APS Comments on U.S. Government Shutdown and Science

As a U.S. government shutdown gets closer, here’s what YOU can do:

Call your elected Representative and Senators to urge them to think of their constituents and fund the government. The shutdown will slow the U.S.s’ ability to conduct and fund important research that improves human health and well-being, increases economic opportunity, and promotes national security.

Read APS President-Elect Pamela Davis-Kean’s full statement below.

Dear APS Members in the United States,

As a former program officer at NSF, I know the threat of a government shutdown can be concerning to those who are submitting grants and contracts with the government. APS has put together this quick overview of what to expect during a government shutdown and what actions you can take.

Each year, Congress must pass and the President must sign into law appropriations bills that provide funding for the federal government—including scientific research conducted or sponsored by agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and others. If these measures are not signed into law before October 1 (the start of the new fiscal year) significant portions of the federal government close, including those supporting science.

This year, Congress and the President have not reached an agreement, and it appears increasingly likely the U.S. will experience another government shutdown for some period beginning October 1.

Please be aware, if there is a government shutdown and you need to reach a program officer or a federal collaborator you may not be able to communicate with them. Federal law prohibits most federal workers from doing any work during a shutdown. So, please understand why they may not be responding and appreciate why their responses post-shutdown may be delayed. Also, please keep in mind that this is a stressful time for federal employees caught in the middle of a political fight.

What can you do?

Please consider calling your elected Representative and Senators to respectfully urge them to think of their constituents and fund the government. You can describe for them how the instability and uncertainty associated with the shutdown is yet another blow to U.S. scientific leadership. The shutdown will slow the U.S.’s ability to conduct and fund important research that improves human health and wellbeing, increases economic opportunity, and promotes national security.

On behalf of APS, thank you for considering taking this small step to help sustain psychological science.

Sincerely,


Pamela Davis-Kean
APS President-Elect