Spending Deal Blocks Political Control of Grants, Staving Off Shutdown

Blocking political control of grants secured in spending deal

The House of Representatives approved a stopgap spending measure that extends federal funding through early December, averting a shutdown just weeks before the midterms.

President Trump is expected to sign, given the political risk of a lapse.

Why the grant provision matters

The Senate’s August budget bill contains a clause that bars the Office of Management and Budget from issuing rules that would let political appointees unilaterally cancel research grants.

“Allowing partisan vetoes of science would cripple innovation,” said a senior researcher.

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Scientific societies and health groups rallied against the proposed rule, labeling it a disaster for research.

With the clause in place, funding agencies retain autonomy, preserving the integrity of studies ranging from climate to pandemic research.

According to Reuters, the Senate bill passed with a ↑ 98% bipartisan vote, reflecting broad consensus on protecting science.