Another judge rebuffs Trump administration as critics blast 'attack on science': report

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's latest cut — this time preventing the National Institutes of Health from slashing research funding in more than 20 states.

NIH announced Friday that it would significantly cut federal funding for overhead costs at universities, hospitals and institutes required to conduct research. The funding is known as "indirect costs," and goes toward things like rent for space, utilities, internet access, payroll, equipment and other intangible benefits, such as research assistants.

Scientists have warned the cut could prove catastrophic for America's medical research.

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On Monday night, a federal judge temporarily blocked the cuts from taking effect in 22 states, The New York Times reported. The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed Sunday that argued the Trump administration’s plan to cut $4 billion in overhead costs —violated a decades-old law overseeing how administrative agencies create and carry out regulations.

“Without relief from N.I.H.’s action, these institutions’ cutting-edge work to cure and treat human disease will grind to a halt,” the lawsuit said, according to the Times.

The states must file a status report Tuesday and then again bi-weekly assuring the money has been disbursed. A hearing has been scheduled for late next week in the case.

Dr. Michael Drake, president of the University of California, told the Times in a Monday statement the Trump administration's plan would prove "catastrophic" if allowed to proceed.

“A cut this size is nothing short of catastrophic for countless Americans who depend on U.C.’s scientific advances to save lives and improve health care,” Drake said. “This is not only an attack on science, but on America’s health writ large. We must stand up against this harmful, misguided action.”