The following is a statement from the Association of American Universities:
AAU thanks Congress for rejecting the administration-proposed massive cuts to key scientific research agencies by its passage of the minibus recently signed into law by the president as well as the remaining FY26 spending bills it is likely to consider later this week.
We are grateful to congressional appropriators for including small increases to the budgets of the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy Office of Science and for staving off large proposed cuts to funding for the National Science Foundation, NASA Science, and basic research at the Department of Defense.
We also thank Congress for prioritizing investments in education, including the Pell Grant program, which helps millions of low- and middle-income students access college, and for its continued support for the humanities and the arts.
Steady investments in research and in students are essential to safeguarding our nation’s health, economic vitality, and national security. We commend lawmakers for their bipartisan commitment to approving a budget that recognizes the indispensable role of science and education in improving the lives of all Americans. This support is essential to ensuring that the United States remains a global leader in discovery, innovation, and opportunity.
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 71 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.