A Continuing Resolution Is a Blow to U.S. Science — and the Public

The American public deserves better. Science drives progress, but it can’t do that with stopgap funding and political gridlock. It’s time to end the cycle. Science needs certainty and sustained financial growth – and the recognition by Congress that undermining science shortchanges American competitiveness in the world. 

Unfortunately, even the most thoughtfully crafted spending bill from Congress means little if the executive branch refuses to implement it in good faith. Under the Trump administration, we’ve seen a pattern of disregard for congressionally passed legislation and appropriations — from shrinking the federal workforce to closing offices and sidelining experts. The recent dismissal of NASA’s chief scientist, along with other key personnel, and staffing cuts at NOAA—the agency tasked with critical functions such as weather forecasting—underscore a troubling trend and raise serious alarms about the future of U.S. science and public safety.  

AGU stands with science. We will continue to defend the scientific enterprise from dangerous cuts and senseless obstructions. Through our Science Policy Action Center, we are mobilizing the scientific community to urge lawmakers regardless of political affiliation to fully support funding for Earth and space sciences. By organizing collective action, we can ensure that science remains a national priority. We must come together to show a vast community in support of robust, sustained federal funding for Earth and space sciences. 

We are also actively pushing back against the Trump Administration’s efforts to weaken the federal scientific workforce. As announced last week, we’ve joined as a plaintiff in a case, American Federation of Government Employees, et.al v. U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), arguing that the firings of probationary employees as directed by OPM were illegal. Yesterday, the judge in the case extended the temporary restraining order and required several more agencies, including the Departments of Energy and Interior, to immediately rehire their employees. This is another success in our pursuit for a final ruling and reinstatement of all employees affected.  

Along with Congress, the courts are vital to upholding the rule of law and providing essential checks and balances on executive actions that undermine science and harm federal scientists. We will not stand by as science is sidelined. AGU is committed to defending the scientific enterprise—in the halls of Congress, in the courts and alongside the scientists whose work fuels discovery, protects communities and serves the common good. 

If you are interested in supporting AGU’s efforts, please consider making a contribution: https://www.agu.org/give-to-agu/giving