On May 9, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to the FY 2013 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (H.R.5326) that prohibits the funding of political science programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF). The amendment, offered by Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ-6), passed by a roll call vote of 218 to 208.

To date, the Senate has not yet considered its version of the C-J-S appropriations bill (S. 2323). However, the American Political Science Association (APSA) has learned that a Flake-like amendment is likely to be offered on the Senate floor. Senate action is not expected until the end of June. If legislation passes the Senate that eliminates funding for political science at the NSF, APSA will seek to have the language eliminated in any House-Senate conference committee on the bill.

Additional information, including links to a variety of resources for advocates, is available on the American Political Science Association’s website.

The National Humanities Alliance has also set up a legislative alert on their website that allows you to contact your Members of Congress on this issue. To send an e-mail to your Senator click here.