WASHINGTON – The Science Coalition (TSC) applauds a bipartisan group of senators for introducing the “Research Investment to Spark the Economy (RISE) Act.” Led by Champions of Science Senators Ed Markey, D-Mass., Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Gary Peters, D-Mich., in addition to Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., the measure would authorize $26 billion in research relief to support America’s 560,000-strong research workforce and protect past and future investments in projects conducted in partnership with key federal research agencies that were disrupted by the pandemic. TSC previously endorsed the House version of the bill.
“We applaud these senators for their commitment and leadership in prioritizing the needs of the scientific community,” said TSC President and Director of Government Relations at Stony Brook University Lauren Brookmeyer. “While the pandemic put America’s research prowess front and center as university researchers pivoted to manufacture emergency protective equipment and treatments and research vaccines, other projects slowed or stalled completely. Federal research agencies, which are critical partners for our colleges and universities, need emergency relief now to ensure an entire generation of researchers and the future of all scientific innovation are not lost to delays and disruptions. We urge leaders in both chambers to act without delay and provide predictability to our entire research enterprise.”
For information on the cutting-edge research TSC institutions are conducting to combat COVID-19, visit our page here.
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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.