NSC Alliance, Nine Other Science Groups Ask Congress to Pass FY 2011 Science Appropriations

On 17 November 2010, the Natural Science Collections Alliance (NSC Alliance) joined with nine other scientific societies and organizations to request that Congress pass an FY 2011 appropriations bill that would provide the National Science Foundation with $7.424 billion.

The text of the letter follows (the same letter was sent to Representatives Obey and Lewis, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee):

Dear Chairman Inouye and Cochran:

As Congress works to finalize funding for fiscal year 2011, we urge you to fund the National Science Foundation (NSF) at $7.424 billion – the level recommended by the House Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee and the President.  This level of investment would keep NSF on the funding path authorized by the bipartisan America COMPETES Act of 2007 (PL 110-69).

Science is essential to our nation.  It creates jobs, drives economic growth, and helps to solve our most demanding problems, such as improving human health, increasing food security, and informing environmental stewardship.

As noted by the National Academy of Sciences, “The most fundamental building block of innovation is newly acquired knowledge, often in the form of scientific or technological advancements.”  Through investments in fundamental research, the National Science Foundation is central to the generation of new knowledge and innovation.  Moreover, NSF science education programs contribute to the development of the next generation of scientists and science educators – the individuals who will help ensure that future generations enjoy a higher standard of living than we do today.

Thank you for your strong support of the National Science Foundation.  We ask you to continue your commitment to address our nation’s competitiveness through this important investment in NSF research and education programs.

Sincerely,