APS Applauds Passage of FY09 Omnibus Bill, Calls for Predictable, Sustainable Increases in FY10 and Beyond

By Tawanda W. Johnson & Brian Mosley

The American Physical Society (APS) commends the recent passage of the FY09 Omnibus Bill, which will allow scientists to continue cutting-edge research that will lead to innovation, job creation and economic growth for the United States.

Specifically, APS lauds the bill’s support of research programs at the Department of Energy’s Office of Science (DOE-SC), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Scientists, who receive funding from these agencies, can now further their research on developing solutions to some of the country’s most pressing challenges – developing clean, affordable energy, improving health care and strengthening science and math instruction in our schools.

“At a time when the nation is coping with a deep recession and striving for an economic recovery, federal investments in science and technology are more critical to America’s future than ever,” said Michael S. Lubell, APS director of public affairs. “Crises provide opportunities for creative outcomes. It is gratifying to see science high on Congress’ priority list.”

APS applauds the leadership of Congress and President Obama on the importance of funding science, the seed corn of new discoveries, job growth and economic prosperity for the nation. As policymakers seek solutions to the nation’s many challenges, federal investments in science are essential to success. The research and education funds in the FY09 Omnibus spending act represent the first down payment on future discovery and innovation. For FY10, APS urges Congress to maintain the momentum and support the goals of the America COMPETES Act by providing 7 percent increases for DOE-SC, NSF and NIST core programs. Funding for these agencies will begin to fill the hole created by years of neglect and bolster our nation’s scientific and technology enterprise.