The following is a statement from Association of American Universities President Barbara R. Snyder applauding the passage and signing of the American Rescue Plan:
We applaud President Joe Biden and Congress for coming together to pass the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides additional relief for America’s colleges and universities and their students, faculty, staff, researchers, and their communities.
Funding for higher education and research programs and agencies – like those included for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, the National Science Foundation, the Institute of Education Sciences, National Endowment for the Humanities, and others – provides much-needed relief and strengthens our efforts to fight, and mitigate the harmful impacts of, COVID-19.
As the administration and lawmakers develop additional economic recovery measures and begin work on the FY22 budget we urge them to provide the resources necessary to end the COVID-19 pandemic, protect our economy, and bolster federal investments in student aid and research that are essential not only to recovery, but also to long-term economic growth and strength.
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Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 65 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.