WASHINGTON (March 30, 2026) – Today, United for Cures released new polling that demonstrates overwhelming bipartisan support for protecting federal funding for medical research and strong opposition to proposed cuts, even in a polarized electorate.

The national poll, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, surveyed 1,500 registered voters between March 4 and 10, 2026. 

Key findings include:

• 96% of voters say it is important for the federal government to fund medical research in the U.S.

• 95% of voters say it is important for the United States to be a global leader in medical research, with support consistent across party lines.

• A strong majority of voters (62%) continue to believe the federal government does not invest enough in medical research

•  A strong majority oppose cuts to medical research funding. Among base Republicans, opinion has shifted dramatically—flipping by 21 points over the past year—with Republicans now overwhelmingly opposing substantial cuts (45% oppose vs. 35% support).

• Voters are deeply concerned about what these cuts would mean for people’s health, especially their loved ones. Nearly 9-in-10 voters (88%) believe federally funded medical research has an impact on the health of themselves and their families.

“Every family in America wants cures and treatments. That’s why the consensus of voters regardless of party is clear: cutting research funding would be a nonstarter,” Russ Paulsen, Executive Director of United for Cures. “We’ve cured several forms of cancer, but not all of them by far. We have new treatments for Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, and many others—but not cures. We can’t stop, and we can’t slow down. Patients and their families don’t have time.”

“What stands out most is just how broad and durable the support for medical research funding is—more than 90% of voters say it’s important that the federal government invests in it,” said Jarrett Lewis, Partner at Public Opinion Strategies. “We’re also seeing notable support from sizable parts of the Republican electorate, underscoring that this is truly an issue with backing across all voter lines. It’s gaining intensity, not fading.”

The findings reinforce broad, bipartisan support for medical research and the critical role it plays in driving new cures and treatments for millions of Americans facing life-threatening diseases. 

Read the full memo here.