| Dear FASEB Member Society Volunteer Leaders and Staff, Given the rapidly changing landscape in Washington, DC, I am writing to share important updates and provide information regarding what you can expect from FASEB staff and volunteer leaders in this new environment. It is important to remember that Presidential transitions can be disruptive and in-coming administrations will take different approaches to managing federal government operations, especially during the first few weeks. There is some precedent from prior administrations for what is happening at NIH and other agencies right now, even as it is concerning and is understandably causing anxiety among faculty, students, postdocs, and others in the research community. To say that things are changing quickly would be an understatement. The extended 30 minutes of the February 4 Board meeting will focus on sharing the latest news regarding the new administration and Congress with a discussion on what FASEB can do to navigate the current situation. Staff and volunteer leaders at FASEB are aware of articles that were published over the last 48 hours in Science, Nature, the Washington Post, and other media outlets regarding operations at NIH and other agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The articles referenced a memo issued on January 22 by Dorothy Fink, Acting Secretary of HHS, to all HHS agencies instituting an immediate pause on issuing documents and public communications. FASEB staff obtained a copy of the memo (attached). The memo directs HHS agencies to refrain from issuing documents or communications (including grant announcements, regulations, press releases, and guidance) until it has been reviewed and approved by a Presidential appointee. HHS employees are also directed to refrain from participating in any public speaking engagements until the event and materials have been reviewed and approved by a Presidential appointee. Although these restrictions are in place until February 1, 2025, the memo states that the President's appointees intend to review documents and communications expeditiously and return to a more regular process as soon as possible. In addition, an email sent by the NIH Senior Travel Officer informed employees that HHS CFOs, Operating Division Senior Travel Officials, and their Deputies received a memo from HHS on January 21, directing all travel be suspended immediately and indefinitely except for employees at the Indian Health Service and those currently on travel who were directed to return to their home city. Press reports indicate that NIH Advisory Council meetings and some study section meetings were also cancelled or are in the process of being cancelled/postponed. Advisory Councils for all HHS agencies are affected by cancellations and postponements, not just those at NIH. It was also announced this morning that Matthew Memoli, MD, MS, has been appointed acting director of NIH as of January 22. Dr. Memoli will serve in the acting director role while Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the NIH Director nominee, goes through the Senate confirmation process. FASEB will not be issuing any immediate statements while staff focus on staying in close contact with NIH and monitoring developments in real time. FASEB will prioritize sharing information with its volunteer leaders and member societies once it has been verified by reputable sources. As I noted in my letter in November, while the election results undeniably shifted the political landscape, they do not change FASEB's commitment to advocacy. We are moving forward with preparations for Capitol Hill Day on March 19 and will take additional actions as necessary pending further information from HHS and NIH about the current restrictions on communication and travel. FASEB will also continue the regular Public Affairs Special Interest Group meeting that takes place for society public affairs staff each Friday, in addition to distributing weekly updates through the science policy and legislative affairs mailers that go to public affairs staff. In the meantime, I ask that you share this letter with members of your society in the format that works best for you. I also invite you to reach out directly to me, your designated FASEB Board representative, or Frank Krause (fkrause@faseb.org) to share your thoughts and concerns. Sincerely, Beth A. Garvy FASEB President |