Why It Matters

Case Western Reserve University is just one of myriad universities fighting to preserve research funding.

The Trump administration’s push to cap federal indirect costs at 15 percent—down from current rates averaging 25-33 percent—would eliminate billions in university research infrastructure funding. Though courts have temporarily blocked these caps, ongoing litigation and congressional proposals like the Federal Grant Accountability Act keep the threat alive. CWRU’s hiring of Cornerstone reflects universities’ recognition that legislative solutions are urgent. The industry is coalescing around the FAIR model as a compromise that increases transparency while preserving full cost recovery.

By the Numbers

CWRU is a seasoned federal lobbyist, spending approximately $12.2 million on advocacy since 2003. The university relied heavily on in-house lobbying ($8.9 million), while supplementing with external firms including Holland & Knight LLP ($2.17 million).

The last quarter engagement with Cornerstone Government Affairs for $80,000 represents a strategic addition rather than a wholesale shift. Two lobbyists represent CWRU: Erik Byrd Fatemi, whose Senate Appropriations Committee service (2001-2015) provides expertise in federal spending, and David Mark Planning, who served over seven years in the House (2015-2023).

CWRU joins institutions including Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Pittsburgh, and the Association of American Universities actively lobbying against indirect cost caps.

The Agenda

CWRU ‘s lobbying directly responds to threats to federal research funding. The Trump administration pursued capping Facilities and Administrative indirect cost reimbursements at 15%—potentially devastating universities’ research infrastructure. Congressional bills including the Federal Grant Accountability Act and No Subsidies for Wealthy Universities Act propose similar restrictions.

The higher education sector has coalesced around the FAIR (Financial Accountability in Research) model as a compromise increasing transparency while preserving full cost recovery. Though courts temporarily blocked the 15% caps, the Trump administration has appealed, ensuring continued legal and legislative battles.

Broader Context

CWRU’s Cornerstone hiring comes as federal research funding faces unprecedented upheaval. While courts blocked indirect cost caps, the administration has appealed, ensuring continued litigation. The policy environment has become hostile, with the administration terminating approximately 2,100 NIH grants worth $9.5 billion, proposing 40 percent NIH and 57 percent NSF budget cuts, and leveraging research funding to force universities to abandon diversity initiatives.

Major research institutions have launched coordinated lobbying efforts opposing indirect cost caps. The higher education sector has coalesced around the Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) model to increase transparency while preserving full cost recovery.

Between The Lines

Congress is intensely focused on federal research funding, creating pressure for CWRU’s lobbying efforts. Recent congressional activity underscores the stakes: Senate Appropriations hearings show bipartisan NIH and NSF support but signal overhead concerns, while House and Senate hearings on research security increase compliance burdens.

Key lawmakers have taken positions. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) called proposed caps "devastating," while Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) labeled them "illegal."

CWRU joins a broader coalition with the Association of American Universities, Georgia Tech, and others actively lobbying on research funding, indicating sector-wide mobilization.

Competitive Landscape

CWRU’s lobbying occurs within an intensely competitive environment where research institutions are mobilizing simultaneously on identical issues. The Association of American Universities, Georgia Institute of Technology, and University of Pittsburgh are all lobbying against F&A indirect cost caps.

Higher education associations coordinate through the Joint Associations Group to advance the FAIR model as an industry-wide solution. CWRU’s engagement with Cornerstone Government Affairs—which already represents competing universities—suggests CWRU is joining rather than competing within established lobbying networks focused on research funding defense.

The Bottom Line

CWRU’s $80,000 Cornerstone engagement reflects higher education’s urgent need to defend federal research funding structures. The university joins a broad coalition mobilizing against proposed indirect cost caps—the overhead expenses universities recover for federally funded research.

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