Urgent Opposition to NIH’s Indirect Cost Reimbursement Cuts

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the National Institutes of Health’s (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. I urge you to take immediate action to block this unlawful policy and uphold Congress’s authority over federal spending. NIH’s Policy Violates Congressional Mandates: Congress has explicitly prohibited NIH from altering indirect cost reimbursement rates without legislative approval. Since 2018, annual appropriations bills have included provisions barring such unilateral changes, ensuring that research institutions receive funding necessary to sustain their infrastructure. By capping indirect cost reimbursements at 15% - far below the 27-28% average - NIH is directly violating congressional intent and disregarding federal budget restrictions. This overreach sets a dangerous precedent and undermines Congress’s constitutional authority over appropriations. The Impact on Research and Innovation: 1. Threat to Medical Advancements - Research institutions across the country rely on NIH funding for critical work in cancer, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and emerging public health threats. Slashing indirect cost reimbursements will force institutions to cut research capacity, delay clinical trials, and lay off essential personnel. 2. Severe Economic Consequences - NIH funding supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide and contributes billions in economic activity. Cutting these funds will weaken the nation’s research infrastructure, eliminate high-paying jobs, and reduce America’s global competitiveness in biomedical innovation. 3. A Dangerous Executive Overreach - NIH’s decision blatantly ignores congressional spending directives and defies years of legislative intent. If this is allowed to stand, other federal agencies could unilaterally rewrite funding agreements, bypassing Congress and undermining democratic oversight of taxpayer dollars. Congress must immediately intervene to stop this unlawful policy before irreparable damage is done. I urge you to: 1. Hold NIH accountable for violating federal appropriations law and demand the immediate rescission of the 15% cap. 2. Support legislative action or appropriations riders explicitly reaffirming Congress’s control over NIH’s funding structure. 3. Encourage DOJ oversight to ensure NIH does not exceed its statutory authority. The NIH’s actions threaten medical progress, economic stability, and the integrity of congressional authority. Protecting this funding is not just a scientific issue - it is a matter of national security, economic competitiveness, and public health. Thank you for your leadership on this urgent issue. I look forward to your response and to seeing Congress act to restore proper oversight and protect research institutions nationwide.