Shenandoah Valley News

Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) has introduced the Federal Grant Accountability Act, a bill aimed at ensuring that taxpayer-funded federal grant money is used solely for conducting research projects at higher education institutions, rather than for funding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The legislation would require reports on how indirect cost reimbursements are being allocated to schools, providing more transparency to the federal grant-making process. It would also prohibit federal agencies from distributing funds at an indirect rate higher than that offered to private organizations.

During a recent House Education and Workforce Committee hearing on the rise in antisemitism on college campuses, university presidents testified about the misuse of grant money. Rep. Ben Cline expressed concern over universities using grant funds as a "slush fund" for promoting radical DEI activities. He emphasized the need to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure that funds are spent on legitimate research purposes rather than pushing political agendas on college campuses.

Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President of Heritage Action, also highlighted the importance of universities promoting diversity of thought and research, rather than forced compliance with radical political agendas. Walker stated that DEI practices often promote division in America and are exploited by university bureaucrats at the expense of taxpayers. He praised the Federal Grant Accountability Act for holding universities accountable and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used for actual research rather than fueling the Left's agenda.

The Federal Grant Accountability Act addresses the breakdown of costs in academic research projects. These costs include direct costs and indirect costs, also known as overhead expenses. While direct costs are easily quantifiable, indirect costs are not. Currently, universities receive reimbursement from federal agencies based on an indirect cost rate, negotiated between the agency and each university. In some cases, universities can be reimbursed for indirect costs at rates as high as 60 percent. This means that universities can receive significant amounts of money that can be used for various purposes, including DEI activities on college campuses.

Rep. Ben Cline's bill aims to ensure that taxpayer funds are used appropriately for research-oriented purposes. By requiring reports on indirect cost allocations and prohibiting higher indirect rates for federal funds, the legislation seeks to provide more transparency and accountability in the use of grant money by universities.

For more information, you can read the full coverage from the Washington Examiner [source] and access the full text of the bill [source]. Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia and has a background in private practice as an attorney, as well as experience as an assistant prosecutor and member of the Virginia House of Delegates.

Click this link to access more information: https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1340