Take Action: AABB Urges Members to Advocate for NIH Research Funding

As Congress prepares the federal budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026, AABB is urging members to join a new campaign in support of strong funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). AABB’s call to action follows a proposed $18 billion cut to NIH funding in President Trump’s FY 2026 budget request.

Bipartisan majorities in Congress have long recognized the essential role of NIH in advancing medical research, improving public health preparedness and supporting national security. NIH-funded research has led to critical advancements in transfusion medicine and biotherapies, including innovations in blood safety and the development of novel cancer treatments such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy.

In addition to driving medical breakthroughs, federal investment in NIH research contributes significantly to the U.S. economy. According to estimates, every dollar in NIH funding generates approximately $2.46 in nationwide economic activity.

AABB encourages members to add their voices to the organization’s advocacy efforts by contacting their policymakers and urging robust support for NIH in the FY26 budget.