The United States Senate has moved to block implementation of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed changes to federal grant regulations. On August 2, the Senate released the text of a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through mid‑December. The legislation includes language prohibiting the Administration from finalizing or enforcing the proposed revisions during the resolution’s duration.
The action follows sustained concern from research, higher education, and scientific organizations about the potential effects on federal funding and research independence. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R‑ME) and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D‑WA) highlighted the provision when announcing the agreement, underscoring bipartisan attention to the issue.
For scholarly publishing stakeholders, the development marks a significant milestone in ongoing engagement with policymakers. STM and other organizations have worked with members, partners, and congressional offices to raise concerns about the proposal’s implications.
The Senate language does not rescind the revisions but temporarily halts their implementation. As a result, while the announcement represents an important step, the process remains unresolved. STM indicated it will continue collaborating with members, Congress, the Administration, and partner organizations to advocate for full withdrawal of the proposal rather than a temporary pause.
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