NYC Gazette

Grace Meng, a U.S. Congresswoman representing New York's 6th district, expressed her concerns through a series of tweets regarding various policy decisions affecting scientific research funding, consumer protection, and potential conflicts of interest in government contracts. Meng has been serving in Congress since 2013 after replacing Gary Ackerman.

On February 10, 2025, Meng criticized the reduction in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), stating that it would "stunt world-class scientific & medical research" across the United States. She emphasized that such cuts would hinder "life-saving research for treatments for cancer & other deadly diseases," questioning the priorities reflected by this decision. "Slashing @NIH funding will stunt world-class scientific & medical research in nearly every state across the country, including NY."

Later on February 10, Meng addressed the administration's decision to close an agency tasked with protecting Americans from financial fraud and predatory lending practices. She highlighted that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) returns significant sums to working families annually and acts as a safeguard against corporate exploitation. According to Meng, dismantling this agency will have adverse effects on middle-class families. "The administration is shutting down the agency that protects Americans from financial fraud & predatory lending."

On February 11, Meng brought attention to Elon Musk's DOGE team's access to NASA facilities. She pointed out Musk's dual role as CEO of SpaceX—NASA’s largest private contractor—and suggested that this situation represents a significant conflict of interest requiring further discussion. "Elon Musk's DOGE team gained access to NASA today."