Reps. McBride, Budzinski Urge OMB to Rescind Proposed Rule That Threatens Agricultural Research
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representatives Sarah McBride (D-Del.) and Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.) led 15 of their colleagues in calling on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to rescind a proposed rule that would politicize the federal grant-making process, threatening research and innovation in critical sectors like agriculture, Delaware's leading industry.
In a letter sent to OMB, McBride and Budzinski raise concerns that the proposed rule would broaden the Trump Administration's authority to suspend or terminate federal awards, make it more difficult for researchers — including those at land-grant universities — to collaborate with international partners, and further politicize the federal grant-making process.
“We write to express our deep concerns regarding the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) proposed revisions to the current guidance governing federal financial assistance. OMB’s proposed rule contains more than 120 changes to the current Uniform Guidance, including revisions that risk destabilizing research innovation, cutting out international partners, and injecting partisan politics into the grant review process. Furthermore, we are concerned that the proposed changes could weaken the federal research partnerships foundational to America’s global leadership in agriculture, science, and innovation,” wrote the lawmakers.
Land-grant universities play a critical role in translating federally funded research into practical tools for farmers and have been responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. The University of Delaware, one of the nation's leading public land-grant universities, is a vital partner for Delaware farmers through its agricultural research and Cooperative Extension. Reforms to the grant-making process that destabilize federal funding could jeopardize the research and extension work that helps Delaware producers respond to emerging diseases, improve productivity, and remain globally competitive.
“Groundbreaking scientific discoveries have emerged from U.S. research institutions working in partnership with the international agricultural community, like developing large-scale penicillin production in a United States Department of Agriculture lab using research started abroad. We are concerned the proposed rule cuts out international partners, creates unnecessary red tape, and risks slowing agricultural innovation. In a global marketplace, international cooperation strengthens domestic agriculture and helps keep grocery prices lower for American consumers,” the lawmakers continued.
McBride and Budzinski also warn that expanding political control over the federal grant-making process would undermine Congress' constitutional power to appropriate federal funds while adding unnecessary government red tape to what should be a straightforward, merit-based process.
“Congress exercises its constitutional power of the purse through the appropriations process, and establishes priorities for federal investments on behalf of the American people. Expanding the powers of agencies and political appointees to terminate grants subjects the power of America’s research dollars to changing political winds. Agricultural and scientific research has proven to have a high payoff, yet often takes decades to yield results. Funding decisions should not be based on the shifting priorities of political appointees. Introducing this uncertainty into the grant-making process risks slowing research, discouraging participation in federal programs, and weakening the investments in the American farmer,” wrote the lawmakers.
McBride and Budzinski conclude by urging OMB to work with Congress, federal agencies, research institutions, and agricultural stakeholders on any reforms to the grant-making process so they strengthen accountability without undermining the research enterprise or the international collaboration that supports American agriculture.
“We therefore urge OMB to rescind the proposed rule and work with Congress, federal agencies, research institutions, and stakeholders to ensure that any changes to the Uniform Guidance strengthen accountability without undermining the long-standing federal research partnerships that support American agriculture and innovation,” the lawmakers concluded.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
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