Pentagon seeks to divert NIH funds
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The gist
Pentagon sought to divert NIH funds for defense use, top House Democrat says.
The move could redirect billions from disease research to military amid budget crunch.
Background
The Pentagon is reportedly facing financial pressure due to ongoing military operations, including a conflict with Iran. To address budget shortfalls, it has sought to access funds appropriated to the NIH, specifically the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which has an annual budget of around $7 billion. House Appropriations Committee Democrats, led by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, allege that the Pentagon signed an interagency agreement without notifying Congress, aiming to divert billions for defense purposes. The NIH disclosed the effort only after Democrats pressed for information.
How it unfolded
- Sep 3, 2026Rep. Rosa DeLauro, top Democrat on House Appropriations, announces that the Pentagon is attempting to divert billions from NIH to bolster its budget, calling it 'outrageous' and demanding termination of the interagency agreement.
- Sep 3, 2026DeLauro's office says NIH officials disclosed the Pentagon's efforts only after House Appropriations Committee Democrats pressed for information.
- Sep 4, 2026Reports note that the Pentagon has already asked Congress to shift $4.3 billion in previously appropriated funds, and the Navy has diverted payroll money to cover combat costs, highlighting the military's financial strain.
Who’s saying what
- Democrats
- DeLauro: 'This secretive attempt to siphon research funds away from NIH is outrageous. The interagency agreement needs to be terminated immediately.'
- HHS
- An HHS spokesperson defended a potential NIH-Pentagon partnership as enabling 'nimble multi-agency resources to collaboratively respond to public health emergencies, such as the recent Ebola outbreak.'
Still unverified
The exact amount of money the Pentagon sought and its intended use remain unclear. It is also unconfirmed whether NIH signed the interagency agreement.