The U.S. House of Representatives today approved a continuing resolution (CR), previously passed by the Senate, that would fund the federal government through December 11 and temporarily block implementation of a proposed Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule that would significantly change how federal grants are awarded, reviewed and managed.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, issued the following statement:
"The American Heart Association welcomes Congress' action to prevent a government shutdown and temporarily stop the Office of Management and Budget from finalizing and implementing its proposed grantmaking rule through December 11.
"This continuing resolution helps avoid disruptions to essential government services and provides essential stability for researchers, public health agencies and community programs working every day to improve and save lives. It also temporarily blocks a proposal that would fundamentally alter how federally funded research and public health grants are awarded, reviewed and managed.
"Strong communities depend on strong science. For decades, federal investments in biomedical research and public health have driven lifesaving discoveries, improved health outcomes and supported programs that reach millions of people nationwide. These advances are possible because funding decisions are guided by transparent, predictable and evidence-based processes grounded in independent expert review.
"The proposed OMB rule threatens to undermine that foundation by creating unnecessary uncertainty for researchers, institutions and community-based organizations. While Congress' action to pause the rulemaking process is important, this temporary delay is not enough. Policymakers must pursue a bipartisan, durable solution that blocks implementation of this harmful proposal beyond December 11.
"A final appropriations package should also provide robust funding for the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and nutrition and active transportation programs that support healthier communities. Investments in biomedical research, public health, nutrition assistance and transportation infrastructure help prevent disease, reduce risk factors and make it easier for people to live longer, healthier lives.
"Together, strong investments in research and public health and a permanent block of OMB's proposed grantmaking rule will help advance scientific discovery, strengthen communities and improve health outcomes for generations to come. The American Heart Association looks forward to continuing to work with policymakers to protect independent science, support community-based health programs and advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere."
