The document summarizes a panel discussion held on June 6, 2025, addressing the current legislative and federal budget outlook, with a particular focus on research and development (R&D) policy and spending in the United States. Key speakers included Deborah Altenburg (APLU), Alessandra Zimmermann (AAAS), and Matt Owens (COGR). The presentation provides a comparative analysis of R&D investment internationally, noting that while the United States remains a global leader in total R&D expenditure, significant competition is evident from countries like China and regions such as the EU. U.S. federal R&D funding trends are depicted, highlighting shifts following changes in how late-stage development—especially defense-related—is categorized, and contextualizing R&D investment as a proportion of GDP over time.
The analysis further details the composition of federal discretionary funding for FY 2026, revealing that defense continues to command the largest share, followed by agencies such as Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, and Energy. Data on planned appropriations for major science and technology agencies show varied funding trajectories, with some programs facing potential decreases compared to FY 2025, according to both the White House request and House proposals. The broader budget outlook is discussed within the constraints of federal spending as a portion of GDP, illustrating the ongoing pressures from mandatory spending and net interest alongside discretionary allocations. The discussion underscores the importance of continued advocacy and monitoring of R&D appropriations, supported by resources and dashboards provided by AAAS for ongoing budget analysis.
