UW leaders call on White House to reverse medical research cuts

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- University of Wisconsin leaders are calling on the White House to reverse dramatic cuts to medical research. 

Those cuts target "indirect costs," things like hazardous waste disposal and cleaning services.

The Trump administration argues that the funding is unnecessary, but UW President Jay Rothman says losing those funds could grind potentially lifesaving research to a halt. 

"Taking a meat cleaver to this funding is simply wrong, short sighted, and will cause harm to people across the state of Wisconsin, and the country," said Pres. Jay Rothman. 

Last night, a federal judge temporarily blocked those cuts from going into effect. This, as a lawsuit filed by 22 states, including Wisconsin, plays out in court.