Federal Funding to California, NIH Budget Justifications, Williams College
1.
This is a developing story, but it appears that the Administration may be gearing up to significantly cut federal funding across California.Â
The SF Chronicle is reporting that the state is bracing for cuts related to the University of California and CSU systems.
White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai has stated that âno final decisionsâ have been made on potential California funding cuts.Â
Governor Gavin Newsom posted a response to the CNN article on X.
The President posted last week that âlarge scale Federal Funding will be held backâ if a 16 year old transgender highschooler was allowed to compete in the state championship track and field event. She competed, won several medals, and was embraced by her peers.Â
At the moment, it is unclear what cause will be given if there are cuts or exactly what federal funds would be cut.Â
2.
The NIHâs budget request to congress was released today.
Included are requests from each institute. The requests assume the consolidation of ICOs that has come up elsewhere. Under this proposal, NCATS and ARPA-H would move over to a new office (the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Innovation) within HHS.
There is a lot to sort through (there is a decent summary on Stat), but the request assumes a 15% cap on IDC rates and substantial decreases in the amount of funded proposals.
These budget requests are just that. Congress sets funding levels, not the executive branch.Â
3.
A temporary restraining order (TRO) has been quickly granted to block the Presidentâs Executive Order cutting off Harvardâs ability to sponsor visas for students and postdocs. This provides short term relief, but it is likely that University faces a long and difficult legal battle.
4.
Williams College has become the first institution in the United States to decline NSF and NIH grants because of the inclusion language that requires awardees to certify that they will not âpromote or advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ⌠in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws.â I believe that the College has about 30 current awards between NSF and NIH.
5.
Fifteen science and patient-focused organizations sent NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya a letter today (PDF) calling for him to fulfill his promise that the NIH will spend all of its FY2025 budget. Dr. Bhattacharya will be testifying to the Senate Appropriations Committee Tuesday morning about the FY2026 budget.
6.
Earlier this week House Majority Leader Steve Scalise introduced legislation to rescind 9.4 billion dollars that have already been appropriated. These funds were originally intended for USAID and public broadcasting. The vote could come as early as next week, but if congress does not act in the next 45 days then the funds must be spent as originally intended.
Photo by me, 35mm














