CGS Commends Congress for Averting a Government Shutdown
CGS Contact: Kelley Karnes
602-791-8278 / kkarnes@cgs.nche.edu
Digital Version of Statement
Washington, DC –The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) commends the 118th Congress for passing of a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that keeps the federal government open and operational for the next 45 days. It is an example of the work that can be done when Congress acts in a bipartisan and bicameral manner.
The short-term CR, which will last until November 17th, will provide the time needed for Congressional Leaders to negotiate and pass the remaining spending bills at the agreed upon terms in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Sixty percent of fundamental scientific research performed in the United States is conducted at our colleges and universities. The National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, and agencies like the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy’s Office of Science need to be funded at fiscal year 2023 spending levels for the nation to remain at the forefront of scientific innovation. This will also ensure essential support for internships, fellowships and research programs for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and early-career researchers.
“It is time for Congress to come together and pass fiscal year 2024 spending legislation that will fund graduate research programs,” said Suzanne T. Ortega, CGS President. “Keeping funding at fiscal year 2022 levels would mean cuts to valuable research programs and preventing the initiation of new research projects upon which our nation’s economy and security depend.”
CGS encourages lawmakers to fund the Department of Education at fiscal year 2023 levels, which will provide the necessary support for higher education programs, such as GAANN and International Education programs, as well as provide federal resources to current and prospective student borrowers in need of assistance with student loan application and repayment plans.
About CGS
The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) is an organization of approximately 500 institutions of higher education in the United States and Canada engaged in graduate education, research, and the preparation of candidates for advanced degrees. The organization’s mission is to improve and advance graduate education, which it accomplishes through advocacy in the federal policy arena, research, and the development and dissemination of best practices.