With appropriations season underway on Capitol Hill, ACG is again renewing efforts to ensure Congress knows why it’s essential to reject the latest proposed National Institute of Health (NIH) cuts.
In its annual budget this April, the Trump administration proposed cutting NIH funding to $41.47 billion — a decrease of $4.8 billion compared to FY 2026. We are grateful that Congress rejected a similar proposed cut last year, before passing an NIH budget with an increase of $216 million in funding.
ACG members: urge Congress to reject the proposed NIH cuts before appropriations decisions are finalized!
🔎 Appropriations Committee Spotlight
ACG President William D. Chey, MD, MACG: “We Cannot Afford a Lost Generation of Physician Researchers”
Earlier this week, before the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing on NIH funding, ACG President William D. Chey, MD, MACG urged Congress to ensure our country retains its title as the world’s leader in biomedical research.
In his testimony, Dr. Chey explained the harmful effects of recent changes to grant processing and funding that NIH has already implemented, and how further cuts would make this damage permanent. As division chief of gastroenterology, he also shared his perspective on the potential harms on the next generation of physician researchers:
“I asked several applicants with impeccable research pedigrees why they did not want to pursue a career in research. They universally cited uncertainty and unacceptable levels of risk as key variables in their calculus … We cannot afford a lost generation of physician researchers.” – ACG President William D. Chey, MD, MACG
Then, on Thursday, during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, ACG was encouraged to hear Senators from both parties directly echo many of our concerns and sharply question NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD about the administration’s proposed cuts.
Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME): [This proposed budget would] “undermine the foundation of our nation’s global leadership in biomedical research and technological innovation”
“There are some budget issues that I find to be inexplicable in some ways, and I do want to discuss some of those with you today. In fiscal year 2025, the NIH awarded more than $120 million in grants and contracts to entities in my home state of Maine. This funding directly supported 1,378 jobs and more than $280 million in economic activity. I mentioned that because there is an economic impact to the research that we’re doing, as well as an impact on the health and well-being of Americans.” – Sen. Susan Collins
Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA): “NIH funding level is not just a number on a page”
“The NIH funding level is not just a number on a page. It really determines how much we can fund opportunities to discover the next lifesaving cures, whether it’s for cancer, or Alzheimer’s, or diabetes, and so much more—and that’s why so many of us have fought so hard to boost NIH funding.” – Sen. Patty Murray
📢 ACG Governors Take Action, Explaining the Impact of Biomedical Research on Patients and Local Economies
Renewing our successful advocacy efforts from last year, the ACG Governors are again sending letters to key Senators and House Representatives who oversee funding for the NIH.
In their letters, the ACG Governors emphasized the importance of biomedical research, both for our patients and on the economies of states and local communities. They also highlighted several active GI research projects on issues like colorectal cancer, gut microbiomes, liver disease, and more. So far, we have received many positive responses from congressional staffers.
As a sample, here is the letter ACG Governor for West Virginia Justin Kupec, MD, FACG sent to Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Chair of the Senate Labor-Health Appropriations Subcommittee. Similarly, ACG Governor for Alabama Mohamad Eloubeidi, MD, FACG sent a letter to Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Chair of the House Senate Labor-Health Appropriations Subcommittee.
Interested to see what research the NIH funds in your community? Use the agency’s tool to learn more.
🚨 ACG Members, Now It’s Your Turn! Tell Your Members of Congress to Reject NIH Funding Cuts and Support Critical GI Research
As Dr. Chey warned in his Senate testimony, Congress must act now, before the question of American scientific leadership answers itself. The damage already underway at NIH is real, and further cuts would make it permanent.
NIH-funded research touches every state and every Congressional district. A hampered NIH could mean fewer breakthroughs in colorectal cancer screening, IBD treatments, and gut health — fewer answers for the patients who need them. That’s why your member of Congress has a direct stake in this fight, regardless of where you practice.
As physicians and GI providers, ACG members have the unique perspective Congress needs to hear. Please take action today by calling your representatives and ensuring Congress supports NIH funding that meets or exceeds FY 2026 levels.