Republicans Restrict Climate Funding - Froy Gutierrez

US House Republicans voted to place limits on funding for scientific research, including climate change studies, as they passed legislation that defines their priorities. Many in the American scientific community criticized the bill, which passed 217 votes to 205. The America Competes Reauthorization Act still has to be reconciled with a Senate version, and the White House has threatened a veto if the measure passes as is. The bill slightly raises overall scientific funding levels, from $7.3 billion this year to $7.6 billion in 2016. But scientists expressed concern that Republicans were locking in specific funding amounts to each of the seven directorates of the research foundation. In previous years the NSF itself determined the allocation of federal grants and funding. Democrats fumed that the bill automatically slashes social, behavioral and economic sciences by 55 percent compared to 2015, while geosciences including climate research shrinks eight percent to $1.2 billion. Research budgets for green energy programs would be hit too. Conversely, Republicans prioritized funding for biology, computer science, engineering, mathematics and physical sciences.

I really don't like the budget cuts placed on climate research, as its very important for us as a nation and as a species to be more conscientious about the planet that we live on and our surroundings. Restrictions on investigations of this scale and import shouldn't be put in place because it is unfair not only to us and the animals we share this planet with, but also to our children and our future generations. If we want to make this world a better place, we must start with ourselves. I know its hard to accept change, like in the Scopes trial, when the US had to duke it out between faith and science. It is my personal opinion that science and faith can go hand in hand, and being aware of global climate change is beneficial for everyone. Hopefully, action will be taken.

Source:
http://www.thegwpf.com/u-s-republicans-vote-to-restrict-climate-funding/