Bonamici Highlights Threat to Oregon Research in America COMPETES Act

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) highlighted some of the Oregon-based research programs that could face cuts under the America COMPETES (Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science) Act, which passed the House today.

“Like other states across the country, Oregon has universities that are conducting groundbreaking research to advance our country’s role as a global leader in earth, ocean, and atmospheric research,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “This research in marine ecosystems, mineral resources, water quality and availability, and improved prediction capabilities for natural hazards and disasters is important to our state. But the bill passed today threatens continued funding. It reduces resources to the National Science Foundation, which supports several key research programs at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, including research into ocean acidification and the Cascadia Subduction Zone.”

The COMPETES Act would set funding levels for the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology at levels significantly lower than the President’s budget, threatening research in important sectors like clean energy technology and natural hazards research.

“Historically, the COMPETES Act has strengthened research and innovation in science and technology and has helped establish our country’s role as a leader in these fields,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “Research and development into new sectors creates jobs and stimulates our economy. The selective reduction in funding hurts our country’s competitiveness and threatens important research projects all over Oregon and all over the country.”