Protect U.S. Scientific Independence and Research Funding

I am writing to urge your immediate action to protect our nation's scientific enterprise, which faces unprecedented threats to its independence and funding. Science is fundamental to everything we rely on—from the smartphones in our pockets to life-saving medical treatments, safe infrastructure, and weather forecasting that protects farmers and businesses. For over 80 years, wise government investments have built the world's most respected research system. Yet this achievement is now in jeopardy. The current administration is systematically dismantling our scientific infrastructure through severe funding cuts, termination of research grants, and closure of laboratories. These actions force universities to pause critical research—including studies of new disease treatments—dismiss faculty, and stop enrolling graduate students who represent our next generation of scientists. Investigations targeting over 50 universities send a chilling message to the research community. Most troubling is the assault on scientific independence itself. The administration is using executive orders and financial threats to determine which studies receive funding, how results are reported, and what data the public can access. Researchers are being pressured to avoid scientifically accurate terms and abandon studies on topics deemed objectionable by officials. A climate of fear has descended on our research community, with scientists removing their names from publications and rewriting grant proposals to appease political interests rather than pursuing truth. This represents censorship of the highest order. The mission of science requires that researchers freely explore questions and report findings honestly, independent of special interests or ideology. When we silence science, we silence progress. The consequences of dismantling our research enterprise will reverberate for decades. Other nations will lead in developing novel treatments, clean energy, and transformative technologies. Their populations will be healthier, their economies stronger, and their competitive advantages over the United States undeniable. I urge you to oppose funding cuts to scientific agencies, defend university autonomy, and stand against the ongoing efforts to politicize scientific research represented by the persecution of Dr. Fauci and the OMB's proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance" (OMB-2026-0034). Our nation's security, health, and economic future depend on a thriving, *independent* scientific community.