N.I.H. is the nationβs largest research agency, which disburses much of its $48 billion annual budget to labs and academic researchers who study cancer, infectious diseases and other health priorities.
Federal officials are drafting an executive order that would place grants under review by an outside panel, the latest effort to redirect billions of dollars in research spending.
Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, speaks during a White House event earlier this year. Mr. Voughtβs efforts to impose more outside control over N.I.H. grant approvals have resulted in tension with the N.I.H. director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.