The Department of Health and Human Services is taking a more cautious and legally rigorous approach to canceling research grants that do not align with the priorities of the Trump administration. This new strategy, outlined in guidance from the Office of the General Counsel, aims to provide a solid legal foundation for grant terminations, reducing the risk of court challenges.
The need for a more robust approach comes in the wake of several legal defeats faced by the agency. Federal Judge William G. Young ruled in two lawsuits that some NIH grant terminations were “void and illegal.” In another case, HHS was barred from canceling $11 billion in public health funding for 23 states and the District of Columbia, following a lawsuit filed by the affected states.
The internal memo obtained by STAT reveals that the agency is reevaluating its process for canceling grants to ensure compliance with legal requirements. By providing clear justifications for terminations and following a more structured legal advisory process, HHS hopes to strengthen its position and avoid further legal challenges.
This shift in strategy reflects the importance of upholding the integrity of grant terminations while also aligning with the administration’s priorities. As the agency navigates these legal challenges, it is essential to maintain transparency and accountability in the grant termination process.
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