The White House recently dismissed the board members for the U.S. National Science Foundation, which funds a significant portion of research across colleges and universities, The New York Times reported April 25.
Established in 1950, the National Science Foundation is a federal agency that accounts for about 25% of federally funded research at U.S. colleges and universities, according to its website. The organization’s board is composed of 25 members, who each serve six-year terms and are appointed by the president. Besides the board’s director, one-third of the board is appointed every two years.
On April 24, President Donald Trump’s administration dismissed the entire board notifying them via email, according to the Times.
Former board members told the outlet they are concerned about the federal government’s continued defunding of scientific research.
A White House official told Becker’s the “National Science Foundation’s work continues uninterrupted.”
“The Supreme Court’s reasoning in U.S. v. Arthrex in 2021 raised constitutional questions about whether non-Senate confirmed appointees can exercise the authorities that Congress gave the National Science Board,” the official said. “We look forward to working with the Hill to update the statute and ensure the NSB can perform its duties as Congress intended.”
By citing U.S. v. Arthrex — a legal case regarding oversight of federal panel board members who are appointed by the president but not confirmed by the Senate — the White House seems to be questioning the legality of the National Science Board’s appointments, which are not Senate-confirmed.
The U.S. National Science Foundation declined to comment, referring all questions to the White House.
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