APS Supports FY 2024 Research Funding Increases

National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH’s core programs should be increased to at least $50.924 billion. Funding for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) should be provided in addition to this amount. Consistent support for NIH is needed to address the nation’s health problems, such as those that contribute to declining life expectancy. Investment in NIH is a major driver of economic growth and a reason that the US was a center of innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to support innovative research and train the next generation of biomedical researchers, robust and sustained funding increases are needed.

National Science Foundation (NSF): NSF’s budget should be increased to at least $15.7 billion, the level authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. Knowledge accumulated through basic biological research is the foundation for addressing challenges to the health of animals, humans and ecosystems. Last year’s increase put NSF on a path toward real budget growth, but consistent investment is needed to realize the potential of the CHIPS and Science Act. NSF is poised to tackle challenges facing our nation and the world—if it has adequate resources.

VA Medical and Prosthetic Research: Funding for the VA Medical and Prosthetic Research Program should be increased to $980 million. This small but important program funds research to improve treatments for conditions that commonly afflict veterans. Because patient care is at the center of the agency's mission, the VA research program is able to support clinical and patient-focused research, such as understanding the long-term heart and mental health risks of COVID-19 and developing improved treatments and interventions. The knowledge gained from the VA’s COVID-19 research efforts has benefited all Americans.

NASA: NASA sponsors research across a range of basic and applied life sciences, including gravitational biology, biomedical research and the Human Research Program (HRP). APS urges Congress to restore cuts to the NASA life sciences research program and increase HRP funding.

Thank you for passing the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. This landmark legislation that increases the authorized funding for the NSF and creates a suite of programs intended to strengthen the scientific workforce was passed with bipartisan support in both chambers last year. We urge Congress to follow through on their commitment by providing the resources necessary to make the programs in CHIPS and Science successful.

The American Physiological Society is a global, multidisciplinary community of more than 10,000 biomedical scientists and educators. Its mission is to advance scientific discovery, understand life and improve health.