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16 March 2017
Science Funding Reduced in President Trump's First Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Proposal
16 March 2017
Science Funding Reduced in President Trump's First Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON — The Optical Society (OSA) expresses concern for funding levels included in today’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget by U.S. President Donald Trump for science-related programs at federal agencies. President Trump’s proposed budget will ultimately be up to the U.S. Congress effectively appropriate and draft the legislation to fund the federal government for Fiscal Year 2018. The proposed budget blueprint would cut federal programs across sectors from the Department of Energy, Department of Commerce, U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Institutes of Health. OSA plans to work with members of the U.S. Congress as the appropriation’s process moves forward.
“OSA has long been an advocate for sustained federal investments in research and development programs at U.S. science agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Department of Energy's Office of Science,” stated Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of The Optical Society. “Sustained R&D funding is vital to the foundation that our industry needs to innovate, produce and market the next generation of cutting-edge technology products and services. Investments in science and technology fuel economic growth, and the optics and photonics industry, in particular, is a leading source of high-quality advanced manufacturing jobs. President Donald Trump's fiscal year 2018 proposed budget has the potential to impact current and future science advancements.”
OSA Congressional Visits Day, 25-26 April 2017
Throughout the year, OSA offers its members the opportunity to communicate directly with U.S. senators and representatives. These meetings give the scientific community a voice in the halls of Congress — calling on elected officials to recognize the importance of science and technology, keep federal R&D funding levels consistent and sustainable, and support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs.
The 2017 Congressional Visits Day (CVD) will take place on 25-26 April 2017. OSA will again be participating with its National Photonics Initiative (NPI) partners. This is a great opportunity to start building a relationship with Congressional offices and to inform them of the important optics and photonics work happening in their districts while at the same time advocating for science. Register to participate at: LightOurFuture.org/cvd.
Visit the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Overview page on WhiteHouse.gov to learn more about the proposed budget.
About The Optical Society
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and entrepreneurs who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org/100.
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