The AAMC joined more than 140 other members of the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) on letters to Congress and the Biden administration recommending funding priorities for the National Science Foundation (NSF) in fiscal years (FYs) 2023 and 2024.
In an Oct. 27 letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders, the coalition urged passage of a final FY 2023 appropriation for the NSF at the highest level possible before the end of the calendar year. The federal government is currently funded at FY 2022 levels under a continuing resolution through Dec. 16 [refer to Washington Highlights, Sept. 30], and appropriators are expected to continue negotiations on FY 2023 spending bills following the Nov. 8 midterm elections.
Specifically, the coalition thanked Congress for its work to pass the CHIPS and Science Act (P.L. 117-167), including an authorization of $11.9 billion for the NSF in FY 2023. Overall, the authorizing legislation would allow the investment of $81 billion for the NSF over five years, the establishment of a new NSF technology directorate, and funding for domestic manufacturing of semiconductors [refer to Washington Highlights, July 29].
The letter urged appropriators to provide funding at the authorized level of $11.9 billion in FY 2023 and at least $10.3 billion as provided in the Senate Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies spending bill (S. 4664). “NSF investments are key to bolstering U.S. innovation and competitiveness by funding highly meritorious curiosity-driven research; building and fostering U.S. STEM education and workforce programs; supporting scientists and engineers with cutting-edge facilities; and addressing the most pressing issues of our time,” the letter added.
In a separate Oct. 27 letter to White House Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Arati Prabhakar, PhD, CNSF members urged the administration to request $15.65 billion for the NSF in FY 2024, as authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act.
“[The CHIPS and Science Act] established robust new funding targets for NSF to spur more research, increase STEM workforce preparation and participation, and develop a system of regional science and innovation hubs. If funded as authorized, the Act will enable NSF to help our nation remain the global science and innovation leader in the face of increased global competition,” the letter stated.
“Failure to meet these levels of funding for NSF will result in a growing gap between authorized and actual funding that will equate to billions of dollars in lost opportunities to strengthen science, technology, innovation, and the STEM workforce. Now is the time to create more opportunities to bolster our nation’s competitiveness and security,” the letter concluded.
The president’s FY 2024 budget request is expected to be released in February 2023.