The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is facing challenges due to increased political oversight that has slowed the final approval process for research grants, which were previously routine and rapid after scientific review panels completed their evaluations. This politicization has created bottlenecks in funding for scientific research, raising concerns about the future of U.S. science funding. Despite these obstacles, a longtime advocate sees potential progress ahead. In response, the NIH announced a move toward a unified approach aimed at driving scientific discovery in support of human health. This strategy involves providing its Institutes, Centers, and Offices with support to prioritize breakthrough discoveries, scientific opportunities, health needs, and workforce resilience. Additionally, the NIH is reportedly centralizing control over the grant review process within its various institutes. The agency also released a blueprint promoting sound, objective, and reproducible science to ensure the integrity of its decisions, which has been commended by experts familiar with science and FDA reform.