WASHINGTON – The Science Coalition (TSC) today commended members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for approving the “Research Investment to Spark the Economy (RISE) Act.” The measure, sponsored 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., would authorize $26 billion in emergency funding to protect past research investments and support the 560,000-strong research workforce, both critical as our local and national economies recover from COVID-related disruptions. TSC has endorsed the House version of the bill.
“The leadership shown today by the Senate marks an important moment for STEM researchers and the future of America’s scientific enterprise,” said TSC President and Director of Government Relations at Stony Brook University Lauren Brookmeyer. “Researchers at colleges and universities are grappling with the fallout of the pandemic, which has impacted both their research projects and future careers. By laying the groundwork for emergency relief for our federal research agencies – close partners with our institutions – the RISE Act will support a strong, diverse talent pipeline and ensure progress made on research is not lost. Already a bipartisan, bicameral bill, we are pleased to see the RISE Act advancing in Congress. We thank Chairman Roger Wicker and Senators Markey, Gardner, Peters, and Tillis for moving this critical legislation forward. We urge Senate leadership to continue this momentum and bring the bill to the floor for a vote, and fully fund the RISE Act.”
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.