A coalition of 14 Republican senators, led by Sen. Katie Britt, has formally urged the White House to release billions in NIH funding approved earlier this year, warning that continued delays could jeopardize vital medical research and erode public trust.

At a Glance

• Fourteen GOP senators signed a joint letter to the White House urging immediate release of NIH funds allocated in March 2025
• The delay threatens ongoing biomedical research projects, including those at the University of Alabama—where Sen. Britt is based
• Signatories include Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and subcommittee leaders Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and others
• Lawmakers emphasized the importance of keeping NIH’s work focused on accountability, results, and public benefit
• The letter warns that withholding or suspending appropriated funds may damage America’s leadership in biomedical innovation

GOP Pressure Mounts Over NIH Funding Delays

Sen. Katie Britt (R‑AL), chair of the Senate Appropriations homeland subcommittee, spearheaded the appeal after citing evidence that the Office of Management and Budget has withheld or delayed billions in NIH appropriations enacted by Congress. The senators argue that such funding holds up biomedical projects critical to national health and innovation—especially in states like Alabama where NIH grants support universities and major employers.

Watch a report: Republican Senators Demand Action on NIH Funding Delays · YouTube

The letter notably secured signatures from prominent GOP fiscal leaders including Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, as well as Sens. Graham, McConnell, Murkowski, Cassidy, Scott, Sullivan, Moran, Tillis, Young, and others. Collectively, they framed the delay as both a policy failure and a breach of trust with scientific institutions and taxpayers.

Strategic Stakes for Republicans

The coalition’s move reflects broader Republican frustration with executive branch spending control, particularly when approved funds remain unused. GOP lawmakers are leveraging this issue to assert congressional authority over the purse and emphasize accountability in federal research investments.

Observers note that delayed NIH funding could stall clinical trials, academic research, job creation, and innovation pipelines. The public letter reinforces GOP messaging that Democrats and even Trump administration officials may be undermining priorities approved by GOP-led Congress. It also sets the stage for future budget conflicts ahead of the 2026 midterm cycle.

By publicly targeting the administration’s budget office, Republicans are staking early ground in defending legislative intent and reasserting political control over major federal funding decisions.