Comment on FR Doc # 2026-12725 from Lucas Ortengren
AnonymousOpposeAcademic
Summary: A researcher in materials science and engineering opposes the OMB proposal, arguing that it will undermine American scientific research and technological leadership. The commenter warns that the proposal will cause the U.S. to lose its competitive edge against China, harming national security and the economy.
I am a researcher in the field of materials science and engineering. The current OMB proposal would be a national security catastrophe. The research that takes place at American universities is essential for our nation's technological advancements. Today, China spends more on scientific research than ever before, and this OMB proposal would mark the end of America's ability to compete. America will no longer produce the highly skilled personnel whom are essential for the continued survival of domestic AI companies, semiconductor companies, energy companies and more. China and the rest of the world will rapidly surpass American academia and industry, and the United States' economy will be decimated beyond repair.
The current executive branch undoubtedly has extremely intelligent people working in it, but the only people able to make sensible, strategic, effect choices on grant distribution are those who have dedicated their lives to the specific subfield of science being considered. Even somebody with a bachelor's degree in physics would likely be unable to distinguish between a promising, thought-out project proposal and an inconsequential, or worse, fraudulent proposal.
For nearly a century, the USA has been the world's leader in scientific research. As a result, some of the largest companies in the world (OpenAI, Nvidia, Apple, IBM, ...) are headquartered in America. Without continued investment and appropriate managing of American research and academia, we will no longer produce such companies. We will be technologically outcompeted by China and other companies. Our national security will no longer be secured by advancements in research. Americans' stock portfolios will suffer as our tech companies cease to be able to source American researchers.
If Republicans ever want to win another election, this OMB proposal cannot be allowed to take effect. The USA will rapidly become less safe, less prosperous, and gradually, obsolete, and voters WILL notice and they WILL understand which administration caused such a catastrophe.