Appropriations Letter (June 2026)
Dear Chairman Cole, Chairwoman Collins, Ranking Member DeLauro, and Ranking Member Murray:
As you continue work on FY27 appropriations, the Task Force on American Innovation (TFAI)—an alliance of industry, scientific societies, and university organizations dedicated to supporting federally funded basic research—urges you to robustly fund the scientific research accounts essential to maintaining America's global leadership in innovation.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
We recommend $1.3 billion for NIST's Scientific and Technical Research and Services (STRS) account. Companies, academic institutions, and federal agencies depend on NIST to provide foundational research, standards, and materials development critical to their products and programs. NIST plays an indispensable role in emerging industries—including quantum information science, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductor manufacturing—by developing the foundational measurements and conducting the R&D necessary for U.S. leadership. For example, NIST is currently researching AI system performance and reliability to support international standards development and increase public trust, thereby encouraging widespread adoption and continued innovation.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
We recommend $9.9 billion for NSF. NSF drives innovation across all 50 states and U.S. territories, and remains the only federal agency supporting all fields of fundamental science and engineering. NSF-funded fundamental research is the foundational work that keeps America at the leading edge of discovery and technological advancement, but is too risky or uncertain for private investors. Robust NSF funding is essential to sustaining the pipeline of breakthroughs that underpins our nation's innovation economy, while training America’s next generation of scientists and engineers.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
We recommend a $9 billion investment for the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD). NASA SMD supports jobs, procurement, and research nationwide while expanding our knowledge of the cosmos, fostering technological innovation for U.S. space leadership, and inspiring young scientists and engineers. Inadequate investment will constrict American progress in fields including planetary science, space weather, and Earth observations—even as China pursues an increasingly ambitious space leadership strategy. Sustained NASA science funding is vital to pave the way for U.S. space exploration.
Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science
We recommend $9.5 billion in funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science (SC). As the nation's largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences and steward of ten National Laboratories, DOE SC is a powerhouse for scientific discovery, technological advancement, and economic development, playing a vital role in the Administration’s emerging technology priorities. In addition to its research leadership, more than 40 Fortune 500 companies and dozens of small businesses utilize DOE SC’s user facilities annually. As the lead federal agency for energy science, DOE SC serves as a cornerstone of American innovation and economic competitiveness.
Department of Defense (DOD) Science and Technology
Finally, we recommend a 6% increase in DOD’s Science and Technology accounts. Because of the nature of these accounts and the impact that they have on various technology fields and national security, we believe an increase to these accounts would support the initiatives and directional strategy that the department is seeking to create. These investments spur the discoveries necessary to develop technologies and capabilities that support the warfighter today and in the future. This funding also strengthens the U.S. economy, advances American global competitiveness, and ensures robust national security in an increasingly contested strategic environment.
In conclusion, FY27 appropriations will prove crucial to America's future. China is making determined efforts to become the global innovation leader. We cannot allow that to happen—and with your leadership, it will not. Thank you for your continued support of federally funded research in the physical sciences and engineering, which remains essential to American security, prosperity, and technological leadership.
Sincerely,
The Task Force on American Innovation
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