Defunding Scientific research will cripple the US.

The indefinite freeze on all funding by the National Science Foundation (NSF) is deeply concerning and detrimental to the advancement of scientific research in the United States. The NSF's vital role as a major supporter of basic research across various disciplines is being undermined, potentially crippling numerous ongoing projects and hampering future groundbreaking discoveries. This decision jeopardizes America's position as a global leader in science and innovation, with severe long-term economic consequences. A recent study estimates that a 50% reduction in federal science funding could shrink the US GDP by approximately 7.6%. Terminating over 1,000 grants worth $739 million is an alarming step that will disrupt countless labs and hinder the progress of critical research initiatives. Urgent action is needed to reinstate funding and uphold the NSF's longstanding merit-based review process, safeguarding the nation's scientific excellence and competitive edge on the world stage.