Issue 8 (April 15)

Given current uncertainty about the future of the U.S. research enterprise, COSSA is collecting stories from the social and behavioral science community on how recent Executive Actions are affecting or have the potential to affect research and the scientific workforce. Your contributions will help the COSSA team as we share real-world, timely information with policymakers (e.g., Congress and federal agencies) about the impact these actions are having across the country.

Your responses will remain confidential, and any stories used by COSSA will be anonymized and used anecdotally. You may provide your name and contact information in the survey, which would only be used by COSSA staff to follow up with you about your story. You may also submit your story anonymously.

Submit your story here.

The arrival of Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. president brought with it a dramatic, chaotic and generally ideological assault on the status quo for American-based or -funded schools or researchers. Sage and COSSA have sponsored a page to help track actions – and reactions – to the flurry of activity in real time.

The page is titled, Tracking Current Federal Changes Affecting U.S. Education and Science and is available here on Social Science Space. Continue to check back as we post new updates about Trump Administration actions concerning federal science funding, federal statistics and data, the federal workforce, higher education, and more.

Sarah Wang started as COSSA’s policy intern in May. Before she signs off and enjoys her summer, she provided some reflections from her time at COSSA.

How did you learn about COSSA and the opportunity to serve as a policy intern?

I initially found the COSSA policy intern position while searching for spring internship opportunities on Handshake, but my interest in the role truly solidified through my work at the time. This past fall, I was a fellow for Her Bold Move, a PAC dedicated to electing pro-choice women. Through the fellowship, I had the opportunity to work with Kenzie Shelstad and learn how her role as a Government Relations Associate with COSSA allows her to combine her passions for social science, advocacy, and changemaking. Her experience deeply resonated with me, and I applied for the position in October ahead of beginning my internship in January.

How did the internship fit into your academic or career planning?

I am a sophomore at American University, double majoring in Political Science and Interdisciplinary Studies (Communications, Law, Economics, and Government). Additionally, I’ve previously served as a Congressional intern and am currently a research assistant working as a research assistant on criminal justice research towards redefining rehabilitation in correctional settings. With a background rooted in public service and social science, I am incredibly passionate about the vital role evidence-based policymaking plays in creating a more equitable system of governance. Interning at COSSA provided me with the invaluable opportunity to merge these interests by serving as an advocate for meaningful change. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue graduate/law studies and a career in policymaking. With the growth, skills, and insight I’ve gained through this internship, I feel confident moving forward on an impactful professional path.

What stood out to you most about your internship (i.e., did you learn anything interesting/eye opening or was there a task that you enjoyed most)?

While I gained so much through my internship with COSSA, my most enjoyable opportunity in this position was definitely my participation in Advocacy Day. From our colorful lanyard stacks to crossing Capitol grounds underneath the cherry blossoms, I will treasure the knowledge and memories of my first true advocacy experience. It was such a privilege to have the chance to act as a voice for change—to share my own story and uplift those that too often go unheard. It was empowering to build community, train to harness our strengths as changemakers, and engage in civic participation. Proudly representing my home state of California, I had the joy of learning from accomplished researchers, scholars, and professors from across a range of disciplines and regions, all brought together by our shared commitment to knowledge and progress.

What would you tell future policy interns about the opportunity and/or about interning in-person in Washington, DC?

To all future and aspiring policy interns considering DC- don’t be afraid to seize your moment and make the most of it. It’s hard to put into words the feeling of slipping into a crowd of fellow business casual interns onto a metro bound for endless possibilities, but I can say this: there’s nothing like it. This city is busy and occasionally intimidating, but it is bursting with life, community, and opportunity at every corner. Your voice is more needed than ever – and truly there is no better place to amplify it than in DC, surrounded by people dedicated to progress. Let your passion guide you, and this city will meet you with opportunities to grow, serve, and lead.

What’s next for you?

This fall, I will begin my third year at American University, continuing my interdisciplinary political science studies while pursuing professional opportunities that enhance my skills and passions. In the spring, I plan to study abroad in Rome immersing myself in new cultures and gaining diverse perspectives to inform my future educational and professional pursuits. Next summer, prior to graduating a semester early in the fall, I hope to remain in DC and pursue additional internship experience in a field related to government or law.

Earlier this month, the Senate passed a budget resolution in a 51-48 vote after an all-night voting marathon, inching closer to enacting President Trump’s priorities around tax breaks (see previous coverage). Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), who cited concerns of increasing the deficit, and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins (R-ME), who rejected the proposed cuts to Medicaid, were the only Republicans to vote against the resolution. On April 10, the Senate’s blueprint passed through the House in a 216 to 214 vote after Sen. Thune agreed to adhere to the House’s $1.5 trillion in budget cuts to pacify fiscal hawks in the House. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Victoria Spartz (R-IN) were the only Republicans to vote against the resolution.

Passing the blueprint in both chambers is the first step in a long process known as reconciliation. When Congress returns from a two-week recess on April 28, relevant committees will be expected to begin drafting legislation in accordance with the budget targets included in the budget resolution. In particular, lawmakers will be tasked with finding at least $4 billion worth of budget cuts while simultaneously allowing for $5 trillion in tax cuts to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as well as an additional $1.5 trillion for new tax cuts over the next ten years. The bill is also supposed to include an additional $521 billion for a wide range of GOP policy priorities, including border security and national defense. For comparison, the original House budget resolution called for at least $1.5 trillion in budget cuts and $4.5 trillion for tax cuts (see previous COSSA coverage).

In addition, when they return, Congress will have to balance their work on budget reconciliation with the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations process. Rumors suggest that the Presidential Budget Request (PBR) will be released in May with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) suggesting that a “skinny budget” may be released in late April. Neither chamber has set topline numbers for FY 2026. The delay in this process leaves little time for Congress to hold budgetary hearings with the heads of Federal Agencies and write their respective bills to pass the FY 2026 budget before the fiscal year ends on September 30.

Stay tuned to COSSA’s continued coverage on Congressional activities.

Trump Administration Actions (all actions available here):

• Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History (3/27/25) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities (3/20/25) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy (3/14/25) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Additional Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions (3/14/25)
• Implementing the President’s DOGE Cost Efficiency Initiative (2/26/25) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s DOGE Deregulatory Initiative (2/19/25) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Radical Transparency about Wasteful Spending (2/18/25) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Establishing the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission (2/13/25)
• Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Workforce Optimization Initiative (2/11/25) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Advancing United States Interests When Funding Nongovernmental Organizations (2/6/25) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling (1/29/25)
• President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (1/23/25)
• Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence (1/23/25)
• Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity (1/21/24) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing (1/20/25)
• Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Trust to the Federal Government (1/20/25)
• Establishing and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (1/20/25)
• Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions within the Federal Workforce (1/20/25) – Reinstates Trump Administration’s 2020 EO creating a new Schedule F in the Federal Excepted Service 
• Withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO (1/20/25)
• Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements (1/20/25) – Withdraws the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord, among other actions.
• Hiring Freeze (1/20/25) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Return to In-Person Work (1/20/25) (MORE INFORMATION)
• Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship (1/20/25)
• Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions (1/20/25) – Rescinds dozens of Biden Administration Executive Orders

Earlier this month, President Trump nominated Dr. Susan Monarez to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Monarez, who holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been serving as the acting Director of the CDC following the departure of Dr. Mandy Cohen. As COSSA previously reported, President Trump initially nominated Dr. David Weldon for the role only to abruptly withdraw the nomination hours before his first Senate confirmation hearing. Previously, Monarez served as the deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and has held roles at the White House of Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Department of Homeland Security. Monarez was also a Science and Technology Policy Fellow through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This position requires Senate confirmation and, while Monarez is serving as acting director currently, concerns over her acceptance of recent executive actions, including a reduction in force (RIF), are likely to be raised during these hearings.

Stay tuned to COSSA’s continued coverage of the new Administration.

The National Science Board (NSB) is seeking nominations to fill eight upcoming vacancies for the 2026-2032 term. NSB is the policy-making body of the National Science Foundation (NSF) that also serves as an independent advisor to the President and Congress on federal science policy. The board consists of 24 members who serve staggered six-year terms, with the NSF director serving as a 25th ex officio member. External nominations are considered by the NSB, which will then make recommendations to the White House. New members are appointed by the President of the United States.

More information can be found in NSB’s Dear Colleague Letter. Nominations can be submitted here and are requested by May 30.

This article was contributed by COSSA Intern Sarah Wang.

On April 3, Science is US released the Science at Work report, an analysis the STEMM workforce’s impact on the U.S. economy. The findings reveal that in 2025, 34.1 percent of the U.S. workforce was engaged with STEMM-related roles, contributing $10.87 trillion – or 39.2 percent – of the nation’s GDP. The report defines the STEMM workforce broadly, encompassing individuals whose primary job functions involve science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine, regardless of the economic sector they may reside in. Acknowledging gaps in STEMM opportunities, the report highlights the need for coordinated efforts among educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to reinforce STEMM’s role as the backbone of America’s economic future.

More information about the report is available on the Science is US website. 

This article was contributed by COSSA Intern Sarah Wang.

On April 7, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) announced that Dr. Tabbye M. Chavous has been appointed as the next Executive Director of the organization, effective August 11, 2025. Dr. Chavous comes to AERA from the University of Michigan, where she is a professor of education and psychology and currently serves as vice provost for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer. She brings over 25 years of experience and has consistently advocated for high-quality, inclusive research.

COSSA looks forward to working with Dr. Chavous and thanks past-Executive Director Felice J. Levine for her service. AERA is a COSSA governing organization. Read more about the appointment here.