Six Senate Republicans are affirming their support for the Department of Energy (DOE) and urging President Trump not to slash its funding following reports that the full fiscal 2018 budget will seek deep cuts to vital department programs.
"Government-sponsored research is one of the most important investments our country can make to encourage innovation, unleash our free enterprise system to create good-paying jobs, and ensure American competitiveness in a global economy," wrote the senators in a letter sent Friday. The administration’s budget proposal for 2018 is due this week.
The group was led by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), chair of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee. Also signing the letter were Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Energy and Natural Resources Chair Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Mike Rounds of (R-S.D.).
"We cannot lose the technological advantages we have gained through our country's investment in research and development," they wrote.
NTEU is committed to continuing its work on Capitol Hill and with citizen organizations to oppose DOE budget cuts and protect the important scientific work and research done by the department’s employees.