Comment period ended July 13 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Urge your lawmakers to speak up regarding the OMB rule.
The work does not stop after the July 13 deadline! Many congresspeople are unaware of this rule or how their constituents could be affected by it. Your actions make a difference and now is the time to make your voice heard!
Research!America has provided an editable email template which autofills your congresspeople's information based on your address.
Research!America Congress Letter Tool
Please feel free to use this template text:
Dear Representative/ Senator [Last Name],
I am a biomedical scientist and a concerned member of [Your Congressional District]. I write to ask that you take immediate steps to oppose a proposal by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The changes outlined in this proposal threaten America’s status as a leader in cardiovascular research.
As you are likely aware, OMB seeks to enact several changes that will threaten the ability of scientists like myself to drive American research forward. These include politicizing the grant review process by deprioritizing the input of subject matter experts in the peer review process and elevating politically appointed approvals, erecting barriers to international scientific collaboration, and restricting the ability of scientists to disseminate their work to other scientists, patients, and the general public.
[OPTIONAL: ADD YOUR OWN LANGUAGE. Describe a specific issue you have with the proposed changes. Try to include a personal anecdote or opinion on how this will directly affect your science, or the national pursuit of science. If possible, tailor this section to your specific district, such as describing how research funds specifically impact the economy of your city or state.]
The United States has long stood at the forefront of biomedical research through its strong investment America’s scientific research community. This in turn has yielded several key biomedical discoveries and improved the health of countless Americans. Yet, more work remains to be done for several diseases, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. 10% of all adults in the US – i.e., ~30 million people – have cardiovascular disease, which is still the leading cause of death in America. Moreover, the disease burden of cardiovascular disease and stroke is only projected to increase over the next several decades. These sobering statistics demand that we continue our strong investment in cardiovascular research, which is endangered by OMB’s proposed changes. Further, clinical trials may be stopped at any time due to termination of federal funding. Not only would this be a waste of funds already invested into these studies, but even negative studies and their publications help advance research forward faster. Altogether, OMB’s proposed changes would be detrimental for our healthcare system and threaten our place at the forefront of medical innovations.
As a member of your constituency, I urge you to actively oppose the OMB’s proposed changes. We must continue to prioritize the life of patients over politics and America’s continued leadership in science and medicine.
Sincerely,
[Your Name, Congressional District]