I am writing to urge you to support robust, sustained funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the FY2027 appropriations process.

NIH-funded research is the foundation of medical innovation in the United States, supporting discoveries that improve and save lives. A significant portion of this work depends on responsible and humane animal research, which remains essential for advancing treatments for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, infectious diseases, and many other serious conditions.

Recent budget proposals that reduce or constrain NIH funding threaten to slow the pace of scientific progress. Flat or reduced funding, especially when adjusted for inflation, means fewer research grants, delayed breakthroughs, and increased competition that sidelines promising studies.

Animal research plays a critical role in the development of new therapies and vaccines. While scientists continue to invest in alternative methods, there are still no complete substitutes for many complex biological systems. NIH already enforces strict ethical and welfare standards, ensuring that animal research is conducted only when necessary and with the highest level of care.

I respectfully urge you to:

• Support strong, sustained funding increases for NIH
• Oppose cuts that would undermine biomedical research capacity
• Ensure that policy decisions continue to be guided by scientific expertise

Maintaining U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation and delivering new treatments to patients depends on a stable and predictable NIH budget.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,