Rep. Subramanyam Rips Proposed Rule on Federal Financial Assistance

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) spoke out about his opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed rule, “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance.”

The Congressman issued the following statement:

“This rule is just another attempt to hijack taxpayer money to create loyalty tests to the President and divert money to his friends and family. This massive change will allow political appointees to deny federal grants based on political goals and favoritism, and it imposes fees, red tape, and restrictions on critical scientific research. These changes will only stifle innovation and undermine scientific research for generations to come while continuing to enrich the President and his cronies.”

Congressman Subramanyam sent a letter to OMB Director Russell Vought stating his strong opposition to the proposed rule and outlined several sections that are his primary concerns. These include:

• Section 200.205 will increase the administration’s ability to punish perceived political enemies by denying their federal funding, undermining the typically nonpartisan grantmaking process.
• Section 200.220 which will severely limit international scientific cooperation and collaboration.
• Section 200.340 would allow the administration the authority to cancel federal awards at any time for any reason and limit opportunities for grantees to appeal.
   

The comment period for this proposed rule closes tonight, July 13th at 11:59pm. It already has 292,000 comments. Residents are encouraged to submit their own comments here.