REPS. VELÁZQUEZ, MORELLE, GOLDMAN, TONKO, CALL OUT NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH FOR DEVASTATING CUTS TO GRANT FUNDING
Today, Representatives Nydia Velázquez (D, NY-7), Joe Morelle (D, NY-25), Dan Goldman (D, NY-10), and Paul Tonko (D, NY-20) led a bipartisan and bicameral group of New York delegation colleagues in sending a letter to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criticizing their decision to drastically reduce grant funding for “indirect costs.” The new cap of 15 percent would create significant shortfalls for NIH-sponsored research institutions and universities across the country, including many in New York State.
“Indirect costs are a necessary component of federally funded research, ensuring that institutions can provide the necessary support for high-quality research without placing an undue financial burden on the researchers themselves,” wrote the Representatives and Senators in their letter. “We strongly urge you to rescind this decision and work with Members of Congress to ensure that any proposed changes lead to more jobs for the American people and more cutting-edge research that allows the United States to remain at the forefront of scientific progress and advancement.”
Kenneth E. Raske, President of the Greater New York Hospital Association, said: “Very simply, the ‘indirect’ costs being slashed are essential to the research enterprise. In New York alone, a 15% indirect cost cap will cut NIH grant funding to entities such as academic medical centers and cancer centers by a staggering $850 million. That will cripple their ability to conduct cutting-edge, lifesaving research for future generations. New York’s entire hospital community thanks Rep. Morelle, Rep. Goldman, Rep. Tonko, and Rep. Velázquez for standing up to this reckless attack on scientific research and medical innovation.”
Jonathan Teyan, President and CEO of the Associated Medical Schools of New York, said: “The cuts to NIH facilities and administration costs would immediately and immeasurably harm academic medicine in New York State. Research at our medical schools supports 17,000 jobs and contributes more than $3.4 billion annually to the state’s economy. Moreover, the breakthroughs achieved by our scientists in understanding and treating disease improve lives. The Associated Medical Schools of New York (AMSNY) is pleased to see our representatives take action to reverse these cuts and protect biomedical research in New York.”
On Saturday, February 8th, NIH announced they would limit funding for “indirect costs” to 15 percent of grants. Indirect costs are designed to help compensate institutions for maintaining buildings and equipment, paying support staff, and managing other overhead expenses—funding necessary for conducting vital research. New York State is the second leading recipient of NIH funding, with $3.6 billion in 2024. The medical schools collectively employ more than 62,000 people and contribute $3.4 billion to the NYS economy.
Read the full text of their letter here.
Other members joining the letter are: Senators Chuck Schumer (D, NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D, NY); Representatives Yvette Clark (D, NY-9), Adriano Espaillat (D, NY-13), Andrew Garbarino (R, NY-2), Laura Gillen (D, NY-4), Tim Kennedy (D, NY-26), George Latimer (D, NY-16), Mike Lawler (R, NY-17), John Mannion (D, NY-22), Greg Meeks (D, NY-5), Grace Meng (D, NY-6), Jerry Nadler (D, NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D, NY-14), Josh Riley (D, NY-19), Pat Ryan (D, NY-18), Tom Suozzi (D, NY-3), and Ritchie Torres (D, NY-15).
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