The Trump Administration released its full fiscal year (FY) 2018 comprehensive budget proposal to Congress May 23. The request largely follows the plan outlined in the release of the administration’s “skinny budget” proposal on March 16, with reductions to, or elimination, of research and higher education priorities important to Georgia Tech and other research universities throughout the country.

The federal budget is now operating under the omnibus appropriations bill, passed by both Houses and signed into law by President Trump on May 5.  The omnibus bill funds government agencies through the end of the federal fiscal year, or Sept. 30, 2017.

The introduction of the proposed comprehensive federal budget is part of a longer negotiation process. The final 2018 comprehensive federal budget must be approved by Congress before it goes into effect. Congressional appropriations committees in both Houses will hold budget hearings in the weeks and months to come.  Numerous changes are anticipated. More detailed information on the budget process can be found here.

“The budgeting process provides us with an opportunity to share the importance of the long-standing and immensely productive partnership between the federal government and research universities, and specifically, Georgia Tech’s impact in research and economic development,” said Steve Cross, Georgia Tech Executive Vice President for Research.

Cross commented that as always, it is very important that faculty continue to seek federal and private support for research, and engage in national leadership opportunities. “Amid any uncertainty and as we navigate what these changes might mean for our research, our guiding principles remain unchanged. We will remain committed to scholarship and research that is led by faculty, powered by ideas, and supported by professionals,” he said.

The Office of Government and Community Relations at Georgia Tech serves as the Institute’s feet-on-the-ground presence with federal, state, and local governments, helping to tell the story of the important role Georgia Tech plays for the state and our nation in research, education, and economic impact. Government and Community Relations provides several regular communication channels and is available to advise members of the Georgia Tech community who are interested in advocacy for Georgia Tech’s federal priorities.  During the budget process, appropriations updates provided in the DC Buzz from Lewis-Burke Associations are available on Georgia Tech’s Research site.

In addition, Georgia Tech is a member of several professional organizations that are advocating for higher education and related organizations, including the Association of American Universities (AAU), for which Georgia Tech President G. P. “Bud” Peterson serves as a member of the Executive Committee. 

Peterson also serves on the National Science Board, which oversees the National Science Foundation and advises the administration and Congress on national policy related to science and engineering research and education.