Comment on OMB-2026-0034-0001

§200.205 and related passages propose changes from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to 2 CFR 200—Uniform Administrative Requirements, ... . I believe that these changes are most damaging to US competiveness and are completely contrary to attempting to regain US dominance in the global competition for scientific talent. If adopted, these changes could significantly affect many researchers in the US and worldwide, and further the ambitions of China in particular to maintain its current world dominance in science and technology, and which is actively recruiting scientists in the US, myself included. The proposed regulations would greatly expand political oversight of federally funded research by requiring preapproval for conference attendance, prohibiting the use of grant funds for publication fees, and mandating that every award “demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities.” These changes would threaten researchers’ autonomy and the integrity and openness of scientific inquiry. Of note is that at its height of power, the UK was remarkably open to contrary and revolutionary ideas; witness Karl Marx, ejected from Germany and France, who found safe haven in London! Open inquiry without fear is fundamental to the maintenance of a great power's capabilities. As Goethe stated, the world only goes forward because of those who oppose it. Science is the predominant exemplar of this fact, with regular revolutions in thought on many aspects which may not be politically favorable at the time.