The AAU's alert does not spell out every line item in the new proposal. It confirms, however, that research and education programs face reductions on a scale the association describes as massive.

Why does this keep coming back?

This is not the first time the administration has put forward steep cuts to science budgets. Previous proposals along the same lines drew pushback from universities, scientific societies, and lawmakers from both parties. Congress, which holds the power of the purse, has in the past restored much of the funding the White House sought to remove.

That pattern matters. A presidential budget request is an opening position, not a final decision. The actual spending levels are set by Congress through the annual appropriations process.

What happens next?

Universities and advocacy groups will press lawmakers to reject the cuts. The outcome will become clear only when Congress writes and passes its spending bills for the coming fiscal year.

SciBeat will follow the appropriations process and update this story as details of the proposal emerge.