Senator Reed, AG Neronha warn of dangers of Trump cuts on health research and jobs

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A federal judge has recently blocked the Trump administration’s effort to cut the National Institutes of Health funding for research programs at universities and medical systems.

23 state attorneys general, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, are suing the Trump administration over the proposed cuts to medical research.

According to AG Neronha’s office, an executive order signed by President Trump on Friday cuts funding to institutions for “indirect costs” of research, like paying faculty, lab costs and utilities.

Neronha said that could force some institutions to make cuts or delay the rollout of new treatments.

In a release from Senator Jack Reed, he warned that these cuts may put ground breaking research, good paying jobs and economic growth for both the state and nation in danger.

As an appropriations committee member, Reed also argued that the 2024 appropriations law prevents the executive branch from changing NIH costs.

Lawyers for dozens of research institutions have said these cuts would have a severe impact on public health research.

That includes Brown University, which issued a statement saying in part:

The ecosystem of American medical, health and scientific innovation depends upon university research…Brown contributes to world-class medical care, strong patient outcomes, and innovative solutions for pressing health challenges facing all communities.

Friday morning Senator Jack Reed and health leaders will be rallying against these proposed NIH cuts.

The rally will take place at Butler Hospital at 11 a.m. Friday.