Mass. AG sues Trump administration over cuts to scientific research
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is suing President Donald Trump's administration in an attempt to stop funding cuts for scientific research.
Campbell and 15 other state attorneys general filed the lawsuit seeking to block the cuts to the National Science Foundation, which has provided federal funding for science and technology research since its creation in 1950. The Trump administration has been introducing cuts and funding caps, particularly targeting programs it views as related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
'Massachusetts is home to world-renowned scientific research institutions that not only drive innovative solutions to our world's most pressing challenges, but also ensure our nation maintains its global, scientific leadership,' Campbell said in a statement on Wednesday. 'I will continue to hold the Trump Administration accountable for the unlawful attacks on STEM funding, which jeopardize Massachusetts and this entire country's public health, economy and national security.'
According to the lawsuit, dozens of projects seeking to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) have been terminated since April 18. The federal government has also capped 'indirect costs' of research projects, which typically fund laboratory space, equipment and other facilities, at 15%, a level the lawsuit called 'arbitrary.' The lawsuit argues the cap would jeopardize millions of dollars in research that supports national security, the economy and public health.
Federal courts have already blocked the administration's similar caps on indirect costs for projects funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy. Campbell has signed onto another lawsuit with other state attorneys general to block these caps.
The lawsuit says the NSF directives are illegal and unconstitutional because they change the agency's policies without regard for how Congress, which appropriates government funds, intends for it to run.
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