U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell has released a report highlighting serious concerns raised by NASA whistleblowers regarding proposed budget cuts. The report details how these cuts are already impacting safety protocols within the agency and threaten critical research initiatives. Whistleblowers have expressed fears of potential astronaut fatalities within a few years, citing the Trump administration’s approach as a ‘chainsaw approach’.
The report, prepared for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, argues that NASA’s consistent, bipartisan investments are vital for America’s economic prosperity. However, the proposed 2026 budget – a reduction of nearly 25% to $18.8 billion – poses an ‘existential threat.’
Key concerns outlined in the report include a 47% decrease in space science funding, as described by the Planetary Society, potentially leading to the termination of valuable missions. Whistleblowers also report that internal dissent has been stifled, with employees pressured to align with the presidential budget request or face job loss.
The report estimates that these budget cuts could reduce U.S. economic output by $46.4 billion over the next decade and significantly reduce the number of Ph.D. graduates and researchers in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. The Democratic staff’s proposed continuing resolution aims to prevent further rescinding of previously approved funding, but its prospects are uncertain given the current political landscape.