APLU Applauds House Introduction of the Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today released the following statement regarding the Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology (SALSTA) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, which House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Ranking Member Frank Lucas introduced in the House.

“APLU applauds the introduction of the SALSTA Act, which would redouble U.S. investment in science and technology and help secure America’s place as the world leader in innovation. While we continue to review the legislation, we strongly support the significant funding increases it would authorize for some key federal science agencies and programs. This includes doubling research funding levels for the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technologies, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration over the next decade.

“Crucially, the bill would also create a comprehensive, whole-of-government planning process to support science and technology through bolstered investment, leading-edge research infrastructure, a strong STEM workforce, and reforming regulation. We thank Ranking Member Lucas and his co-sponsors for their leadership on these issues. We look forward to working with the committee to strengthen the legislation in the weeks and months ahead.

“The U.S. faces a growing array of challenges to its position as the world’s innovation and economic powerhouse. As global competitors, particularly China, double down on their investment in science and technology, it’s more important than ever that we substantially increase investment in science and technology. We have a proven formula that has enabled U.S. leadership in science, technology, and innovation for many decades. The SALSTA Act recognizes that continued robust federal investment is an essential component of that success.”