The coalition also aims to bring a heightened focus to the critical impact research has on our nation's economy and ability to compete globally. The innovations that flow from basic research are at the root of countless companies, products, and jobs. These innovations lead to scientific breakthroughs and new technologies from the internet to communications satellites and defenses against disease. The wide variety of industries represented by coalition members cannot continue to thrive without the investment of federal dollars in basic research. And the return on investment can be seen in every corner of our country.

Specifically, the coalition is primarily focused on increasing research funds for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Homeland Security.

Funding for research accounts have seen increases in the past few fiscal years, but for agencies like NIH, funding hasn't kept pace with medical research inflation. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Budget, since 2003 the U.S. spent $111.7 billion less on NIH funding than it would have if it kept pace with medical research inflation. In order to make up for this under investment and prevent the further stagnation of research and development, it is crucial that Congress ensures reliable annual appropriations at a steady rate above inflation.

The agencies and grantees ultimately receiving these funds rely on predictable funding streams to continue lifesaving and breakthrough research. So for the U.S. to remain a global leader in R&D, Congress needs to provide robust annual appropriations.