Carbajal Joins Schiff, Lofgren, and Coalition of 40+ Lawmakers in Demanding Trump Administration Scrap Politicized Scientific Grant Rule

This press release from Representative Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA) was published on 2026-07-13 and titled "Carbajal Joins Schiff, Lofgren, and Coalition of 40+ Lawmakers in Demanding Trump Administration Scrap Politicized Scien".

Carbajal Joins Schiff, Lofgren, and Coalition of 40+ Lawmakers in Demanding Trump Administration Scrap Politicized Scientific Grant Rule

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), and 41 members of the California congressional delegation in demanding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescind their proposed regulation for federal financial assistance, emphasizing the crucial need for federal funding for scientific research to remain independent given California’s leadership as the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research funding. “The rule is unprecedented, expansive, and applies across the federal government to every agency that reviews grants and other financial assistance proposals. It would allow political appointees to control all aspects of the grant review process, setting the stage for politically motivated decision-making that places the whims of the President over the well-being of the American people,” the lawmakers wrote. The California lawmakers highlight how the administration’s proposed regulation will weaken U.S. scientific research across all fields and impact California stakeholders, undermining OMB’s essential role in coordinating the advancement of federal grants in a nonpartisan manner. California leads the nation in scientific advancements across sectors – including biomedical engineering and quantum computing – and is deeply committed to investing in cutting-edge research in engineering, science, and medical research. “The proposed rule would weaken the scientific foundations of experimental research, slowing the development of new treatments, strategies for environmental protection, technologies to expand our knowledge of space, and solutions to some of our most pressing questions,” the lawmakers continued. Specifically, the lawmakers point to several areas of research that will be significantly impacted by OMB’s proposed rule: National Competitiveness and the STEM Talent Pipeline: In light of the administration’s unlawful suspending of millions in funds for U.S.-based scientific research, the proposed rule will threaten our status as a world leader in science by harming the STEM talent pipeline, create additional barriers for international students and domestic businesses that contribute to our economic viability, and weaken the nation’s ability to compete with China and other countries. Biomedical and Scientific Research and Development : The proposed rule will politicize agencies’ longstanding science-based review process and prevent major research development of life-saving therapies, medicine, and preventive interventions for millions of Americans – as well as threaten clinical research efforts for future medical breakthroughs. Higher Education: California’s universities rely on grants to fund schools and resources – which will all be on the line under the politically motivated restrictions in the proposed rule, jeopardizing the long-term future of our academic research institutions. State and Local Governments: From disrupting public services to putting vital community projects on hold, the proposed rule abandons vulnerable populations. “The effects of this rulemaking could reverberate for generations. With such funding uncertainty and unpredictability, California and the rest of the country will backslide behind other nations in the areas of health, innovation, research, and scientific development. As such, we strongly urge you to rescind your proposed rule,” the lawmakers concluded. In addition to Carbajal, Schiff, and Lofgren, the letter was signed by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and U.S. House Representatives Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Adam Gray (D-CA-13), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Josh Harder (D-CA-09), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11), Scott Peters (D-CA-50), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), and George Whitesides (D-CA-27). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Director Vought: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) serves the critical role of ensuring that federal agencies administer funding to advance federal policy goals in an objective and fair manner. We write as members of Congress with the distinct honor of representing California – the innovation capital of the world and a top recipient of federal research fundi