Maryland's two senators and a congressman have called on the Trump administration to restore all services to the National Institute of Health.
Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, both Democrats, and Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat, said they had grave concerns about recent changes to the agency, which is headquartered in Bethesda.
"Without quick corrective action, the consequences of further disruption could be disastrous for both medical progress in America and our nation's overall standing and competitiveness on the world stage," the three wrote in a letter sent to Dorothy Fink, the acting secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, that was obtained by Washington Post.
Trump's nominee, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is pending confirmation.
The Trump administration placed on a freeze on NIH's external communications upon taking office and halted staff travel.
Healthcare researchers told the Washington Post they have been unable to discuss issuing grants, provide updates on urgent health issues, or hold essential meetings. The Trump administration also indefinitely halted staff travel at the agencies.
"NIH employees have been required to cancel advisory committee meetings and study sections," the politicians wrote. "Further delay in these meetings leads to delays in the research award process.
The agency has reportedly been forced to rescind existing job offers and pull-down job vacancy announcements. NIH attracts our nation's brightest scientists, physicians, health care providers, and other experts but, with these crippling blows to its mission and without sufficient staff going forward, NIH will be unable to realize its vital mission.
The Trump administration said it is simply part of the presidential transition process and there is a process that allows healthcare personnel to receive approval from political appointees to share urgent updates, the Post said.
Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.
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