Proposed OMB Rule Would Damage America’s Ability to Conduct Research
Research!America Submits Public Comments Opposing Proposed Federal Grantmaking Regulations
Arlington, Va. – Research!America, the nation’s largest multi-sector alliance dedicated to making research and innovation a higher national priority and accelerating medical progress, has filed comments opposing a proposed Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule that would severely damage America’s ability to conduct lifesaving research.
As detailed in the comments, Research!America shares the administration’s interest in promoting accountability and efficiency. Unfortunately, the proposed rule moves in a different direction. Rather than strengthening stewardship of taxpayer dollars, it would replace merit-based decision-making with political decision-making, give the government broad new authority to terminate clinical trials and other grant-funded research midstream at the expense of taxpayers and patients, and impose layers of bureaucracy that slow scientific progress and increase costs. American taxpayers would receive less value from their investment in research, and patients and families would wait longer for the breakthroughs that improve and save lives.
“As written, the OMB rule would cause lasting damage to our nation’s ability to conduct groundbreaking medical research,” said Research!America CEO and President Russ Paulsen. “Our nation’s research enterprise has been the envy of the world, but this harmful rule would create the kind of financial uncertainty and red tape that kills productivity and progress. Who wins? China and other global competitors. We respectfully ask the administration to withdraw this rule and work with Congress and stakeholders not to reinforce the status quo, but to identify practical strategies for increasing U.S. science and technology productivity and competitiveness.”
Research!America encourages individuals and organizations to comment on OMB’s proposed rule. We have developed a comprehensive resource page to help craft and submit effective comments. The deadline is today, July 13.
Contact Katherine Broendel, Director of Communications, at 571-482-2719 or [email protected] with press inquiries.
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