June 2026

A proposed White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulation could significantly reshape how federal agencies award, manage, and oversee research grants—including potential changes to peer- review processes, agency authority to terminate awards, and limits on research dissemination and public access. 

With a public comment period now open, AERA is encouraging members to submit comments on how the changes would affect education research, researchers, institutions, students, and the public. Comments are due on July 13 and must be submitted through Regulations.gov.  

An action alert sent to AERA members on June 12 outlined key changes that would apply to federal discretionary grantmaking under the proposed rule. Further details about the proposed rule and tips for submitting a comment are included on the AERA website. AERA has also developed a section-by-section summary of provisions most relevant to federally funded education research. In addition, colleagues at EducationCounsel have prepared helpful summary of proposed updates to the current OMB Uniform Guidance. Commenters will need to note the specific sections of the proposed rule to which they are responding.

“It is critical that the perspectives of education researchers are represented in this important federal rulemaking process,” said AERA Executive Director Tabbye Chavous. “Federal officials must hear directly from those who conduct and rely on federally funded research as they consider changes that could significantly affect the research enterprise.” 

AERA is submitting its own comments and working with a range of scholarly societies and coalitions on coordinated letters and other strategic actions. Individual member input will strengthen this collective effort and amplify its impact. Members with questions about submitting a comment—or who wish to share their submissions—may contact govrelations@aera.net.