The NIH funds research in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, supporting more than 400,000 scientists at 2,400 research institutions across the U.S. For every $1 of NIH funding, more than $2 in local economic growth is generated. Yet, despite finding revolutionary disease interventions, exploring hypotheses that private entities are unwilling to explore, and funding growth in the economies of every state, the NIH seeks to impose a cap on funding. Specifically, a 15% cap on facilities and administrative (F&A) cost reimbursement, or “indirect costs,” for all grantees, replacing the rates individually negotiated by institutions.

This proposed arbitrary cap threatens the future of biomedical research and innovation, as these necessary resources cover utilities, facility maintenance, library services, and administrative support essential for research. In 2018, a cap on F&A reimbursements was first proposed. To protect this funding, language prohibiting the administration from making changes to F&A cost rates was added to Section 224 of the Labor-HHS- Education Appropriations Bill. This language and policy remain in place.

We need you to urge your lawmakers to protect Section 224 and support the future of critical biomedical research! Sending a message through the Legislative Action Center takes just a moment- act today!