The recent cuts to research funding announced by the Trump administration could mean a loss of millions for two major healthcare centers in Arkansas. Despite this potential impact, many state officials are backing the president’s decision to find savings in the federal budget.
Just last Friday, the Trump administration revealed it would limit indirect cost reimbursements for grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to 15%. This move aims to save around $4 billion each year. In response, twenty-two Democratic state attorneys general filed a lawsuit to challenge these cuts, and a temporary restraining order has been issued in one case in Massachusetts, with two other cases still pending.
Arkansas officials, however, are not participating in this legal action. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin stated that he supports the president’s efforts to improve government efficiency. He is closely monitoring the situation but does not believe that legal action is necessary at this time.
Griffin noted, “I am always mindful of how federal actions are affecting Arkansas. I can communicate directly with the White House about concerns that matter to our state.”
Governor Sarah Sanders also expressed her support for the administration’s savings efforts, despite the potential risks to research funding in Arkansas. A representative for the governor pointed out that with the national debt exceeding $36 trillion, it is essential to address deficit spending while keeping critical programs a priority.
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) currently receives between $70 million and $75 million annually from the NIH. Leslie Taylor, a spokesperson for UAMS, explained that the overall funding for the medical school and research campus amounts to around $173 million from external sources, including the NIH.
UAMS emphasized that the indirect research support from the NIH constitutes only 37% of their total funding, contrary to some reports suggesting much higher figures. This funding is vital for maintaining facilities and supporting the essential research conducted there. If the new funding caps remain, UAMS could face a loss exceeding $10 million each year, which would be difficult to absorb.
Taylor warned that limited funding would force UAMS to reduce its research activities. Current studies address critical health issues, including treatments for ovarian cancer, substance use disorders, obesity, and diabetes. “This will also impact our efforts in maternal and infant health, autism research, and wellness outreach across Arkansas,” she added.
Arkansas Children’s Hospital is also heavily reliant on NIH funding, receiving about $20.3 million, which makes up roughly 40% of its research budget. This funding supports 210 pediatric researchers focused on various important areas like cystic fibrosis and childhood obesity. Marcy Doderer, the President and CEO of Arkansas Children’s Hospital, echoed UAMS’s concerns, highlighting how critical research advancements help improve the lives of children with chronic conditions.
Doderer warned, “These cuts directly threaten our ability to conduct essential research and would be a significant setback for the health of children in Arkansas and beyond.” She emphasized that reduced funding would slow progress and possibly halt vital research operations altogether. Doderer is actively seeking discussions with lawmakers and other institutions to advocate against these cuts.
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