Senate Panel Critiques NIH Grant Freezes and Proposes Amendment for Timely Funding
July 31, 2025 | Appropriations: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations convened on July 31, 2025, to discuss the Full Committee Markup of the Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Acts. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the funding and management of biomedical research grants, particularly those administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The session began with Senator Durbin addressing the committee about the urgent need for timely disbursement of NIH funds. He expressed frustration over the cancellation or freezing of numerous grants, citing the University of Alabama Birmingham, which faced 28 awards totaling $23 million that were affected this year. Durbin emphasized the potential impact on families and research efforts, particularly in critical areas such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Durbin proposed an amendment aimed at reinstating all grants and awards since January 20, 2025, and ensuring their timely disbursement, except in cases of financial mismanagement. He argued that the current situation creates chaos and uncertainty for researchers, undermining their confidence in federal support.
Senator Capito responded, acknowledging the frustrations but cautioning against the broad nature of Durbin's amendment. She noted that it could lead to confusion and suggested that each administration should have the flexibility to adjust funding priorities. Capito urged her colleagues to vote against the amendment, highlighting the need for a more targeted approach.
Senator Murray supported Durbin’s amendment, criticizing the administration for terminating thousands of grants without clear justification. She called for the committee to assert itself to ensure that communities receive the funding they were promised.
The discussions underscored a bipartisan concern regarding the management of federal research funding, with committee members expressing a shared interest in supporting biomedical research while also recognizing the complexities involved in grant administration. The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution on the proposed amendment, indicating ongoing deliberations on how best to address the funding challenges facing critical research initiatives.
The session began with Senator Durbin addressing the committee about the urgent need for timely disbursement of NIH funds. He expressed frustration over the cancellation or freezing of numerous grants, citing the University of Alabama Birmingham, which faced 28 awards totaling $23 million that were affected this year. Durbin emphasized the potential impact on families and research efforts, particularly in critical areas such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Durbin proposed an amendment aimed at reinstating all grants and awards since January 20, 2025, and ensuring their timely disbursement, except in cases of financial mismanagement. He argued that the current situation creates chaos and uncertainty for researchers, undermining their confidence in federal support.
Senator Capito responded, acknowledging the frustrations but cautioning against the broad nature of Durbin's amendment. She noted that it could lead to confusion and suggested that each administration should have the flexibility to adjust funding priorities. Capito urged her colleagues to vote against the amendment, highlighting the need for a more targeted approach.
Senator Murray supported Durbin’s amendment, criticizing the administration for terminating thousands of grants without clear justification. She called for the committee to assert itself to ensure that communities receive the funding they were promised.
The discussions underscored a bipartisan concern regarding the management of federal research funding, with committee members expressing a shared interest in supporting biomedical research while also recognizing the complexities involved in grant administration. The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution on the proposed amendment, indicating ongoing deliberations on how best to address the funding challenges facing critical research initiatives.
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