The exact figures Congress will settle on remain unclear. The story is still developing, and final spending levels won't be locked in until both chambers pass — and the president signs — the relevant appropriations bills.

Why do these budget fights matter for scientists?

Federal agencies fund the majority of basic research in the United States. Deep cuts to their budgets can slow grant approvals, delay new programs and squeeze universities and national labs that depend on that money.

The administration's request would have pared back science spending across multiple agencies. Congress's apparent refusal to go along suggests those agencies may see flatter — rather than sharply reduced — budgets for the coming fiscal year.

What happens next?

Appropriators must still draft and pass spending legislation. Negotiations between the House and Senate, and between Congress and the White House, could stretch the timeline well past the start of the fiscal year on October 1.

In the meantime, agencies and the researchers they fund are left waiting. If Congress and the president can't agree, the government could operate under a continuing resolution — a stopgap that holds funding at current levels — or face a shutdown.

This story is based on preliminary reporting; final budget outcomes depend on votes that haven't happened yet.