1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

Trump's proposed budget cuts to education and research programs are extremely concerning and will undermine access to higher education for many students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Programs like TRIO, Federal Work-Study, and need-based grant aid play a crucial role in making college affordable and attainable. Eliminating or reducing funding for these initiatives would exacerbate existing inequities and deprive countless individuals of the opportunity to pursue higher learning and improve their lives. Furthermore, the drastic reductions to agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation would severely hamper America's leadership in scientific research and innovation. Cutting funding for critical studies on issues like climate change, public health, and emerging technologies is incredibly short-sighted and will impede progress on solving some of society's greatest challenges. I urge you to reject these damaging cuts and instead increase investments in education and research programs that expand access, foster innovation, and drive economic growth. Supporting initiatives that make college more affordable and fund groundbreaking research is vital for developing an educated workforce, staying competitive globally, and tackling complex issues facing our nation and world. Protecting and bolstering funding in these areas should be a top priority.