Cole Corrects Democrat Falsehoods on Interagency Transfers

Washington, D.C. – Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) issued the below statement following news reports claiming the Trump Administration is seeking to divert billions of dollars from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to supplement the Department of War’s budget:

“Despite multiple false media headlines, the fact remains: not one dollar has been transferred from the NIH to the Department of War. Trying to twist routine interagency partnerships, which ensure we do not duplicate efforts across government, into political capital for fearmongering is the kind of irresponsible outrage that seems to fuel the radical socialist agenda we see capturing Democrats across the nation. 

“The NIH and Department of War are working together – to strengthen and streamline collaboration to fight dangerous biological pathogens. Infectious diseases are a national security issue. Agencies aligning priorities to achieve closer integration, stay ahead of evolving threats, strengthen our capabilities, and ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars is responsible governance, not a scandal. Further, I have personally spoken with NIH Director Dr. Bhattacharya, who assured me that no money would be taken from basic medical research to fund unrelated efforts at the Department of War.

“Calling routine interagency cooperation a ‘secretive attempt’ to steal NIH funding doesn’t make it true. It only exposes how desperate some have become to manufacture controversy against President Trump.”

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