Lawmakers and witnesses warn NIH cuts could jeopardize athlete health research and university capacity

Lawmakers and witnesses at a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing said proposed reductions in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and cuts to indirect cost reimbursements would harm university research capacity and could have downstream effects on athlete health programs.

Rep. Robin Kelly and Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky highlighted potential impacts of administrative proposals to cap NIH indirect costs and of an executive action described in testimony as reducing indirect rates to 15 percent. Kelly told members that such cuts would be a “financial earthquake” for many institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic‑serving institutions and smaller research centers that rely on NIH overhead to fund labs, support staff and clinical trial infrastructure.

Witnesses and members offered examples: testimony cited that Clemson University received roughly $25 million from NIH in 2024 and that Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center could lose an estimated $125 million annually under some proposed caps. Athletic director Josh Whitman and player representatives said medical research in areas such as concussion detection, hydration and long‑term neurological studies depends on NIH‑funded work.

Justin Falcinelli of the College Football Players Association and other witnesses urged Congress to preserve research funding that supports player safety, including studies into head injuries and clinical trials. Falcinelli said independent medical care, enforcement of safety guidelines and ongoing research into injuries and long‑term outcomes are central to athlete welfare and require sustained federal investment.

Members and witnesses asked for follow‑up materials documenting the scope of impacts and urged the committee to monitor federal moves on NIH funding as part of its oversight responsibilities. No policy changes were adopted at the hearing.