Following is a statement by Association of American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman on the House passage of the FY18 budget resolution:
We are disappointed the House has chosen to adopt a budget resolution that fails to provide much-needed relief from sequester-level nondefense discretionary spending caps in FY18 and beyond. The budget cuts FY18 nondefense discretionary spending and contains tax reconciliation instructions that pave the way for tax reform, which we hope will retain strong incentives for charitable giving and promote economic growth without undermining programs that help low- and middle-income families afford higher education.
As House and Senate leaders work to complete FY18 appropriations, we urge that they reach a bipartisan budget deal to raise the FY18 defense and nondefense spending caps to permit sufficient investment in research and higher education programs critical to our nation’s security and prosperity. We look forward to working with Congress to that end.
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities comprises 62 distinguished institutions that continually advance society through education, research, and discovery.
Our universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for academic research, are improving human life and wellbeing through research, and are educating tomorrow’s visionary leaders and global citizens.
AAU members collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of research universities to society.