Scientists want Congress to approve spending bills to avoid research disruptions

A science group wrote a letter to Congress members on the fiscal year 2021 appropriations and research relief, urging the chambers to complete appropriations bills as soon as possible, so there are no more disruptions to science and research.

"The disruption created by short and long-term continuing resolutions (CRs) has severe consequences for science and research," the Dec. 8 letter reads published on the American Institute of Biological Sciences website. "The public health and economic crises caused by COVID-19 further compound the negative effects of unpredictable funding; as such, in addition to finalizing the annual funding levels for science agencies and programs, we urge enactment of emergency research relief funding to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic."

With the coronavirus pandemic presenting challenges for the science and research industry, the group said it's imperative for certainty on appropriation bills to help make long-term plans.

"We call on you to work in a bipartisan manner and without delay to complete work on the FY 2021 spending bills and provide emergency research relief funding so that we can not only move beyond COVID-19 but also continue to lead the world in science and innovation and improve the health, security and economic strength of our nation," the letter reads.