In This Section
A Call to Action to Ensure Federal Funding for Scientific Research
December 14, 2021
SNMMI and the Academy of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research have partnered to urge Congress to pass an FY22 appropriations package that supports the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and biomedical imaging, while stopping the use of harmful continuing resolutions (CRs). Recently, Congress passed its second continuing resolution of the fiscal year that should have started October 1, 2021. Consequently, NIH does not have its final funding level for the year.
While a CR keeps the government operating, NIH and other research agencies cannot issue new funding awards until formal appropriations are determined. Even more damaging, existing awards may receive funding cuts to maintain conservative spending levels mandated by the CR. Early career researchers and those with new proposals are particularly impacted while they wait for funding on an otherwise meritorious research plan. The current CR expires on February 12, 2022. This extended delay will only hold back research. Already, research has suffered greatly due to the negative scientific and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We must remain committed to assisting Congress in the nation’s recovery from the pandemic and support the continuous funding of scientific and medical research to ensure improved patient outcomes and US competitiveness.
Congress must enact formal funding bills and abandon the use of CRs as a legislative option. Contact your members of Congress now to tell them how important biomedical research is and how a continuing resolution will only restrict life-saving work. Returning to a regular appropriations process where NIH receives dependable, robust funding is the best route to progress on life saving research and breakthroughs.
Act now through this link to make your voice heard!