1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The endowment tax hike proposed in H.R. 1 poses a grave threat to access to higher education and the invaluable research conducted at colleges and universities across the nation. Nearly half of endowment funds go toward providing financial aid to students, making education more accessible. This tax increase could cost elite research institutions hundreds of millions annually, hampering their ability to enroll lower-income students and continue groundbreaking research that drives innovation in fields like medicine, science, and technology. These cuts undermine the core principles of academic freedom and the pursuit of knowledge that are vital to an informed citizenry and thriving economy. I urge opposition to these harmful provisions that create financial barriers and stifle intellectual advancement. A budget that truly serves the public interest must safeguard access to education and protect the freedom to pursue knowledge unencumbered.