Congress passes short-term budget deal

The House approved a stopgap spending bill to keep the US government funded through early December, averting a shutdown before midterm elections.

“On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a stopgap measure that would continue funding the US government through early December.”

Senate compromise breaks House deadlock

Unable to reach internal agreement, House leaders adopted a spending measure that had already passed the Senate.

“In fact, dissent within the House’s Republican caucus prevented them from agreeing on their own measure...”

Blocking political control of research

The adopted legislation temporarily halts an OMB proposal that would let political appointees choose or cancel scientific grants at will.

“...blocks the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from implementing new rules that would give political appointees full control over what science is funded...”

Bipartisan pushback protects grant integrity

Senators Patty Murray and Susan Collins inserted the safeguard following intense pushback from scientific and medical organizations.

Overwhelming support signals lasting defense

Lopsided votes in both chambers suggest lawmakers are prepared to keep political interference out of future spending bills.

“Those margins raise the prospect that similar language could be inserted into any further budget deals without triggering opposition.”