Almost every smartphone in use across the globe relies on chips funded by American taxpayers. The chip I developed played a significant role in that. Now, Congress is considering slashing funding for the National Science Foundation, a move that could stifle future advancements.
Investing in innovation isn’t just a spending spree; it’s one of the wisest investments that Washington can make. It creates jobs, strengthens businesses, and increases tax revenues in communities nationwide. Right now, cutting government support for scientific research could pull potential benefits from America’s grasp, leaving room for global competitors to gain ground.
My career has unfolded at a public university. For over four decades, I’ve been involved in a federally funded lab, where we’ve cultivated groundbreaking technologies that form the foundation of modern life.
Back in the 1980s, we pioneered a more efficient microprocessor design, known as a RISC chip. It was a collaborative effort in a university lab, funded by government resources. At that time, it was hard to envision that this breakthrough would eventually power billions of chips worldwide. The National Science Foundation has also supported research that improved the reliability and affordability of digital storage systems, such as RAID Storage, enhancing everything from cloud services to online banking. These innovations laid the groundwork for entire industries and are used by billions daily.
These advances didn’t originate from corporate boardrooms or billionaire-backed startups. They emerged from students’ hands and grew in public labs, all courtesy of American taxpayers.
For years, my research has received backing from the NSF’s Office of Computer and Information Science and Engineering through grants, which helped support numerous doctoral candidates. American taxpayers’ investment—less than $100 million—has yielded technologies generating over $1 trillion in sales. That’s an astonishing return on investment, likely around 10,000 to 1, and at least 1,000 to 1 when considering tax revenues returned to the government. This isn’t mere chance; it’s the result of consistent public funding.
The return on this investment is tangible. These gains translate into tools that support small businesses and bolster tax revenues, which in turn fund public schools, infrastructure, and national defense—all while creating jobs across 44 states. These benefits are rightfully owned by the American public.
This isn’t just an elite experiment; it’s a vital innovation engine, one of the strongest contributors to U.S. economic strength.
Now, how is Congress addressing one of the few federal programs that consistently delivers value to average citizens? By proposing a $2 billion cut to the National Science Foundation, which represents a 23% reduction for 2025.
The Trump administration seems to emphasize artificial intelligence, with initiatives like the AI Action Plan and recent NSF investments of $100 million. However, these pursuits can’t begin to compensate for the extensive damage that would result from significant cuts to the broader framework necessary for future AI advancements.
Slashing the budgets of the Directorate of Computer and Information Science and Engineering is detrimental to America’s competitive edge. Lawmakers claim they prioritize impactful programs, yet these cuts affect the very offices that fund critical initiatives like AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. This isn’t about prioritization; it’s a significant oversight.
While AI develops rapidly, it relies on significant breakthroughs across the computing spectrum. Despite seeming unrelated, my work in specialized computer design is foundational to AI’s progress. Look at Nvidia’s stock, and you’ll see what I mean.
This wasn’t magic; it stemmed from researchers trained through NSF fellowships. Losing that pipeline will hinder progress. In preparation for funding cuts, NSF has already reduced its 2025 fellowship offerings by half. We don’t need fewer computer scientists; we need to cultivate talent here—not in countries competing for our lead.
China has more than tripled its research spending since 2010 and continues to increase it annually. They recognize the importance of leadership in AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and advanced computing. If we fall behind now, foreign companies won’t hesitate to leverage the advancements that American taxpayers funded. They’ll transform our research investments into their own advantage, leading jobs and industries that should be thriving in cities like Atlanta, Boston, and Dallas to flourish in places like London, Bangalore, and Shenzhen.
As a scientist, I find this alarming. As a taxpayer, it weighs heavily on me. I’ve established a lead, yet Washington appears willing to give it away.
Throughout its history, America has used innovation as a primary engine for wealth creation and national prosperity. History is replete with nations that failed to innovate and subsequently lost their edge. The U.S. has resisted that fate by investing in research, educating a generation of scientists and engineers, and establishing a vibrant ecosystem for innovation unmatched globally.
Every American taxpayer has a stake in this success. If we turn away now, we risk losing not just future breakthroughs but also the achievements we’ve already secured.
If Congress cannot uphold this funding, we will relinquish competitiveness and prosperity to others.
