You are browsing the archive for Author: bwebster - The Bridge: Connecting Science and Policy.
April 20, 2026
AGU leads letter for FY27 NASA SMD appropriations request
On 17 April, AGU alongside 7 other NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) stakeholders sent a letter urging Congress to appropriate $9 billon in fiscal year 2027 for NASA SMD. On behalf of the undersigned professional societies and organizations representing tens of thousands of scientists, researchers, students, and enthusiasts across all 50 states, we urge Congress to appropriate $9 billion for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in FY 2027. Read the …
Igniting Discovery: How NASA Funding Advances American Science
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has enabled American leadership in the Earth and space sciences for decades. Through NASA SMD, American researchers have revolutionized humanity’s fundamental understanding of the universe, provided data essential to national security and weather forecasting, and spurred commercial development. The pace of global investment in space science is accelerating, and maintaining American leadership in this arena requires sustained commitment to the fundamental research that has always …
April 6, 2026
FY27 President’s Budget Request, Largely A Repeat
On Friday, 3 April, the fiscal year 2027 (FY27) President’s budget request (PBR) was released. Based on the details released, the request is largely a repeat of the president’s FY26 budget, as expected. The Administration has now had a year to appoint its political leaders and review agencies’ actions, so we also expect to see more robust plans to implement their priorities. For example, we expect to receive more details …
February 5, 2026
Science Funding for FY26 Secured
On Tuesday, 3 February, the President signed into law a third appropriations package, resulting in 95% of fiscal year 2026 (FY26) appropriations now complete, including funding for all U.S. federal science agencies. Despite a challenging year for science and U.S. science agencies, the FY26 appropriations legislation is a bright spot, demonstrating the strength and value of the scientific community engaging with policymakers. The funding levels recommended in the president’s budget …
February 2, 2026
Powering our Action: AGU Voices in Action
In the face of chaos, uncertainty, and rapid changes, the AGU science policy community stepped up time and time again to protect and advance science policy around the globe. From courtrooms to the halls of Congress to local townhalls to AGU25, AGU and our members engaged policymakers everywhere. Collectively, we were able to prevent billions of dollars in cuts in funding to science in the U.S., raise awareness about the …
August 8, 2025
Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Update: USGS and EPA
Congress left for August recess having accomplished a fraction of what’s needed to complete the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) appropriations process before the end of the fiscal year on 30 September 2025. The House Appropriations Committee passed 9 of its 12 bills, and the full House passed 2 of its 12 appropriations bills. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed 8 of its 12 appropriations bills, and the full Senate passed 3 …
Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Update: DOE Office of Science & NIEHS
Congress left for August recess having accomplished a fraction of what’s needed to complete the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) appropriations process before the end of the fiscal year on 30 September 2025. The House Appropriations Committee passed 9 of its 12 bills, and the full House passed 2 of its 12 appropriations bills. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed 8 of its 12 appropriations bills, and the full Senate passed 3 …
Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Update: NASA, NOAA and NSF
Congress left for August recess having accomplished a fraction of what’s needed to complete the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) appropriations process before the end of the fiscal year on 30 September 2025. The House Appropriations Committee passed 9 of its 12 bills, and the full House passed 2 of its 12 appropriations bills. The Senate Appropriations Committee passed 8 of its 12 appropriations bills, and the full Senate passed 3 …
May 5, 2025
Trump Budget Request Shrinks Federal Science Agencies
On Friday, 2 May, President Trump released a “skinny” version of his fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget request. This skinny budget outlines the President’s budget priorities, including cuts and increases in funding and his thematic priorities for fiscal year 2026. Although Congress and stakeholders need the President’s full budget request to fully understand his 2026 priorities and plans, the skinny budget is enough for Congress, especially appropriators, to begin determining …
February 11, 2025
AGU’s 2024 Science Policy Impact
2024 was an incredibly busy year for AGU’s science policy community, marked by numerous achievements: the adoption of three new position statements, multiple virtual trainings and gatherings, five Congressional visits day events, the release of AGU’s Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research, and dozens of workshops and events at scientific meetings around the world, including AGU24 in Washington, D.C. Take a deep dive into AGU’s science policy and …
