Last week, I walked the halls of Congress alongside other scientists and advocates from across the country as part of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s (ASBMB) Hill Day. Together, we shared stories about how science changes lives, how it fuels our economy, trains the next generation and offers hope through medical breakthroughs.
These efforts are always important, but this year they feel extra critical because we are swimming through uncharted waters as a sledgehammer is coming for the scientific enterprise in the U.S.
Decisions being made right now by our country's leaders will determine whether the U.S. remains at the forefront of science and innovation. These choices will decide whether lifesaving research continues and whether students have the opportunity to become tomorrow’s scientific leaders.
My son wants to be a scientist (as least right now at 6). Ultimately, I want him to be whatever he wants to be. BUT I want U.S. science to be an option for him and kids like him. Right now, if the current trajectory continues, I don’t know that it will be. He inspired this haiku:
On future scientists
My son watches, waits,
dreams of future discoveries.
What will tomorrow hold?
My voice is in this conversation, but it is not enough. An important voice missing from this conversation is yours. We all have stories to tell about how and why science matters to us.
What Is Happening Now? The Appropriations Process Explained
Each year, Congress determines how our tax dollars are spent through a process called appropriations. You can think of it like a giant pie. Congress decides how big each slice is and separates it out into programs like defense, education, health care, and scientific research.
One problem we are facing is that the slice of the pie designated for scientific research may become much smaller. These concerns are motivated by the release of President Trump’s “Skinny budget” for fiscal year 26 which proposes dramatic and devastating cuts. It suggests reducing the National Institute of Health (NIH) by 40% , the National Science Foundation (NSF) by 55%, and more cuts to other federal agencies that fund science. These would de devastating to science in this country. This is on top of the unprecedented grant cancellations (over 800), and the stalling of new awards for the current fiscal year.
If we don’t speak up, the pie will get smaller. Without sufficient funding, research progress stalls, new prevention or treatments with be delayed or absent, young scientists will leave the field or move abroad, and promising breakthroughs will remain trapped in the lab instead of reaching the people who need them most. This will cause health, career and economic consequences.
The good news is that congress is in charge of the government's purse, and they have the final say of how money is allocated. So they do not need to follow the president’s recommended budget, but it serves as a negotiation point. This is why contacting our representatives about this issue is important (see more on this below).
The Real-World Consequences of Funding Cuts
Science funding has so many benefits that I’ve talked about here, here and here. A few other examples, below, come from the ASBMB’s website here.
NIH funding contributed to 354 of the 356 drugs approved by the FDA between 2010 and 2019.
In fiscal year 2023, NIH funding generated over $94.5 billion in economic activity and supported 400,000+ jobs. These aren’t just scientists! They support local businesses and support staff (like custodial staff).
How YOU Can Take Action Right Now
We cannot expect scientists to carry the burden of action alone because science benefits ALL OF US. This is a fight for every patient and family hoping for a cure, every student dreaming of a STEM career, and every community that benefits from economic growth tied to research and innovation. We need you! Here are some things you can do!
Contact Your Members of Congress.
Send a message, pick up the phone or, even better, request a meeting. Tell them you want science to be funded, example asks are in the meeting section below:
How to Schedule a Meeting (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
Call or email the office (calling is better): Tell them you’re a constituent and would like to schedule a brief meeting to discuss science funding. These meetings can be virtual or at their local office! If you’re part of an organization that is relevant, mention that too.
Be clear and specific about the topic: "I’d like to discuss the importance of federal research funding and how it impacts our state."
Offer specific dates and times you’re available.
Expect to meet with staff. You most likely will meet with a staffer rather than the senator or representative themselves. This is OK. These staffers are trusted advisors, and your message will reach their boss.
What to Expect During the Meeting (And How to Calm Your Nerves)
Meetings Are Short—Usually 15-30 Minutes.
Keep it simple and human. Don’t worry about being an expert on every policy detail. Speak from your heart about why this matters.
Introduce Yourself: Who you are, where you’re from, what you do.
Share Your Story: How has science funding impacted you, your family, or your community/state? Why do you care? Why should they care?
Make the Ask:
$9.9 billion for NSF in FY 2026.
$51.3 billion for NIH.
Immediate restoration of NIH grants.
Note: these are based on numbers scientific societies are requesting, and are slightly above the prior fiscal year budget to keep up with inflation.
Close with Gratitude: Thank them and ask if there are anything you could help them with.
Send a thank you email the next day that repeats the asks.
You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to show up and speak from the heart. Tell them why you’re worried and why science matters to you. You can think of this like planting a seed. Even if you don’t see immediate change, your story may be the one they remember when it’s time to vote on funding.
Key Targets: Senate Appropriations Committee
If you’re represented by the senators listed below, your voice is especially critical right now. These senators play a major role in determining the budget and how much funding goes to NIH, NSF, and other critical agencies because they are on the senate appropriations committee.
Senators John Kennedy (Louisiana) and Mike Rounds (South Dakota) could especially benefit from hearing from their constituents. So if you’re in one of those states please reach out, and share this with those who are!
Republicans:
Susan Collins (ME), Mitch McConnell (KY), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Lindsey Graham (SC), Jerry Moran (KS), John Hoeven (ND), John Boozman (AR), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), John Kennedy (LA), Bill Hagerty (TN), Katie Britt (AL), Deb Fischer (NE), Markwayne Mullin (OK), Mike Rounds (SD)
Democrats:
Patty Murray (WA), Dick Durbin (IL), Jack Reed (RI), Jon Tester (MT), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Jeff Merkley (OR), Chris Coons (DE), Brian Schatz (HI), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Chris Murphy (CT), Chris Van Hollen (MD), Martin Heinrich (NM), Gary Peters (MI), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Jon Ossoff (GA)
Some other things I learned
Many offices indicated that they are learning about grant cancellations, fired staff and more chaos within federal agencies from the news OR from constituents who contact them directly. They don’t have other working ways to gather information right now. This means it is particularly important for you to keep your representatives informed if things happening are impacting you. You can even forward them your cancelled grant notice, or story of impact if you’re a patient!
Many also noted that the calls to representative offices are making a difference, so keep them up!
Bottom Line
Hope is not lost. Science and the future we want is worth fighting for. The system isn’t perfect, but it has given us a lot and there are better ways to improve it than gutting it. Change takes work, and it takes everyday people like me and you who are willing to do the work.
After reflecting on my experience last week I wrote the following haiku reminding me (and you) why this matters. We all have a voice, we just need to use it.
On Science Advocacy
Hope is on the bench
waiting for a funded chance.
So I use my voice.