Ranking Member Lofgren Slams Trump Administration for Plan to Politicize Research Funding Process, Undermine Expert Review

May 29, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, the White House released a proposal that would give political appointees at federal science agencies the role of approving all scientific research awards. Funding approval has historically been determined by apolitical expert scientists to ensure awards are merit-based and without bias. “With this proposed regulation, American leadership in science is dealt a fatal blow,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren . “The Trump Administration has spent a year and a half undermining merit-based decision-making at federal science agencies. Still, they cry foul that oftentimes politically inconvenient science, disfavored institutions, and underrepresented researchers are awarded grant funding. With this plan they would put political appointees in control of decisions that should be made by expert scientists. This newest dystopian move would destroy what remains of merit-based review dealing a crippling blow to science." ### Issues : Innovation and Technology