RFK Jr. Commits to Spending Appropriated NIH Research Funds Amid Budget Cut Concerns

NIH Funding Commitment

• 🎯 Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health Secretary, stated that he is not withholding any funding for life-saving research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• 🔑 He committed to fully obligating all congressionally appropriated funds as required by law.
• ⚡ Kennedy affirmed that if Congress appropriates the money, he will spend it, directly addressing concerns about potential impoundment of funds.

Congressional Appropriations and Budget Concerns

• 💡 Representative Rosa DeLauro questioned Kennedy about the administration's proposal to cut $18 billion to $20 billion from the NIH's biomedical research budget for 2025.
• ⚠️ DeLauro highlighted that Congress had already appropriated these funds as part of the 2024 budget, which is currently under a continuing resolution.
• 💰 The discussion centered on the administration's proposed cuts being contrary to the funds already appropriated by Congress.

Obligation to Law and Funding

• 📜 Kennedy reiterated his commitment to spending appropriated funds, stating, "If you appropriate the money to me, I'm gonna spend the money."
• ⚖️ The exchange underscored the power of the purse held by Congress and the expectation that the administration will implement congressional decisions.
• 📌 DeLauro urged for the return of $20 billion in previously cut funding and emphasized the obligation to carry out the law as enacted by Congress.