February 11, 2026
Congress rejects Trump's 55% science budget cuts, protects NSF research
NSF gets 3.4% cut instead of requested 55% slash
🏛️Government🎓Education
The president submits an annual budget request to Congress each February
The request is a proposal, not a requirement
Congress writes its own appropriations bills that determine actual spending levels The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse.
Trump requested a 55% cut to NSF in his fiscal year 2027 budget proposal. This would have reduced NSF from approximately $10 billion to $4.5 billion. Congressional negotiators rejected the cut and approved only a 3.4% reduction.
The NSF research account will receive $7.18 billion, nearly the same as fiscal year 2026. This is the core account that funds scientific research grants at universities across the country. Cutting this account would have eliminated thousands of research projects.
Trump sought to completely eliminate NSF education programs that support STEM education. Congress funded these programs at $938 million. These programs train science teachers and support undergraduate research opportunities.
NASA science programs will continue near current funding levels
Trump proposed significant cuts to earth science missions that study climate change
Congress maintained funding for these missions The bills also protect funding for telescope operations.
Department of Energy research programs will continue
These programs fund research at national laboratories and universities
Trump proposed cuts to renewable energy research Congress rejected those cuts.
EPA science budget will see a 3.5% cut instead of the proposed 43% reduction. EPA science programs monitor air and water quality, assess chemical risks, and conduct climate research. The 43% cut would have eliminated most EPA research capacity.
🏛️Government🎓Education
People, bills, and sources
Tom Cole
House Appropriations Committee Chair (R-OK)
Susan Collins
Senate Appropriations Committee Chair (R-ME)
Patty Murray
Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member (D-WA)
Jerry Moran
Senate CJS Appropriations Subcommittee Chair (R-KS)
Chris Van Hollen
Senate CJS Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member (D-MD)
Hal Rogers
House CJS Appropriations Subcommittee Chair (R-KY)
Grace Meng
House CJS Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member (D-NY)
Jeanne Shaheen
Former Senate CJS Subcommittee Chair (D-NH)
What you can do
1
civic action
Contact Senate CJS appropriators directly
Call Senator Moran's office to thank him for protecting NSF's $9 billion funding and rejecting the 55% cut. Ask him to continue prioritizing science in future appropriations. You can also contact Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen at 202-224-4654.
2
civic action
Contact House CJS appropriators directly
Call Rep. Hal Rogers' CJS subcommittee office at H-310 The Capitol to thank him for protecting science funding. Contact Ranking Member Grace Meng at 202-225-6356 to support her advocacy for restoring STEM education programs.
3
civic action
Join science advocacy organizations
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) tracks appropriations and organizes Hill visit days. Sign up for their Policy Alert newsletter at govrelations@aaas.org. Use their FY2026 R&D Appropriations Dashboard to monitor science funding.
4
research
Review committee hearing transcripts
Read official transcripts of Senate and House appropriations hearings on science funding. These transcripts show which senators and representatives asked tough questions about proposed cuts and defended research programs. Available at appropriations.senate.gov and appropriations.house.gov.
5
civic action
Support scientific societies' advocacy efforts
Scientific societies like the Ecological Society of America (9,000 members) and American Astronomical Society organize action alerts when science funding is threatened. They provide talking points and contact information for your representatives.