Statement on Cuts to NIH-Supported Research

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Heart Rhythm Advocates (HRA) is extremely concerned by recent actions drastically reducing funding for National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported research. We must work together to protect federal funding, educate the public about the importance of cardiovascular research, and engage Congress.

On February 7, 2025, the new administration in Washington directed the NIH to cut funding for extramural research by reducing the maximum indirect cost (IDC) rate to 15%. This is a devastating cut since IDC rates are typically over 50% for many medical centers and universities.

Research on the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease is critical to public health, as it saves lives. In 2022, cardiovascular disease caused over 900,000 deaths in the U.S., with heart rhythm disorders, including sudden cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Heart disease and stroke led to more deaths in 2022 in the United States than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined.

HRS/HRA are proposing a three-part strategy in response: 

1. Develop short-term fiscal strategies to protect ongoing research,

2. Launch a public education campaign on the importance of cardiovascular research, and

3. Engage Congress through outreach emphasizing the importance of NIH funding.

A lawsuit was filed by 22 states (AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IL, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OR, RI, VT, WA, WI) on February 10, 2025, arguing that the cuts violate prior legislation that protected negotiated IDC rates. While a restraining order is in effect at the time of this communication, it could only be temporary making it critical that you contact your representative and senators urging them to support NIH-funded research and to push back on this arbitrary reduction in research support. A template letter is available for you to personalize and tell your members of Congress about the importance of NIH funding. You can find actual dollar amounts of NIH funding for each state and congressional district to include in your letter here: Federal Research Funding Data.

By raising public awareness and mobilizing support, we can protect cardiovascular research and maintain U.S. leadership in scientific advancements.

Background

Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs provided by the NIH and other federal agencies, also known as indirect costs or overhead, cover essential research infrastructure and are vital for conducting high-impact, federally compliant research. These costs support lab operations, compliance, and safety measures, and are regularly audited to ensure transparency. F&A reimbursements do not generate profit for universities but help sustain research programs. Reducing F&A support could hinder scientific progress, slow innovation, and damage the nation’s global leadership in health research.

The justification provided for reducing the NIH F&A rate is to match the rate paid by private foundations. However, this rationale overlooks inherent differences including that foundations can provide greater flexibility to allow typical F&A expenses as “direct” costs. NIH’s F&A support is essential to maintain research programs. Cutting F&A funds will threaten the training of physician-scientists and disrupt vital research, impacting the development of life-saving treatments and increasing mortality rates.