I write to you today outraged on behalf of everyone who depends on a functioning government. Last Wednesday, the U.S. government shut down. Now, the threat of mass firings looms over our federal workforce.
Many of our members are hardworking U.S. federal scientists who have dedicated their careers to serving the public. When federal scientists are forced from government service, they often lose their life’s work—and the agencies they serve lose critical capacity along with decades of institutional knowledge and expertise.
My heart goes out to those in our community who are directly affected. I know this pain firsthand—after decades serving in the federal government, earlier this year I made the difficult decision to take a deferred resignation with early retirement from my position at the National Science Foundation. While I am still navigating this career transition, I especially miss working alongside dedicated colleagues and mentoring the next generation of Earth and space scientists.
As I find new ways to support the many PIs and students I have connected with over the years, I remain grounded in my enduring conviction that science is essential to progress.
While the road ahead remains difficult for our community, I want you to know that AGU stands with you—offering support, solidarity, and a shared commitment to protecting science and those who serve it.
First, I encourage you to visit our Impacted Member Support page, where you’ll find details on fee waivers for membership dues for those facing hardship, along with resources to connect you with grants, job opportunities, and other assistance.
AGU is also taking this fight to the courts. When the President tried to flout the law when he signed an Executive Order in February directing federal agencies to engage in “large-scale” reductions in force (RIFs) and reorganization, we filed a lawsuit to challenge this unlawful action.
Now, as the Administration once again attempts to evade constitutional checks and balances by executing these mass firings during the government shutdown, last Tuesday federal employee unions filed a new lawsuit asserting that the Administration’s actions are illegal. I’m proud to tell you that AGU and our coalition of plaintiffs just filed a motion to formally connect this new case with our existing one so they can be litigated together. We will not stand by as our members, their livelihoods, and the critical research they provide as public servants is declared irrelevant and treated with such cruelty.
We are also making our voices heard loud and clear to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Today I join AGU staff as well as colleagues at The Planetary Society and more than a dozen other science organizations for a joint Day of Action. We are urging members of Congress to fully fund our scientific agencies and reopen the government. We are so grateful to all the scientists joining us to visit their legislators and advocate for you and for science. If you live in the U.S., join us by using our Action Center to contact your representatives.
Lastly, I want to thank you. By being an AGU member, you make it possible for us to keep fighting for science. Together, we are stronger—and together we will rise to meet this moment and secure a better tomorrow. Stay strong, stay united, and keep fighting for each other and for science.
Yours,
Brandon