The net result is the same, as Dr. Sowers notes, the grant process is very hard on scientists. And, interruptions in funding often result in termination or the denial of tenure. Consider the fact that each proposal requires the scholarship and work equivalent to an average master's thesis. And, of course, all the writing means that they are not in the laboratory doing what they do best. It seems a bit silly to me, to be honest.
Science is supposed to be efficient and logical.
Both the efficiency and logic of the above are questionable. This means that these lines of research are no longer persuable by the scientist. Personally, I wonder if this is a wise use of a precious National human resource. Certainly, science changes and new techniques and knowledge must be appropriated. But, to expect scientists to change research directions many times in a career may not be the best use of their talents.