Scientists to Congress: Boost Research Funding With Wartime Supplemental Bill

Thousands of scientists, engineers, corporate executives, and college presidents across the country have mobilized in an effort to convince Congress to set aside a small piece of this year’s wartime supplemental funding bill to boost science research funding. According to Politico, the science community is seeking $500 million in hopes of preventing detrimental layoffs at the Department of Energy’s Office of Science and restoring programs at the National Science Foundation–two agencies which lost out on funding during the budget battle between the Administration and Congress at the end of last year.

Concerned the U.S. is losing its technological edge and falling behind in measures of national competitiveness, the science community has been out in full force calling for new funds. These concerns are real, argues Science Progress Advisor Tom Kalil, citing reports published by the National Science Board showing that U.S. scientific output is stumbling. Looking at the funding numbers, Science Progress Advisor John Irons finds that the Administration has done little to stop the bleeding. He noted in January that even “the slight increase in the dollars for non-defense R&D was more than surpassed by projected inflation.”

With an economy on egg shells, a recommitment to federal funding of research is crucial in maintaining U.S. global leadership in the science and technology, major drivers of economic productivity. In their report, “A National Innovation Agenda,” both Kalil and Irons outline policy recommendations which would ensure that the U.S. continues to lead the way in innovation, reaping the economic benefits along the way.

Tags: DOE, funding, Innovation, NSF

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