US PROPOSES UNILATERAL GRANT CANCELLATION POWERS

The Office of Management and Budget has proposed changes to federal research funding that would grant unprecedented cancellation authority to government officials. Under the proposed rules, grants could be terminated without cause at any point during the funding period. The changes would also make peer review optional for grant approval, replacing it with screening by political staff who would evaluate proposals for prohibited topics. This represents a significant shift from current practices where independent scientific experts assess research merit. The proposal marks another attempt to reshape US science funding processes. Critics argue the changes could undermine research quality and scientific independence, while supporters claim they provide necessary oversight of federal spending. The proposal has drawn attention across the tech and science communities, with discussions ongoing about implementation details and potential impacts on ongoing research programs.