Congress Blocks Major Trump Science Agency Cuts

The Trump administration has proposed significant budget cuts to major science agencies, including NOAA and NASA, threatening longstanding climate research and space science missions. Lawmakers such as Congressman Joe Neguse are opposing the NOAA cuts, warning that closing research labs in Colorado and other states could jeopardize public safety and economic stability by ending crucial climate data and early warning systems. NASA faces a proposed 24–25% budget reduction that could halve its science missions and shrink its workforce to historic lows, even as mandates for lunar and Mars exploration persist. Congress has largely rejected these proposed NASA cuts, with both chambers advancing budget bills that maintain near-flat funding and preserve key programs. The recently enacted 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' secures funding for Artemis crewed lunar missions and the Lunar Gateway, reversing earlier rollback plans. Despite congressional action, advocates warn that flat budgets may represent real-terms cuts when accounting for inflation, fueling uncertainty about the future of U.S. science and space leadership.