Following is a statement by Association of American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman on the administration’s proposed FY20 budget.
I am deeply troubled by the administration’s sweeping proposed cuts to non-defense discretionary spending at a time when the U.S. is increasingly facing threats to our economic competitiveness, health and well-being, and national security. The administration’s FY20 budget proposes cuts to vital scientific research at the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and other agencies. The proposal also cuts important student aid programs, including the Pell Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant programs.
Drastic reductions in funding would harm scientific research, the future workforce, and America’s position as a leader in global innovation at a time when the majority of Americans believe the federal government should support science and technology research.
For decades, federal investment in research and higher education have paid enormous dividends in medical advancement, new technologies, enhanced national security, and helped to produce good-paying jobs for American workers. We must not turn our backs on what has made the U.S. the greatest and most advanced economy in the world. I urge Congress to work together to produce a bipartisan solution that invests in our nation’s innovation capacity and continuing economic competitiveness.
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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.