Deadline Approaches to Fund NIH in FY2026

Congress has until Sept. 30 to pass federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriation bills to keep the government open, including legislation to fund research at NIH. ACR® members can make a difference by taking action now, urging their representatives to prioritize NIH funding, and express how a loss of funding would harm radiology research to the detriment of patients. The call to action also presents the opportunity for members to urge lawmakers to oppose the president’s FY 2026 budget proposal, which includes significant cuts to biomedical research funding.

House appropriators — lawmakers responsible for establishing funding levels — plan to release their version of the NIH appropriations bill early in September. The timing to connect with appropriators is urgent as final funding details are being drafted. 

Senate appropriators released their FY 2026 NIH funding bill July 31. The Senate bill includes $48.7 billion for NIH, representing a $400 million increase compared to FY 2025 appropriations. The House and Senate must agree on funding allocations for federal agencies or pass a continuing resolution to keep the government open by Sept. 30. 

For more information, contact Katie Grady, ACR Government Affairs Director.