House Republicans, led by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, are pushing for significant reforms at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) following a series of missteps and controversies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their proposals include reducing the number of NIH institutes and centers, establishing director term limits, increasing transparency, and pausing gain-of-function research until new safety protocols are in place. The plan aims to enhance oversight, protect against national security risks, and ensure accountability in NIH operations. These efforts reflect a broader push by Republicans to reshape the NIH's structure and research priorities to better serve public health and scientific innovation.