The State of Washington, along with a coalition of 22 attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, challenging recent cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. The lawsuit was prompted by an announcement from the administration to reduce "indirect cost" reimbursements at research institutions across the nation to 15 percent. These reimbursements are essential for covering expenses such as labs, faculty, infrastructure, and utilities.
A federal judge in Massachusetts granted a temporary restraining order shortly after the lawsuit was filed. Attorney General Nick Brown stated, “Within only a few hours of the lawsuit filed by our coalition of more than 20 attorneys general, a federal judge paused the President’s illegal cuts to NIH.” He emphasized that this decision preserves crucial funding for medical research in Washington state and secures jobs associated with these projects.
Attorney General Brown and his counterparts argue that the cuts violate the Administrative Procedure Act and disregard Congress's directive from Trump's first term, which prohibits indiscriminate changes to indirect cost reimbursements. They seek a court order to prevent the implementation of these reductions.
Governor Bob Ferguson expressed concern over potential impacts on scientific research in Washington if the action proceeds. He pledged collaboration with legal and academic experts to safeguard research funding against what he termed "unlawful federal overreach."
The suit highlights that most NIH-funded research is conducted outside federal institutions, including at universities in Washington state. This funding supports critical research into life-saving medicines and treatments for diseases like cancer and diabetes. It also funds facilities vital for detecting emerging health threats.
This legal action is co-led by attorneys general from Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan, with participation from additional states including California, New York, and Wisconsin.