The Science Coalition Applauds Congress for Passing FY 2018 Omnibus That Supports Science and Promotes Innovation

WASHINGTON – The Science Coalition (TSC) released the following statement in response to Congress’ passage of the fiscal year (FY) 2018 omnibus appropriations bill:

“The Science Coalition commends the bipartisan leadership of Congress in approving the FY 2018 omnibus appropriations bill, which directs critical federal investment to fundamental research programs at the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy Office of Science, USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Defense basic research programs, and other key agencies. Thanks to this bill, fundamental research programs and the scientific enterprise they support will receive the largest boost in federal investment they have had in years.

“The fundamental research supported by these agencies underpins a national network of scientific innovation that bolsters our economic leadership. Each of these agencies directs critical research programs through a vast system of research universities and national laboratories, producing breakthroughs in science and technology that subsequently incubate U.S. companies and industries and produce solutions to our most pressing global challenges. America’s federally funded basic research is the backbone of our country’s manufacturing base, agricultural and environmental sustainability, biomedical leadership, energy infrastructure, and national security.

“After years of stagnation, this bill takes exemplary action toward reinstating our country’s commitment to science and reinvigorating our investment in research and development. The Science Coalition profusely applauds the bipartisan Members of Congress who acted as true champions of science today in voting for this bill.”

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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.