Congressman Carson Statement on NIH Cuts

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman André Carson (D-IN-07) made the following statement on funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

 “For years, I’ve worked to increase funding to NIH because it is one of the best returns on investment we can make. Slashing NIH funding is dangerous and short-sighted, no matter which way you look at it.

 “If you’re concerned about jobs, slashing NIH funding will result in layoffs to thousands of Indiana workers and hurt medical research projects at our premier institutions, including fighting cancer and heart disease. If you’re concerned about our economy, slashing NIH funding will hurt it – it’s estimated that every $1 million in NIH funding awarded to Indiana generates $2.76 million in economic activity. If you’re concerned about America’s global standing, slashing NIH funding lets foreign adversaries like China get ahead on scientific research. And if you’re a parent desperately looking for a medical breakthrough that will save your child’s life, slashing NIH funding takes away that last shred of hope.

“This isn’t about good governance. Republicans and Democrats in Congress authorize this funding every single year by recognizing these federal investments save lives, improve Americans’ health, and advance our economy. Yet now, instead of speaking up to protect investments that help all Americans, Republicans are bowing to Elon Musk and silently allowing him to line billionaires’ pockets instead of helping sick kids. It’s unconscionable.”

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