Association Responds to OMB’s Federal Financial Assistance Regulation

America's Essential Hospitals on July 9 submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on the proposed regulation on federal financial assistance.

Among its key provisions, the proposed rule would:

• Prohibit the use of federal awards that promote or support diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
• Expand federal agencies' authority to terminate or suspend discretionary awards that no longer advance program goals, agency priorities, or the national interest

In its comments, the association urged OMB to ensure that revisions remain consistent with congressional intent and do not disrupt ongoing, lifesaving research. Specifically, the association encouraged OMB to clarify that federal funding may continue to support medical research addressing the needs of specific populations, consistent with federal law. The association also urged OMB to minimize disruptions to existing grants and allow qualifying federally funded projects to reach completion.

Contact Director of Policy Rob Nelb, MPH, at [email protected] or 202.585.0127 with questions.