Senate Committee Hearing Covers Concerns Related to Biomedical Research

The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations held a bi-partisan hearing April 30, for researchers and stakeholder groups — including organizations and associations that advocate for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, such as the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) — to discuss the importance of U.S. biomedical research for the nation’s health and economy. “Biomedical Research: Keeping America’s Edge in Innovation” was part one of a two-part hearing led by committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA). 

The hearing provided an opportunity to discuss the necessity of increased funding to the U.S Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service and their programs in fiscal year (FY) 2026. Participants also voiced concern regarding the president’s leaked budget proposal, which includes a 44% funding reduction to NIH. Federally funded contributions to medical research were given as examples of products of research investments, including the development of technologies used in medical imaging. Witnesses and members of the committee described cases of funding that are at risk of being paused, delayed or terminated, including to cancer centers, long-term research studies and clinical trials. 

In addition, participants repeatedly expressed concern regarding NIH’s direction to cut reimbursement of research facilities and administrative (F&A) costs, including a staff reduction for clinical trials and a shortage of supplies and laboratory space needed to conduct research.

The yet-to-be-scheduled second hearing will include Trump administration witnesses to testify about the federal government’s role investing in and fostering biomedical innovation.

ACR continues to advocate for funding increases to agencies under the authority of the Appropriations Committee, including NIH. The College submitted a statement for the record to the appropriations committee for this hearing in support of NIH funding, providing examples of radiology and imaging programs funded by the agency. 

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