Grassroots Pushback Grows as OMB Seeks to Bind Federal Grant Rules
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.