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Press Releases
Wittman Advocates for Virginia Research Institutions to Receive Critical Federal Medical Research Funding
Washington,
March 20, 2025
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) continued his advocacy for Virginia’s research institutions, including the many world-class research universities across the Commonwealth, by urging the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to reconsider proposed funding caps on facilities and administrative (F&A) research costs. In a letter to Acting NIH Director Matthew Memoli, the congressman emphasized the devastating economic and research-related consequences of the proposed 15 percent cap on NIH grant recipients across Virginia and the nation. “NIH grants to these institutions support post-graduate and doctoral student research – the backbone of the future medical research and patient care workforce,” said Congressman Wittman. “This funding also supports local economies whose contractors and businesses support the infrastructure needed for 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. I look forward to working with NIH to attain cost savings while ensuring the continued support of NIH grant recipients.” Congressman Wittman’s advocacy underscores the vital role NIH funding plays in sustaining innovation and ensuring Virginia and America remains a global leader in medical advancements. Earlier this month, he advocated on behalf of Virginia Commonwealth University to ensure their successful RTR Teacher Residency Program, which trains future teachers dedicated to serving their communities, can reapply to continue receiving federal grant funding. Virginia’s research institutions received almost $600 million in federal research and development funding in fiscal year 2024, directly supporting more than 127,300 undergraduate and 43,000 graduate students. A cap on NIH funding would result in a $109 million loss in research expenditures across the Commonwealth, hitting institutions like Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Virginia Tech especially hard. Read the full letter here and below. Acting Director Matthew Memoli National Institutes of Health 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892 I write to you with concerns about the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) decision to cap facilities and administrative (F&A) research costs for NIH grant recipients in Virginia and across the country. I deeply respect and appreciate NIH and the Trump administration’s desire to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and to ensure the efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars. However, the effects of a 15 percent cap would lead to job loss and economic strife for local economies that are supported by these institutions. Virginia’s largest research institutions collectively account for over $2 billion in research and development expenditures annually. In fiscal year 2024, those institutions received nearly $600 million in grants from NIH. However, if the caps at NIH are implemented, they would lose a combined $109 million in research funding. The impact created by these caps on Virginia would be dramatic and immediate. For example, Virginia Commonwealth University, a leader in medical research for cancer and substance use, would lose $25.9 million annually. Virginia Tech, my alma mater, would stand to lose $13 million annually for its research programs that address children’s health, heart disease, and brain disorders. 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. I look forward to working with NIH to attain cost savings while ensuring the continued support of NIH grant recipients. Should you have any questions, please reach out to my Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-4261. Respectfully, Robert J. Wittman Member of Congress ### |