Senate Republicans Support Delay in Trump’s Science Funding Plan

The Senate Republicans have backed a provision in a stopgap funding bill to delay the Trump administration’s plan to place political appointees in control of federal grants. This plan faced criticism from various stakeholders, with the provision marking an unusual opposition from congressional Republicans. The temporary funding bill extends until December 11, after which the proposal might still proceed.

The Office of Management and Budget’s proposal would allow grant-awarding offices to end grants without cause and make uniform guidance mandatory, reducing agency flexibility. Cole Donovan, from Stand Up for Science, noted that such changes would lead to less accountability and transparency in decision-making.

Susan Collins, Appropriations Committee Chair, expressed satisfaction over the provision’s inclusion, citing concerns about potential politicization of grants and negative impacts on communities and research. Sen. Patty Murray attempted to permanently block the proposal but faced opposition from Republicans, emphasizing her continued efforts to halt the rule.

Healthcare updates: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed measles vaccinations amid his controversial remarks on other vaccines and outbreaks. The Human Rights Campaign filed a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a ban on gender-affirming care coverage in federal health plans.

Michigan officials reported two deaths linked to cyclosporiasis, with both individuals having significant health conditions potentially affected by the illness.

The Senate Budget Committee and Finance Subcommittee are set to hold hearings on Medicaid and healthcare resilience through biotechnology, respectively.

In other news, President Trump criticized U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping charges against Olympian David Hearn. Virginia hemp businesses are suing over new THC limits, while out-of-state abortion pill deliveries in Missouri have surged.