Washington, D.C. — In response to a recent finding that top National Institutes of Health (NIH) official Dr. Eliezer Masliah falsified research information, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: 

“These findings are deeply troubling and worsen an already growing distrust of the NIH’s scientific research. We expect full transparency with Congress and the public regarding the matter. While Republicans have historically championed the NIH, these types of misconduct—coupled with the agency’s lack of cooperation throughout our ongoing COVID-19, MPXV, and sexual harassment investigations—make it difficult to continue such robust support,” said the Chairs. “The responses to the Committee’s NIH reform framework overwhelmingly agreed that a comprehensive review of NIH is needed. We urge experts and stakeholders to continue engaging in constructive discussion to strengthen the NIH, protect taxpayer dollars, and restore trust in government health agencies.” 

A Science magazine article also further details the allegations, which were in part confirmed by the NIH.

In June 2024, Chair Rodgers unveiled a framework that lays out the current challenges facing the NIH and contains recommendations for reform.

CLICK HERE for a one-pager on the framework. 

CLICK HERE to read Chair Rodgers opinion piece with House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Chair Robert Aderholt (R-AL) regarding the effort.