U.S. avoids shutdown, but prospects for boosting science funding remain dim

U.S. scientists bracing for a government shutdown that would have furloughed federal researchers and disrupted grantmaking are relieved that Congress averted a closure over the weekend with a temporary spending agreement. But Congress is still a long way from approving 2024 spending bills for research agencies. And scientists are likely to be disappointed with many of the final numbers. The so-called continuing resolution (CR) passed overwhelmingly on 30 September by both chambers allows agencies to operate until 17 November with spending at current levels. That means science agencies can continue to accept and review grant applications and carry out routine business, although they are forbidden from starting any projects or reshuffling funds. If legislators can’t agree on a 2024 spending plan by mid-November, however, they will need to pass another CR to avoid a shutdown. And many observers are betting that a continued lack of consensus will trigger another legislative showdown—and possible shutdown—in the days before the holiday season. For scientists, the bad news is that the chances are dwindling that research agencies will see any of the healthy budget increases that President Joe Biden has requested for the 2024 fiscal year that began on 1 October. And those agencies could fare much worse by the time the dust settles. One reason is that a late May agreement to prevent the government from defaulting on its debt obligation...
Source: ScienceNOW - Category: Science Source Type: news