NIH and most science agencies funded for FY2026

On Tuesday, February 3, after a brief partial government shutdown, Congress funded the remaining parts of the government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026 (with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security). The final bill included funding for NIH and other remaining science agencies.

Funding for NIH was increased slightly (~1%), while DOD’s basic research budget was cut by about 5%, and applied research increased by 15%.

The bill directly reaffirms Congress’ intent that indirect cost rates at NIH remain at previously negotiated levels and directs NIH to explore the FAIR model for funding indirect costs, though not before 2027.

It also indirectly endorses Senate Labor–Health and Human Services report language (see STM’s previous comments to NIH here) supporting NIH’s efforts to “address rising APCs,” while directing NIH to work with the scientific community on the details of “an APC allowable charge limit.”

Delve deeper via the Joint Explanatory Statement (p 41), the Senate report (p 149), the full bill itself, and/or AAAS’ analysis of the budgets.