The FY26 National Science Foundation (NSF) Senate Dear Colleague Letter urges the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee to provide at least $9.9 billion for the NSF in FY26 to ensure U.S. leadership in emerging technologies and to support critical research, education, and workforce development. It emphasizes that robust NSF funding is essential for maintaining the nation’s competitiveness, security, and resilience in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
Dear Chair Moran and Ranking Member Van Hollen:
As the Subcommittee begins deliberations on the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, we write to respectfully urge the Committee to appropriate at least $9.9 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF) in FY26.
NSF funding is critical to ensure our innovation ecosystem is prepared to lead the world in emerging technologies, and it is imperative that NSF see sustainable growth. New efforts can only be successful when built on a strong foundational research enterprise that supports research, education, and infrastructure. In Fiscal Year 2026, NSF is authorized at a robust $17.8 billion. We urge the Committee to appropriate no less than $9.9 billion to ensure NSF continues to sustain our science and technology ecosystem.
The United States cannot afford to cede leadership in the fields that will define the future—including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, advanced materials, and biotechnology. NSF funds the basic research in these areas that serve as the catalyst for transformative technologies, often yielding applications unforeseen at the time of discovery and generating economic returns in communities across the country. We must bolster research across science and engineering disciplines and their intersections to maximize innovation and breakthroughs.
NSF is also critical for developing and strengthening our nation's workforce. More than a quarter of all graduate trainees in cutting-edge areas of research are supported by NSF, in addition to the training and development of thousands of K-12 STEM teachers. NSF also supports the education of advanced technical workers at more than 150 community colleges nationwide and works closely with industry and other partners to expand efforts to meet labor market needs by investing in targeted expertise and training programs.
We urge you to provide at least $9.9 billion in FY 2026 and set NSF on a funding trajectory that will meet the major challenges our nation faces and ensure success for our future competitiveness, security, and resilience.