1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I’m writing as a concerned constituent and a strong advocate for science and discovery. I urge you to support steady, long-term funding for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD), which manages many of the most important scientific efforts in our country. NASA’s science missions drive innovation, inspire new generations, and deliver critical insights into our planet, our solar system, and the universe beyond. From monitoring climate change to studying the Sun’s influence on space weather, these missions have far-reaching benefits for both national security and everyday life. The reality is that many of these efforts span decades. They require long planning horizons, stable partnerships, and technical continuity. When budgets become unpredictable or are threatened year after year, these missions suffer in both execution and purpose. We have already seen delays and potential cancellations of missions like the Mars Sample Return and Earth System Observatory. These are the result of years of work by scientists, engineers, and researchers. Pulling funding midway does not just halt progress, it also wastes taxpayer money that has already been spent. It signals to the next generation of scientists that we do not value long-term vision or follow-through. Other nations are ramping up their investments in space science with consistent, multi-year planning. If we want the United States to remain a global leader in scientific research and innovation, we must meet the moment with similar resolve. I ask that you advocate for a more stable funding framework for NASA’s science missions, one that reflects the time and care these projects demand. Year-to-year uncertainty is simply incompatible with the way great science is done. Thank you for your time and your service.