The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) is a lifeline for service members, veterans, and civilians alike. This Department of Defense program funds cutting-edge research into critical health challenges like traumatic brain injury, cancer, ALS—and ME/CFS.
Earlier this year, CDMRP was slashed by 57%, putting life-saving research at risk, including one of the only federal funding streams for ME/CFS research.
The Medical Research for Our Troops Act (H.R. 3906) would restore the full $859 million cut by the fiscal year 2025 Continuing Resolution and fund all 35 CDMRP programs at their FY24 levels, including ME/CFS as a continued topic area.
CDMRP has already delivered 56 FDA-approved treatments, a rapid blood test for TBI, and over 600 clinical trials. It is uniquely positioned to support diseases like ME/CFS that lack commercial incentives and often fall through the cracks of traditional research pipelines.
ME/CFS has left millions—including veterans and those with infection-triggered onset from deployment or viral illness—without diagnostic tools, FDA-approved treatments, or meaningful care. CDMRP offers a vital research lifeline for these patients.
With an overhead of just 5.62%, CDMRP is one of the most efficient programs in the federal government. It responds rapidly to emerging threats and adapts to support high-impact, peer-reviewed medical innovation.
Your Voice Matters
Use this form to send an email to your Representative urging them to cosponsor H.R. 3906. This bill protects national security, supports veterans and service members, and safeguards one of the only federal funding sources for ME/CFS research.
