A federal appeals court has upheld a ruling that blocks the Trump administration from implementing significant cuts to medical research funding, a decision that Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel described as a relief for the state and the nation.
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wilx.comThe US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed a lower court's permanent injunction against the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which sought to cut billions of dollars in funding that supports vital medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country.
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michigan.govwzzm13.comNessel, who co-led a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in filing the lawsuit on February 10, 2025, emphasized the importance of the ruling."The Trump administration repeatedly has shown that they will illegally slash funding at the expense of Michiganders, even when that funding supports lifesaving research," she stated.
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michigan.govThe lawsuit was initiated shortly after the NIH announced plans to reduce indirect cost reimbursements, which cover essential expenses such as laboratory operations, faculty salaries, and infrastructure costs.
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wzzm13.commichiganadvance.comThese cuts were projected to save the NIH up to $9 billion, but the coalition argued that such reductions would jeopardize ongoing research projects and hinder future medical breakthroughs.
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michiganadvance.comThe court's decision is particularly significant as NIH funding has historically been the primary source of federal support for medical research in the United States.This funding has led to numerous scientific advancements, including cancer treatments and the first sequencing of DNA.
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michigan.govwzzm13.comNessel's office highlighted that the cuts would have severely impacted Michigan's research institutions, potentially jeopardizing over $200 million in funding for projects at major universities such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University.
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michiganadvance.comThe coalition of attorneys general, which included representatives from states like California, New York, and Illinois, argued that the Trump administration's actions violated federal law, including a directive from Congress that prohibits indiscriminate changes to indirect cost reimbursements.
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illinoisattorneygeneral.govIn her statement, Nessel reaffirmed her commitment to protecting Michigan families and research institutions from what she termed "unlawful and harmful federal actions." She expressed gratitude that the courts have consistently intervened to restore funding and uphold the rule of law.
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wilx.commichigan.govThe ruling not only safeguards funding for current research but also ensures that the US maintains its status as a leader in medical innovation.The NIH's support has been crucial for many groundbreaking discoveries that have improved health outcomes and saved lives across the nation.
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wzzm13.comillinoisattorneygeneral.govAs the legal battle continues, the coalition of attorneys general remains vigilant in their efforts to protect essential funding for medical research, emphasizing the critical role that such funding plays in advancing public health and scientific discovery.
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michigan.govmichiganadvance.comThe court's decision marks a significant victory for advocates of medical research and public health, ensuring that vital funding remains intact for the foreseeable future.
