Comment on OMB-2026-0034-0001

FutureSwell respectfully urges the Office of Management and Budget to withdraw the proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance (OMB-2026-0034-0001). The proposed changes would undermine the integrity of federally funded research by replacing independent scientific review with political discretion, limiting academic freedom, and restricting the communication of publicly funded science. FutureSwell is an organization dedicated to helping scientists, conservation organizations, and changemakers communicate evidence-based solutions to the public. Our work depends on the availability of credible, independent research and the ability of researchers to openly share their findings. Public trust in science is built through transparency, rigorous peer review, and the free exchange of ideas—not political approval. We are particularly concerned by the proposed changes to §§200.205(d) and 200.340, which would make scientific merit review merely advisory while granting political appointees broad authority over funding decisions based on whether research aligns with the President's policy priorities. For decades, the United States has maintained its global leadership in research because funding decisions have been guided by scientific excellence, expert peer review, and agency missions rather than political ideology. Weakening these principles threatens the credibility of federal research institutions and discourages innovation across disciplines. Scientific discovery often produces findings that challenge existing assumptions or reveal inconvenient truths. That is a strength of the scientific process, not a flaw. Research should be evaluated based on methodological rigor, potential impact, and public benefit—not whether its conclusions are politically favorable. Allowing political officials to override expert review creates a chilling effect that discourages researchers from pursuing important questions related to climate change, public health, environmental protection, biodiversity, and other issues critical to the nation's future. We are also deeply concerned by the proposed revisions to §200.421, which would require political oversight of communications related to federally funded research. Scientific progress depends on researchers' ability to share findings openly through conferences, publications, educational outreach, and public engagement. Restricting those communications undermines transparency, weakens public trust, and limits the ability of communities, businesses, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations to make informed decisions based on the best available evidence. Organizations like FutureSwell work every day to bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding. Our ability to communicate accurate information depends on researchers being free to publish and discuss their work without political interference. The proposed rule would make it more difficult for Americans to access reliable scientific information at a time when informed decision-making is more important than ever. The United States has long been recognized as a global leader in scientific research because it has invested in independent institutions, rigorous peer review, and academic freedom. These principles have driven breakthroughs in medicine, environmental protection, technology, national competitiveness, and economic growth. Replacing them with political gatekeeping risks weakening the very innovation ecosystem that federal research funding is intended to support. We respectfully urge OMB to withdraw the proposed rule and preserve a federal research funding system that is guided by scientific merit, independent expertise, transparency, and the free exchange of knowledge. Protecting these principles is essential not only for the scientific community but for every American who relies on evidence-based decisions to improve public health, protect natural resources, strengthen the economy, and address the complex challenges facing our nation.