ASBMB statement on the damage of continuing resolutions

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed a continuing resolution extending government funding until March 11 to prevent a government shutdown as members of Congress continue to negotiate the fiscal year 2022 spending package.

Averting a government shutdown is vital; however, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology urges lawmakers to reach a deal as soon as possible.

Continuing resolutions damage the American research enterprise. First, they freeze federal funds that are necessary for scientific research. Then, once a spending agreement finally is reached, the sudden influx of funding results in inefficient spending. In other words, stopgap funding stifles scientific progress on the front end and dilutes the impact of taxpayers’ dollars on the back end.

In addition, continuing resolutions contribute to the stagnation of science policy priorities. They prevent science advocates from submitting programmatic requests in a timely manner, impeding improvements to the research enterprise.

The scientific community needs sustained and predictable funding through regular appropriations to continue important scientific research that ultimately leads to improved treatments and health outcomes for Americans.

We urge Congress to swiftly pass 2022 spending bills so that scientists can continue conducting their vital work.