Cuts to federal science spending will cost every American
America has long been the undisputed global leader in science and innovation, propelling our economy and improving everyday lives at home and abroad.
But federal support for scientific research and development has been in decline for decades—hindering the search for solutions that will save lives and define our nation's future.
Now, instead of shoring up America's longstanding scientific dominance, Congress is considering policies that would make this problem much worse. The Trump administration's proposed federal budget for the coming year calls for deep cuts—upwards of 50% in some cases—to the federal agencies that fund the majority of science at America's universities.
"The impacts of these cuts would be unlike anything seen in U.S. history," says UC Associate Vice President for Federal Governmental Relations Chris Harrington. "Slashing funding for university research will make it harder for the U.S. to stay ahead as other nations accelerate their progress in areas that are critical for economic and national security, like quantum computing, energy and biotechnology."
And as research funding challenges grow in America, Harrington notes, U.S. scientists are being offered positions overseas, where universities in Europe and Asia have pledged stability and support. So when these scientists' work bears fruit in the years to come, it is Europe and Asia—and not the United States—that will benefit first and most.
What have the American people received in return for funding science?
A stronger economy: Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas estimate that government investments in scientific research generate returns of up to 210% and that about a quarter of U.S. productivity growth is attributable to federal investments in science and technology.
Jobs: In recent years, federal spending on science has paid for nearly half a million American jobs and indirectly supported 1.6 million more. That doesn't account for the countless jobs in U.S. industries that originated or developed from federally funded academic research, including health care, pharmaceutical, tech, communications and agriculture.
New treatments and cures for diseases that affect millions of people: 99% of new drugs approved by FDA between 2010 and 2019 relied on federal funding.
National security: Federal science funding has spurred U.S. leadership in critical technologies including 5G, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, nuclear energy, military space operations, quantum computers and biotechnology.
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Provided by University of California, Los Angeles
