Following is a statement by AAU President Mary Sue Coleman regarding the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history:
We’re relieved Congress and the administration have reached a temporary deal to reopen shuttered federal agencies for another three weeks as they continue important funding and immigration negotiations. As Congress returns this week, we urge they fully fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year and provide 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. The research these agencies support help ensure the protection and vitality of America’s public health, national security, and economic competitiveness. We cannot afford to let political brinkmanship further harm U.S. innovation and prosperity.
AAU and its 60 U.S. universities also implore Congress to take long-overdue action to permanently protect DACA registrants from deportation. These talented and bright young people are ready to contribute to America’s economy and it’s unconscionable to keep them in the shadows any longer.
Congress and the administration must stop kicking the can down the road and pass long-term, bipartisan funding and immigration solutions.
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.