Your Action Is Needed: Contact Congress to Protect Scientific Research

Dear ASCB Members,

Members of Congress are highly interested in the views of their constituents, especially on issues that impact their state or district. This is particularly true when the issue has received significant state or national media attention. While a thoughtful, detailed letter may appeal to some, a simple phone call to your representatives is often more effective.

The ongoing assaults on various components of the federal government—such as restrictions on communication by federal employees and funding freezes at the NIH and NSF—are concerning to everyone. Members of Congress may not fully grasp how these restrictions affect research in their states. They need to hear from you.

Here’s How To Have Your Voice Heard:

1. Finding Your Representative’s Phone Number: Visit govtrack.us and enter your home address to find your Member of Congress or Senators. Their Washington, D.C. office phone number will be listed for each representative.
2. When a staff member answers, introduce yourself with your name and address to confirm you are a constituent. If you get a voicemail, leave a message.
3. Your conversation may be brief, as they may have to answer other calls. Clearly explain why you’re calling, what you want your representative to do, your research field, and whether NIH or NSF funds your work. Also, mention any potential medical outcomes your research could have.
4. Be courteous and respectful, and offer to leave contact information for further follow-up.

Encourage your colleagues and lab members to make calls too.

Sample Call:

“Hello, my name is [Dr. Jim Smith], and I live on [Main Street in Anytown, Connecticut]. I am a [biomedical researcher at the State University], where I study [briefly describe your research]. This research is funded by the [NIH] and is crucial because [in one sentence explain why your research is important to the public].

I am deeply concerned about recent White House decisions to freeze federal funding and halt federal employee communications with the scientific community. This affects me, my colleagues—who are also your constituents—and the progress of medical research. We are all very worried. I urge [Senator Jones] to take action to stop these freezes. Thank you for your time, and I would be happy to discuss this further at any time.”