1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent funding cuts to critical medical research programs, including the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). These reductions threaten the advancement of medical science and disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including women, children, and individuals with disabilities. Medical research is essential to improving health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and addressing longstanding disparities in care. The recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1703734) highlights the critical role that federally funded research plays in addressing inequities in healthcare access and outcomes. Drastic cuts to these programs will stifle innovation and hinder the development of new treatments and interventions that could significantly improve the lives of millions. CDMRP funds vital research in areas such as cancer, neurological disorders, and rehabilitation medicine, while ACL, NIDILRR, and AHRQ support studies that enhance the independence and well-being of individuals with disabilities. The elimination or severe reduction of these funding streams will have long-term consequences, particularly for marginalized groups that already face significant barriers to healthcare. Women and children with disabilities are at an even greater risk, as these populations often require specialized medical and rehabilitative services that depend on robust research funding. If these funding cuts proceed, we risk losing decades of progress in disability research and healthcare innovation. Moreover, reducing support for medical research will place an even greater burden on healthcare systems and families struggling to care for loved ones with complex medical needs. I urge you to take immediate action to restore funding for CDMRP, ACL, NIDILRR, and AHRQ. Supporting these programs is not only a matter of scientific advancement but also a commitment to equity and the well-being of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens. Thank you for your continued leadership on this issue and advocacy for the restoration of these critical research funds.