DeGette Leads Call for Withdrawal of Proposed Rule that Threatens Biomedical Research

July 13, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (CO-01) , Full Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and all Democratic members of the Health Subcommittee urged Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought to withdraw the proposed rule “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance (OMB-2026-0034).” In a letter sent to Director Vought, the members outlined their concerns with the proposed rule. “The proposed rule threatens a world-leading biomedical research enterprise that has taken decades to build. It adds unnecessary bureaucracy to a federal grantmaking process that has already slowed precipitously under the Trump Administration,” the letter reads . The OMB rule would significantly change the awarding, management, and termination of federal grants and cooperative agreements across the federal government, placing unprecedented power in the hands of political appointees and shifting it away from scientists and career professionals. The members illustrated the impact the proposed rule would have on biomedical research, scientific discovery, and public health. As a result, the rule would mean fewer new cures and fewer Americans in need receiving care. The letter urges Director Vought to consider Congress’ intention that grantmaking be first in service of science and public health, not the political whims of any administration. It also emphasizes that Congress designed the grantmaking process to center peer review and merit, a system the proposed rule would obliterate, if implemented. Reps. Diana DeGette (CO-01) , Frank Pallone (NJ-06) , Raul Ruiz (CA-25) , Debbie Dingell (MI-06) , Robin Kelly (IL-02) , Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) , Kim Schrier (WA-08) , Lori Trahan (MA-03) , Marc Veasey (TX-33) , Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) , Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) , Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) , Troy Carter (LA-02) , and Greg Landsman (OH-01) , who comprise the Democratic membership of the Health Subcommittee, all signed the letter. Read the full letter here . ###