The Science Coalition: Budget Deal Produces Much-Needed Stability for Scientific Research

WASHINGTON – The Science Coalition (TSC) released the following statement after Congress approved an agreement to increase federal spending caps for fiscal years 2018 and 2019:

“The Science Coalition applauds leaders in Congress for coming together and passing a budget deal that will finally provide certainty for agencies that fund scientific research. The two-year deal alleviates pressure from federal budget caps, freeing dollars for the defense and domestic discretionary programs that support fundamental research while also avoiding the harmful sequestration cuts that have inhibited our country’s scientific enterprise.

“This deal also ends the recent short-term, short-sighted budgeting that undercuts federal agencies’ ability to predictably fund important research. Now, agencies like the Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health can more reliably support scientific breakthroughs at our nation’s universities. Findings from our country’s basic science research lead to the technological and fundamental understandings of our world that protect our troops, identify medical cures, bolster our nation’s infrastructure, educate the next generation of American innovators, and power our economy. Funding for this research is critical in order for America to thrive for years to come.

“As this bipartisan deal demonstrates, federal funding for scientific research should be a priority for Americans across the political spectrum. As Congress deliberates in the coming weeks over how to appropriate funds for fiscal year 2018, we urge Members to prioritize funding for basic research supported by agencies including the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. With some federal fiscal constraints eased, it is time to invest in the fundamental science research that improves lives and grows the American economy.”

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About the Science Coalition

Established in 1994, The Science Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of more than 50 of the nation’s leading public and private research universities. It is dedicated to sustaining the federal government’s investment in basic scientific research as a means to stimulate the economy, spur innovation, and drive America’s global competitiveness.