NCSE Update – February 21, 2001

Science Spending to be Slashed in first Bush Budget

FLAT BUDGET FOR NSF; 22% CUT FOR USGS

Letters needed right away

President George W. Bush will propose that "funds for the National Science Foundation rise just 1% in fiscal 2002," when he submits his initial budget, according to a February 16 report in the Wall Street Journal (link). Additionally, the paper reports that, "the U.S. Geological Survey, which performs water and biological studies for federal policy makers, is fighting to stave off a threatened 22% cut from its $885 million appropriation for this fiscal year."

While budget numbers for other federal science programs have not been leaked yet, it is expected that the Environmental Protection Agency, among others, will face cuts.

President Bush will present his budget priorities to a joint session of Congress on Feburary 27 and on February 28, release a "blueprint" document laying out his budgetary themes and proposed spending levels for federal agencies and departments. Plans are to release the final, detailed proposed Federal budget on April 3, an analyst from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reported to NCSE.

These budget numbers will change ONLY if there is a strong and sustained response from the scientific community and members of the public.

We urge you and your colleagues to write to:

Mitch Daniels, Director, Office of Management and Budget , New Executive Office Building, 725 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20500

President George W. Bush, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC 20503

Your Senators. U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510 link

Your Congressional Representative, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515 (ask that they send letters to OMB in support of science funding) link

Your local newspaper (see attached editorial by David Warsh of the Boston Globe)

Please send a copy of your letter to NCSE at cnie@cnie.org  or fax 202-628-4311.

A sample letter can be found at www.cnie.org/updates/bushsample.htm

Heads of institutions are asked to sign a group letter that NCSE will send to President Bush and Director Daniels. To be included in the letter, fax your signature, name and title to NCSE at 202-628-4311 no later than March 7.

1725 K Street, N.W. Suite 212  Washington, DC 20006-1401  202/530-5810 cnie@cnie.org    Fax 202/628-4311  www.cnie.org