The NSC Alliance has submitted testimony to the House Appropriations Committee regarding fiscal year (FY) 2027 funding for programs that curate natural history collections within the Department of the Interior and Smithsonian Institution.
“Scientific collections are essential infrastructure supporting the nation’s bioeconomy, public health, and environmental resilience,” argued NSC Alliance. “Research specimens connect us to the past, help address current problems, and enable us to predict and prepare for future threats to health, food security, and the environment. When collections are not only maintained but enhanced through digitization and other new technologies, their impact becomes even greater. However, stagnant funding, facility deficiencies, and workforce constraints threaten their long-term viability and the nation’s ability to remain a global leader in science and innovation. We strongly urge Congress to prioritize sustained, robust investments in scientific collections—a truly irreplaceable resource.”
The President’s FY 2027 budget proposes an 11% reduction to the Smithsonian Institution and a 7% cut to NMNH. NSC Alliance urged appropriators to reject these proposed cuts, make sustained investments in the Smithsonian, and provide at least $60 million for NMNH in FY 2027 to support collections stewardship, modernize infrastructure, and advance critical research. The testimony also encouraged Congress to support adequate funding for programs within Interior bureaus that support the preservation and use of scientific collections.
Read the testimony submitted to the House. An identical version will be sent to the Senate.