# Senators Urge OMB to Protect NIH Grants

On September 29, 2026, Senator Mark Kelly and 30 colleagues urged OMB Director Russ Vought not to let political appointees override NIH grant awards approved through scientific peer review. The letter does not announce a solicitation, contract award, or change to grant rules, but it highlights uncertainty for organizations and contractors working on NIH-funded research if administrative or legislative changes affect review, awards, or funding timelines.

- Research organizations and contractors supporting NIH-funded work should assess how potential changes to peer review or award timing could affect their project plans and delivery commitments.
- The letter identifies OMB and NIH grantmaking as the focus; stakeholders can track actions from those agencies for changes to review, award, or funding timelines.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
- U.S. Congress (Congress)

### Sources
- [Kelly, Colleagues Demand OMB Director Abandon Any and All Plans to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding - Senator Mark Kelly](https://www.kelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kelly-colleagues-demand-omb-director-abandon-any-and-all-plans-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding/) - Kelly Senate