To improve the health and economic well-being of all Americans, our Nation must invest in research on agriculture, climate change, clean energy, industries of the future, and biomedical research and preparedness. We must develop the next generation of science and technology leaders that reflect the extraordinary diversity of the United States and excel in the many science and technology disciplines required to enable the research.
The American Jobs Plan released last week is a first step to achieving that vision, while the President’s FY 2022 budget outline sets in motion the path for taking this vision to reality. We are pleased to see that the President’s budget focuses on national priorities such as public health research and preparedness, fundamental research to drive innovation, and steps to address diversity, equity and inclusion in science and engineering. We look forward to seeing the proposals in more detail. The next step is for Congress to provide the necessary R&D funds through the appropriations process. We have heard bipartisan Congressional support for science and technology. Those inspired words must now turn to action.
The AAAS looks forward to working with the Administration and Congress to advance the conversation on how to make the investments we need.