The Coalition Hosts Ranking Appropriator for Headliner Breakfast

The Science Coalition kicked off the summer by hosting a Headliner Breakfast on June 21st at Tortilla Coast on Capitol Hill. The special guest speaker was Congressman Peter Visclosky (D-IN), the ranking minority member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Energy and Water, which determines funding levels for the Office of Science at the US Department of Energy. More than thirty university representatives – including members from Indiana University and Purdue University – and members of the science advocacy community gathered to listen to remarks from the Congressman and ask questions about the current appropriations climate. Congressman Visclosky addressed how tighter budgets and the growing deficit are affecting science funding. While he expressed his deep support and understanding of the need for university research, he warned of a general attitude from members distracted by what they view as more immediate budget problems. Congressman Visclosky is a clear ally in the ongoing fight for federal funding and the Coalition was grateful to him for his invaluable insight and suggestions moving forward.