Federal Judge Extends Block on NIH's Controversial Research Funding Cap
The temporary restraining order delays the Trump administration's plan to limit indirect cost reimbursements to 15%, citing potential harm to research institutions.
Overview
- U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley extended a restraining order blocking the NIH's proposed cap on indirect research costs while considering a preliminary injunction.
- The Trump administration's policy aims to cap indirect cost reimbursements at 15%, down from negotiated rates averaging 27-28%, to save $4 billion annually.
- Universities and research institutions argue the cap would cause irreparable harm, jeopardizing jobs, clinical trials, and advancements in biomedical research.
- The lawsuits claim the policy violates congressional funding protections and NIH regulations, with 22 state attorneys general and academic organizations leading the legal challenge.
- Judge Kelley has not indicated when a final decision will be made but emphasized the urgency and potential immediate harm of the proposed cuts.