House Democrats press HHS secretary on NIH cuts and whether administration will obligate congressionally appropriated funds

Members of the House Appropriations Committee pressed Secretary Kennedy about reductions to NIH funding and whether the administration would obligate funds Congress already appropriated for biomedical research.

Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro said members' analysis shows NIH research funding has been cut and asked directly whether Kennedy was freezing or withholding life‑saving NIH funds. In repeated exchanges she stressed that the power of the purse resides with Congress and that any impoundment would be unlawful.

Secretary Kennedy responded directly to the committee's question about obligating appropriated funds: "If you appropriate the money, I'm gonna spend that money," he said, adding that the White House budget proposal includes large cuts to NIH but that any funds appropriated by Congress would be honored.

Why it matters: NIH supports a broad portfolio of biomedical research. Committee members said ongoing freezes and proposed cuts could halt clinical trials, pause research grants and lead to loss of scientific personnel. The committee requested a clear, written commitment and documentation about current obligations.

Key points

- DeLauro said the administration's actions have effectively reduced NIH funding and cited a Senate report claiming NIH research funding had declined; she asked if Kennedy was "freezing or withholding funding that Congress appropriated in 2025 for life saving NIH research."

- Kennedy told the committee he was not withholding funds for "life saving research" and repeatedly stated his obligation to follow the law: "Of course... fully obligating funding that Congress appropriated."

- Committee members pressed Kennedy on the White House proposal's planned cuts (committee discussion referenced $18 billion to $20 billion reduction proposals) and whether the administration intended to impound funds; Kennedy said if Congress appropriates money he will spend it.

Discussion vs. decisions

This hearing segment contained vigorous questioning but no committee vote or formal decision. Members requested additional documentation and analyses; Kennedy committed to providing information where not barred by court order.

Ending

The exchange underscored a central oversight question for appropriators: whether the executive branch will carry out congressionally authorized funding for NIH. Committee members signaled intent to continue oversight to ensure appropriated research funds are obligated.