A subcommittee in the Senate has proposed a moderate cut to the National Science Foundation’s budget, significantly less than the $5 billion reduction sought by President Donald Trump. The proposal would reduce NSF funding from $25 billion to just over $9 billion, with a $16 million decrease. In contrast, NASA will receive a boost of about $24.5 billion.
Despite bipartisan support for the science funding, the debate over the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) headquarters could stall the legislation. Republicans have objected to moving the headquarters from Maryland to Washington D.C., citing concerns that this decision undermines the authority of Congress.
Higher education groups and research advocacy organizations had warned against slashing NSF’s budget, stating it would set U.S. research back by decades. The Trump administration sought to end funding for STEM training and scholarships, but lawmakers have rejected these proposals.
The bill also includes additional funding for the National Weather Service and a hiring freeze protection for its employees, who have lost 17% of their workforce due to buyouts and layoffs. However, some Democrats want to set minimum staffing levels for NWS.
Lawmakers emphasize that the legislation provides critical resources to key programs and makes targeted new investments while rejecting harmful cuts proposed by the president. Congress has until September 30th to pass the appropriations bills or risk a government shutdown.
Source: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/science-research-policy/2025/07/11/senate-rejects-trumps-cuts-nsf-other-science