University Groups Call for Closing 'Innovation Deficit'

With the heads of federal science agencies set to testify at a Senate hearing today, a coalition of 50 research and university groups are again imploring the government to do its part to close what they call the "innovation deficit." The groups note that the level of federal investment in research and higher education needed to keep the United States as the world's leader in idea creation and innovation can be accomplished only if Washington policy makers agree to "stop sequestration, reduce long-term budget deficits, and stabilize the long-term national debt."