The Senate is poised to pass a short-term Fiscal Year 2027 spending bill, also referred to as a continuing resolution (CR), to avert a federal government shutdown on October 1 — the start of the fiscal year. That bipartisan plan includes language that would block the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from implementing changes to the way agencies approve federal grant awards while the CR is in effect.
The bipartisan Senate CR would expire December 11, during which time federal agencies would be funded at current levels with few exceptions.
OMB’s sweeping proposed rule calls for review of grants by political appointees, allows for grant cancellations for any reason, prohibits grant funds from being used for publishing and conference attendance, and restricts international research collaboration.
Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have publicly called for blocking the regulation.
In July, ASGE and other GI societies wrote to OMB urging withdrawal of the rule. ASGE has also encouraged its members to ask congressional lawmakers to stop the rule.
The Senate language marks solid progress and reflects the power of advocacy. Sustained advocacy remains essential because the Senate measure will need to be reconciled with a House-passed bill that does not address the OMB rule.
ASGE members should continue to make their voices heard so the Senate provision survives in the final continuing resolution. Take action now.