Senators have proposed legislation that would temporarily fund federal operations and postpone an Office of Management and Budget rule that has drawn criticism from research advocates and higher education officials. The measure would keep the government operational past the Sept. 30 fiscal year deadline, extending funding through Dec. 11.
The contested OMB rule would expand the Trump administration’s authority over federal grants. Critics, including thousands who submitted opposition comments during the public review period, have warned that the changes could damage scientific research and undermine various societal benefits linked to grant-funded work. Research!America and other organizations representing medical research, agriculture, law enforcement, transportation, and housing sectors have expressed concern about the rule’s potential impact on priorities important to Americans.
The Senate’s proposal differs from a House version, which does not block the OMB rule. Democratic senators, including Patty Murray of Washington, have stated that while they welcome the delay provided by the Senate plan, they prefer an outright elimination of the rule rather than a temporary postponement. Murray credited moderate Republicans, such as Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, with supporting the bipartisan approach but indicated that more action is needed.
Under the continuing resolution, funding for higher education institutions would remain level with previous years. The legislation does not resolve a projected shortfall in Pell Grant funding. The Senate is expected to vote on the measure before the end of the week, after which lawmakers will begin a five-week recess. Both the House and Senate versions expire in December, meaning any relief from the OMB rule would be temporary unless further legislative action occurs.
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