Don't Cap NIH Indirect Funding

I’m writing to urge you to support NIH and NSF funding and to immediately reverse the Trump administration’s decision to cap NIH indirect costs at 15%. This decision will cause a massive funding shortfall at research institutions across the country, including your district, forcing layoffs, reducing support staff, and jeopardizing critical scientific research. Indirect costs aren’t wasteful. They pay for essential infrastructure, maintenance, and support staff to ensure that research can happen. This sudden change undermines years of financial planning and creates a devastating budget crisis overnight. NIH and NSF funding doesn’t just support scientific progress—they fuel the U.S. economy. Every $1 NIH invests results in $2.46 of economic activity. NIH-funded research has led to significant breakthroughs that improve human health. In 2023 alone, NIH funding supported over 400,000 jobs and generated nearly $93 billion in economic activity. Cutting indirect costs will mean fewer jobs, fewer discoveries, and a weakened global standing in science and innovation. Please publicly oppose this NIH policy change and work with Congress to reverse it. I also ask that you support robust funding for NIH and NSF to protect the future of American scientific research and its economic benefits. Can I count on you to take action?