Story perspectives

300,000 Scientists Oppose OMB Grant Rule, Cite Risks

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), led by Russell Vought, proposed letting political appointees approve research grants, receiving comments from nearly 300,000 scientists, 94% of whom opposed, with a deadline of midnight on July 13.
Nobel laureate Wolfgang Ketterle warned the rule would destroy U.S. leadership in fundamental science.
The American Meteorological Society warned the rule would hinder communication and threaten safety and the economy.

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Story summary

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), led by Russell Vought, proposed letting political appointees approve research grants, receiving comments from nearly 300,000 scientists, 94% of whom opposed, with a deadline of midnight on July 13.
Nobel laureate Wolfgang Ketterle warned the rule would destroy U.S. leadership in fundamental science.
The American Meteorological Society warned the rule would hinder communication and threaten safety and the economy.