Congress Saves the Day for Science Funding

Congress is stepping up to protect science funding. Last year, President Trump wanted to cut science funding by 22%, the biggest cut since World War II. But Congress is not letting that happen. They are working together to reverse these cuts. The Senate Appropriations Committee has released a plan. If everything goes well, Congress will allocate about $188 billion for federal research. This is a small decrease from last year, but much better than what Trump proposed. Basic research, which leads to big breakthroughs, might even see a small increase. Trump wanted to cut this type of research by over a third, but Congress is pushing back. They are also protecting the National Science Foundation, which funds important research. This bipartisan effort is a big deal. It shows that Democrats and Republicans can work together. This is a good sign for the future of these bills.Each year, the president suggests a budget, but Congress has the final say. Senator Patty Murray praised the package, saying it is good for science and the American people. Senator Susan Collins called it a responsible move that will help the U. S. stay competitive in science. The package includes funding for agencies like NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It also helps scientists in New York City who were affected by the closure of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. The House has already approved the Senate package. Congress is working hard to pass spending bills before the temporary measures expire at the end of January. So far, the House and Senate are close to agreeing on a final budget. Even though the budget situation is looking up, the damage caused by Trump's cuts and chaos might take years to fix. The administration has also changed how funds are spent, which could have long-term effects. But for now, science advocates are relieved that Congress is supporting science again.