OMB Proposes Ban on Federally Funded Research Ties With 17 EU States and Other Countries
Updated
Updated · AIP.ORG · Jun 18
OMB Proposes Ban on Federally Funded Research Ties With 17 EU States and Other Countries
3 articles · Updated · AIP.ORG · Jun 18
Summary
A May 29 OMB proposal would bar federal grant money from supporting collaborations with countries of particular concern, foreign adversaries, and nations under national-security-related sanctions or restrictions, while also blocking direct awards to foreign countries.
The rule could reach beyond rivals to some allies: critics say semiconductor export controls imposed on 17 EU countries could make them off-limits, potentially forcing U.S. researchers out of multinational projects that include restricted-country participants.
Stand Up for Science said the proposal could disrupt major programs including CERN’s Large Hadron Collider and grant-funded work tied to fusion projects such as JT60-SA and China’s EAST reactor, even where core appropriations remain untouched.
More than 300 science, education, and policy groups have asked OMB to extend the comment deadline from July 13 to Aug. 27, warning the rule could strip federally funded work of the fundamental research exclusion and add export-license costs and delays.
OMB says it wants a uniform standard across federal assistance programs and a domestic-first framework, with the rule slated to take effect by Oct. 1 if adopted and exceptions left to statute or political appointees.
Will new 'domestic-first' rules lock U.S. scientists out of critical global projects like the Large Hadron Collider?
As America restricts global science, could it unintentionally crown China as the world's new hub for research collaboration?
Urgent Review: OMB’s 412-Page Rule Threatens Academic Freedom and U.S. Research Leadership—Comment by July 13, 2026
Overview
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed a major rulemaking to transform how federal research grants and financial assistance are managed. This change would shift the current flexible 'Uniform Guidance' into a strict 'Uniform Grants Regulation,' making future reversals much harder and creating a more rigid funding framework. The proposed overhaul has significant operational, financial, and programmatic impacts for universities, nonprofits, research institutes, and governments. With the public comment deadline of July 13, 2026, approaching quickly, all affected organizations must act immediately to review the changes and provide feedback during this crucial period.