First Circuit Dubious of NIH in Suit Over Research Fund Cuts

The Trump administration’s attempt to slash billions in NIH research funds and overhead costs faced a skeptical appeals court Wednesday, signaling a decision that could affirm a federal judge’s opinion that the cuts are unconstitutional.

The National Institutes of Health took to the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit to dispute a lower court order issued in April that permanently blocked the agency’s attempt to cap indirect cost rates to 15%.

Judge Angel Kelley for the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled the Trump administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act when it issued guidance capping ...