The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has joined 115 other organizations in urging Congress to ensure federal agencies comply with restrictions on proposed changes to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Uniform Guidance for federal financial assistance.
In a November 4 letter to congressional leaders, the coalition raised concerns that several agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), are advancing policies that incorporate elements of OMB’s proposed revisions, despite a provision in the recently enacted continuing resolution prohibiting OMB from finalizing or implementing the changes through December 11, 2026.
The coalition argues that these agency actions could undermine congressional authority over federal spending and create uncertainty, conflicting requirements, and additional administrative burdens for organizations receiving federal grants. The letter urges Congress to conduct oversight of agency actions, extend the restrictions in any future continuing resolutions, and include protections in FY 2027 appropriations legislation to prevent agencies from implementing the proposed regulation or substantially similar provisions.
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