RESTON, Va., June 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leaders from 11
 professional science and engineering societies called on Congress today to
 boost NASA's fiscal year 2008 budget or risk losing the nation's scientific
 and engineering primacy.
     In a letter, the group asked Congress to support an increase to NASA's
 FY08 budget of $1.4 billion for aerospace research and technology. The
 budget is currently under review on Capitol Hill.
     The signatories represent the thousands of scientists committed to
 keeping the United States competitive in science and engineering research
 and development. The letter states, "... we know first-hand that our
 colleagues continue their work despite the interrelated and disturbing
 trends of reduced federal research funding, a shrinking workforce in the
 science and engineering disciplines, and a calamitous decrease in the
 number of students choosing to carry on this commitment in the future."
     The letter agrees with the National Academy of Sciences finding that
 NASA is "being asked to accomplish too much with too little." NASA does not
 have the resources to support the space exploration-related programs while
 maintaining critical space science, earth science, and life and physical
 science programs.
     NASA plays a critical role in inspiring and supporting future
 generations of scientists and engineers. Its robust research and
 development programs, as well as the excitement of space exploration, are
 incentive for youth to pursue engineering and science degrees. Without
 proper funding, the opportunities, mentors and experiences necessary to
 sustain the next-generation technology leaders will vanish.
     The Administration's $17.3 billion request was $1.4 billion below the
 previously congressionally authorized level. The scientific community
 requests Congress fully appropriate the authorized FY08 funding level. This
 will enable NASA to carry out its mission, thereby supporting continued
 U.S. leadership in research and development as well as educating the next
 generation of scientists and engineers.
     To view a copy of the letter, visit http://www.aiaa.org/publicpolicy.
     AIAA advances the state of aerospace science, engineering, and
 technological leadership. Headquartered in suburban Washington, D.C., the
 Institute serves over 35,000 members in 65 regional sections and 79
 countries. AIAA membership is drawn from all levels of industry, academia,
 private research organizations, and government. For more information, visit
 http://www.aiaa.org.
 
 

SOURCE American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics