Top Democrat challenges US budget chief over science cuts as Beijing boosts research
Raja Krishnamoorthi warns spending reductions could sap American competitiveness and drive talent towards China
Cuts to federal research would weaken America’s scientific edge against Beijing, said Raja Krishnamoorthi, the top Democrat on the US House committee focused on China, who is pressing budget chief Russ Vought on whether his office has assessed their impact.
“While the United States is dismantling the very foundations that have sustained our STEM and innovation leadership for generations, Beijing has announced its plans to continue accelerating its investments in science, technology, and innovation,” Krishnamoorthi wrote to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) director on Tuesday, according to a letter seen by the South China Morning Post.
The Illinois congressman, who serves as the ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, pointed to how federal funding for science research was estimated to fall by 22 per cent next year – from US$198 billion to US$154 billion – under Vought’s leadership. He also noted that the OMB has overseen firings, induced resignations or retirements for over 12,000 employees across science and research-focused agencies in recent months.
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