White House Backtracks on Plan to Exert New Control Over N.I.H. Grants

The White House has reversed its proposal to establish a commission with veto power over National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.) grants after facing bipartisan opposition in Congress. The plan, which would have given the commission authority to override federal research funding decisions, drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans who argued it could undermine scientific independence and the democratic process. This move highlights the ongoing tension between executive branch control and legislative oversight in funding scientific research.