By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON, May 11 (Reuters) – More than 2,000 scientists warned the U.S. Congress in a letter on Monday that the termination of the entire National Science Board by the Trump administration hurts U.S. ability to compete with rivals like China.
The termination of the entire NSB of over 20 members was revealed late last month:
• The independent board was established in 1950 to guide the governance of the National Science Foundation and to advise the president and the Congress on policies about science and engineering.
• It included over 20 members appointed for six-year terms.
• The open letter by the scientists asked Congress to call for the reinstatement of the terminated members.
• The letter described the dismissals by the White House as “abrupt” and said scientists expressed “deep dismay.”
• The board’s dismissal “ramps up an alarming attack on the ability of the U.S. to engage in basic and applied research, and to be competitive globally, particularly given that China is now investing more in R&D than the U.S.,” it added.
• Trump has put pressure on independent institutions during his second term.
• Political experts say his administration is attempting to remake those bodies by installing loyalists in leadership positions and by removing independent and critical voices.
• “This dismantling of a critical national advisory body is but one of many such actions taken by the current administration that deprives our government of independent, apolitical, oversight and expert advice, not only in the sciences but also in healthcare and technology,” the letter added.
• A White House official said authorities given to the board by the Congress when the board was created may need updating.
• The National Science Foundation’s work “continues uninterrupted,” the White House official said at the time of the board’s termination.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Stephen Coates)
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