White House OMB Rule to Reshape Federal Research Grant Process

On May 29 the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a proposed rule that would overhaul how federal research grants are awarded, with implementation slated for October 1, 2026. The rule would require senior political appointees to review and approve every discretionary grant, could sideline peer‑review at the NIH, and would mandate that projects demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities. It also gives agencies authority to terminate ongoing awards that no longer serve the national interest.

Gastroenterology societies—including ACG, AASLD, AGA, ASGE, and NASPGHAN—have submitted formal comments warning that the proposal injects partisanship into a historically merit‑based system and threatens the United States’ leadership in biomedical research. The American Public Lands Network (APLU) likewise filed a comment letter, noting potential harms to public and land‑grant universities and citing a Senate Appropriations Committee letter from Chair Susan Collins (R‑ME) urging OMB to withdraw harmful provisions.

Both groups are actively engaging with Congress and the administration to oppose the rule.