Comment on FR Doc # 2026-12725 from Louise Fortmann

I am writing to firmly oppose the implementation of new regulations over awarding federal research grants. The new regulations would replace the reasoned and rigorous judgment of scientific experts in the field with the dangerously uninformed opinions of politicians. I have personal experience with the likely effects of the proposed change. I am living with Stage 4 (inoperable breat cancer). It is only through medicines developed under rigorous scientific and medical rules that I am still alive. Were politicans' judgments to be substituted for expert judgments, the chances that I and others with cancer will die are perilously high. I doubt that the intention of those proposing these new regulations was to kill people with cancer. Nor do I think that you wish to kill people with cancer. Unfortunately, that is exactly what these proposed regulations would do. The problem is not confined to cancer research. Research that informs economic growth, national security, and health, among others will all be badly damaged by this proposal. The fact that this has even been proposed has made the US a global laughing stock. Your duty is to serve the interests of the American people, not participate in actions that would damage those interests. Please do your civic and professional duty and reject these proposals. Sincerely yours, Louise Fortmann