The Bridge: Connecting Science and Policy

June 15, 2026

FY2027 Appropriations Update: DOE Office of Science and NIEHS

In this final installment of AGU’s blog series on the House Appropriations Committee’s spending bills for fiscal year 2027 (FY27), we cover the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)—two agencies whose funding is spread across three separate appropriations bills and whose work underpins environmental research, public health science and the broader Earth science enterprise. Below is a breakdown of what …

FY2027 Appropriations Update: USGS and EPA

As the House Appropriations Committee works through its spending bills for fiscal year 2027 (FY27), the stakes for science remain high. This month, the committee advanced its Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (I&E) bill, recommending funding for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) that pushes back sharply against the administration’s proposed cuts, while recommending significant reductions to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Together, these decisions shape the federal investment in Earth …

May 26, 2026

FY2027 Appropriations Update: NASA, NOAA and NSF

Congress has taken its first formal step in pushing back against the Administration’s proposed cuts to science funding for fiscal year 2027 (FY27). The House Appropriations Committee’s FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) bill, released this month, recommends funding for NASA, NOAA, and NSF that rejects some of the most damaging elements of the President’s budget request—preserving key research programs, restoring critical infrastructure, and sending a clear signal …

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 …

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 …

September 18, 2025

AGU August Days of Action: Scientists stepping up for science

Scientists play a vital role in serving communities by deepening our understanding of the world and driving advances that improve public health, safeguard the environment, enhance safety, and more. Yet recent Administration policies are placing these contributions at risk, threatening the ability of scientists in the U.S. to carry out this critical work. Scientists are not standing by. They are stepping forward to demonstrate the profound value of their research …

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 …