A bipartisan group of over 50 senators and 160 members of the House of Representatives submitted letters to Senate (PDF) and House (PDF) Appropriations Committee leadership urging support for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding as part of the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations process. The Senate Dear Colleague Letter, led by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), requested appropriators “maintain a strong commitment” to funding for the NIH in FY 2026. The House Dear Colleague Letter, led by Reps. André Carson (D-Ind.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), called on appropriations leadership to provide “at least $51.3 billion” for the NIH’s foundational work in FY 2026. The House recommendation aligns with the FY 2026 funding recommendation set forth by the AAMC-convened Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research [refer to Washington Highlights, April 11].
- Washington Highlights