Collins calls on OMB to rescind parts of controversial proposed grant rule

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) called on the Trump administration to withdraw some proposed changes to the federal grantmaking process, joining a growing chorus of opposition to a sweeping new proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 

Collins on Monday sent a letter to OMB Director Russell Vought asking the agency to withdraw portions of the rule that she said would potentially harm small and rural communities and add uncertainty to scientific and biomedical research. 

The proposed rule, rolled out with little fanfare late last month, would codify many policies the administration attempted through executive order and at the individual agency level. It would de-emphasize peer review and give wide latitude to political appointees to decide what research will “advance the President’s policy priorities.” 

The rule would ban research on diversity, equity and inclusion in addition to gender as grant conditions and would place a broad prohibition on international scientific........

© The Hill