AT LAST – mGrant Cancellation Saves MILLIONS!

The Department of Government Efficiency and Congressional leaders ended a $13.3 million grant to Peking University after determining the long-running research program had operated for over a decade without full review.

At a Glance

NIH funded the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2010–2025
Total grant value reached $13.3 million, with $1.7 million unspent at cancellation
Research involved tracking 17,500 individuals across 10,000 Chinese households
Department of Government Efficiency review prompted Congressional scrutiny
NIH confirmed the decision aligns with recommendations to limit certain foreign grants

Program Overview

The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study began in 2010 with a National Institutes of Health grant to Peking University. Annual funding ranged from roughly $420,000 to $2 million, supporting data collection on health, aging, and economic conditions among a large sample of Chinese residents. A Congressional Research Service report in 2024 noted that long-term federal grant programs can continue for years with minimal congressional oversight unless re-evaluated by the funding agency.

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The program’s stated goal was to build a comprehensive dataset for cross-national studies on aging, but its continuation became the subject of review by the Department of Government Efficiency in early 2025. The agency concluded that the grant primarily benefited a foreign state-affiliated institution and offered limited direct returns for U.S. research priorities.

Oversight and Termination

Following the review, members of Congress initiated further inquiry into the program’s scope and outcomes. Representative Pete Sessions, chair of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations, and Representative Andy Barr advocated for the funding’s termination. They argued that the evaluation demonstrated the need for closer examination of federal grants supporting foreign institutions, particularly in countries with which the U.S. maintains competitive or strategic tensions.

NIH officials stated that the decision to end the grant reflected a broader effort to focus resources on domestic programs and reduce certain international expenditures. The cancellation resulted in $1.7 million of unspent funds being retained for other uses.

Broader Policy Implications

Analysts note that this action may signal a shift toward heightened scrutiny of federal research grants involving foreign entities. While international collaboration remains common in fields such as health and science, policymakers have increasingly questioned the oversight mechanisms governing these arrangements. The Department of Government Efficiency has indicated it will continue reviewing similar programs to determine whether they align with national priorities and deliver measurable benefits to U.S. institutions.

The decision also underscores the role of interagency cooperation in identifying grants that may not meet evolving fiscal or policy objectives. Going forward, both executive and legislative bodies may place greater emphasis on periodic review of ongoing programs, especially those involving overseas partners.