Stand with Science: Restore and Uphold NIH Research Grants, Restore Staffing

Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you to take immediate legislative and litigation action through allies to restore vital research grants to the NIH, recently blanket terminated by its Director Robert F Kennedy Jr. In addition to grants working on vital viral research and the long-term effect of Covid 19, the number and scope of this vital work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) numbers over 900 research grants. Many of which focused on critical issues related to LGBTQ+ health, gender identity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This reckless move jeopardizes vital scientific research and poses a severe threat to public health. The abrupt cancellation of multimillion-dollar, multi-year grants has already disrupted ongoing studies, forcing researchers to lay off staff and shutter projects aimed at improving health outcomes for marginalized communities. This assault on scientific inquiry is not only unethical but also unconstitutional. The NIH's actions appear to be driven by an ideological agenda rather than scientific evidence, undermining its mission to seek fundamental knowledge and enhance human health. Terminating grants based on topics or populations that the fringe zealots of this administration "disfavors" is a blatant violation of academic freedom and the principles of independent scientific inquiry. I urge you to take immediate action to restore the terminated grants and prevent further cancellations. Protecting the integrity of biomedical research and ensuring equal access to quality healthcare for all Americans should be a top priority. Science, not politics, must guide the allocation of research funding. The NIH's arbitrary actions threaten to reverse decades of progress and exacerbate health disparities for vulnerable groups. As our Congressional representatives, you have a responsibility to safeguard the public interest, safety and uphold the constitutional rights of researchers and institutions. Restore the grants, stand with science and public safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter.