Proposed rule would replace scientific merit with McCarthy era politics

The White House’s proposed rule would overhaul federal grant review, replacing objective merit with political alignment as the chief criteria for grant awards. This sweeping rule would impact taxpayer investments across multiple federal agencies, including those within the Department of Health and Human Services, compromising medical research, public health and health care access for vulnerable populations. Make no mistake, the impacts of this proposed rule would be dire; it would fundamentally alter the U.S. approach to science, drive away multitudes of researchers and eliminate the promise of lifesaving cures for decades to come. 

Placing grant decisions in the hands of politicians and requiring that scientists adhere to the Administration’s ideology is a serious limitation on civil liberties and would diminish the development of high-quality research. Dramatically restricting scientists’ ability to collaborate and share their findings through conferences, journals and public communications would grind scientific progress to a halt and erode the transparency of federally supported research findings.  

Allowing arbitrary grant cancellations at any time, for any reason, removes the stability needed for scientific progress, wastes taxpayer resources and could upend care for seriously ill patients participating in research studies. Prohibiting international collaboration ignores the reality that infectious diseases do not respect national borders and makes our citizens less safe.

Taken together, these changes would lead to a collapse of much of the medical research that Americans depend upon to face health threats today and in the future. We call on Congress to block the implementation of this rule.

— Ronald G. Nahass, MD, MHCM, FIDSA — President, IDSA

About IDSA 
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000-plus clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity’s smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.