The participants represented 38 institutions, located in 35 Congressional districts spanning 24 states. They were divided into ten groups, each representing a handful of states with which team members had close connections. Each group visited the offices of Representatives and Senators, many of which serve on key Authorization and Appropriations Committees and Subcommittees. Groups included members of our community across all career levels with varying experience in federal advocacy efforts.
In total, no fewer than 85 office visits were conducted, at which the teams delivered a consistent message:
- That Heliophysics research not only advances knowledge of our nearest star and its immediate environment, but also has operational significance through its potential to enable the prediction and mitigation of hazardous space weather events;
- That the proposed ~50% cuts to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and to the National Science Foundation in the 2026 President’s Budget Request would have devastating impacts for the Nation’s future competitiveness and global leadership in heliophysics research, with specific risk of a significant “brain drain” of the current and next generation of researchers. This last point was specifically emphasized by early career researchers who shared personal perspectives and experiences;
- That the AAS, AGU, and the Heliophysics Coalition request FY 2026 funding for the NASA SMD and the NSF at a level consistent with the FY 2025 enacted budget, specifically $7.5B for NASA SMD (with at least $850M for Heliophysics) and $9.9B for NSF. It was emphasized that Congressional budget action is necessary to prevent potentially irreversible actions – affecting both the workforce and operating assets.
The groups also delivered a leave-behind document summarizing these main points.
Reports from the groups indicate that this messaging was clearly understood and generally well received. Several congressional staffers emphasized that it is Congress that has the final word on the Appropriation of federal funds, and that our elected officials do understand the vital role that science plays in our society. Although many offices were initially unfamiliar with heliophysics (and its important role in guarding our society from hazardous events), that had clearly changed by the end of the day.
On behalf of the organizers, we thank all the participants in this event, who generously contributed their time and knowledge in support of this effort. The Public Policy Committee of the AAS SPD will continue to work in coordination with the AGU SPA Advocacy Committee and the Heliophysics Coalition to follow up on this groundbreaking event, which unquestionably heralds the beginning of a new era in community involvement. And, while we had a largely positive response from the June 17 meetings, we remain deeply concerned by the overall budget outlook, and we would stress that advocacy must continue if we are to achieve and sustain a robust level of funding for our research. There are many steps still to go in the budget process this year; the next key stage is Committee “markup” of the House Appropriations Bill, which is scheduled to occur the week after July 4. So now would be an excellent time to call your Representatives and Senators (no matter what their party affiliation), or even visit their district offices if possible.
Gordon Emslie, Ian Cohen, Graham Kerr, and Brian Walsh
P.S.: Here is a link to the Call to Action providing details of how to reach out to your Representatives and Senators.