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Will proposed budget cuts result in the loss of American leadership in science? Astronomers respond.<\/p>\nWill proposed budget cuts result in the loss of American leadership in science? Astronomers respond.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve never needed good science more than we do right now. Support EarthSky in 2025 and help us keep it going strong.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Astronomers respond to 2026 president\u2019s budget request<\/p>\n The AAS released this statement on May 2, 2025.<\/a><\/p>\n On May 2, 2025, the White House released<\/a> the blueprint of the President\u2019s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2026. The $1.7 trillion plan proposes slashing $163 billion in federal spending for the next fiscal year, which includes significant cuts to NASA\u2019s Science Mission Directorate, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy\u2019s Office of Science.<\/p>\n The American Astronomical Society\u2019s Board of Trustees has released the following statement<\/a> in response:<\/p>\n The American Astronomical Society has grave concerns about the deep cuts to science funding proposed in the President\u2019s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2026. If enacted, the 56% cut to the National Science Foundation, the 47% cut to NASA\u2019s Science Mission Directorate, and the 14% cut to the Department of Energy\u2019s Office of Science would result in an historic decline of American investment in basic scientific research. These cuts would damage a broad range of research areas that will not be supported by the private sector. The negative consequences would be exacerbated because many research efforts can require years to decades to mature and reach fruition. Without robust and sustained federal funding, the United States will lose at least a generation of talent to other countries that are increasing their investments in facilities and workforce development. This will derail not only cutting-edge scientific advances, but also the training of the nation\u2019s future STEM workforce. These proposed cuts will result in the loss of American leadership in science. <\/p>\n For over 60 years, the astronomical sciences community has maximized the scientific return on precious U.S. taxpayer dollars through regular and rigorous strategic planning and vision development for the field. The goal of these efforts is to prioritize the development of highly qualified scientists, the most powerful ground-based facilities, space-based missions, and smaller yet critical technology investments. The Society looks forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure that the American discovery and innovation engine remains strong for the next 60 years and beyond.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Bottom line: Read the AAS response to the 2026 president\u2019s budget request here. The budget proposes 56% cuts to the National Science Foundation, 47% cuts to NASA\u2019s Science Mission Directorate, and 14% cuts to the Department of Energy\u2019s Office of Science.<\/p>\n\n
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