Battacharya Defends NIH Budget to Senate Appropriators

On May 21, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) defended the NIH fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget request before the Senate Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee. During the hearing, Bhattacharya fielded concerns from both sides of the aisle about the Trump Administration’s proposed 12 percent cut to the agency (see analysis).

In her opening remarks, Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) voiced her support for NIH-funded research, and highlighted the importance of cancer research and supporting rural communities. When remarks turned to Ranking Member Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), the Senator pressed the Director on the Trump Administration’s termination of NIH grants, reductions in force (RIFs), and the slowed release of grants out of the agency. She stated that the cost of the President’s budget request would be “fewer treatments and cures, lost loved ones, and an entire generation of scientists gone.” Further, Ranking Member Baldwin raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s multi-year funding plan, citing that it has “locked away $2.5 billion” that could have otherwise funded research grants this year.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), who serves as the Chair of the full Appropriations Committee, echoed these concerns, and expressed disappointment that the Trump Administration once again included a proposal to cap indirect research costs despite Congress blocking a similar proposal last year. When questioned by the Senator for more details on the proposal, Bhattacharya argued that the current system does not allow for smaller universities and colleges to compete for research grants but stopped short at providing a more in-depth look at the proposal.

On the other side of the aisle, Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) slammed the proposed budget, stating, “I hope this committee rejects that request and works to make sure that we provide opportunity for Americans when it comes to biomedical research.” In response to her concerns, Bhattacharya reaffirmed the agencies’ commitment to supporting health research across the country and argued that the funding cut was necessary to “right size” the federal budget.

A recording of the hearing can be found here. Stay tuned to COSSA’s continued coverage of the appropriations process.