Comments on OMB Research Rule Disappear from Government Site, Raising Transparency Concerns

A federal website that hosted public comments on a proposed Office of Management and Budget research rule was found to have removed several submissions, according to a report.

The rule under consideration would allow greater political input into how federal science funds are allocated, prompting scrutiny from stakeholders who fear politicization of research.

One commenter, a mother whose child was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, shared how new therapies have improved outcomes, and expressed worry that the rule could affect future funding for such advances.

The agency also deleted posts that referenced the diagnosis of the director Russell Vought’s daughter, adding to concerns about selective removal of content.