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Ongoing1 earlier update

This story has run 2 times, starting Sep 21.

  1. Trump requests plan giving outside panel veto power over NIH research grants
  2. UpdateCollins and Murray reject draft order giving political appointees control of NIH grants — this issue
THE HILLUpdate

Collins and Murray reject draft order giving political appointees control of NIH grants

Political Guyentist · September 22, 20261 min read

THE HILL

The White House is drafting an executive order to move NIH grant approval to a new board. Trump told budget director Russ Vought to build it. On Sept. 20 he asked for a plan that would give an outside panel veto power over NIH research grants.

Catch upwhat happened before · 1 earlier issue

Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (Sen-R Maine) objects. Putting politics into grantmaking by order or guidance is "contrary to congressional intent," she says. Ranking member Patty Murray (Sen-D Washington) warns that one appointee could kill a cancer study. There would be no scientific reason for it.

Also in the draftOfficials are also weighing a separate commission to review NIH awards.2 details
  • Officials are also weighing a separate commission to review NIH awards.
  • An analysis cited by PBS says the administration has cut or frozen grants in every state.

What we’re less sure of3 of 5 claims