Spending bill blocks Trump plan to politicize grants

A spending bill unveiled Sunday by Senate Republicans would temporarily block the Trump administration’s proposal to give political appointees control over hundreds of billions of dollars in scientific grants.

The provision contained in the continuing resolution marks a rare instance of congressional Republicans standing up to a controversial Trump administration policy.

It emerged from bipartisan discussions in the Senate Appropriations Committee and was reviewed and approved by GOP leadership.

The legislation would fund the government through Dec. 11, so the proposed rule would only be blocked until that time. The administration initially said it planned to make the rule final on Oct. 1.

In a statement, Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) said she was “pleased” the provision was included.

Collins in July urged the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to withdraw portions of the rule. Her concerns were echoed by GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) as well as many........

© The Hill