I write to you today because I know you care deeply about the health and well-being of your constituents. I am very concerned about the recent policy that limits NIH (National Institutes of Health) grant funding of indirect costs to a fixed 15%.

Research is key to finding a cure for diseases that impact the life expectancy and quality of life of millions of Americans. This shift in policy will render countless research projects at hundreds of medical and academic institutions financially infeasible to continue. This includes research related to cystic fibrosis, cancer, heart disease, and every other disease.

As I am sure you know, indirect costs are unavoidable with medical research. Indirect costs may include those related to maintaining the lab, utilities, administrative functions, the handling of biochemical and biohazard waste, and specialized facilities required when dealing with hazardous pathogens or animal research. These costs will vary dramatically based on the specific research project. As such, the rate has historically been negotiated for each grant. To limit all awards to a set 15% will cripple many institutions’ ability to support vital research projects as there will be no way to absorb the additional costs. 

I wish you good health. I encourage you to reverse this policy so that life-saving medical research can continue, bringing new therapies and cures to all Americans.