The following is a statement from the Association American Universities thanking House Appropriators for their efforts to increase funding for higher education and scientific research in the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Appropriations Bill.
The House Appropriations Committee’s actions on funding for Labor, HHS, and Education are good news for American economic growth, health, innovation, and students. We commend Committee Chair Nita Lowey and Ranking Member Kay Granger as well as subcommittee Chair Rosa DeLauro and Ranking Member Tom Cole for their leadership in boosting federal investments in student financial aid, higher education, and scientific research.
In particular, we applaud the proposed increases to NIH, the Pell Grant maximum award, Federal Work-Study, the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, the Institute of Education Sciences, and other programs that help make higher education accessible and affordable. The proposed funding increases to biomedical and education research, international education programs, and student aid are important to families in need of cures, therapies, and access to high-quality education.
Nonetheless, sequestration budget caps loom over these positive developments. Without a deal, these proposed increases are merely theoretical. We urge lawmakers to continue working toward a bipartisan agreement to raise the Budget Control Act spending caps and avoid damaging cuts to defense and non-defense discretionary programs in FY20 and 21.
AAU and its members will continue to work with Congress to provide strong FY20 support for these and other research and higher education programs. This funding is vital to the government-university partnership that strengthens our nation’s health, economy, and security.
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Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 62 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.