Lang
1/31/25
Several local politicians are calling on Iowa Senator Joni Ernst to oppose the Trump Administration’s freeze on funding for the National Institutes of Health.
The letter is co-signed by state representatives Adam Zabner, Amy Nielsen, Dave Jacoby, and Elinor Levin, as well as state senators Janice Weiner and Zach Wahls. All six have districts in or near Iowa City.
The group points out that NIH grants provided $190,931,119 in funding to the University of Iowa in 2024 for groundbreaking research on diseases such as cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. They also argue that NIH grants create jobs that are crucial to Eastern Iowa, and have directly helped companies in Solon, North Liberty, Coralville, and Iowa City.
The local political leaders go on to say the uncertainty with the Trump NIH funding freeze makes it difficult for local companies to hire workers, purchase equipment, and make other crucial decisions in research laboratories. They add that even a temporary pause could seriously harm ongoing clinical trials and the maintenance of animal research.
The group asks Ernst to stand up for the local community and ensure that the area’s legacy of groundbreaking research is not lost. They also ask for clarity on the future of NIH funding.