Henrico Times

Congressman Rob Wittman of Virginia has urged the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to reconsider proposed funding caps on facilities and administrative research costs. In a letter addressed to Acting NIH Director Matthew Memoli, Wittman expressed concerns about the potential economic and research-related impacts of a 15 percent cap on NIH grant recipients in Virginia and nationwide.

"NIH grants to these institutions support post-graduate and doctoral student research – the backbone of the future medical research and patient care workforce," stated Congressman Wittman. He highlighted that such funding is crucial not only for academic advancement but also for local economies reliant on infrastructure supporting this research. "I know we share the same acknowledgement of the importance of robust NIH funding for research institutions that are developing the breakthrough therapies, pharmaceuticals, and technologies needed to address our country’s acute medical challenges."

Wittman's advocacy emphasizes the significant role NIH funding plays in maintaining innovation, ensuring that Virginia and America remain leaders in medical advancements. Earlier this month, he supported Virginia Commonwealth University in its efforts to secure continued federal grant funding for its RTR Teacher Residency Program.

Virginia's research institutions received nearly $600 million in federal research and development funding during fiscal year 2024, benefiting over 127,300 undergraduate students and 43,000 graduate students. A cap on NIH funding could lead to a $109 million reduction in research expenditures across Virginia, affecting major institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Virginia Tech.

In his letter to Memoli, Wittman detailed how these caps would impact jobs and local economies dependent on these institutions. "The effects of a 15 percent cap would lead to job loss and economic strife for local economies that are supported by these institutions," he wrote.

Virginia's largest research entities account for over $2 billion annually in research expenditures. If implemented, the proposed caps would result in significant financial losses: VCU could lose $25.9 million annually while Virginia Tech might face a $13 million annual reduction.

Wittman concluded his letter by expressing willingness to collaborate with NIH to find cost-saving measures without compromising support for grant recipients.