Statement by Research!America President and CEO Mary Woolley on President Trump’s FY20 Budget Proposal
The President’s 2020 budget proposal attempts to build on decades of hard-fought victories in the U.S. against childhood cancer and the transmission of HIV. It also includes an increase for FDA, an agency with critical responsibilities for our nation’s health and safety.
But it is not possible to meet these priorities, nor any other goal or aspiration of the American people, if the fuel it takes to drive success is drained from the tank. Unfortunately, that’s what this budget blueprint proposes. The proposal embraces steep cuts on top of dysfunctional budget caps. It would eviscerate non-defense discretionary spending, including, for example, 12% decreases in both NIH and NSF funding, forcing the U.S. to retreat from medical progress, public health readiness, and science and technology investment crucial to both job growth and the overall economy.
The U.S. must not rest on its laurels as other countries usurp our science and technology leadership and health threats like opioid addiction and cancer undermine health and hope. We urge members of Congress and President Trump to raise the budget caps and craft spending bills that drive science, technology, and better health for all.
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The Research!America alliance advocates for science, discovery, and innovation to achieve better health for all.