By Leeann Thornton, ASPB Past-President In difficult times, people need to come together to support and encourage each other to keep moving towards a shared vision. ASPB is committed to promoting plant science, communicating research about plants, and supporting plant biologists. Our work in advancing the community of plant biologists embraces inclusivity, integrity, transparency … Read more
On February 4, 2025, ASPB joined more than 40 organizations in urging Congress to increase crucial US Department of Agriculture (USDA) program funding in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). In a letter to Congressional leadership, ASPB and others outline how USDA programs “support America’s farmers, improve the security of our food supply, and restore our nation’s … Read more
With a new Senate majority, a new incoming Administration, and new leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee coming in the next Congress, changes are afoot in Washington, DC, with unknown consequences on the much-anticipated farm bill. These changes present continued opportunity for ASPB to advocate for funding for programs that benefit and support stakeholders in … Read more
Please read the urgent request below and contact your Member of Congress regarding a harmful provision in a piece of legislation under consideration by Congress. The situation: The U.S. House of Representatives is currently considering tax reform legislation, H.R. 1, that would change the way graduate student income is considered and result in large tax … Read more
On May 23, 2017, the White House released its fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget request whereby it proposed to slash funding for federal agencies that support plant science research and education. If enacted, President Trump’s FY 2018 budget would have a catastrophic impact on plant science and the broader U.S. enterprise of scientific innovation. The … Read more
This week, House and Senate congressional leaders reached an agreement on a fiscal year (FY) 2017 omnibus appropriations bill. This bill will fund the entire federal government through the remainder of FY 2017. Despite White House FY 2018 proposals to cut funding for many science agencies, Congress has decided instead to protect and, in some … Read more
On December 9, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund government operations through April 28, 2017. The bill passed with bipartisan support, with a Senate vote of 63-36 and a House vote of 326-96. The first CR of fiscal year (FY) 2017 funded government operations through December 9 and with only one hour to … Read more
On September 28, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund government operations through December 9. With only two days to spare before the end of the fiscal year and a government shutdown, the bill passed with rare bipartisan support, with a Senate vote of 72-26 and a House vote of 342-85. The CR funds … Read more
President Obama released the last budget request of his Administration on February 9th. The budget proposal nominally adheres to the top defense and non-defense discretionary spending levels agreed to by Congress in the fall of last year. However, the White House is relying on mandatory spending, which requires Congress to pass legislation to make these … Read more
Time to Speak Up It is an honor to be elected your new president and to work in support of our common goals. It has been a productive year as president-elect, and it is a pleasure to share timely thoughts with you here. No question: This is an exciting time to be a plant scientist. … Read more
