1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) decision to slash indirect cost reimbursements for research grants, a move that will have devastating consequences for biomedical research, public health, and the economy. As a concerned citizen and advocate for scientific advancement, I urge you to take immediate action to reverse this harmful policy. The NIH has historically reimbursed research institutions for indirect costs, which cover essential expenses such as laboratory space, utilities, compliance with safety regulations, and administrative support. These funds are not discretionary but necessary to sustain the infrastructure that makes cutting-edge research possible. The abrupt reduction of these reimbursements from an average of 27-28% to a flat 15% will leave universities and medical research centers scrambling to cover billions of dollars in lost funding. This policy shift will have severe consequences: 1. **A Blow to Medical Advancements** – Universities and research institutions will be forced to reduce research capacity, delay or halt projects, and lay off critical personnel. This will slow progress in areas such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and rare diseases, directly impacting patient care and future medical breakthroughs. 2. **Economic Damage to Florida and the Nation** – NIH funding supports more than 14,000 jobs in Florida alone and contributes nearly $2.78 billion in economic activity. Cutting these funds will not only result in job losses but also diminish the economic and technological competitiveness of the United States in biomedical innovation. 3. **A Dangerous Precedent** – The justification that NIH should align with private foundations’ lower indirect cost rates is flawed. Private foundations operate differently and rely on federally funded infrastructure. Reducing NIH’s contribution would shift the financial burden onto institutions that are already struggling with tight budgets. 4. **Threat to Research Leadership and Global Competitiveness** – At a time when nations like China are investing heavily in scientific research, this decision will weaken America's standing as a global leader in medical innovation and discovery. The impact of these cuts will not just be felt today but will have long-term repercussions for the next generation of scientists and medical professionals. Congress has rejected similar cuts in the past, recognizing their potential harm to U.S. research institutions and public health. I urge you to take a stand against this policy and advocate for its immediate reversal. Protecting NIH funding is not just a matter of scientific progress—it is a matter of national security, economic stability, and, most importantly, saving lives. Thank you for your time and commitment to the well-being of our nation’s research community and public health. I look forward to your response and to seeing you take action on this urgent matter.