Bill would ban most political appointees from NIH funding decisions
In committeeH.R. 7173Latest action
Sponsor: Diana DeGette · Representative · CO
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Follow the Science Act
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 7173 would bar most political appointees from NIH grant and contract decisions, with limited exceptions for agency heads.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 7173 would prohibit most political employees from working at or influencing the National Institutes of Health, and would bar them from any role in reviewing grant applications or awarding contracts. Exceptions exist only for the NIH director and heads of two specific sub-agencies. The bill would also restrict NIH from canceling or pausing funded projects unless written proof of financial mismanagement, research fraud, or misconduct is provided.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects NIH as an institution, political appointees in the executive branch, and researchers and universities that receive NIH funding. Patients and the general public who rely on federally funded medical research could also be indirectly affected.
Why does it matter?
Removing political appointees from funding decisions could change how grant and contract awards are made and reviewed at NIH. Restricting NIH's ability to cancel or suspend grants without documented cause could affect the agency's flexibility in managing its research portfolio.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 21, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Jan 21, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.