Protect scientific research funding for economic growth

The president's proposed cuts to scientific research funding would have devastating consequences for the United States economy. Economists warn that slashing budgets for agencies like the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, and others could shrink future GDP by over 4% - roughly equivalent to the contraction during the Great Recession. Fundamental research underpins about 20-25% of all private sector productivity growth since World War II. Cutting funding today means a smaller economy and less tax revenue tomorrow. For example, a $300,000 NSF grant in 1981 funded groundbreaking work on neural networks that enabled today's AI industry. The private sector critically relies on publicly-funded basic research that is too high-risk and long-term for companies to pursue alone. Slashing budgets will undermine America's innovation engine and economic competitiveness. I urge you to reject these disastrous proposed cuts and instead increase investment in scientific research and development to power economic growth.