SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. visited Capitol Hill on July 22 to advocate for federal support of SUNY campuses, including Stony Brook University. King met with members of Congress and staff to discuss priorities such as funding for scientific research, higher education, student financial aid, and public hospitals.
A central topic was the proposed FAIR (Facilities and Administrative Indirect Recovery) model. This new approach addresses reimbursement for the actual costs incurred by research institutions conducting federally funded research. King asked lawmakers to back legislative language that would prevent agencies from quickly implementing a 15 percent cap on indirect cost reimbursement rates, an idea considered by agencies like NIH, NSF, DOE, and DOD.
“Research doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it requires physical labs, utilities, security, and compliance infrastructure,” SUNY Chancellor King said. “SUNY and institutions like Stony Brook play a vital role in driving scientific innovation, and we must ensure that they have the resources to continue the groundbreaking, life-saving research that is underway across the SUNY System.”
The Joint Associations Group (JAG) on Indirect Costs began its work in April by gathering experts to examine current indirect cost frameworks and possible alternatives. The FAIR framework promotes transparency and sustainability while addressing expenses such as lab upkeep, data processing, and regulatory requirements.
King also focused on protecting student financial aid programs and investments in public hospitals—both key elements of SUNY’s mission aimed at promoting equity and public health throughout New York State.
Stony Brook University’s Office of Federal Relations participated alongside Chancellor King during a meeting with Congressman Nick LaLota. The team helped organize discussions to highlight both Stony Brook's and SUNY's priorities. Stony Brook’s federal relations office collaborates closely with SUNY’s Washington office to represent higher education interests in Washington D.C., working together to support policies that strengthen research opportunities, access to education, and healthcare infrastructure.