(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) has released the following statement after learning that an Appropriations hearing, set to examine President Trump’s proposed $5.8 billion budget cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has been delayed:

“As the Representative whose district includes NIH, I was taken aback when the Trump Administration proposed deep and shocking cuts to medical research on killer diseases like breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. What could conceivably justify the idea of slashing nearly $6 billion from NIH, an institution that has saved the lives of countless Americans and is the source of hope for millions? What could be behind this proposal? 

“The answer is: no one knows, not even the Trump Administration. They just pulled the plug on scheduled Appropriations hearings on the NIH budget, which suggests that the Administration has no idea how to defend these indefensible proposals. They clearly don't want the leading research scientists and physicians in America testifying about the devastation that would be caused by this outrageous proposal. And they have nothing to say themselves. 

“This is no way to govern or to legislate. The Trump Administration should reverse course and stop its assaults on the medical and scientific research of America.” 

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Congressman Jamie Raskin represents Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, which includes Montgomery, Frederick, and Carroll counties. He is the Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, a Senior Democratic Whip, and Freshman Representative to the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee. He also serves on the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee and the Committee on House Administration.