Harris County Joins Nationwide Effort to Block Funding Cuts to National Institutes of Health
A drone shot of the Texas Medical Center, on Aug. 28, 2020.
Harris County has joined a nationwide legal effort seeking to block funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) made by the administration of President Donald Trump.
The Fight Against Funding Cuts
The county is part of a coalition of city and county governments challenging the decision to cut NIH funding for medical researchers. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee contends the cuts threaten “life-saving research” as well as work performed at the Texas Medical Center, which includes the University of Houston, Rice University and the Texas Heart Institute as partner institutions.
The Impact on the Texas Medical Center
"The Texas Medical Center pumps billions of dollars into our economy,” Menefee said. “President Trump’s cuts put that money at risk along with thousands of jobs and critical research, and what I think we’re seeing here is intentional. President Trump is trying to gut medical research."
The Coalition
The coalition includes 45 local governments from across the United States. Harris County signed on to an amicus brief filed this week in a federal court in Massachusetts, arguing NIH’s funding cuts are unjustified and would devastate research institutions.
The Consequences of Cuts
Menefee said cuts would be a disaster for the Texas Medical Center — one of the leading research centers in the world where more than 120,000 people are employed — and to the world of medical research across the country.
"These institutions are using this grant money to find cures to medical issues, to cancer, to find medical solutions,” Menefee said. “Nobody cares if the person who finds them are a Republican or Democrat, right? We’re worried about patients getting life-saving treatment."
The Economic Impact
Menefee said the Texas Medical Center generates $24 billion in annual economic activity for the Houston region.
Conclusion
The fight against funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health is a crucial step in protecting the future of medical research and the economy. By joining this nationwide effort, Harris County is standing up for the vital work being done at the Texas Medical Center and for the patients who benefit from the life-saving research being conducted there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Harris County opposed to funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health?
A: Harris County is opposed to funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health because they threaten "life-saving research" and the work being done at the Texas Medical Center.
Q: What is the Texas Medical Center?
A: The Texas Medical Center is one of the leading research centers in the world, with over 120,000 people employed and generating $24 billion in annual economic activity for the Houston region.
Q: What is the purpose of the amicus brief filed by Harris County?
A: The amicus brief filed by Harris County argues that NIH’s funding cuts are unjustified and would devastate research institutions.
Q: What is the coalition of city and county governments fighting funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health?
A: The coalition includes 45 local governments from across the United States, including Harris County.
