Reps. Sykes, Carbajal Lead 130 Colleagues in Demanding Trump Administration Reverse Federal Research Budget Cuts

Reps. Sykes, Carbajal Lead 130 Colleagues in Demanding Trump Administration Reverse Federal Research Budget Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (D-OH-13) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) led 130 of their colleagues in demanding the Trump administration stop and reverse all cuts to federal research budgets.

In a letter to the Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers underscored the urgency in stopping the indiscriminate budget cuts the Trump administration has inflicted on universities, federal agencies, and other organizations conducting cutting-edge public research.

"Since World War II, the United States has been the global leader in research," the lawmakers wrote. "Our world-class colleges and universities, combined with a prolific private sector and public investment, have developed and attracted the top minds in the world, leading to discoveries that have contributed significant benefits to our country. Failing to make investments in research will cede leadership to other countries that do not have the same values and priorities as the United States."

The lawmakers noted the major economic benefits from public research efforts.

"The benefits of research outweigh any perceived downside. Every dollar invested in non-defense research and development returned between $1.40 and $2.10 in economic output. Research at universities commonly leads to companies spinning out of them, creating good jobs, and bringing new products to the market," the lawmakers continued.

The lawmakers ended their letter by emphasizing the Trump administration's funding cuts contradicts the Administration's claims of prioritizing economic growth and national security, since research is essential to both.

"We did not become the premier research destination in the world by accident or overnight; it has taken decades of intentional investment to build the United States' research infrastructure. You cannot claim that a strong economy and national security are priorities of this administration when you are undermining both by dismantling systems that support them. We urge you to cease any further cuts that will inflict further harm to our nation's research capabilities and to reverse all actions taken that have weakened these systems," concluded the lawmakers.

The full text of the letter can be found here.