Thank you to everyone who made your voice heard.
Earlier this summer, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed changes to the rules governing federal grants that raised serious concerns across the scientific and medical research communities. The proposed changes could give political appointees greater authority over federal research funding decisions, weakening the role of scientific expertise and peer review in determining which research deserves support.
For the mesothelioma community, the stakes are particularly high. Mesothelioma is a rare and devastating cancer that depends on continued investment in research to better understand the disease, develop new treatments, and ultimately improve and extend the lives of patients. Research rarely happens in isolation. It relies on collaboration, scientific expertise, and funding systems that prioritize the potential to advance knowledge and patient care.
More Than 340,000 Voices Were Heard
When the OMB opened its proposed rule for public comment, the medical and scientific communities answered.
More than 340,000 comments were submitted to OMB, with the final count reaching 341,699. The overwhelming response demonstrated the strength of concern about changing the way federally funded research is evaluated and supported.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to submit a comment, share information, contact their members of Congress, and encourage others to take action.
Every voice mattered.
Patients, caregivers, families, researchers, physicians, advocates, and supporters demonstrated that decisions about scientific research are not simply policy questions—they have real consequences for people waiting for better treatments and new hope.
Bipartisan Action Brings a Delay
The public response was followed by action in Congress.
The Senate passed a bipartisan stopgap funding bill that included language preventing the OMB from finalizing its proposed grantmaking rule before December 11, 2026. The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 90–6, demonstrating significant bipartisan support for delaying the rule.
The House subsequently advanced the stopgap funding legislation, which keeps the federal government funded through December 11 and includes the provision delaying implementation of the OMB grantmaking rule. The House passed the measure on September 1 by a vote of 370–48.
This means the proposed rule, which OMB had planned to finalize as early as October 1, has been delayed until December 11 under the continuing funding measure.
This is an important step—but it is not the end of the conversation.
The delay provides additional time for lawmakers, researchers, patient advocates, and organizations like The Mesothelioma Foundation to continue educating policymakers about the importance of protecting a research system grounded in scientific expertise.
Thank You for Taking Action
The Mesothelioma Foundation wants to extend a sincere thank you to everyone in our community who participated in this effort.
Thank you to those who submitted comments to OMB.
Thank you to those who contacted their senators and representatives.
Thank you to researchers who explained what these proposed changes could mean for scientific discovery.
Thank you to patients and families who shared why research funding matters so deeply.
And thank you to everyone who forwarded an email, shared an advocacy alert, or encouraged someone else to get involved.
Rare diseases like mesothelioma cannot afford to lose momentum. Every research breakthrough, clinical trial, new treatment, and scientific discovery begins with the opportunity to ask questions and pursue answers. Protecting a fair, science-driven research process is essential to keeping those opportunities alive.
Our Advocacy Continues
The December 11 delay gives our community additional time to make our voices heard.
The Mesothelioma Foundation will continue monitoring developments surrounding the OMB proposal and working with our partners and advocates to protect the research ecosystem that mesothelioma patients and families depend upon.
And our advocacy does not stop here.
We will have more details soon about what we can do together as a community to continue advocating for science, research, and a future where mesothelioma no longer limits lives.
Thank you for standing with us—and for making your voice count.
