2013-02-21

Sequester Showdown: Everything You Need to Know & Do About the Impending NIH Funding Cuts

Washington Prepares for Across-the-Board Spending Cuts to Begin March 1

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) faces devastating budget cuts beginning next Friday, March 1 as a result of a deficit reduction measure known as "sequestration". Unlike the previous January 1 deadline, which was averted, this time the Congress is not working on legislation to delay or prevent the cuts.

NIH and other nondefense discretionary programs will receive cuts of approximately nine percent over the remaining seven months of fiscal year (FY) 2013. (Note: Media reports describe the cuts as five percent, however, the cut is concentrated over seven months rather than a year so the impact actually will be closer to ten percent.) Cuts of this magnitude would be devastating to biomedical research, would delay or halt vital scientific projects and eliminate hundreds of research awards. Since each research award supports up to seven research positions, several thousand personnel could lose their jobs. Many projects would be difficult to pursue at reduced levels and would need to be cancelled, putting prior year investments at risk. These cuts would delay progress on the prevention of debilitating chronic conditions that are costly to society and delay development of more effective treatments for common and rare diseases affecting millions of Americans.

NIH Director Francis Collins indicated February 20 that the individual institute directors at NIH will choose how to distribute the cut among the many different kinds of mechanisms, grants and centers at their own institute.

What can you do? TELL CONGRESS HOW FURTHER CUTS WILL HARM RESEARCH!

• TAKE ACTION– Join ASH's online advocacy campaign to send a short video and letter to your Senators and Representative telling them about the impact that inadequate funding has on medical research. It will only take you a minute to contact Congress, but will have impact. Please take action today!
• INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND HEMATOLOGY TO THE NEW CONGRESS – The new Congress includes over 80 new Representatives and 12 new Senators. Visit the ASH Advocacy Center and enter your ZIP code to determine if you live in a state or congressional district with one of these new members. If you do, tell your newly elected officials who you are and what you do – and what they can do to help. This gives you a great opportunity to educate and build relationships with these congressional offices.
• TELL YOUR STORY – ASH is collecting stories on the impact of NIH budget cuts to share with Congress, the media, and key stakeholders. Please share your story of how NIH funding affects your research, patients, or career by completing the online form.
• INVOLVE YOUR PATIENTS – Invite your patients to participate in ASH's patient advocacy campaign or write a Letter-to-the-Editor.
• SHARE – Forward this message to your colleagues and encourage them to get involved and help ASH fight for hematology.