Proposed OMB Changes Raise Serious Risks for Research Animal Care and Scientific Progress

Washington, D.C. — July 13  — Americans for Medical Progress has submitted formal comments opposing several provisions in the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance governing federal financial assistance (Docket No. OMB-2026-0034).

In addition to how this proposal would devastate U.S. biomedical research, AMP’s comments focus on the serious consequences for research involving animals. Abrupt funding disruptions could force studies to end prematurely, result in preventable loss of animal life, and waste years of scientific work and taxpayer investment.

AMP’s comments address three primary issues:

1. Weakening expert peer review. Scientific decisions involving experimental design, model selection, feasibility, and animal welfare require specialized expertise. AMP opposes provisions that would reduce peer review to an advisory role while giving political appointees broad discretion to override expert evaluations.
2. Expanding grant suspension and termination authority. Ending an animal study abruptly unnecessarily endangers animals’ lives, leads to premature euthanasia, and undermines the scientific value of the ongoing work. AMP urges OMB to remove this provision, or at a minimum, require safeguards that protect animal care and allow studies to close out responsibly before funding is withdrawn.
3. Restricting science communication. The proposed limitations on communications support will make it harder for researchers and institutions to explain federally funded work to journalists, policymakers, patients, and the public. This is especially troubling in animal research, where clear and accurate communication is essential for explaining scientific necessity, oversight, animal care, and public health relevance.

AMP believes these provisions would undermine animal welfare, scientific integrity, transparency, and the preclinical research infrastructure needed to sustain American leadership in medicine. AMP is urging OMB to withdraw or substantially revise the proposal.

Read AMP’s full comments here