ASTCT Advocates on Capitol Hill for NIH Funding and Patient Access
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, ASTCT representatives with colleagues from NMDP went to Capitol Hill to advocate for NIH funding and greater access to care for the patients we serve.
Thanks to the detailed planning of our government relations group, we were able to meet with congressional leaders, representatives and staff members throughout the day. We were received with support when advocating to not just maintain but increase NIH funding in fiscal year 2026, and to protect current NIH institutions and grant structures. We additionally urged support for, and even cosponsorship of, the “Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act,” which will provide rapid access to children in need of therapies at out-of-state centers. It is hard to imagine anyone being against this cause!
We participated in a press conference held by Representatives Chris Smith (NJ), Kweisi Mfume (MD) and Doris Matsui (CA), where they announced bipartisan sponsorship and introduction of the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program, the bill that authorizes funding for NMDP. And along with colleagues Joanne Kurtzberg, MD, and Steve Devine, MD, I gave a presentation to Congressional staffers focusing on the breathtaking advances in our field. I focused on bone marrow and stem cell transplant as well as CAR T therapies; Dr. Kurtzberg discussed the incredible potential of umbilical cord blood stem cells; and Dr. Devine highlighted the need and success for the practice-changing and lifesaving clinical trials that we develop, support and implement.
I thought this day represented advocacy — and ASTCT — at its best. I believe we left a powerful impression and had a critical impact on how legislators will view the work we have done and need to do. But I am aware a one-day visit is sadly insufficient. We need to keep up the work. Call, write or visit your congressional leaders. Remind them of the life-saving importance of the work we do and of the need for funding to support integrity and truth in science and medicine. Ask them to help us continue the incredible discovery, development and treatments that our patients so desperately need and deserve.
Hear more of my perspective live from Hill Day: