Biomedical research groups have warned that a proposed US Office of Management and Budget rule could make federal research funding less predictable by increasing political control over grant decisions and allowing grants to be ended more easily. They argue this could disrupt long-term studies, discourage scientific collaboration and slow the development of treatments, while supporters say the changes would strengthen oversight and ensure grants reflect administration priorities.

The proposal would overhaul the government-wide rules governing federal grants, affecting how awards are reviewed, managed and terminated. Critics highlight provisions that would make peer review advisory, require awards to advance the President’s policy priorities, restrict some international collaborations and limit funding for publication or conference costs; the public consultation closed on 13 July 2026, with the rule proposed to take effect on 1 October.