In a bipartisan effort to protect federal research investments, Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators have asked the Department of Health and Human Services for a detailed briefing on the recent cancellation of several Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) grants. The request, sent to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., underscores concerns that ending multi‑year projects after substantial federal funding has already been allocated could waste taxpayer resources, eliminate jobs, and delay innovations that improve patient care.
Letter highlights fiscal responsibility and scientific progress
Senator Dave McCormick, a Republican, and Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, note that researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pittsburgh were notified on July 15 that funding for ongoing, peer‑reviewed projects would be terminated. The senators wrote, “These cancellations are affecting awards that have undergone peer review and have received prior‑year funding. Abruptly ending these multi‑year projects, after substantial federal investment, risks wasting taxpayer resources while disrupting research, eliminating jobs, and delaying innovations to improve patient care.”
Both lawmakers praised the department’s stated commitment to “ensuring federally funded research promotes scientific rigor and delivers meaningful value for taxpayers,” but they cautioned that such objectives must be balanced with respect for projects that have already passed rigorous review and received federal support.
Calls for transparency and stability
“Careful stewardship of federal research spending is important to maintaining public trust in our nation’s research enterprise,” the senators wrote. They argue that the recent decision to end continuation funding for AHRQ grants creates uncertainty for institutions planning long‑term projects, retaining experienced researchers, and pursuing future scientific breakthroughs. Over time, this instability could weaken the United States’ leadership in scientific research.
McCormick and Fetterman have requested a briefing by September 25 to learn the criteria the department uses to determine which AHRQ grants will be canceled and which will continue. They also want to know whether affected institutions have an opportunity to seek reconsideration, how any reallocated funds will be used, and the department’s long‑term plan for AHRQ’s role in supporting research.
Bipartisan support for research aligns with administration priorities
The request comes shortly after Senator McCormick appeared at the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Texas, where he highlighted President Donald Trump’s record of delivering for American families. While McCormick has previously voiced concerns about potential cuts to research funding, he has also praised the impact of federal agencies on Pennsylvania’s economy and called for increased support for biomedical research.
Both senators have a history of advocating for robust federal research funding. In May, they urged the National Institutes of Health to quickly obligate FY2026 grant funding, emphasizing the importance of these investments for Pennsylvania jobs, scientific breakthroughs, and U.S. leadership in biomedical research.
Why this matters for Pennsylvanians
The CHOP and University of Pittsburgh are among the state’s premier medical research institutions. Their work not only advances patient care but also supports high‑paying jobs and attracts top scientific talent to the Keystone State. Ensuring stable federal funding helps keep these institutions competitive and safeguards the economic benefits they bring to local communities.
By seeking clarification from HHS, Senators McCormick and Fetterman are acting to protect both taxpayer dollars and the health of Pennsylvania’s research ecosystem. Their bipartisan approach reflects a shared belief that responsible stewardship of federal resources is essential to maintaining America’s edge in medical innovation.
Next steps
The department’s response, due by the end of September, will reveal how it balances fiscal prudence with the need to sustain long‑term scientific projects. Pennsylvania’s lawmakers and the research community will be watching closely to ensure that any reforms preserve the value of existing federal investments while continuing to promote rigorous, high‑impact research.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
