The Current Landscape for Astronomy Public Policy and How You Can Make a Difference

On June 12, 2025, during the 246th AAS, a special town hall session was held to discuss the current landscape of public policy for astronomy and how individuals can help shape the future of the field. Dara Norman and the AAS Public Policy Team—Colin Hamill, Roohi Dalal, and Joel Parriott—curated the information for the town hall. Lori Porter (Graduate Student, Columbia University), Becka Phillipson (Assistant Professor, Villanova University), and Marcel Agüeros (Professor, Columbia University) were panelists, each bringing unique perspectives from their experiences engaging with policymakers and advocating for science.

The AAS Mission and Strategic Priorities

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The AAS is dedicated to enhancing and sharing humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community. Their strategic priorities for 2021–2026 focus on two main areas:

• Addressing Significant Global Issues Affecting Astronomy
  • Advocating for the implementation of the Decadal Surveys’ recommendations.
  • Supporting STEM education initiatives.
  • Championing funding, programs, and policies that benefit the discipline.
  • Promoting policies to protect ground-based lighting and the full electromagnetic spectrum.
  • Addressing the increasing presence of satellites in Earth’s orbit and their impact on astronomical observations.
• Building Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive (EDI) Practices
  • Expanding staffing to support ongoing and new EDI initiatives.
  • Improving access and equitable participation in AAS meetings, events, and publications.
  • Increasing representation of marginalized groups in AAS leadership.
  • Implementing recommendations from recent task forces and consortia to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Promoting just and equitable scientific standards and behavior within the community.

The Policy Landscape: Recent Developments

The past year has seen significant shifts in federal policy affecting astronomy and related sciences. Here are some highlights from the timeline:

• Early 2025: Executive orders and agency directives led to funding freezes, layoffs, and reorganization plans at key agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Office of Space Commerce.
• March 2025: Congress passed a full-year Continuing Resolution for FY2025, but deep cuts to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) were rumored.
• April–May 2025: AAS organized Congressional Visits Day, released Action Alerts, and submitted comments and letters supporting NASA, NSF, and the Department of Energy (DOE).
• May 2025: The NSF was ordered to abolish 37 science divisions, and the House passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which included provisions to auction radio spectrum that could impact radio astronomy.
• June 2025: The AAS continues to engage with Congress regarding NASA and NSF budget requests and has submitted Outside Witness Testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

How You Can Make a Difference

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The AAS emphasizes that everyone—regardless of their role within the astronomy community—has the power to influence policy. Here are actionable steps you can take, listed in order of increasing effectiveness:

• Use Action Alert Forms: The AAS provides easy-to-use forms for writing to your member of Congress. These pre-written messages make it simple to support astronomy funding and policies.
• Call or Leave a Voicemail: Contact your Congressional representatives directly. The AAS website provides scripts and guidance to help you get started.
• Encourage Others: Ask friends, family, and colleagues in other states or districts to contact their representatives. A coordinated effort amplifies your voice.
• Directly Contact Congressional Offices: Use the “contact” form on your representative’s webpage or email their staff. The AAS Public Policy Team is available to assist you.
• Set Up a Meeting: Arrange a meeting with your Congressional office—either in person at their local district office or via Zoom. Personal engagement is highly effective.

Best Practices for Engaging with Policy Makers

When meeting with Congressional staff or representatives, keep these best practices in mind:

• Remain Non-Partisan: Focus on the issues, not party politics.
• Be Clear and Concise: Use the “Bottom Line Up Front” (BLUF) approach—state your main point at the beginning.
• Keep It Conversational: Avoid jargon and make the discussion interactive.
• Do No Harm: Never advocate for cutting other scientific programs.
• Be Honest: If you don’t know the answer, say so.
• Be a Resource: Offer to follow up with more information or answer questions.
• Follow Up: Members of Congress have many priorities; a timely follow-up keeps your issue on their radar.

The Road Ahead

The next few months are critical for astronomy funding and policy:

• June–July: Details of the President’s Budget Request for FY2026 are released.
• July: House and Senate Appropriations Committees mark up key bills.
• Fall: House and Senate conference to finalize appropriations.
• October 1: Deadline for passing appropriations bills or adopting a continuing resolution—otherwise, the government could shut down.

Take Action Now

The AAS needs your voice to ensure that astronomy remains a priority for policymakers. Whether you’re a student, researcher, educator, or simply a supporter of science, your engagement makes a difference. Visit the AAS advocacy page, use the action alert forms, and consider reaching out directly to your representatives. Together, we can protect and advance the future of astronomy in the United States.

Visit the AAS website page, Advocacy-How to Get Involved, and contact the AAS Public Policy team to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you.

Your involvement is crucial—take action today and help shape the future of astronomy!

You can find the town hall slides on public policy here for a more detailed look.