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AFGE Local 3403

@scienceintegrity.bsky.social
193 followers 118 following 20 posts

Scientist, Union member and elected local leader

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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Rep. Joe Neguse @neguse.house.gov · 10/03/2026
The Inspector General for NSF must launch an investigation into the Trump administration’s alleged attempt to sell-off parts of NCAR — immediately! 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Brad Johnson @climatebrad.hillheat.com · 22/07/2025
National Science Foundation staff have sent a letter pleading with House Science ranking member @lofgren.house.gov to save the NSF. They are sufficiently scared of illegal retribution that they have done so anonymously democrats-science.house.gov/imo/media/do...
Dear Representative Lofgren:
We, the undersigned members of American Federation of Government Employees Local 3403 (AFGE
3403), who work at the National Science Foundation (NSF), write to you with deep concern over a series
of politically motivated and legally questionable actions by the Administration that threaten the integrity
of the NSF and undermine the civil service protections guaranteed under federal law.
As civil servants, NSF employees are bound by their oath to uphold the Constitution. That oath now
compels us to call attention to actions that jeopardize NSF's mission, its independence, and the
foundational laws that protect the federal workforce from politicization and abuse.
The sweeping and sudden termination of hundreds of NSF employees this year, including senior staff and
those managing Congressionally mandated programs, was not only damaging to the agency's functioning
but appears to violate the letter and spirit of title 5, the body of law establishing the professional,
apolitical civil service, and is we would argue an unlawful impoundment of funds appropriated by
Congress to advance American scientific research.
The following categories of harm collectively amount to the systemic dismantling of a world-renowned
scientific agency:
1. A Proposed Budget Cut That Would Cripple American Science
The Administration's FY2026 request proposes a 56% cut to NSF's budget, more than 70% in biological
sciences, engineering, and STEM education. If enacted, it would undermine U.S. leadership in science,
eliminate funding for over 250,000 researchers and students, and break bipartisan commitments made
under the CHIPS and Science Act.2. Termination of Active Research Awards Without Transparency or Lawful Justification
Between April and May 2025, over 1,600 active NSF grants were canceled using undisclosed criteria
devised by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This action negates billions of dollars of
past investments, violates Congressional intent in legislation such as the America COMPETES Act, and
disregards NSF’s peer review process.
3. Political Review of Scientific Grants
A covert and ideologically driven secondary review process by unqualified political appointees is now
interfering with the scientific merit-based review system. This contradicts the founding vision of NSF as
an apolitical agency that values intellectual independence and scientific rigor.
4. Withholding of Appropriated Funds
As of July 2, 2025, some $2.2 billion of NSF’s $9 billion FY2025 appropriation remained illegally
withheld by the Office of Management and Budget, despite being authorized by Public Law 119-4. This
not only impairs the agency’s operations but violates public law requiring transparency in disbursements
(P.L. 117-328).
5. Unlawful Terminations and Threatened Mass Reductions in Force
In February, over 10% of NSF’s workforce was terminated. Many of these dismissals lacked due process
or legal justification. A federal court ordered reinstatement of some employees, but many experts remain
unemployed. Staff in the Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM were recently notified of their
terminations despite their legally mandated role.
6. Coerced Resignations and Loss of Expertise
Fear of retaliation, lack of job stability, and abrupt RTO orders have pushed hundreds of seasoned staff
into early retirement or resignation. Rotating scholars (IPA employees) are being slashed from 330 to 70
and now face 90-day contracts and logistical chaos, severing vital ties to the broader research community.
7. Unannounced and Unplanned Eviction from Headquarters
On June 25, 2025, NSF employees were informed that…Petition for Action
As provided under the Lloyd-La Follette Act (5 U.S.C. 7211), the signatories respectfully petition the
Committee to:
1. Ensure that NSF employees are shielded from politically motivated firings and protected
under merit-based personnel systems.
2. End illegal impoundments of monies appropriated to NSF.
3. Defend the agency from further interference in its peer review process.
4. Demand transparency from OMB, DOGE, and NSF leadership regarding internal employment
policies and future agency relocations.
5. Reaffirm NSF’s scientific independence and support for world-class research that advances
national prosperity and security.
NSF employees are committed to serving the American people through research, education, and
innovation. But they cannot do so under fear, censorship, and institutional sabotage. Without immediate
oversight and corrective action from Congress, one of our nation’s greatest engines for scientific and
technological advancement faces irreversible long-term damage. Put simply, America will forfeit its
scientific leadership position to China and other rival nations.
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
www.ucs.org/about/news/s...
ucs.org
Science Group Releases Toolkit to Preserve the Function of Disbanded Federal Science Advisory Committees
The Union of Concerned Scientists has released a toolkit to help scientists convene independent science advisory committees to continue the work of critical federal committees disbanded by the Trump a...
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
NEH Union - AFGE L3403 @nehafge3403.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
We continue to stand with our #NSF #AFGE3403 colleagues. At #NEH, we understand the fear of retaliation all too well, as over two-thirds of us were terminated - but we also know that the #humanities and the #sciences are stronger and better when we stand together. #SaveNSF @savensf.bsky.social
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Join our effort to #SaveNSF. Please lend your name and voice by signing at www.savensf.com/become-a-par... @savensf.bsky.social
savensf.com
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Alt National Park Service @altnps.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
NSF staff say over 1,600 research grants, including climate, DEI, and public health projects, were canceled under Trump. Peer review has been replaced by partisan screening, with decisions now made by DOGE.
thehill.com
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
If you would like to stand with us to #SaveNSF, either as an organization/institution or an individual, please fill out the form to the right. We would love to list you as an official partner of www.savensf.com/become-a-par...
savensf.com
Become a Partner | Save NSF
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Save NSF @savensf.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
AFGE Local 3403 President Jesus Soriano joined Rep. Zoe Lofgren and AFGE National President Everett Kelley to highlight the damage being done to NSF by the Trump Administration and discuss a letter sent to Congresswomen Lofgren signed by 150 NSF employees #SaveNSF #SaveScience #FundNSF
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/s...
nytimes.com
Trump Seeks to Cut Basic Scientific Research by Roughly One-Third, Report Shows
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
#SaveNSF
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Stand Up for Science! @standupforscience.net · 09/07/2025
Thx for shouting out the need @tokuda.house.gov We're fighting everyday to save agencies like #NOAA - and #FEMA #EPA #NIH #CDC & #NSF too - the Trump administration aims to gut & dismantle. We could your help! Resist here - act.standupforscience.net/forms/epa-ad... #SaveEPA139 #StandUpForScience
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Save NSF @savensf.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
It’s our mission to shed light on the National Science Foundation’s impact on American innovation and leadership. We are fighting to protect funding for scientific research that could change the world. Share your experience with the NSF and share this post. #saveNSF www.savensf.com
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Save NSF @savensf.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
This year the National Science Foundation is celebrating 75 years! In 1950, President Harry S. Truman signed the creation of the National Science Foundation into law. To continue NSF's mission, we must act now to Save NSF. Visit our toolkit to get involved. www.savensf.com/take-action
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Please stay tuned for more info on May 14. The Declaration of Alexandria will open for public signature then. If you wish to stay in the loop, please follow us at @savensf.bsky.social or join our mailing list here: www.savensf.com/join-our-list
savensf.com
Join our List | Save NSF
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · 08/07/2025
BREAKING: Scientists are staging a “science fair” in the lobby of a Congressional building to tell elected officials about the critical knowledge the US will lose because their research grants have been canceled.
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
www.alxnow.com/2025/06/24/r...
alxnow.com
Report: National Science Foundation headquarters to be taken over by HUD, displacing 1,800+ employees | ALXnow
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will reportedly take over the National Science Foundation (NSF) headquarters building (2415 Eisenhower Ave.), displacing more than 1,833 NSF emplo...
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Democratic Activists @democratswin.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-a... Trump administration's National Science Foundation research funding cuts blocked by judge - CBS News
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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Correction: This suit applies to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) terminations. (I am too used to typing NIH)
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Live on AFGE L3403 Press Releases Webpage AFGE Local 3403 Statement on NSF Surprise: Employees Being Relocated to Accommodate Secretary of HUD’s Palatial New Office Link: www.afge.org/contentasset...
afge.org
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Reuters @reuters.com · 20/06/2025
US judge blocks slashing of universities' federal funding from National Science Foundation reut.rs/3FPT1b4
reut.rs
US judge blocks slashing of universities' federal funding from National Science Foundation
A federal judge on Friday blocked the National Science Foundation from sharply cutting research funding provided to universities in the latest legal setback to efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to slash government support of research at major academic institutions.
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Dan Garisto @dangaristo.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
There seems to be some amount of confusion about the sourcing here, so for clarity: I am a journalist; I was provided this information by multiple NSF staff. I am reporting it because it is credible and important. Separately, I have contacted NSF/GSA/HUD. I will provide updates when I have them.
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Dan Garisto @dangaristo.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Some of his requests, per NSF staff: - Dedicated suite for him in the 19th floor - constructing an Executive Dining Room - reserved parking space for his 5 cars - exclusive use of 1 elevator for the Secretary - hosting the Secretary’s executive assistants in the 18th floor.
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Dan Garisto @dangaristo.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Oddly, staff say that neither NSF management nor OSTP have been involved, and the decision was instead driven by the HUD Secretary, Scott Turner, who will be imminently taking over the 18th & 19th floors of the (soon-to-be-former?) NSF building.
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Reposted by AFGE Local 3403
Dan Garisto @dangaristo.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
NEW: NSF will be kicked out of their building. Announcement will be made tomorrow by HUD Sec. and Governor of VA. HUD will take over the NSF building over the next two years. NSF staffer: "There is no planning for NSF, no identified future location, appropriation for a new building or a move."
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
#SaveNSF
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Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
What.
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Stand Up for Science! @standupforscience.net · 17/06/2025
11 of 12 Fulbright board members resign in protest over Trump-era meddling. Hundreds of awardees canceled; 1,200 foreign scholars face extra review. A pillar of U.S. academic diplomacy is under threat. zurl.co/o2mgg #StandUpForScience #Fulbright
zurl.co
Members of the Fulbright scholarship board resign, accusing Trump of meddling
Nearly all the members of a board overseeing the prestigious Fulbright scholarships on Wednesday resigned in protest of what they call the Trump administration’s meddling with the selection of award recipients, according to a statement they issued.
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Jenna Norton @jenna-m-norton.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
I signed the #BethesdaDeclaration for my kids. I want a better future for them, and for all of the children in our country. Please, join me! act.standupforscience.net/forms/add-na...
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ACLU @aclu.org · 16/06/2025
BREAKING: A federal judge reversed National Institutes of Health's terminations of hundreds of critical research grants that were canceled because of their alleged connection to disfavored topics, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender identity. This is a major win for public health.
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Webvixen @webvixen.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Yassss! Go Team 💙
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
AFGE: Tell your Senators to vote NO on the Senate GOP reconciliation bill and protect your pay, benefits and rights! actn.et/uMMooUi0 Reply STOP to quit
actn.et
Oppose Senate Provisions Attacking Federal Workers and Unions
The latest reconciliation bill spells disaster for government workers. It's time to ACT! Senator Rand Paul, Chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, released the Se...
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/n...
nytimes.com
16 States Sue Trump Over $1.4 Billion in Science Cuts
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American Mathematical Society @amermathsoc.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Available now: Talking Points for Saving NSF. The President’s FY2026 budget request proposes a staggering 56% cut to NSF. We must #SaveNSF. Contact your Congressional representatives today and urge them to fully fund NSF. Link to: www.ams.org/government/t...
NFS Logo. Talking Points.By United_States_Capitol_-_west_front.jpg: Architect of the Capitolderivative work: O.J. - United_States_Capitol_-_west_front.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17800708
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Malika Jeffries-EL @chemdiva.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
When we take measures to address the racial bias that has allowed whites to enjoy privilege, they call our survival mechanisms 'racial bias.' Pure hypocrisy. www.science.org/content/arti... #saveNSF #NSF
science.org
NSF’s grant cuts fall heaviest on scientists from underrepresented groups
Projects to broaden participation were cut disproportionately—and were often led by Black scientists, women, and those with disabilities
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Alt NIH Bluesky 🧪 @altnih4science.bsky.social · 24/05/2025
Harvard filed a suit within 24 hours after the Noem visa-stripping. The judge issued a temporary restraining order less than 2 hrs later. The legal system CAN work quickly if the plaintiffs are prepared— know the judges and their courtroom rules, have strategy set and filings ready.
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
Trump Has Cut Science Funding to Its Lowest Level in Decades
The lag in funding extends far beyond D.E.I. initiatives, affecting almost every area of science: chemistry, computing, engineering, materials and more.
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Jeffrey Mervis @policyhound.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
For those having a hard time following all the changes to NSF by the Trump administration, here's a wrapup of the past week's momentous events--and what they mean for the agency. www.science.org/content/arti...
science.org
Trump officials take steps toward a radically different NSF
Efforts to shrink staff, budget, and focus have alarmed members of Congress
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Jeffrey Mervis @policyhound.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
And here's more on Alondra Nelson's bombshell announcement today: www.science.org/content/arti...
science.org
NSF board member resigns in protest of Trump policies at agency
Alondra Nelson fingers DOGE in taking an unprecedented step
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Jeffrey Mervis @policyhound.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Michael Kratsios chose the National Academy's august setting to proscribe some bitter medicine for US researchers www.science.org/content/arti...
science.org
Trump’s science adviser defends funding cuts as a chance to ‘revitalize’ U.S. science
Michael Kratsios says DEI has led to a loss of public trust in universities
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Vote! 🌊 🌊🌊🌊 @alexismya.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
The deadline has been extended until June 7th at 11:59 p.m.
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Dr. David Miller 🏳️‍🌈 @davidimiller.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
🚨 Action alert: Two days left!! Help protect NSF/NIH from political interference. 👎 A new rule (Sched. F) would allow for replacing career program officers with political appointees. ➡️ Action: Object here by THIS FRIDAY. Comments can be brief and/or anonymous. Helps future litigation.
federalregister.gov
Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is proposing a rule to increase career employee accountability. Agency supervisors report great difficulty removing employees for poor performance or misconduc...
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Mehdi Hasan @mehdirhasan.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Just a few weeks ago people were pitching Cory Booker as a front runner for the 2028 Dem presidential nomination. Tonight he was the only Senate Dem to vote to confirm Jared Kushner’s convict dad as ambassador to France. Sheesh.
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Congressman Don Beyer @beyer.house.gov · 19/05/2025
It also threatened the independence of more than 232,000 other 501(c)(3) non-profits across the country, and undermined American diplomacy. This decision restores the rule of law and protects the Institute’s ability to fulfill its mission. 5/
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Congressman Don Beyer @beyer.house.gov · 19/05/2025
HUGE: In federal court today, Judge Howell found that the Trump Administration and DOGE illegally removed USIP Board members, thereby nullifying ensuing actions including: - replacement of Board members with DOGE officials, - USIP staff purge, and - transfer of USIP property to GSA.
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Stand Up for Science! @standupforscience.net · 13/05/2025
We’ve been gearing up for a BIG fight. Tomorrow, it begins—see you then. #standupforscience
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Science for Good ☀️ @sciforgood.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Schedule F institutionalizes politicized science, and it could be law soon. Here's where YOU can make a difference: Right now, the Office of Personnel Management is required to take public comments on the proposed rule. That window closes May 23.
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Science for Good ☀️ @sciforgood.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Trump’s “Schedule F” proposal (now renamed “Schedule Policy/Career”) would strip job protections from up to 50,000 federal workers—many of them scientists, grant officers, or regulators—by declaring their roles “policy-influencing.” That includes NIH and NSF staff.
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Science for Good ☀️ @sciforgood.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
🚨 A proposed policy would reclassify career civil servants as political appointees, fundamentally altering how the government, and science, works. TAKE ACTION! You can submit a public comment to stop this by May 23rd ⬇️ www.federalregister.gov/documents/20... What you can do & why it matters: 🧵
Bright pink background with white text that says, "Submit a Public Comment to Protect American Science"
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AFGE Local 3403 @scienceintegrity.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
www.savensf.com/nsf-at-75-to...
savensf.com
NSF at 75 Toolkit | Save NSF
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