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.

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.