Take Action: Call for Congress to Pass FY 2017 Budget
Before adjourning for the year in December, Congress passed a temporary funding measure called a continuing resolution (CR) that flat-funds the federal government through April 28, 2017, at 2016 levels. Flat funding means no increases for science research. The scientific research community would very much like Congress to pass a FY 2017 budget that would direct more funding to NIH and other science agencies, as suggested and approved by House and Senate appropriation committees in December.
The Society has signed letters sent to Congress by the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research, and the Energy Sciences Coalition, asking them to pass a FY 2017 budget to fund the government for the rest of the year rather than another continuing resolution.
Congress members, however, also need to hear from their constituents. Otherwise, it is likely they will extend flat funding for the rest of FY 2017. It’s easy to write a letter, send a Facebook message, or tweet your legislators. Take action here.
President Trump’s Skinny Budget Proposes Major Cuts to Science
The White House released its “skinny budget” last week that provides a first look at President Trump’s budget proposal for FY 2018. The budget does not give a lot of detail, but includes $54 billion cut to nondefense discretionary programs, including a $6 billion dollar cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). To put that in perspective, the amount cut is more money than is dedicated to new/competing research awards each year by the NIH. The document also suggests eliminating the Fogarty International Center completely. At the Department of Energy, the Office of Science would see a $900 million cut. The National Science Foundation is not mentioned in the skinny budget.
While the president does make his wishes known, it is up to Congress to create and pass spending bills. Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle issued statements in opposition to the president’s proposal.
NDD United, the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research, and Research!America, all groups of which the Biophysical Society is a member, issued statements opposing these cuts. The Biophysical Society will be working with these coalitions to educate Congress on the harm these cuts would cause to the scientific enterprise and the important role science plays in society.
Although we will send a call to action to our members when the process becomes clearer, it is never too soon to make your members of Congress aware of the importance of science funding to your district. Use the Find Officials tool to contact them and tell them your story.
President Signs Executive Order Calling for Federal Agency Reorganization Plans
President Trump signed an executive order on March 13 requiring all federal agencies to develop plans within 180 days to restructure operations and streamline programs, including suggesting programs for elimination. According to the order, there will be an opportunity for public comment and suggestions during this 180 period. We will keep you informed about this process and opportunities to weigh in.
Recent Science Policy Related Reads from Around the Web
What Budget Cuts Might Mean for US Science
For Some Republicans, NIH Cuts Are a Nonstarter
Trump’s NIH budget may include reducing overhead payments to universities
The Trump Administration’s War on Science
Obama’s Science Diaspora Prepares for a Fight
Scientists are conspicuously missing from Trump’s government
Trump orders agencies to eliminate waste, workforce redundancies
How Americans Think About Climate Change, in Six Maps