President Trump’s budget blueprint is out — and it comes with sweeping cuts to scientific programs.

• The NIH’s budget would be slashed by nearly $6 billion, which is about 20 percent of the agency’s current budget.

• The broader HHS budget would be cut by $15.1 billion. The department’s budget includes NIH spending, along with federal dollars for the FDA, the Indian Health Service, and CMS.

• The budget would give a $4.6 billion bump in discretionary funds for veterans’ health care, which is intended to improve access to and timeliness of medical services.

• EPA spending would be hit by a $2.6 billion cut, which accounts for nearly one-third of the agency’s current budget.

• The National Science Foundation isn’t specifically budgeted for in the proposal. The foundation — which awards more than $7 billion in research grants each year — might fall under a miscellaneous spending category.

• Keep in mind that this is just a proposal — Congress will ultimately decide how money is doled out.
• SOURCE: STAT: Morning Rounds