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Policy Blog
The AAS Public Policy team uses the Policy Blog to communicate with the membership about current events in the science policy world. Most policy blog posts are written by the John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellow.
The FY26 President’s Budget Request: NASA and NSF Details
5 Jun 2025
Detailed budget requests for NASA and NSF were released on 30 May 2025. We break down the impacts to astrophysics, heliophysics, and planetary science programs and discuss how you can take action and urge Congress to...
Rocket Science Needs Rocket Fuel: An Early Scientist’s Experience on the Hill
28 May 2025
Eshan Raul from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shares his experiences from AAS's Congressional Visits Day.
Policy Update (27 May 2025)
27 May 2025
The National Science Foundation paused its Reductions in Force plans. The Senate will soon vote on the confirmation of Jared Isaacman as NASA Administrator. The House passed its reconciliation bill by a one-vote margin.
Space at Stake: Texas Astronomers Take Stand Against Government Cuts
21 May 2025
Avery Abramson from the University of Texas at Austin shares her experiences from AAS's Congressional Visits Day.
Policy Update (13 May 2025)
13 May 2025
The "skinny" President’s Budget Request was released. The National Science Foundation divisions are being abolished. Congress is drafting major spending cuts in their reconciliation package.
Week of Action in Support of Federal Funding for the Sciences
2 May 2025
Federal funding for science is currently under grave threat. We need you to take action this week, and thereafter, to remind Congress of the importance of federal funding for the sciences.
The "Skinny" President's Budget Request for FY2026
2 May 2025
The skinny version of the President's Budget Request for FY2026 was released on Friday, 2 May 2025. Let's take a look at what's (not) in it.
Advocate for Science via Op-Eds with Help from Science Homecoming
30 Apr 2025
The Science Homecoming site provides free tools, templates, and volunteer editor support for scientists to write short op-eds in their hometown newspapers highlighting how science impacts everyday life.
AAS Sends Letter to Congress in Support of NASA Science
30 Apr 2025
The AAS has joined other science societies and organizations to send a letter to Congress opposing the reported deep cuts to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in the President’s Budget Request.
Policy Update (29 April 2025)
29 Apr 2025
Reports from the Office of Management & Budget passback show massive cuts to the National Science Foundation. The Senate Commerce committee will vote on the confirmation of the next NASA Administrator on Wednesday.