COVID-19 and Increased Racial Discrimination

April 30, 2020

The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting almost every aspect of our daily lives. Beyond the catastrophic physical health and economic implications, the pandemic is introducing new challenges in the scientific research enterprise, including the stigmatization of Asians. A report by the Asian Pacific Policy Planning Council indicates that racial discrimination incidents have increased since the beginning of the pandemic. 

On March 5, Rep. Grace

Congress Passes Fourth COVID-19 Relief Package

April 30, 2020

Over the past seven weeks, Congress has passed four supplemental bills, approaching a total of $3 trillion, to help address the health and economic consequences of COVID-19. The most recent package, HR 266, was signed into law on Friday, April 24th. FABBS has reported on the first three packages. The final vote for the $483 billion relief measure followed two weeks of contentious negotiations. Initially, the White House requested $251 billion to replenish a

FY 21 Budget and Future Funding for COVID

April 15, 2020

Last Friday, House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY) shared preliminary subcommittee spending allocations, referred to as 302(b)s, giving subcommittees the green light to move forward with their budgets. FABBS signed letters in support of robust 302(b) allocations for subcommittees with jurisdiction over the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and Institute of Education Sciences.

Subcommittee leaders are expected

Congress Advances Third Stimulus Bill, FABBS Submits Testimony to House Appropriations Subcommittees

March 27, 2020

Following days of negotiations, on Wednesday, March 25th, the Senate passed the third COVID-19 stimulus bill – Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (S. 3548). Having resolved differences on the provisions for local government funds, aid to hospitals, food stamps, and assistance to the airlines, the package headed to the House and was passed on Friday. Several Senators have been unable to vote due to being quarantined. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) tested