RNA Society News

Call for members to comment on new rules that will adversely affect biomedical research

The new policy amendments will fundamentally change how science is funded in the United States.  Please use your voice to express how this change would impact you during this public comment period (before July 13, 2026).

Impact of Proposed Rule by OMB on US Research Funding

On May 29th, the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a proposal to change the rules governing US federal financial agreements including research grants. These changes will significantly impact the scientific research community in the United States by giving the US President sweeping political authority over what research can be done.

An empty lab at a US research campus
An empty lab at a US research campus

Changes include:

  • reducing the role of expert peer review in grant funding decisions
  • giving political appointees greater authority to approve or terminate grants
  • imposing restrictions that block the publication and sharing of research results
  • restricting international collaboration
  • controlling the affiliation of researchers to professional societies
  • limiting scientists’ ability to engage in public communication, such as those currently supported by the RNA Society

If adopted, these regulations would take effect on October 1, 2026, and would carry the force of law.

We ask that you go to the comment web site and make your opinion known BEFORE July 13, 2026: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/OMB-2026-0034-0001

Full Proposal and More Information

A summary of the provisions and information on how to provide input during the open public comment period can be found here: https://elizabethginexi.substack.com/p/what-we-need-to-do-next-ombs-proposed/

To view the original OMB proposal and view posted comments, please visit: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-10817/regulation-for-federal-financial-assistance

You do not need to be a US citizen to comment on the impact of this proposal and may do so anonymously. Scientists and other citizens in the US are also encouraged to contact their Congressional representatives to express their concerns over this proposal.

What should I say in my comment?

  • If you are representing yourself as an individual, use your personal email rather than your work email. Effective comments should focus on how the proposed regulations would affect your research, career, institution, or scientific field, including you or your family’s health or quality of life.
  • The most impactful comments will be written in your own words and draw on personal experience, explaining the importance of expert peer review, scientific independence, conferences, collaborations, publications, and how the proposed changes could influence the quality, progress, and societal benefits of scientific research.
  • Referencing specific provisions (e. g. ” section 200.245″) adds specificity.
  • Copy-paste responses are being batched and counted once, thus writing a unique response will be more effective.

 

Public Comment Period

The OMB must review and respond to public comments to their proposal. The RNA Society encourages our members and the greater RNA research community, and their friends and families to read the OMB document carefully and consider the impact the proposal could have on science, medicine, and our nation’s health.

Comments for the OMB should be submitted here: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/OMB-2026-0034-0001

Comments are allowed until July 13, 11.59 pm Eastern Time.