A Guide to Contacting Your Legislative Representatives
Take action to protect public health research!
Disclaimer: This post was written by Dr. Bernat Navarro in his personal capacity and not on behalf of any organization or entity. The views expressed herein are Dr. Navarro’s and his alone
The freeze on research funding, the proposed 15% of NIH overhead funds, and the pause on scientific review sessions are sending shockwaves through the biomedical community. Academic and medical institutions across the country are putting grad student and postdoc admissions on hold, critical research on cancer and rare diseases is stalling, and the uncertainty is pushing talented scientists to question their futures in research. The actions taken by the Trump administration over the past month have been a direct attack on science. There’s no well-thought-out plan behind these funding freezes and cuts—just a series of decisions that are already harming research, researchers, and the future of scientific progress.
But the consequences don’t stop there, with global health also at risk, as many international programs and humanitarian efforts rely on the U.S. support as well as scientific and medical leadership. Additionally, the economic impact is staggering—biomedical research fuels billions in economic growth and supports millions of jobs, yet these cuts threaten that foundation. And the public health implications are severe: delays in research today mean fewer medical breakthroughs tomorrow, weakening our ability to fight diseases that impact millions of Americans.
This isn’t just an issue for scientists—it affects patients, doctors, and anyone who benefits from medical innovation. The U.S. has long been a leader in research and innovation, but these decisions undermine that leadership and the very institutions that have made this country a global powerhouse in science and medicine.
We know that contacting representatives can feel intimidating, and many people aren’t sure where to start. That’s why I have put together this guide—to make it easier for researchers, students, and anyone concerned about these cuts to raise their voices. Now is the time to speak up and fight against the risk of long-term damage to scientific progress, economic stability, and public health.
Oppose the NIH Overhead Cut, Funding Freeze, and Research Layoffs: A Guide to Contacting Your Representatives
Why This Matters
Drastic cuts to the workforce at the FDA, NIH, and other key health agencies threaten to undermine the very foundation of American scientific leadership, innovation, and public health. These cuts are already having a tangible impact—labs are pausing grad student and postdoc acceptances, critical research is stalling, and the future of biomedical innovation is at risk.
President Trump has proposed reducing NIH overhead funding to just 15%, a drastic cut that would defund essential scientific research, jeopardize university research programs, and lead to layoffs across biomedical institutions. Additionally, the current funding freeze is already affecting hiring and research, forcing institutions to pause critical projects and limiting opportunities for early-career scientists. These actions threaten to set back medical advancements for years to come.
Your voice is essential in opposing these cuts. The most effective way to make an impact is by calling or emailing your representatives in Congress. Below is a guide on how to do so.
How to Find Your Representatives
To contact your U.S. Senators and Representative, use the following resources:
U.S. Senate: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
U.S. House of Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Find My Representatives: Find Your Members in the U.S. Congress | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
When calling or emailing, be sure to reach out to the representatives from your state and district—constituent voices hold the most weight.
To strengthen your argument, you can find NIH funding data specific to your state here: https://www.faseb.org/science-policy-and-advocacy/federal-funding-data. This information can help highlight the local impact of NIH funding.
Calling Your Representatives
Tips for Calling:
Calls are often the most effective form of advocacy.
Be polite and concise.
If the office is busy, leave a voicemail.
Staffers may ask for your zip code to verify you are a constituent.
Feel free to personalize your message to make it more meaningful.
Sample Call Script:
Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City/State, Zip Code]. I’m calling to express my strong opposition to President Trump’s proposed cuts to NIH overhead funding and the freeze on federal research funding.
Reducing NIH overhead funding to just 15% and freezing research grants would significantly harm medical research, slow down scientific discoveries, and put jobs at risk at institutions across the country. Universities and research centers rely on federal support to maintain their facilities and keep critical research programs running. These cuts will have devastating consequences for biomedical research, public health, and the U.S. economy.
I urge [Senator/Representative’s Name] to oppose these cuts and support full NIH funding.
Thank you for your time.
Emailing Your Representatives
Tips for Writing an Effective Email:
Use a clear subject line (e.g., "Please Oppose NIH Overhead Cuts and Funding Freeze").
Keep it brief—staffers receive many emails daily.
Personalize your message by mentioning any connection you have to research, healthcare, or how NIH funding impacts your state.
Sample Email Template:
Subject: Please Oppose NIH Overhead Cuts and Funding Freeze
Dear [Senator/Representative’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [Your City, State]. I am writing to express my strong opposition to President Trump’s proposed cuts to NIH overhead funding and the ongoing freeze on federal research grants. These actions are already causing serious harm—graduate student and postdoc acceptances are being paused, critical biomedical research is being delayed, and institutions are facing layoffs of highly qualified scientists.
NIH overhead funding is essential to maintaining research facilities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and supporting the scientists and staff who drive innovation. The freeze on federal funding is disrupting projects that could lead to breakthroughs in cancer, Alzheimer’s, and rare diseases. Weakening our support for scientific research not only threatens public health but also undermines America’s global leadership in biomedical innovation.
In [Your State], NIH funding has contributed [$X] million to medical research, supporting jobs and driving innovation. Reducing overhead payments and freezing new funding will put this progress at risk.
I urge you to oppose these cuts and advocate for full NIH funding to protect the future of scientific discovery in the United States.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address (optional)]
[Your Email]
Spread the Word
Encourage friends, colleagues, and family members to call and email their representatives. Every voice counts in ensuring that Congress protects NIH funding and upholds the integrity of scientific research.
About the Author
Bernat Navarro Serer, Ph.D., is a science and regulatory policy professional with experience in government, nonprofit organizations, and science diplomacy. He currently works as a Science Policy Analyst at Friends of Cancer Research and previously served as a Program Officer at the National Academies, where he led initiatives supporting displaced scientists and international research collaborations. He was a AAAS fellow in Senator Coons' office working on climate, energy, and food policy. Bernat holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Medicine from Johns Hopkins University.
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