October 05, 2025
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Bill Nye rallies to block deep NASA science cuts

Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society, is leading a coalition of more than 300 advocates from nearly 20 science and education organizations in Washington, D.C., for a Day of Action urging Congress to block the Trump administration’s proposal to cut NASA science funding by roughly 47%. The campaign comes as a government shutdown has furloughed about 85% of NASA staff and advocates warn the cuts would imperil long‑term missions, waste billions in taxpayer investments and cede ground to accelerating Chinese space programs.

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📌 Key Facts

  • Trump administration has proposed a roughly 47% cut to NASA science funding.
  • About 300 advocates from nearly 20 groups (including The Planetary Society, American Association of Physics Teachers, National Space Society) will participate in a Day of Action in Washington.
  • A government shutdown has furloughed about 85% of NASA staff; advocates warn prematurely ending missions could waste an estimated $12 billion in taxpayer investments.
  • NASA contributed about $75 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, supporting roughly 300,000 jobs nationwide.
  • Quote from Bill Nye urging Congress to protect NASA science and warning of economic, innovation and leadership losses.

📰 Sources (1)