“Suspension of these appropriated funds — whether formally withheld or functionally delayed — could threaten Americans’ ability to access better treatments and limit our nation’s leadership in biomedical science,” they warned. “It also risks inadvertently severing ongoing NIH-funded research prior to actionable results.”

The group argued that withholding or suspending the funds would jeopardize confidence in the U.S. biomedical research system and the ability of the United States to find cures.

Balancing criticism with positive rhetoric, the letter also expressed confidence in NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The signatories of the letter included the few Republicans in the Senate willing to criticize Trump openly, such as Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Thom Tillis (R-NC). Others were solid allies of the president, including Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Boozman (R-AR), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Todd Young (R-IN).

The letter is the latest instance of elected Republicans expressing anxiety about Trump’s strategy of withholding funds from research and other bodies as a way to weed out perceived hostile ideological influences. Earlier this month, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) asked Trump to restore funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, of which funding was being withheld due to their support for left-wing groups. Lawler praised the work of the learning centers, though his letter didn’t directly criticize the Trump administration or use confrontational language.

“21st Century Community Learning Centers are a perfect example of what happens when we take the federal government out of education – outcomes are better. Students that participate in these programs have been found to have better attendance records, are more engaged in their classes, and see improvements in their academic performance, including in reading and math,” he wrote.

NIH TO PHASE OUT DOG AND CAT TESTING DAYS AFTER REPUBLICAN COMPLAINTS

After the funding was released, Lawler praised Trump for his quick action.

“I would like to thank President Trump for responding promptly to our request, as well as recognizing the importance of these programs for our children’s futures. As always, I remain committed to ensuring students have every opportunity for success,” he said.