Today, the Task Force on American Innovation sent the following letter to the Defense Subcommittees of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees:
TFAI Thank You Letter_DOD FY19Click here for a printer-friendly version.
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Chairman Shelby, Ranking Member Durbin, Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member Visclosky:
The Task Force on American Innovation (TFAI)—an alliance of industry, scientific societies, and university organizations—commends you and your colleagues for your work in the FY19 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. Your support for vital research and development (R&D) programs contained in this package will drive new discoveries, innovations and superior technologies for our national defense. On behalf of American industry and American higher education, we are grateful for your leadership on this key issue.
TFAI appreciates the robust funding for R&D and is encouraged by the investment of $94.9 billion in Department of Defense (DOD) Research, Development, Test and Evaluation and $16 billion in DOD’s Science and Technology accounts (6.1-6.3), providing a 7.5 and 8 percent increase, respectively. These strong investments in defense scientific research will help spur the discoveries needed to develop technology and capabilities that will support the warfighter today and tomorrow. Additionally, this crucial funding ultimately supports the U.S. economy and advances U.S. global competitiveness all while ensuring strong national security.
Again, thank you for your leadership in supporting defense research for Fiscal Year 2019. Moving forward, please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance in continuing to support your efforts to fund these vital national defense programs.
Sincerely,
Task Force on American Innovation