Suffolk Reporter

Members of Stony Brook University's Advocacy Corps recently engaged in a virtual meeting with Adam Hornbuckle, Long Island Regional Director for U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, and Joselyn Mejia, Long Island Deputy Regional Director and an alumna of Stony Brook University.

During the discussion, the Advocacy Corps expressed gratitude to Senator Schumer for his enduring support of science research. They urged him to prioritize the timely passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 federal appropriations bills. This step is crucial to ensure that researchers nationwide, including those at Stony Brook, receive stable and predictable funding necessary for their work.

The main concern highlighted by the group was avoiding a full-year continuing resolution (CR), which would maintain current funding levels into the next fiscal year. Although CRs prevent government shutdowns, they pose significant challenges for research and development efforts. The students from Stony Brook emphasized that such resolutions could severely hinder research progress, complicating project planning at universities and affecting researchers' ability to pursue long-term objectives. Without assured full appropriations for vital science and technology programs, researchers face uncertainty and disruption in executing large-scale projects requiring substantial funding.

Beyond urging Senator Schumer to collaborate with congressional colleagues on passing FY25 appropriation bills, the Advocacy Corps advocated for strong FY26 federal funding. They called for increased support for agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Energy (DOE). The research funded by these agencies is deemed essential for America's national security, economic growth, and global leadership in innovation.

As budget discussions proceed in Washington, D.C., the Advocacy Corps remains dedicated to ensuring that Stony Brook researchers have access to necessary resources to advance scientific exploration and innovation. The Stony Brook Advocacy Corps is organized by SBU's Office of Federal Relations. This office collaborates closely with New York's congressional delegation, federal agencies, and the Administration to promote federal priorities relevant to Stony Brook University and its medical branch.