Implications of Election Outcome on Science Policy 

With the 2024 election results confirmed, the political environment is rapidly shifting as former President Donald Trump prepares for a second term alongside a Republican-controlled Senate and House majority. FABBS is closely monitoring what this means for science investment and policy on Capitol Hill, political appointments, and executive orders. 

Congress 

Next session, the Republicans will have a majority in the Senate with 53 Senator. The Democrats will have 45 seats with two Independent Senators who typically caucus with the Democrats. Senate Republicans recently elected Senator John Thune (R-SD) to serve as the next Majority Leader, succeeding Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Thune overcome challenges from candidates backed by allies of President-elect Donald Trump. 

Senator Cassidy (R-LA) will lead the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP) has shared his plans to reauthorize the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and devote time to education on topics including literacy, dyslexia, and potentially reauthorizing the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is on deck to Chair the Senate Science Committee with jurisdiction over the National Science Foundation (NSF). Earlier this year, Senator Cruz released a report attacking NSF investments in DEI research. 

In the House, the Republicans maintained their majority with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) likely to remain in office for the next two years. The science community lost at least two strong advocates for behavioral and brain sciences, Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science and Rep. Caraveo (D-CO) a pediatrician serving on the House Science Committee. 

Trump Cabinet Appointments  

The Trump transition team is moving quickly to make Cabinet appointments. The selections so far reflect stated administrative priorities, reducing regulatory oversight, tightening immigration, and advancing national security measures. Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). He will need Senate confirmation for the role.  

Executive Orders  

An executive order is a legally binding directive issued by the President of the United States to manage federal government operations based on constitutional authority or powers granted by Congress, but it is subject to limitations, including judicial review if it exceeds the president’s authority. In his first administration, Trump issued numerous executive orders addressing critical issues like COVID-19, climate change, and immigration. Biden, once in office, worked quickly to reverse many of the EOs including those concerning to the science advocacy community. Additionally, Biden has taken steps through the Office of Personnel Management, issuing rules to increase job protections and due process for federal workers.  

As stated in our last Advocacy Outlook, presidential transitions often lead to significant changes in leadership, particularly within key federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). These agencies, which are crucial to science funding and shaping research priorities, may see leadership shifts with new appointments that reflect the incoming administration’s policy agenda. Once nominated, appointees must undergo Senate confirmation. 

FABBS will continue to work with Congress and the larger science community to recommend individuals with essential leadership qualities to these positions.