Today, the Task Force on American Innovation sent the following letter to key members of the United States Congress:

Dear Chairman Sanders, Senator Graham, Chairman Yarmuth, and Congressman Smith:

As your respective committees begin work on a budget resolution and reconciliation instructions, the Task Force on American Innovation (TFAI) – a coalition of businesses, trade groups, scientific and engineering societies, and university organizations supporting the federally-funded U.S. science and technology (S&T) research enterprise – strongly urges you to prioritize investments in fundamental research and the research-related infrastructure that underpins not only our scientific enterprise but our economy.

For decades, federal investments in fundamental research have fueled economic expansion, enabling paradigm-shifting discoveries in our laboratories that spawn new, innovative technologies in the marketplace. Federally supported research spurs job creation in the near-term through the construction of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, as well as critical supply chains. In the long-term, these investments enable the scientific advancement – and development and commercialization of new technologies – necessary to ensure our 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 research and research infrastructure vital to innovation and the development of technologies to achieve national goals such as meeting net-zero emissions climate change goals in 2035 and 2050, rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure in a sustainable manner, and out-innovating 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. TFAI was pleased that the Biden Administration’s American Jobs Plan recognized the importance of funding research and development (R&D) and research infrastructure as part of a critical investment in America.

Both the House of Representatives and Senate have recognized the importance of funding R&D with the passage of overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation to bolster our nation’s research, innovation, and economic competitiveness, including the “U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA)” in the Senate and the “NSF for the Future Act” and the “Department of Energy Science for the Future Act” in the House of Representatives.

Despite robust bipartisan support, it is unclear where funding for fundamental research and research infrastructure stands in existing congressional proposals. Appropriations for some federal science agencies, for example, have already failed to keep up with broader discretionary spending.

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, and prosperity in our country. It is vital that increased investments in basic research and research infrastructure be included in your FY22 budget and any potential reconciliation instructions, as well as the competitiveness legislation conference agreement and appropriations measures. Acting boldly now will grow the pipeline of diverse, skilled, scientific talent and provide them with the tools and resources to ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of discovery and innovation for generations.

TFAI would very much appreciate the opportunity to meet with your staff to discuss these issues and work together to support funding and related policies that make America more innovative and competitive. Please have your staff contact TFAI through our Executive Director, Stewart Young (stewart@corleydc.com), if you have any questions or require any further information.

Sincerely yours,
The Task Force on American Innovation