GW signed an open letter coordinated by the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research that requested members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee block budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health.
The letter — signed by hundreds of organizations, universities and individuals in the medical and research community — states the signatories are “deeply concerned” President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which would cut NIH funding by $18 billion, reverse progress in research combating Alzheimer’s, cancer and the opioid crisis. According to the letter, The cuts would be an act of national “self-defeat” because they would “choke off” American research and development.
Officials announced Thursday that they had signed the letter in their weekly federal updates email to community members.
“The letter underscores the critical role of NIH in driving medical innovation, improving public health, and fueling economic growth nationwide,” the email states.
The cuts to the NIH are a part of the Trump’s administration’s broader proposed cuts of $160 billion to non-defense discretionary spending to reduce alleged inefficiency and waste in the federal government. The cuts also come after the termination of hundreds research programs this year and a proposed NIH cap of 15 percent for indirect costs, a measure that was blocked by a federal judge in February.
“We respectfully request that you reject any cuts to NIH and instead work with the Administration on a different path forward, one that sets the stage for unprecedented medical progress as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary,” the letter states.
The letter states NIH funding has had a positive economic impact on the United States, enabled medical research breakthroughs and made America a global leader in medical research. The letter deduces that by cutting funding, the Trump administration would make America more dependent on other nations for medical and technological advances.
The letter also states that medical research is broadly supported by American society, citing a survey from the advocacy group Research!America, which found nine out of 10 Americans want to continue support for medical research.
“Americans clearly don’t want the Administration or Congress to turn their backs on medical progress; they want their elected leaders to dramatically accelerate it,” the letter states.
Instead of cutting NIH programs, the letter recommends a “bold” funding level of $51.3 billion in federal funding for American research to “keep pace” with scientific opportunities and health needs. The letter also states the consignors would be willing to cooperate with Congress and the Trump Administration to facilitate the “restructuring” of the NIH to accommodate concerns.
“It speaks to the opportunity to shatter the boundaries of medical progress and empower more Americans to leave illnesses behind. It would be our privilege to work with you and with the Trump Administration to advance this vision,” the letter states.
