The document, authored by Matt Hourihan for the Council on Government Relations and published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, provides a detailed analysis of the outlook for the US federal research and development (R&D) budget in fiscal year 2020 and beyond. It examines budget proposals and appropriations for major science and technology agencies, including the Department of Defense (DOD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), NASA, and others, highlighting both increases and reductions across programs. While some areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum science, space exploration, and certain elements of critical infrastructure see prioritized funding and notable budget increases, the document underscores significant proposed cuts—particularly to DOD basic research, NIH, and NSF—resulting in reduced grant success rates and the elimination or downsizing of several STEM education and research initiatives.
The report discusses broader fiscal trends, including the tightening of discretionary spending caps for both defense and nondefense purposes, juxtaposed with projections showing the increasing share of mandatory spending (such as Social Security and healthcare) within the federal budget. It stresses the impact of administrative budget proposals, which consistently recommended sharp reductions in science and technology funding, although Congressional appropriations often moderated these cuts. Additionally, the report highlights the United States' position in global R&D, noting strong international competition and variation in R&D investment intensity. The analysis concludes with remarks on the ongoing budgetary process, the influence of political factors such as the upcoming election, and emerging priorities like the response to the coronavirus, suggesting an uncertain yet dynamic landscape for federal R&D funding.
