Following is a statement by Association of American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman regarding the passage of the seven outstanding FY19 appropriations bills.
We are pleased that the House and Senate have finally come together to reach a bipartisan agreement which avoids a second harmful shutdown and provides important research investments like those supported in the last Congress. Boosting federal support for the National Science Foundation, NASA, USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, and the National Endowments for the Humanities supports important research that helps ensure the protection and vitality of America’s public health, national security, and economic competitiveness.
We urge the president to sign the bills without delay.
Going forward, lawmakers must not allow political brinkmanship to further harm U.S. innovation and prosperity. Congress must work together to pass long-term, bipartisan funding and spending solutions for the coming fiscal year.
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.