As global threats become more complex and frequent, so does our reliance on science and technology to keep them at bay. Federal research agencies like the Department of Defense ensure scientists and engineers have the resources they need to support the U.S. military. While the fiscal 2022 defense appropriations bill includes slight increases in overall funding for research, development, testing, and evaluation, it also contains more than $800 million in shortsighted reductions for science and technology. These cuts threaten to weaken our position as a global leader in innovation, stifle economic growth, and hinder the development of cutting-edge technologies that keep our nation safe. As Congress determines the scope and agenda for American science through allocating federal funds across research agencies, it must adequately invest in the defense S&T that keeps our country safe and maintains our global military technological superiority.
