Stand Up for Science demands Senate hearing before NSF confirmation vote

Stand Up for Science is pressing the Senate HELP Committee to hold a public hearing before voting Nov. 18 on James O’Neill’s nomination to lead the National Science Foundation. The group says the move would add transparency to a confirmation it argues is being rushed ahead of the next Congress.

Why it matters: - Stand Up for Science says the Senate should not advance a nominee to run the National Science Foundation without a public hearing. - The group argues the confirmation would shape federal science leadership at a time when scientists and advocates are already worried about agency direction and funding. - The outcome could signal how aggressively Senate leaders plan to move pending science and health nominations before the new Congress.

What happened: - The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions plans to vote Nov. 18 to confirm James O’Neill as director of the National Science Foundation. - Stand Up for Science is demanding that the committee hold a public hearing before that vote. - The organization also says the committee is set to vote Nov. 18 on Heidi Overton to lead the FDA. - Overton’s hearing was held in September. - Dr. Colette Delawalla, founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, said Congress should not confirm the nomination without a public hearing. - Delawalla said the timing appears aimed at pushing nominations through before the incoming Congress in January.

The details: - Stand Up for Science launched a campaign urging members of the HELP Committee to demand a formal hearing before the confirmation vote. - The group says O’Neill’s experience was previously reported during his time as acting director of the CDC in 2025. - The organization is encouraging public pressure on senators ahead of the vote. - Delawalla is available for comment and media appearances.

Between the lines: - Stand Up for Science is using the NSF nomination fight to argue for a more open confirmation process, not just a single hearing for one nominee. - The comparison to Overton’s confirmed hearing suggests the group is framing O’Neill’s process as an uneven standard. - The criticism is also political. The organization links the fast-tracking effort to the post-midterm transition period in Washington.

What's next: - The HELP Committee is expected to vote on O’Neill’s nomination on Nov. 18. - Stand Up for Science plans to continue contacting committee members before the vote. - The group’s pressure campaign will likely continue unless senators agree to a public hearing or delay action.

The bottom line: - Stand Up for Science is trying to slow a fast-moving confirmation and force the Senate to explain why O’Neill should be approved without a public hearing.