ASA, CSSA, and SSSA oppose proposed changes to federal funding management

ASA, CSSA, and SSSA have submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) opposing proposed changes to the "Uniform Guidance" governing federal financial assistance programs. The Societies argue that the proposed rule would create significant new burdens for federally funded research while undermining the stability, independence, and effectiveness of the nation's scientific enterprise.

Among the Societies' primary concerns is a proposal that would require senior political appointees to conduct pre-award reviews of discretionary grants, including scientific research awards. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA argue that scientific peer review has long been the cornerstone of evaluating research merit and that adding an additional layer of political review could delay awards, disrupt research timelines, and weaken confidence in competitive funding decisions.

ASA, CSSA, and SSSA also oppose:

• provisions that would expand agency authority to suspend or terminate awards based on discretionary determinations, noting that sudden funding disruptions could jeopardize years of scientific work and diminish the return on federal investments in research. 
   
• changes that would limit international research collaboration; restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) research and activities; and prohibit federal funding for publishing, conference attendance, and other professional development activities. 

ASA, CSSA, and SSSA joined nearly 300,000 individuals and organizations that submitted comments on the proposed rule. Many scientific organizations expressed similar opposition to the proposed changes. The Office of Management and Budget will now need to review the comments before submitting the final rule in advance of the intended October 1 implementation date.