ASGE is one of more than 80 organizations that sent a letter in June to congressional leaders reminding them of the importance of robust federal funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The letter also shared concerns regarding barriers – some of which are being imposed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – that are disrupting NIH-funded research and urged strong congressional oversight to ensure that appropriated funds are spent as intended by Congress.
Among the barriers highlighted in the letter include delays and inconsistencies in the release of notices of funding opportunities, and insufficient staffing levels across NIH.
The letter also warned that barriers delaying funding of meritorious research could be exacerbated by the OMB’s proposed rule to revise the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance.
ASGE members are encouraged to contact their members of Congress through the ASGE Action Center and ask them to protect medical research by blocking implementation of the OMB rule.