VA research is losing staff and trials as Senate panel presses on $43M cut

The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee spent Wednesday arguing over the Trump administration's proposed cuts to VA research funding, the outcome carried weight for tens of thousands of Alaskans. Roughly one in 10 Alaskans is a veteran, the highest share in the country, according to the state Department of Labor

Sen. Patty Murray described research already faltering. Stroke-risk work at the Pittsburgh VA went on hold, she said, cancer trial enrollment was delayed, and a Florida dementia prevention study was canceled. One clinical trial closed after taking six months to hire a single researcher; its principal investigator and lead clinician both quit. "On the very first day of the Trump administration, all VA research staff became subject to a hiring freeze," Murray said.

The VA disputes the picture. Acting Executive Director Dr. Richard Nelson told the committee no research programs have been cut, and that the agency has expanded its cancer research network to more than 100 medical facilities. The reduction, he said, reflects expiring contracts and staffing changes, not eliminated programs. VA officials put it at about 2 percent, or $23 million, against the $42 million to $43 million senators cited, and note the FY 2027 request is up 9 percent.

Glenn Graham, a former VA neurology director, warned the department risks losing far more than it saves. The VA draws roughly half a billion dollars in outside research money from NIH, the Defense Department, and private sources, he said, and departing researchers take those grants with them.

Murray also flagged a proposed rule that would require political appointees to approve federal research grants. "We need decisions based on science," she said.