Follow the Science Act

Ensuring Scientific Integrity: By prohibiting political employees from participating in the implementation of general policies and the awarding of grants, the bill aims to ensure that NIH activities are driven by science rather than political influence (Section 3 and Section 4).

Protection of Research Funding: The bill prevents the Secretary from canceling or delaying covered agreements, such as grants or contracts, unless there are written findings of financial mismanagement, research fraud, debarment, or malfeasance (Section 5).

Increased Accountability: The Act requires the Director of the NIH to submit a report to Congress accounting for the participation of political employees in funding arrangements, providing oversight on past activities (Section 4).

Transparency in Cancellations: If a funding agreement is canceled or suspended, the law requires that written findings be submitted to specific Congressional committees within 30 days, ensuring the reasons for such actions are made public (Section 5).

Restrictions on Leadership: The bill limits the ability of many political employees to participate in the implementation of NIH policies, which could impact how programs are managed, except for specific leaders like the Director of NIH and the Director of the National Cancer Institute (Section 3).

Limited Flexibility in Funding: The requirement that covered agreements be implemented for their full specified period and strictly in accordance with their terms may limit the ability of the agency to adjust to new circumstances, unless there is proof of fraud or mismanagement (Section 5).