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Lawmakers Demand Halt to Controversial Bat Virus Funding

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Paul Gosar urged the NIH to halt over $3 million in funding for experimental bat infection studies related to SARS coronaviruses.
They say the work poses biosafety risks and could trigger another pandemic.
Colorado State University's bat breeding facility has received $12.9 million since 2016.
Critics link the work to EcoHealth Alliance and former NIH officials.

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Story summary

Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Paul Gosar urged the NIH to halt over $3 million in funding for experimental bat infection studies related to SARS coronaviruses.
They say the work poses biosafety risks and could trigger another pandemic.
Colorado State University's bat breeding facility has received $12.9 million since 2016.
Critics link the work to EcoHealth Alliance and former NIH officials.