Members of Stony Brook University’s Advocacy Corps recently engaged in a virtual meeting with the Long Island Regional Director and Deputy Regional Director of U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer. The directors, Adam Hornbuckle and Joselyn Mejia, an alumna of Stony Brook University (SBU), represented Senator Schumer during the discussion.
The Advocacy Corps expressed gratitude to Senator Schumer for his consistent support of science research. They urged him to prioritize the timely passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) federal appropriations bills. This action is seen as essential to provide researchers nationwide, including those at Stony Brook, with stable funding necessary for their work.
The meeting highlighted the need to avoid a full-year continuing resolution (CR), which would maintain current funding levels into the next fiscal year. Although CRs prevent government shutdowns, they present challenges for research and development initiatives by hindering project planning and long-term goal pursuit. The students emphasized that without assured appropriations for crucial science and technology programs, researchers face uncertainty and disruption.
The Advocacy Corps also advocated for robust FY26 federal funding, particularly emphasizing increased support for agencies like the Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Energy (DOE). They argued that research funded by these agencies is vital for America's national security, economic development, and global leadership in research and development.
As budget discussions continue in Washington, the Advocacy Corps remains dedicated to ensuring Stony Brook researchers have necessary resources. Organized by SBU’s Office of Federal Relations, the corps collaborates closely with New York's congressional delegation, federal agencies, and the Administration to advance Stony Brook University's federal priorities.