On April 22, 2026, six ASCB members from Texas spent the day in virtual meetings with staff from six Texas Congressional offices, The ASCB members were Elizabeth Chen, 2027 ASCB President from UT Southwestern Medical Center, Blair Benham-Pyle, Baylor College of Medicine, Giselle De La Torre Pinedo Baylor College of Medicine, Dan Dickinson, University of Texas at Austin, Travis Moore University of Texas Health Science Center, Stephanie Woo, University of California, Merced and a Texas native.
The Texas cell biologists met with the staff for the following members of the Texas Congress delegation: Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-4), Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7), Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14). Unfortunately, two other offices were forced to cancel their meetings at the last minute.
During these meetings, the ASCB members described the research they conduct with support from NIH and NSF funding. They also highlighted the many challenges currently facing life scientists in Texas and across the United States. These challenges include funding shortfalls that prevent labs from hiring new staff, a growing lack of confidence in the future of the U.S. research enterprise, and continued pressures on the research community related to NIH policies.
The ASCB will continue to hold Virtual Hill Days throughout the year, depending on the Congressional calendar. Check the ASCB events calendar for future Virtual Hill Days.
About the Author:
Kevin M. Wilson serves as Vice President, Policy, Governance and Partnerships for The American Society for Cell Biology. He's worked as the Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Robert Weygand (D-RI) and as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI). He has a BA in Politics and American Government from the Catholic University of America. Email: kwilson@ascb.org
