A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against the National Institutes of Health (NIH), preventing the agency from proceeding with plans to reduce funding for medical and public health research across the United States. This decision was welcomed by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, who emphasized the significance of holding federal agencies accountable when their actions potentially harm communities.
Rayfield stated, "This legal victory underscores the importance of holding federal agencies accountable when their actions threaten the well-being of our communities." He expressed concern that the NIH's proposed cuts would have hindered progress in biomedical research and impacted individuals reliant on scientific advancements for healthcare. "The health and safety of our communities depend on this research," he added.
The temporary restraining order was granted shortly after Rayfield, along with attorneys general from 21 other states, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit argues that the administration's actions violate laws designed to protect NIH grants from arbitrary reductions. As a result of the TRO, the NIH is prohibited from implementing or enforcing any funding cuts in research grants within the plaintiff states until further court orders are issued.
A hearing regarding this matter is scheduled to take place at the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts on Friday, February 21 at 10 a.m.