ASBMB commends federal action to maintain strong funding for scientific research

FY26 budget increases NIH by $415 million and maintains NSF’s research funding at FY25 levels; FY27 funding and policy proposals will need continued robust advocacy.

Feb. 3, 2026

ASBMB thanks U.S. Senate and House leaders for continuing their strong bipartisan support for scientific research funding through the FY2026 appropriations process and for standing firm against proposed severe cuts. This outcome reflects the advocacy community’s sustained work to educate members of Congress about the real-world impact of robust research funding, the essential role of facilities and administrative costs, and the importance of sustained funding policies. To sustain this progress, we will need to keep up the momentum in the year ahead.

Over the past year, the scientific advocacy community, including ASBMB and its members, has worked tirelessly to reinforce the importance of federal research funding to generate better health outcomes for American families and strengthen our economic competitive edge, and the effort builds on decades of sustained, coordinated advocacy to educate policymakers about the role of basic research to fuel better treatments and cures.

Once the final spending bills reach the White House, our advocacy efforts will continue with a focus on supporting effective implementation of funding and related policies. Renewed efforts to cut funding are also likely to reemerge as FY27 appropriations begin and we must ensure policies that affect research indirect costs and forward funding of grants reinforce, rather than reduce, the strength of America’s research enterprise. Moreover, a range of policies in the last year continue to have devastating impacts for many individual scientists, federal workers, and research institutions. ASBMB opposes these policies as we communicate regularly through outreach to policymakers and support of vital litigation. That work will continue.

With your support, ASBMB will continue its leadership to educate and engage policy leaders, including a tripling of our Capitol Hill Day participants in March. Your voices remain crucial on Hill Day and year-round to convey the impact of your work nationally and locally.  Plan for another year of active advocacy, take advantage of ASBMB’s many resources and training opportunities, and be ready to lend your voice often when ASBMB issues mobilization alerts.  

Together and despite strong headwinds, we are protecting and advancing the research enterprise. But there is much more to do and we must keep up our efforts. Thank you for your continued support of ASBMB advocacy and please get and stay involved.