Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge White House to Rescind Political Rule That Hurts American Science, Research

Senators: "We cannot afford to export American innovation and American jobs because of partisan games."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper led 10 of his Senate colleagues in submitting public comment to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought to demand OMB rescind a proposed rule, broadly titled "Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance" that could alter how nearly all federal agencies administer grants and financial agreements. The proposed change would give more political control over these awards by the White House, which could enable corruption, undermine U.S. scientific investments and competitiveness, and block funding for critical life-saving research and collaboration.

"The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities," wrote the senators. "Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark."

The senators continued: "We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden-all in pursuit of continuing America's global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country's competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule."

OMB has proposed sweeping changes to the rules governing how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. These are the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science, and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund a wide array of grants for local projects including but not limited to infrastructure, public health, resource conservation, and rural development. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025, Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards.

Hickenlooper's public comment was joined by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen, Mark Warner, Tammy Duckworth, Angela Alsobrooks, Peter Welch, Angus King, Chris Coons, Jeanne Shaheen, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Kristen Gillibrand.

As the only peer-reviewed scientist in the U.S. Senate, Hickenlooper continues to fight efforts by the Trump administration to undermine settled science, vocalizing the importance of science in our day-to-day lives and demanding full funding for research institutions like the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Hickenlooper also introduced the Scientific Integrity Act alongside 20 of his colleagues to protect public scientific research and reports from the influence of political and special interests. Hickenlooper is a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and a former geologist.

###