Let’s cut to the chase. The House of Representatives is considering a bill (HR 1) that would slash $1.6 billion from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s budget. That means there would be less funding for biomedical research, which means important investigations that might lead to new treatments would not take place.There are many reasons to oppose this legislation. The research funded by NIH grants eases human suffering. Between 1998 and 2007, 23 percent of new drugs originated in universities and research institutes supported by the NIH. Here are more than a few recent examples of research at Sanford-Burnham funded by NIH grants. Every day, our researchers make new discoveries with support from the NIH.

Beyond the moral issue of using our resources to help people, NIH funding has a profound impact on communities, including creating excellent jobs, supporting universities, generating spin-off companies (which in turn create more jobs) and other critical economic impacts.

The worst part is that these cuts will not save us money. They will cost us, both in the short and long run, especially the long run. For example, caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease is projected to cost $20 trillion over the next 40 years. The only possible solution is new, better treatments. And the only way we’re going to get there is by funding biomedical research.

Turning our backs now will be a very costly mistake, both in human suffering and economic impact. If you agree, please contact your Representative and encourage him or her to reject HR 1.