would make that an empty promise. Take action. Using this editable email, urge your members of Congress to increase funds for our health and research agencies, not undermine those agencies (the email template focuses on NIH, but edit at will!).
Yes, I’ve said this pretty much every week this year, and I’m saying it again: 92% of the public wants the president and Congress to deliver faster medical progress. But that statistic doesn’t have its own voice; we have to deliver the message! In the words of the former U.S. House Appropriations Chair and Research!America Board Chair, John Edward Porter (R-IL):
“You can change the image of what is to come, but you can’t do it sitting on your hands!”
On The Hill: As noted above, the president’s budget is part of an appropriations process that is already in full swing. Research!America has created a tracker to help you stay on top of congressional deadlines for FY26 appropriations requests.
The Senate Appropriations Committee will hold the first in a two-part, bipartisan hearing series titled “Biomedical Research: Keeping America’s Edge in Innovation,” led by Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA). The first hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, at 10:30 a.m. ET, will feature testimony from researchers and other stakeholders. A second hearing, date TBD, will include administration officials. Watch the first hearing here.
Organizations or individuals wishing to submit a statement for the record must send it to a committee member and request that it be submitted. All submissions must be in a single PDF document, no longer than 10 pages, including any supplementary materials.
An Important Report: A recent report from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) reinforces the significance of U.S. R&D investment. The report includes recommendations for the U.S. to remain competitive, particularly against China, in the biotechnology enterprise. The NSCEB calls for a minimum of $15 billion over the next five years to encourage greater private capital investment in the biotechnology sector to secure our nation and our prosperity. Access the NSCEB’s report and recommendations here.
Annual Meeting: Have you registered for our annual meeting, an alliance member-only event taking place on Thursday, April 24, 1 to 2:15 p.m. ET? NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya will deliver the keynote address, Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) will participate in a fireside chat, and President and CEO of the Genetic Alliance, Sharon Terry will speak to what is fundamentally most important about medical and health research: its impact on patients (and we are all patients). If your organization is a Research!America member, check your inbox for registration information or reach out to Samantha Miller.
Join Our Member-Only Meetings: Today, our alliance members had an important discussion with Cartier Esham, the executive director of the Alliance for a Stronger FDA. As previously noted, the proposed OMB budget would cut the FDA budget by more than 15%. The recently reported HHS reduction in force and reorganization plan set in motion a staff cut of 3,500 employees. Cartier helped give shape to the potential impact of these developments and outlined the Alliance’s work to raise awareness about FDA’s critically important role in advancing the health, security, and prosperity of the American people. Here is a terrific “FDA 101” primer the Alliance put together.
Join us on Tuesday, April 22, at noon ET for a virtual alliance member-only discussion featuring Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Dr. Marrazzo will share insights from her time at the helm of NIAID and discuss current and emerging priorities in infectious disease research, allergy and immunology, and other critical areas of scientific progress. If your organization is part of the Research!America alliance, watch your email for the Zoom link or email Jacqueline Lagoy.
Research Universities: Universities are in the news as federal support for research is threatened. What do Americans think about the role of these institutions in research? According to Research!America’s recently commissioned survey, 8 in 10 Americans approve of federal spending to sponsor basic research at universities. Additionally, the vast majority (86%) of respondents say universities are important in the development of new treatments and cures.
Join us today: To say “there is strength in numbers” understates the significance of the size, geographical reach, and multi-sector composition of our alliance in amplifying our impact on and off Capitol Hill. If your organization is not yet a member of Research!America, the membership process is simple and the benefits are great. (Am I biased? Yes, but still.) Apply for membership online or email Senior Director of Membership and Development Kristen Furlong.