Congress Protects Research Funding from Cuts
Despite proposed administration cuts, Congress funded the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to near-full capacity in the fiscal 2026 appropriations bills. The move demonstrates bipartisan support for sustained U.S. research investment to maintain innovation competitiveness. The analysis suggests that framing university innovation in terms of local jobs and regional growth has proven effective in securing congressional support.
- The final fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill provides the National Science Foundation (NSF) with $8.75 billion. This represents a 3.4% decrease from the previous year but is significantly higher than the administration's proposed 57% cut. - The National Institutes of Health (NIH) received approximately $48.7 billion, a modest increase of about $400 million over fiscal year 2025. This funding level successfully countered a proposed budget cut of nearly 40%. - In a joint statement, Maryland's U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, along with other Maryland House members, were recognized for their steadfast advocacy in ensuring the final legislation protected and advanced the work of research institutions. - The economic impact of federal research funding is significant locally. In fiscal year 2024, every dollar of NIH funding generated $2.56 in economic activity. That year, the agency's funding supported over 407,000 jobs across the country. - A study on the potential impact of NIH funding cuts estimated that Prince George's County could experience a significant economic loss and a reduction in jobs, highlighting the local importance of this federal investment. - Advocacy from the scientific community and organizations like the Association of American Universities was crucial in communicating the real-world impact of robust research funding to members of Congress and resisting the proposed cuts. - The appropriations bill also included important provisions to limit changes to biomedical research grant policies and strengthen oversight of global health programs. - Looking ahead, the administration's priorities for fiscal year 2027 research and development will focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, and advanced manufacturing. Advocacy groups are already preparing for the next budget cycle to ensure sustained support for research.
