Grassroots Pushback Grows as OMB Seeks to Bind Federal Grant Rules
TL;DR
The White House OMB proposed turning 2 CFR Part 200 into binding regulations, centralizing grant oversight with mandatory pre issuance reviews by political appointees and expanded power to terminate awards. Public comments show overwhelming opposition (about 94%), driven largely by unaffiliated individuals and scientists, while supporters mainly come from a single form letter campaign. Critics warn the move politicizes funding and undermines scientific peer review; supporters cite waste, fraud, and abuse controls. OMB must address substantive comments before finalizing, with a tight timeline toward an anticipated October effectiveness.
- The Public Rejects OMB's Federal Financial Assistance Rule Tech Policy Press
- Proposed federal grant changes are alarming, illegal and 'bad for Boston,' say Mass. researchers and lawmakers WBUR
- Researchers worry a Trump rule could end U.S. scientific dominance The Washington Post
- Trump’s proposed research rule faces widespread pushback The Hill
- Democratic governors say proposed changes to federal grants would harm reproductive healthcare Stateline
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