The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has historically been the engine of biomedical innovation and discovery in the United States. Each year, NIH supports research across nearly every state and congressional district, fueling economic growth, training the next generation of scientists, and developing the knowledge that leads to cures and new treatments. 

Congress must act now to ensure NIH has the resources to continue its critical mission. We urge you to reject proposed budget cuts and support increasing NIH funding to $51.3 billion in FY2026, an essential investment to keep pace with inflation, fund urgent medical research, and drive U.S. leadership in health innovation. 

Please help us show support for NIH by sending the letter below to your Member of Congress. You can view and personalize your message on the right side of this page. Thank you! 

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I write today to urge your support for a meaningful increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Fiscal Year 2026 and to reject proposed budget cuts. 

The NIH provides critical support for basic biomedical research, which is the foundation of innovation in public health, biotechnology, and medical technology. In FY2024, NIH research created over 407,000 jobs and generated nearly $95 billion in economic activity. In California alone, NIH funding supported nearly 9,000 research projects, including almost 400 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.  

SBIR/STTR programs provide critical support to early-stage life science companies and serve as a vital lifeline, often helping attract additional private investment. Startups and small companies are an engine of growth and invest heavily in research and development (R&D) and the breakthrough ideas that lead to new treatments and cures. 

Despite these benefits, NIH’s budget has remained stagnant for two years and is not keeping pace with inflation. Meanwhile, other nations’ governments are investing heavily in R&D and China could soon surpass the United States as the world leader in biomedical innovation. To maintain the U.S. leadership in science and global health preparedness, I urge you to support increasing NIH funding to $51.3 billion in FY2026 and reject any budget cuts. 

This investment will strengthen our innovation ecosystem, support scientific breakthroughs, and help develop the next generation of treatments and cures. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to public health and research. 

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the FY26 appropriations process, and I reiterate my support for increasing funding for this critical agency.