Today’s Saturday Covfefe is a little different.
I broke from our usual format because this issue is too important, and the deadline is too close to wait.
This morning, I sat down with my longtime friend, Sean Bruna, PhD, a medical anthropologist and former senior advisor at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, to discuss a little-known proposed Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule that could fundamentally change how the federal government decides which research receives funding.
While the proposal sounds technical, its consequences could reach every American. We discussed how the rule could shift decisions about scientific research away from independent expert peer review and give greater authority to political appointees. That could affect everything from cancer research and clinical trials to disaster preparedness, patient safety, environmental science, veterans’ programs, education, and technological innovation. Dr. Bruna shared one example of the kind of research that could lose funding under this proposal, and it almost made me spit out my coffee: his work to prevent surgical instruments, sponges, and other objects from being accidentally left inside patients during surgery, a problem he estimates occurs 80,000 times each year in the United States. Yikes!
Having worked closely with OMB during my time in the first Trump White House and with Russ Vought, I know firsthand how much influence this office has across the federal government. That’s why I felt it was important to bring this conversation to a broader audience before the public comment period closes. If you want to see how the Trump Administration and this Project 2025 author are spinning this effort, here’s a glimpse:
The good news? This proposal is not final. Every American still has an opportunity to make their voice heard.
📄 Read the proposed OMB rule and submit your public comment: HERE.
📝 Submit your public comment before the deadline: THIS Monday, July 13 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
During our conversation, Dr. Bruna also highlighted the work of Stand Up for Science, which has created resources to help people understand the proposal and participate in the public comment process. For helpful guidance on how to prepare and submit your comment, click HERE. Your voice truly matters!
⚖️ One Thing for Your Soul
I couldn’t let a Saturday pass without sharing something hopeful. Earlier this week, I hit the road to follow a bus full of retired judges traveling across the heartland to meet Americans where they are and talk about why the rule of law matters. It was one of the most inspiring acts of civic courage I’ve witnessed in a long time.
If you missed that story, you can watch it here:
Thank you to everyone who joined us live, asked thoughtful questions, and continues to engage on issues that often fly under the radar. Democracy isn’t only about elections. Sometimes it’s about paying attention to the rules that quietly shape how our government works, and making your voice heard before those rules become permanent.
Thank you Montana Independent News, Melissa Amour, James T Duffield, Lori Modafferi, Judith Evans, Chantal and many others for tuning into my live video with Sean Bruna, PhD, and spending part of your Saturday morning with us. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Until next time,
Olivia
