As in an excuse to cut paylines more than they needed to be?

Basically, yes. Proof is in the pudding isn't it?

Gotcha. I just did the math for NIGMS, and they're still short ~200 R01 equivalents compared to last year, with only 7 MYF'd. MYF funding for other mechs could contribute to fewer grants, but it still doesn't seem like the math works out. Maybe more will show up Reporter to reduce the shortfall.

Okay, that was just for new awards. It's actually much more bleak looking at total awards and allocations through the same point last year. NIGMS is short over 1,600 R01 equivalents and has spent over $1B less (~30%) compared to this date last year.

This is great analysis!

Thanks Jeff