Stony Brook University's Vice President for Research, Kevin Gardner, and Assistant Vice President for Federal Relations, Lauren Brookmeyer, joined State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor John B. King, Jr. and University at Buffalo government relations representatives on Capitol Hill. Their visit aimed to advocate for increased federal funding for science research and student financial aid.
During their time in Washington, DC, Gardner and Brookmeyer met with several members of Congress including Rep. Nick LaLota, Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Rep. Tim Kennedy, Rep. Nick Langworthy, as well as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' Education Policy Advisor Tonia Wu. They also engaged with senior staff from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
Gardner emphasized the importance of federal investment in scientific research by stating: "In order to remain competitive on the global stage, we must significantly increase funding for scientific research. Quantum technology and artificial intelligence are at the forefront of this race, and the United States cannot afford to fall behind." He added that these fields are crucial for next-generation innovation and investing in them would enable American scientists and engineers to lead in breakthroughs affecting economies and national security.
The SUNY team also pressed Congress to support substantial funding for essential student financial aid programs such as Pell Grants. In New York alone, around 370,000 students benefit from Pell Grants with over one-third of SUNY students being eligible.
SBU’s Office for Federal Relations based in Washington played a key role in coordinating these meetings. The office collaborates closely with Chancellor King, the New York congressional delegation, and congressional committee staff to promote SBU's federal priorities.