A Huge Victory, But More is Needed
Over the weekend, the Senate Appropriations Committee released the text of its Continuing Resolution (CR), which would delay the implementation of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed rule through Dec. 11. We see it as enormous progress in the fight against OMB’s proposed changes to federal grantmaking.
While not commenting on the proposed rule, The White House expressed strong support for the Senate version of the CR to avoid a shutdown.
Our statement applauding the Senate language has been widely cited in the media, including in Politico Pro, Nature, and Inside Higher Ed.
But our work is not done…
Russ’s Corner
Our community had our first visible OMB victory this week: the Senate’s version of the CR included a provision that would delay OMB from finalizing its proposed rule. CRs generally contain only a handful of provisions that are not critical for funding the government, and such provisions are typically noncontroversial. We, through our advocacy, made that provision possible.
I want to be clear that while the research and public health community was essential, we were not solely responsible for this bipartisan CR. This was accomplished by a large, broad coalition representing local government, agriculture, law enforcement, transportation, and housing just to name a few sectors.
While this is a victory, we have a lot more work to do. The Senate, and then the House, must pass the CR with this language, and there are no guarantees. Please use the August recess to go to your representatives’ town halls or reach out to their district offices to continue making the case that the proposed OMB rule must be stopped. Our new advocacy toolkit and talking points should help, as well as our webinar on Tuesday (see below).
Your engagement has made a difference. The stakes remain high, and your voice still has the power to influence the outcome.
Russ
Turn Concern Into Action: As members of Congress spend more time in their states and districts during the August district work period, now is the perfect time to make your voice heard. Join us Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 1:30 p.m. ET for live advocacy action. After learning some tips from Research!America’s Erin Darbouze, MPH, participate in a group phone bank to put your advocacy into action. This event is open to all, so feel free to share it with colleagues and others who may be interested. Register here.
Comments on NSF’s Draft Guidance: Research!America submitted comments on NSF’s draft Guidance on Financial Assistance, urging the agency to clarify its proposed changes and refrain from pre-applying OMB’s proposed rule. You can read our comments to NSF here.
New CDC Director: The Senate voted yesterday to confirm Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the CDC. During her confirmation hearing last month, Dr. Schwartz said that, once confirmed, restoring public trust through transparency and scientific integrity would be her top priority. She said she would lead the CDC as it responds to several significant public health challenges, including the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak and the international Ebola outbreak.
Speeding Up Clinical Trials: As part of its Operation TrialBlazer, the FDA is seeking comments on a new initiative to increase the number of Phase 1 clinical trials in the U.S. As underscored in a recent FDA blog, the U.S. is losing ground to China in clinical trials. The deadline for comments is Aug. 24.
NIH Hosting a Webinar on Unified Funding Strategy: NIH leadership is hosting a webinar on Friday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET during which they will provide more details on the agency’s Unified Funding Strategy. You can register and pre-submit questions here.
Join Research!America: If you haven’t already, join our multi-sector alliance! The membership process is straightforward, the benefits are compelling, and your participation informs and intensifies our community’s influence on and off Capitol Hill. Email Associate Director of Membership and Development Operations Donald Cook for more information.