Bipartisan members of Congress, led by Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic Senator Patty Murray, are pushing back against a White House plan to establish a politically appointed commission to review and potentially veto National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. Proposed by OMB Director Russell Vought, the plan aims to curb what the administration calls 'woke' research priorities. Opponents warn the move politicizes science and threatens critical medical research, while Collins faces a tight reelection race in Maine.
White House NIH grant commission
- ▪The proposed National Institutes of Health grant review board would require unanimous decisions to approve grants, with Russell Vought and Jay Bhattacharya reportedly serving on it.
- ▪President Donald Trump is considering an executive order to establish a commission of political appointees to review and potentially veto National Institutes of Health grants.
- ▪National Institutes of Health spokesman Joshua Pradko stated that there will be no rescissions to the agency's grant monies and that all allocated funds will be spent.
Congressional opposition to politicization
- ▪Senator Susan Collins, Senator Patty Murray, and Representative Rosa DeLauro issued warnings against the White House plan to establish political oversight of National Institutes of Health grants.
- ▪Congress passed a continuing resolution that temporarily blocks the implementation of the Office of Management and Budget's proposed grant-making rule through December 11.
Collins Maine reelection race
- ▪A CNN/SSRS poll in Maine showed Troy Jackson leading Senator Susan Collins 48 percent to 45 percent, with 67 percent of respondents disapproving of Donald Trump.
- ▪Senator Susan Collins faces a highly competitive reelection campaign in Maine, with recent polls showing Democratic challenger Troy Jackson holding a narrow lead.
Scientific merit-based funding principles
- ▪Research!America CEO Russ Paulsen warned that establishing a political review committee would slow down medical research and the search for cures.
- ▪Senator Susan Collins stated that imposing a political review on already-vetted awards undermines the principle that the government funds research based on scientific merit rather than ideology.
- ▪Senator Susan Collins warned in a July 6 letter that terminating active clinical trials would leave patients without treatment and cause significant scientific and financial losses.
Russell Vought OMB role
- ▪Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought proposed the review commission during an Oval Office meeting, arguing the National Institutes of Health funds 'woke' priorities.
- ▪Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought previously proposed a rule requiring political appointees to review federal grants to ensure they advance presidential policy priorities.
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