Attorney General Aaron M. Frey, along with 21 other attorneys general, has initiated legal action against the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The lawsuit challenges recent funding cuts to medical and public health research at universities and research institutions nationwide.
The coalition disputes the administration's decision to reduce "indirect cost" reimbursements, which are essential for covering expenses related to biomedical research. These costs include lab maintenance, faculty salaries, infrastructure upkeep, and utility bills. According to Attorney General Frey, these cuts threaten significant advancements in medical research within the United States.
Frey stated that "the NIH funds critical public health research throughout the country and right here in Maine." He emphasized that reducing this funding undercuts vital research areas affecting many residents of Maine, such as cancer treatment and infectious diseases. Furthermore, he highlighted potential negative impacts on local organizations employing Mainers.
On February 7th, NIH announced a reduction in indirect cost rates to a uniform 15%, effective February 10th. This sudden change leaves institutions with little time to adjust their budgets. The coalition argues that this violates the Administrative Procedure Act and seeks a court order to prevent its implementation.
The NIH is recognized as a primary federal funder for medical research in the U.S., supporting breakthroughs like cancer treatments and DNA sequencing. Most NIH-funded projects occur outside federal institutions at universities and colleges across states including Maine.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for Massachusetts with support from attorneys general representing Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin.