SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.), along with 12 other Republican senators, have reached out to Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget. They are urging for the release of funds allocated to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), emphasizing their importance in advancing President Trump's health-related objectives.

The letter emphasizes the necessity for the administration to implement the Fiscal Year 2025 Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act. Signed into law earlier this year by President Trump, this legislation includes vital funding for NIH projects targeting various research areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and rare pediatric disorders.

The senators expressed concerns over the slow disbursement of these funds, which they believe could jeopardize critical research and related jobs in America. "Suspension of these appropriated funds - whether formally withheld or functionally delayed — could threaten Americans' ability to access better treatments and limit our nation's leadership in biomedical science," they stated.

In their communication, they also highlighted a shared commitment with Secretary Kennedy and Director Bhattacharya to ensure that NIH funds are utilized responsibly. They emphasized that awards should be based on transparency, scientific merit, and alignment with national interests. The letter stresses that withholding these funds could undermine public trust in NIH's work focused on real-world impact.

Joining Senators Sullivan and Britt in this initiative are Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kans.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Full text of the letter can be found here.