Printer-friendly version here.
November 14, 2023
Dear Leaders of Congress:
The Task Force on American Innovation (TFAI) thanks you on behalf of U.S. innovation leaders across American industries and academic research institutions for passing a “stop-gap” funding measure to ensure that our federal government remains operational and that critical basic research across multiple STEM disciplines continues uninterrupted. However, additional continuing resolutions harm the strategic needs of our national innovation capacity. As Congress works to reach a final agreement on FY24 federal appropriations, TFAI strongly urges you to prioritize investments in fundamental research that underpin our nation’s current and emerging technology industries, our future global competitiveness, and our national and economic security.
TFAI is a coalition of businesses, trade groups, scientific and engineering societies, and university organizations focused to support federally-funded basic research carried out within the U.S. research enterprise. A broad, bipartisan Congressional consensus exists regarding the essential role of federal investments in innovation to American economic growth, U.S. job creation, and national security. For decades, federal investments in fundamental research have fueled economic expansion and these investments are more needed now than ever before. They are essential to ensure the scientific leadership and technological superiority needed to compete with China and other international competitors.
Right now, we have a unique opportunity to invest in the fundamental research vital to innovation and the development of technologies to achieve national goals, such as those expressed in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, allowing us to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure in a sustainable manner and to continue to out-innovate our global competitors in areas like AI, advanced manufacturing, and bioengineering. These goals cannot be accomplished with existing technologies, but rely on continuing advancements, fueled by fundamental research today and the scientific infrastructure that enables it. Fundamental research uniquely provides the advances in knowledge needed for truly innovative and groundbreaking solutions.
Unfortunately, while both the House of Representatives and Senate have recognized the importance of funding innovation research through a robust authorization, a Federation of American Scientists’ report suggests that Congress is currently on track to appropriate $7.5 billion less than is authorized for fiscal year 2024. This shortfall threatens America’s stature as a worldwide innovation leader and compromises our bid in the global competition for critical and emerging technologies that will define economic and national security. This is a risk our Nation simply cannot take.
We call on you to make significant federal investments in fundamental research and research infrastructure a cornerstone of your initiatives to drive innovation, job growth, national security, and prosperity in our country. It is vital that increased investments in basic research and research infrastructure be included in whatever funding deal emerges for FY24. We must continue to make this vital investment to ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of discovery and innovation for generations to come.
Sincerely,
The Task Force on American Innovation