Recognizing that equity, diversity, and inclusion in federally funded health research is necessary to enhance scientific excellence, and ensure equitable outcomes for patients in the United States.

119th Congress Introduced by Steve Cohen and 4 co-sponsors

HRES 1437 affirms that diversity and inclusion are essential to federally funded health research and defends apolitical, merit-based peer review from political interference.

Submitted in House

Summary of HRES 1437 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

This resolution recognitizes that equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in federally funded health research are necessary to enhance scientific excellence and to ensure equitable health outcomes for patients in the United States.

It expresses opposition to political interference in the science and the peer-review process and urges the administration to maintain an apolitical, merit-based review system.

Key provisions and changes

Recognizes EDI in health research as essential to address the full range of health challenges in the U.S.

Acknowledges systemic barriers that affect underserved and underrepresented communities, including bias in funding, publication, and representation.

Opposes efforts to politicize or undermine the science-based, merit-based peer-review process used to fund federally funded research.

Urges preservation of the longstanding, apolitical, science-backed peer-review framework that has supported U.S. leadership in health innovation.

Who and what would be affected

Federally funded health research programs and the agencies that administer them (e.g., NIH and related federal grant-making bodies) would be the primary focus, since the bill centers on the integrity of the funding decisions and the inclusivity of research populations.

Institutions that conduct health research (universities, medical centers, and research institutes) and researchers reliant on federal funding would be affected by continued emphasis on EDI in study design and reporting.

Emphasis on ensuring research includes diverse populations (by sex, gender, race/ethnicity, disability, and other underrepresented groups) to improve applicability and equity of health outcomes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The resolution was introduced on July 16, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

As a resolution, it expresses a position of the House rather than establishing new law or mandatory rules. It serves to articulate Congress’s stance on the integrity of the research funding process and the importance of EDI in federally funded health research.

Notable context and themes

The preliminary text references a contemporaneous White House rulemaking and past executive actions related to the governance of federal research funding, signaling concerns about political influence over peer review and grant administration.

The bill underscores the link between diverse representation in research and improved health outcomes, economic costs of health disparities, and the overall advancement of science.

Overall, HRES 1437 is a declaratory resolution affirming the value of diversity and inclusion in federally funded health research, defending the integrity of peer review, and opposing political attempts to alter or limit the research funding and publication landscape.