Dear ASTMH Member,
Congress faces a March 14 deadline to finalize fiscal year (FY) 2025 spending legislation to prevent a government shutdown. It is imperative to advocate for robust NIH funding in the final appropriations package as negotiations continue.
In addition, on February 7, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued new guidance capping indirect cost rates at 15% for all new and existing grant awards, effective February 10, 2025. As you are aware, indirect costs are essential for covering overhead, facilities, and administrative expenses that enable researchers and institutions to advance their scientific projects. While the policy is currently being litigated in the courts, if upheld, these cost reductions could severely disrupt the scientific research community and impede progress.
Please take a moment to contact your Members of Congress to:
- Oppose the NIH's 15% Cap on Indirect Costs: Urge them to facilitate prompt and full reimbursement on existing awards and to support legislative measures that prevent the implementation of this detrimental policy.
- Ensure Robust NIH Funding in FY 2025: Urge for at least a $1.77 billion increase for NIH in a final FY 25 spending measure, as proposed in the bipartisan Senate FY 2025 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill.