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Public Policy
Reconciliation vs Appropriations
2 Jul 2025
Here we outline the key difference between the reconciliation process, which deals with mandatory spending and taxes, and the appropriations process, which determines the funding levels for discretionary programs.
Policy Update (24 June 2025)
24 Jun 2025
The nomination for the incoming NASA Administrator has been pulled. The Senate is working on the reconciliation bill. Congress will be marking up their spending bills for Commerce, Justice, and Science in July.
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...
Scientific Societies Issue Letter to Congress Regarding National Science Foundation Reorganizations and Cuts
30 May 2025
A coalition of professional societies and organizations whose members conduct research in fields supported by the National Science Foundation today issued a letter to the United States Congress urging investigation into...
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.
Action Alert: Support the Sciences Through Congressional Constituent Requests
5 Mar 2025
Take action to support the sciences by filling out a constituent request form with one or more of your members of Congress. This is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard!
AAS Policy and Education Office Hours
1 Apr 2025
The AAS Public Policy and Education staff will be available for discussions and to provide information as we are able through regular "office hours."
Welcome to Colin Hamill, John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellow
6 Jan 2025
Colin Hamill started as the new John N. Bahcall Public Policy Fellow in January 2024.
Policy Sessions at AAS 245
7 Jan 2025
In this post, we highlight some of the policy-related sessions and events that you can look forward to attending during AAS 245.
Call for Experts: National Academies' Review of Progress Toward Astro2020 Decadal Survey
2 Jan 2025
The National Academies is seeking experts to participate in an upcoming study to review federal agency responses to the previous decadal survey in astronomy and astrophysics (Astro2020).