Comment from Deirdre Shoemaker

[200.202(e), 200.220] To Whom it May Concern: I am a Professor of Physics and Director of the Center for Gravitational Physics at The University of Texas at Austin. For more than two decades, my research in gravitational-wave astrophysics and numerical relativity has been supported by competitive grants from the National Science Foundation, including research that develops the numerical models and computational infrastructure needed to interpret gravitational-wave observations made by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). During that time, I have led federally funded research programs, managed research awards, mentored graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and collaborated with scientists across the United States and around the world. I also serve as a member of NASA's LISA Science Team, contributing to the U.S. scientific program for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), a joint mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. I am writing in my personal capacity to oppose the proposed revisions to sections 200.202(e) and 200.220 that would restrict international scientific collaboration and isolate American scientists. I am a member of the LISA Science Team, LISA Consortium, LIGO-Virgo-Kagra Collaboration and the Cosmic Explorer Consortium. All are international collaborations dedicated to cutting edge discovery. I am particularly concerned about provisions that could discourage or complicate responsible international scientific collaboration. My own research depends on partnerships among U.S. universities and international collaborators. As a member of NASA's LISA Science Team, I help develop the U.S. scientific program for LISA, an ambitious international mission in which NASA and ESA each contribute unique capabilities toward a common scientific goal. This partnership enables the United States to participate in a groundbreaking observatory that no single nation could realistically undertake alone while maintaining appropriate oversight, security, and accountability. Likewise, the historic first detection of gravitational waves and the emergence of multi-messenger astronomy were possible only through sustained international cooperation. These collaborations strengthen—not diminish—American scientific leadership by allowing U.S. researchers to lead major discoveries, train the next generation of scientists, and maximize the scientific return on federal investments. Policies that unnecessarily impede responsible international collaboration would reduce the competitiveness of U.S. research and diminish our ability to attract and retain the world's best scientific talent. China is breathing down our necks to own space-based gravitational wave astronomy. The technology we develop to lead in this area will change the US future, don't let us loose our powerful edge out of fear.