NSF Funding Victory Following Letter of Support from 420 U.S. Business Leaders
A major win for American innovation following the passage of the FY26 federal appropriations package that preserves critical funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF). More than 420 startup founders, executives, venture capitalists, and business leaders united to sign a letter of support for necessary NSF funding—demonstrating the private sector’s strong and growing support for federal investment in basic research.
In December 2025, the group delivered a bipartisan letter to every member of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate as Congress finalized FY26 funding bills. This effort built on an earlier letter sent to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders in September, expanding both the number of signatories and the visibility of the message: sustained NSF funding is essential to U.S. economic competitiveness.
On January 23, 2026, Congress signed into law the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act 2026. While significant cuts to NSF were initially proposed, including a potential 56% reduction, the final agreement largely avoided those reductions. NSF received $8.75 billion for FY26, representing a 3% decrease from the previous year but preserving the agency’s core capacity to support foundational research, workforce development, and innovation.
Business leaders emphasized that NSF investments have historically powered transformative breakthroughs—from artificial intelligence and the internet to additive manufacturing, while fueling job creation and long-term economic growth. Programs such as SBIR/STTR, Engineering Research Centers, and Regional Innovation Engines continue to bridge academia and industry, generating billions in economic value.
While this year’s outcome is encouraging, supporters note that continued engagement will be essential. As global competition intensifies, particularly from China in key technology sectors, the business community stands ready to again advocate for strong federal research funding to ensure the United States remains a global leader in science, innovation, and economic growth.
