This week, scientists gathered in the halls of Congress—not for a hearing or a roundtable, but for a science fair.
Yes, a literal science fair. Posters, presentations, urgent findings—all laid out in the Rayburn House Office Building, in a last-ditch effort to remind lawmakers that research matters.
Why? Because the GOP Congress is defunding science.
Grants are being slashed. Lifesaving research is being halted. And the first big test of congressional support comes this Thursday, when the Senate Appropriations Committee votes on a bill to fund key science agencies—including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA.
This vote will help shape the 2026 federal budget. And it could be the start of another drawn-out political fight that puts scientific progress—and basic government functions—at risk.
This isn’t about scientists trying to save their own jobs. This is about saving your future.
When we cancel research, we don’t just lose knowledge. We lose opportunities to prevent disease, address the climate crisis, and protect public health.
Cancer research gets halted before breakthroughs happen.
Climate models go unfinished and uncalibrated.
Public health initiatives never launch.
Communities most at risk are left even more vulnerable.
And all of it is happening because a group of politicians would rather wage war on truth than fund the work that challenges their worldview.
This isn’t just short-sighted. It’s dangerous.
What’s even more infuriating is that scientists are having to beg to be heard. They shouldn’t need to turn the halls of Congress into a middle school gymnasium just to remind lawmakers that science saves lives.
But here we are.
We’re in a moment where research is being politicized, weaponized, and ignored—all while the world faces escalating crises that require evidence, investment, and innovation.
We should be pouring resources into science. Instead, we’re watching those resources dry up in real time.
So what do we do?
We show up louder than the people trying to silence truth.
We call our senators before Thursday’s vote.
We amplify the voices of researchers who are being drowned out.
We demand a government that values data, facts, and the future.
Because this fight isn’t about preserving grants. It’s about preserving life.
Congress votes Thursday. If you’re furious, good. Let that move you to action. Share this. Call your reps. Stay informed. Stay fighting.
In solidarity,
Eliza
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