Government Accountability Office Report Uncovers NIH Funding Holdback
A recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has exposed that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unlawfully held back approximately $8 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, impacting around 1,800 federally approved research grants.
Legal Violations and Breach of Law
The GAO concluded that HHS breached the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by canceling ongoing NIH grants and suspending notices for grant review meetings published in the Federal Register.
Funding Allocation and Legal Obligations
Congress allocated these funds explicitly for NIH research, and federal law mandates that executive agencies must responsibly obligate appropriations within their designated periods unless otherwise directed by law.
Impact on NIH Spending and Scientific Research
The withholding occurred between February and June, representing a 62% reduction in NIH spending compared to previous periods, raising concerns about potential setbacks for scientific research and public health advancements.