Congress Blocks OMB Grant Rule through Dec. 11

The stopgap funding extension passed by Congress this week includes a provision temporarily halting the White House Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) proposed overhaul of the Uniform Guidance governing federal grants. Under the new law, OMB cannot issue or finalize a rule arising out of the agency's proposed rules published on May 29, 2026 (or any substantially similar rule) through Dec. 11, 2026.

The proposed rule would restrict the allowability of membership dues, conference attendance and periodical subscriptions under federal awards, changes that could significantly affect how grant recipients participate in association activities. The delay is a welcome development for the association community, but it is temporary, and the underlying rulemaking remains pending at OMB. ASAE is continuing its engagement with policymakers on this rule and will advocate for changes that preserve grant recipients' ability to access the professional development, standards and technical resources associations provide.

In a webinar and a session at the 2026 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis last month, ASAE members detailed the operational and financial consequences the restrictions would carry for their organizations and the grantees they serve. ASAE will keep members informed as the Dec. 11 deadline approaches and as OMB signals its next steps.

This article was provided to OSAP by ASAE's Power of Associations and Inroads.