US congressional appropriators tell OSTP not to implement the Nelson Memo
For the past two years, the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Act has prevented the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) from implementing the Nelson Memo, which would provide free access to all federally funded research. This year’s draft of the appropriations bill upholds that decision.
The updated draft contains new language, however, about Congress’s concerns over how the memo would be implemented — particularly its potential consequences for authors’ copyrights. Several appropriations bills also caution against changes to indirect cost rates on grants, which could affect funding for libraries and universities.
These comments are non-binding, even if the bill is signed into law, but they provide valuable insight into Congress’ priorities.