AAU and APLU sent a letter to OMB acting director Russell Vought urging his office to support increased federal funding for higher education and scientific research in the administration’s FY21 budget. The letter highlights the historic government-university partnership, the need to protect our nation’s national security, and the importance of ensuring the U.S. remains a global leader in innovation. The associations call for increased funding growth of at least four percent for 10 key federal research agencies, the inclusion of strong investment in student aid programs, and strong funding for graduate education. “These investments are essential to our nation’s ability to cultivate talent now and for decades to come,” the letter says.