Background
The National Institutes of Health is the world's largest public funder of biomedical research, directing approximately 83% of its budget to extramural researchers at academic institutions and companies nationwide. NIH funding generates $2.56 in economic activity for every dollar invested, supporting over 408,000 jobs and producing $94.5 billion in economic impact in FY 2024. NIH-funded research has produced transformative echocardiography advances including 3D/4D imaging, strain imaging for early disease detection, machine learning algorithms, and portable point-of-care devices that enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce healthcare costs.
ASE Recommendations
ASE urges Congress to provide at least $51.3 billion for NIH in FY 2027, representing an 8.7% increase over FY 2026 enacted levels. This investment would:
- Restore predictable, sustained growth in biomedical research funding after a year of grant freezes, delayed disbursements, and terminated clinical trials that disrupted cardiovascular research nationwide
- Protect the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and other cardiovascular research programs
- Support the next generation of echocardiography advances, including AI-driven diagnostics, novel strain imaging applications, and expanded point-of-care capabilities
- Maintain America's global leadership in biomedical research and the economic benefits NIH funding delivers to communities in every state
Featured Resources
Advocacy
ASE Joins Letter Urging Support for FY 2027 NIH Funding
On March 6, ASE joined a record-breaking 558...
Advocacy
Turbulent Times in Research Funding: ASE’s Response to the Challenge
November-December 2025 Echo magazine article This December 2025 President’s Message...
Advocacy
ASE Joins Letter Urging Congressional Appropriators to Finalize FY 2026 NIH Funding
On October 27, ASE joined the Ad Hoc...