WASHINGTON (April 3, 2026) – Russ Paulsen, Executive Director of United for Cures, a collaborative network of patient advocacy organizations, released the following statement urging Congress to invest in cures and reject proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health.

“For decades, federal investment in medical research has driven breakthroughs that save lives, reduce suffering, and strengthen our economy. We’ve cured some forms of cancer; we’ve learned how to treat previously untreatable diseases. And today, patients are closer than ever to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease and lung disease. Cutting funding now will delay that progress and disrupt critical research.

“Americans overwhelmingly recognize what’s at stake. Nearly 9 in 10 voters say it is important that the federal government fund medical research in the U.S., with strong majorities opposing cuts.

“In FY26, Congress continued decades of strong bipartisan support for medical research by increasing funding for NIH. Now is the time to build on that momentum—not reverse course. That commitment will maintain U.S. leadership in biomedical innovation and ensure scientific progress translates into real-world delivery of treatments and cures.

“Medical research has long been a bipartisan priority because of what it delivers for the American people. Walking away from that commitment now would mean turning our backs on patients and families who are counting on continued progress—and on the promise of breakthroughs within reach. We urge Congress to reject these proposed cuts and protect strong, sustained funding for NIH so that momentum toward treatments and cures is not lost.”