The Coalition’s Efforts
(August 31, 2026) The Coalition urges House appropriators to support R&D funding in the CR temporarily funding the government after the end of the 2026 fiscal year, and to support a provision to delay implementation of a rule revising the “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.”
(June 18, 2026) The Coalition urges congressional appropriators to prioritize strategic increases to research and development funding across all agencies in FY2027. The business community is committed to fostering a productive dialogue with policymakers at all levels of government about the vital role of research funding in fostering innovation and global competitiveness.
(April 10, 2026) The Coalition shared a recent report it published on the impacts of federal research funding uncertainty on global competitiveness, which summarizes the efforts of 21 countries and the European Union to recruit U.S.-based scientists and researchers. The report was sent to relevant House and Senate committees on appropriations, science, and education.
(February 13, 2026) The BFRF Coalition thanked the House & Senate Appropriations Committees for maintaining level funding in most federal agencies in FY2026 funding legislation recently signed into law, including strategic investments in energy, health, and early career researchers to maintain our global edge in science and innovation.
(September 15, 2025) The BFRF Coalition has submitted a letter to the Secretaries of several top federal research supporting agencies, urging them to maintain funding critical to driving innovation, supporting jobs, and maintaining U.S. global competitiveness, including expeditious review of external grant applications.
(July 31, 2025) The BFRF Coalition thanked Senator Britt for supporting full and timely NIH funding for FY2025. Her July 24 letter to the Office of Management and Budget highlighted the importance of federal investment in research, which drives innovation, jobs, and U.S. leadership in biomedical science.
(July 24, 2025) The Coalition urges members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to maintain support for federal research funding in Fiscal Year 2026.Employers stand ready to discuss research priorities and the future of federal research funding in a manner that retains and sharpens our global edge in innovation and business formation.
(June 26, 2025) The Coalition urges both the Administration and Congress to re-prioritize federal research funding. The business community stands ready to discuss research priorities and the future of federal research funding in a manner that retains our global edge in innovation and business formation.
Federal Research Funding in the News
Boston-led business groups press for science research funding in D.C.
As the once-steady flow of federal research funding remains at risk under the Trump administration, a growing group of chambers of commerce from across the country has a key goal: making the case in Washington to support science.
Jim Rooney of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, a ringleader for the Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition, now has nearly 90 business groups from 40-plus states at his side. Around 25 coalition members trekked to D.C. earlier in September to met with staffers in Congress and the National Institutes of Health to press their case, in their second such “fly in” since the spring of 2025. (This collaboration is dejá vu for many of the chambers that had similar concerns under the first Trump administration.)
Continue Reading Boston-led business groups press for science research funding in D.C.
Under Trump, NIH funding disruptions have evolved, experts say
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) wields a $47.5 billion budget. More than 80% of its funds go out the door as grants to answer pressing biomedical questions. Over the decades, those grants have helped decipher the human genome, eliminate the polio virus in the U.S. and turn AIDS from a death sentence to a survivable illness.
Continue Reading Under Trump, NIH funding disruptions have evolved, experts say
Opinion | Sen. Dave McCormick: NIH research needs more reform and investment
Dave McCormick, a Republican, is a U.S. senator from Pennsylvania.
Two years ago, KJ Muldoon was born with a rare, often fatal genetic disorder. Today he is walking and talking. How? Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania, funded by the National Institutes of Health, saved his life with the world’s first personalized gene-editing therapy.
Continue Reading Opinion | Sen. Dave McCormick: NIH research needs more reform and investment
Chamber Takes Fight for Michigan Employers to Capitol Hill
During the last week of the congressional session before the November elections, the Detroit Regional Chamber met with members of the Michigan congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., to press for federal legislative action on critical priorities that drive the state and regional economy.
Continue Reading Chamber Takes Fight for Michigan Employers to Capitol Hill
Harrisburg Region Takes the Business Case for Federal Research Funding to Capitol Hill
The Harrisburg Region brought a strong voice to Capitol Hill this week, as the Harrisburg Regional Chamber led business and higher education partners to Washington, D.C., to make the case that federal research funding is an investment in economic growth, jobs, talent, and innovation as part of the Business for Federal Research Funding (BFRF) Coalition.
BCW Joins Coalition Urging Congress to Protect Federal Research Funding
The Business Council of Westchester (BCW), as a member of the Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition, is joining business organizations from across the country in urging congressional leaders to protect federal investments that are critical to America’s global leadership in innovation, science and economic competitiveness.
Continue Reading BCW Joins Coalition Urging Congress to Protect Federal Research Funding
House Like Senate Votes To Delay New Trump OMB Rule Until December 11
On Tuesday, the House decided by a 370 to 48 vote to agree with what the Senate had decided a month ago—delay the implementation of the new OMB rule at least until December 11. This new OMB rule, which was originally scheduled to go into effect in October, would give U.S. President Donald Trump and his political appointees unprecedented control over federal grants and contracts—and as a result potentially unprecedented control over whoever and whatever organizations might want such funds.
Continue Reading House Like Senate Votes To Delay New Trump OMB Rule Until December 11
Senate’s funding patch adds Trump requests but blocks grant rule
Senate appropriators announced a bipartisan deal Sunday to fund the government into early December, while temporarily blocking a contested Trump administration rule that critics say would politicize the awarding of federal grants.
Continue Reading Senate’s funding patch adds Trump requests but blocks grant rule
Scientists warn Trump’s OMB rule could upend how science is funded
Under the proposed rule, political appointees would have more power over hundreds of billions of dollars in discretionary grant funding.
Continue Reading Scientists warn Trump’s OMB rule could upend how science is funded
U.S. R&D and Innovation in a Global Context: The 2026 Data Update
The U.S. has officially lost the first-place ranking across all metrics. This means that in terms of dollars, people, papers, and patents, China is now the dominant global power in R&D. This report goes through the selected metrics for international R&D comparability and outlines how the U.S. and other dominant economies are fairing.
Continue Reading U.S. R&D and Innovation in a Global Context: The 2026 Data Update
White House proposes vast overhaul of US science funding: what you need to know
Scientists are raising the alarm about a far-reaching White House proposal that could fundamentally recast federally funded science. The proposed rules would put political appointees in control of all federal grants; de-emphasize peer review; place more restrictions on meeting attendance for grant holders; limit collaborations between federally funded US scientists and overseas colleagues; and restrict federal financial support for the publication of US scientists’ results in scientific journals.
Continue Reading White House proposes vast overhaul of US science funding: what you need to know
80+ Chambers Of Commerce Raise Alarm On STEM Talent Exodus, R&D Funding
According to a recent report from the Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition, an alliance of more than 80 Chambers of Commerce from 36 states advocating for increased federal research funding, the United States is losing ground on STEM talent due to funding loss and uncertainty.
Continue Reading 80+ Chambers Of Commerce Raise Alarm On STEM Talent Exodus, R&D Funding
Get the Federal Science Money Flowing
The NIH has been holding back grants from funds Congress has already approved. Congress voted in February to maintain funding for the federal agencies that fuel the scientific partnership between the federal government and American research universities.
Scientists reel as turmoil roils National Science Foundation
The Trump administration is sharpening its attacks on the National Science Foundation, the government agency that is a major funder of basic science, math and engineering, especially at colleges and universities across the United States.
Continue Reading Scientists reel as turmoil roils National Science Foundation
NSF halts grant awards while staff do second review
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has put a cork in its grantmaking pipeline after billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) set up shop at the agency this week.
Continue Reading NSF halts grant awards while staff do second review
Trump administration holds up NOAA grant funding
The Trump administration is holding up some National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant funding. Earlier this month, the University of Colorado released a statement saying that a federal pause on grant funding has put scientists who collect data about the atmosphere “at risk for elimination.”
Continue Reading Trump administration holds up NOAA grant funding
President’s budget brings back NASA science cuts
NASA is looking at another potential funding hit. Cuts to NASA science initiatives could have a big impact locally because North Alabama is one of the largest recipients of annual NASA funding awards.
Continue Reading President’s budget brings back NASA science cuts
Trump administration proposes massive budget cuts to science
For the second year in a row, US President Donald Trump has proposed significant cuts to the budgets of major US science agencies. Released Friday, the White House’s plan for federal spending next year also includes a ban on using federal funds for subscriptions and publishing fees for some academic journals.
Continue Reading Trump administration proposes massive budget cuts to science
White House seeks $5.6 billion cut to NASA budget in 2027
The White House proposed a $5.6 billion cut to NASA’s budget for 2027, including a $3.4 billion cut to the space agency’s science unit, a 23% cut as NASA’s new chief plans an array of new missions under the flagship U.S. moon program.
Continue Reading White House seeks $5.6 billion cut to NASA budget in 2027
Republicans and Dems are aligned: Don’t mess with NIH funding
With the White House’s 2027 budget request expected within the next two weeks, Republicans and Democrats have a clear message for the president: Don’t cut health research funding.
Continue Reading Republicans and Dems are aligned: Don’t mess with NIH funding
White House stalls release of approved US science budgets
Weeks after the US Congress rejected unprecedented cuts to science budgets that the administration of US President Donald Trump had sought for 2026, funding to several agencies that award research grants is still not freely flowing.
Continue Reading White House stalls release of approved US science budgets
Trump’s Administration cut science funding. Small businesses are paying the price.
Some federal contractors are feeling the squeeze after the president slashed support for climate programs and other research efforts.
Continue Reading Trump’s Administration cut science funding. Small businesses are paying the price.
The Current Administration’s Science Budget Cuts Face Growing Pushback in Congress
Proposed science budget cuts by the Trump administration are prompting concern and resistance from members of Congress, as researchers and lawmakers warn of long‑term impacts on U.S. scientific leadership, innovation, and competitiveness.
Continue Reading The Current Administration’s Science Budget Cuts Face Growing Pushback in Congress
Research Funding Cuts Face Court Ruling, Raising Uncertainty for Massachusetts Scientists
A recent court ruling affecting federal research funding cuts has created new uncertainty for Massachusetts scientists and research institutions, raising concerns about stalled projects, workforce impacts, and the state’s innovation economy.
The U.S. is Funding Fewer Grants in Every Area of Science and Medicine
A quiet policy changes means the government is making fewer bets on long-term science.
Continue Reading The U.S. is Funding Fewer Grants in Every Area of Science and Medicine
Canada Plans to Fast‑Track Immigration for U.S. H‑1B Visa Holders in New Talent Drive
Canada will offer expedited immigration to skilled workers on U.S. H‑1B visas, aiming to attract top talent and boost innovation.
Students Advocate for More Science Funding
Students and early-career researchers are urging Congress to boost federal science funding, warning that budget uncertainty could hinder innovation. Their campaign emphasizes keeping research a national priority.
New IRIS Report Shows Research Spending Drives Billions to U.S. Businesses
The All IRIS Vendor Profile Report shows how public and private research awards support the bottom line of businesses across many industries by driving demand for research-related goods and services from thousands of vendors and subcontractors.
Continue Reading New IRIS Report Shows Research Spending Drives Billions to U.S. Businesses
Already Battered by Cuts, Researchers and Colleges Face Federal Shutdown Impacts
Two weeks into the government shutdown with no resolution in sight, higher ed associations and researchers say the inability of scientists to contact federal agency workers or get new grants approved is causing harm.
Continue Reading Already Battered by Cuts, Researchers and Colleges Face Federal Shutdown Impacts
Administration’s Proposed Cuts to Non-Defense R&D Pose Long-Term Risk to Rising Living Standards
New, high-quality research quantifying the powerful impact of federal non-defense research and development (R&D) on productivity and economic growth shows why the dramatic cuts to non-defense R&D funding proposed by the Trump Administration would reduce long-term growth in our economy and standard of living.
U.S. Scientists Gird for Yet Another Government Shutdown
For the third time in a dozen years, the U.S. scientific community is digging in for a potentially lengthy partial federal government shutdown that promises to disrupt research and funding programs.
Continue Reading U.S. Scientists Gird for Yet Another Government Shutdown
In the Race to Attract the World’s Smartest Minds, China is Gaining on the US
China is luring top scientists back from the U.S. with generous funding and strategic roles, aiming to boost its global standing in science and technology. The trend reflects growing competition with the U.S., where federal research support has waned.
Continue Reading In the Race to Attract the World’s Smartest Minds, China is Gaining on the US
NIH Races to Spend its 2025 Grant Money — But Fewer Projects Win Funding
Despite US President Donald Trump’s administration laying off thousands of the agency’s workers, delaying meetings to review research grants and terminating funding for some projects, the NIH seems like it will dole out its entire US$48-billion budget on deadline — by the end of the fiscal year on 30 September.
Continue Reading NIH Races to Spend its 2025 Grant Money — But Fewer Projects Win Funding
Federal Grants for Small Businesses go to Specific Industries
The State Small Business Credit Initiative is distributing billions in federal funds to help small businesses access capital through loans and equity investments. As one of the last pandemic-era aid programs, it aims to turn $10 billion into $100 billion in economic impact.
Continue Reading Federal Grants for Small Businesses go to Specific Industries
Without Congressional Reauthorization, SBIR and STTR Program At Risk
On September 15, the House unanimously voted to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. Together, these programs are known as “America’s Seed Fund” because they support small businesses in developing innovations to best serve the federal government.
Continue Reading Without Congressional Reauthorization, SBIR and STTR Program At Risk
New England Business Groups Make Push in D.C. on Federal Funding
The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce joined a regional coalition lobbying in Washington, D.C. to protect federal research funding amid nationwide budget cuts. Their efforts aim to safeguard innovation and economic competitiveness in New England.
Continue Reading New England Business Groups Make Push in D.C. on Federal Funding
Detroit Chamber Rallies Business Groups to Defend Federal Research Grants on Capitol Hill
The Detroit Regional Chamber helped organize a coalition of local chambers of commerce around the country that are descending on Capitol Hill this week to urge the release of frozen federal research dollars ― contracts funded by Congress and promised to universities but held up by the Trump administration.
Uncertain Fate for Site of USDA Research Center in MD Targeted for Closure
The USDA’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, once a hub of innovation, is now facing severe neglect due to budget cuts and political interference. Scientists warn that the deterioration threatens vital research on climate-resilient farming and food safety.
Continue Reading Uncertain Fate for Site of USDA Research Center in MD Targeted for Closure
House Republicans Add to Support For Maintaining NIH Budget in 2026
A U.S. House of Representatives spending committee has rejected President Donald Trump’s request to gut the budget of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Continue Reading House Republicans Add to Support For Maintaining NIH Budget in 2026
Senate Appropriators Defend the NIH
Senate appropriators came out hard in support of the National Institutes of Health, giving the agency a $400 million funding boost for the 2026 fiscal year.
14 Republican Senators Urge White House to Release Delayed NIH Funds
Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama is sounding the alarm about “the slow disbursement rate” of National Institutes of Health funding included in the March spending bill signed by President Donald Trump.
Continue Reading 14 Republican Senators Urge White House to Release Delayed NIH Funds
E.P.A. Says it Will Eliminate its Scientific Research Arm
The EPA is trying to revoke its authority to regulate greenhouse gases by challenging a key scientific finding, despite new evidence reinforcing its validity. Experts warn this could undermine climate policy and face legal backlash.
Continue Reading E.P.A. Says it Will Eliminate its Scientific Research Arm
Federal Funding Uncertainty Halts Construction Projects
Several wealthy universities are walking back construction plans due to financial uncertainty driven by the Trump administration, particularly around federal research funding.
Continue Reading Federal Funding Uncertainty Halts Construction Projects
Can Scientific Research Survive Without Federal Funding?
Universities are offering temporary relief to researchers whose projects have been disrupted by federal funding cuts. But it won’t help in the long term, and experts say industry and philanthropy are in no position to make up for the losses.
Continue Reading Can Scientific Research Survive Without Federal Funding?
Trump Science Funding Cuts May Hurt Economy, Experts Say
A new study warns that the Trump administration’s reductions in federal funding for scientific research and development could have serious long-term economic consequences.
Continue Reading Trump Science Funding Cuts May Hurt Economy, Experts Say
Bioscience Funding Confusion Threatens U.S. Innovation
Uncertainty over federal funding for bioscience programs is endangering U.S. leadership in the field, which could affect drug development and the nation’s competitiveness more widely.
Continue Reading Bioscience Funding Confusion Threatens U.S. Innovation
NIH Grants Fueled $95 Billion In FY 2024 Economic Activity, Finds New Report
National Institutes of Health grants generated almost $95 billion in economic activity nationwide according to a just-released report by United for Medical Research.
Continue Reading NIH Grants Fueled $95 Billion In FY 2024 Economic Activity, Finds New Report
Federal R&D Funding Is Even More Valuable Than Washington Thinks
It’s a no-brainer that American public policy should aim to significantly increase both government and private-sector R&D investment to boost innovation-driven productivity and economic growth.
Continue Reading Federal R&D Funding Is Even More Valuable Than Washington Thinks