APS Letter on National Science Foundation; Shutdown Outlook

Robert Schrieffer, President of The American Physical Society, sent the following letter to leaders in the House and Senate regarding the lack of an FY 1996 appropriation for the National Science Foundation:

January 19, 1996

“The budget impasse is beginning to have a dramatic--and negative--effect on the nation’s scientific research enterprise. One immediate threat is to research supported by the National Science Foundation.

“The government shutdown and the absence of a 1996 appropriation has jeopardized NSF programs in many states and districts throughout the nation. By December 31, the NSF had been forced to cut off funding for 156 research grants. Another 300 grants will expire at the end of January.

“The American Physical Society considers this a crisis situation for the National Science Foundation, our nation’s scientific enterprise, and the long-term health of the American economy. As each day passes, the potential for damage increases.

“For more than half a century, science has enjoyed strong bipartisan support. I urge you to continue this tradition and work with your colleagues in Congress and with the Administration to pass a full 1996 appropriation for NSF.”

Sincerely,

Robert Schrieffer

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There is little to report about moves on Capitol Hill to continue short term funding beyond this Friday. Congressional Republicans are working on a continuing resolution to fund departments and agencies through March 15 for which an appropriations bill has not been signed. House Appropriations Chairman Bob Livingston (R-LA) predicts that short term funding will maintain government functions “fundamentally at the same level” as now exists. Although this would vary by agency and function, in the case of NSF, the rate of funding would not be below that of last year. Under this proposed continuing resolution, between 12 and 20 as yet unspecified government programs would be terminated.