House Democrats with science backgrounds are warning President Trump against major funding cuts to scientific agencies, underscoring the benefits of investing in research and the risks of pulling support amid growing U.S.-China competition.
Eleven Democratic lawmakers raised concerns Thursday about proposed cuts to the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
“We have dedicated our careers to the pursuit of scientific discovery before coming to Washington, in laboratories and classrooms here on Earth, and in missions that reached far into space,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the president.
“We represent millions of Americans who will be deeply impacted by the recent cuts proposed by representatives acting under your authority, and who believe that the federal government has a fundamental obligation to support science and scientists,” they continued.
“With that in mind, we call on you to immediately stop the dismantling of our nation’s scientific enterprise,” they added.
The letter was led by Rep. George Whitesides (D-Calif.), who previously served as chief of staff at NASA.
Trump has proposed steep to cuts to scientific agencies in his budget request for fiscal 2026, including $1.3 billion in cuts to NOAA, $4.7 billion in cuts to NSF, $6 billion in cuts to NASA and $18 billion in cuts to the NIH.
The Democratic lawmakers in Thursday’s letter pointed to the importance of research for medical breakthroughs, anticipating and warning about severe storms and boosting American jobs and security in urging Trump to reverse course on the cuts.
They also emphasized the administration’s focus on promoting innovation and ensuring American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.
“At a time of great power competition in countering China, scientific research and advancement are more important than ever,” the lawmakers wrote. “As these competitors increase investments in their innovation ecosystems and research enterprises, we cannot afford to undermine the future of our scientific leadership.”
“We urge your administration to follow the longstanding principle of bipartisan support for the scientific community and national leaders who have made science a national priority, embracing it as a driver of economic growth, public health, and environmental safety,” they added.
