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National Science Foundation Employees Face Uncertain Future as HUD Takes Over Headquarters
In a shocking move, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced that it will be taking over the headquarters of the National Science Foundation (NSF) in Alexandria, Virginia, effective immediately. The decision has left over 1,800 NSF employees facing an uncertain future, with many expressing outrage and disappointment at the sudden announcement. The move is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to increase federal efficiency, but critics argue that it is a callous disregard for taxpayer dollars and NSF employees.
The news broke on Tuesday, June 24, when NSF employees were informed that they would soon be kicked out of their office. The next day, officials from HUD and the General Services Administration (GSA) confirmed the news at a press conference, stating that the takeover would happen “as quickly as possible.” According to Michael Peters, Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service for the GSA, the move is a win for everyone involved, but NSF employees and critics are not convinced.
The Impact on NSF Employees
The sudden announcement has left NSF employees reeling, with many expressing anger and frustration at the lack of notice or consultation. An NSF employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told E&E News that they had “literally zero idea” the move was coming, and that the agency had only relocated to the brand-new building in 2017. Dozens of NSF workers gathered outside the building to protest the decision, chanting slogans like “We won’t go!” and “N-S-F.” One employee told Washington’s News4, “This is bulls—.”
Criticism from Lawmakers and Unions
The move has been widely criticized by lawmakers and unions, who argue that it is a callous disregard for taxpayer dollars and NSF employees. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents many NSF workers, strongly condemned the move, alleging that it was told the relocation would include new additions to the Weaver building, such as a private executive suite, dining room, and custom gym for HUD Secretary Scott Turner. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, also expressed dismay at the reports of possible luxuries that would be installed as part of the move.
Key highlights of the criticism include:
* The AFGE has called the move a “callous disregard for taxpayer dollars and NSF employees”
* Sen. Cantwell has expressed concern that the move will add insult to injury, given the Trump administration’s plans to cut NSF’s budget by 55%
* Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-California) has condemned the measure, stating that “science loses, the American taxpayer loses, and our competitors, like China, win”
The Future of NSF
The announcement comes at an uncertain time in NSF’s history. The agency was founded in 1950 with the goal of advancing American science, technology, and engineering, and has played a key role in these fields from developing the barcode to observing gravitational waves and imaging the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. However, over the last six months, the Trump administration has frozen or terminated over 1,600 NSF grants, with plans to reduce the agency’s budget by more than half.
Uncertainty for Displaced Employees
It is currently unclear where or how NSF’s displaced employees will be relocated. Some had just recently moved back to Virginia on short notice after a federal judge reversed the Trump administration’s decision to fire dozens of probationary employees. Glenn Youngkin, the Governor of Virginia, has expressed his hope that the Trump administration will keep NSF in the commonwealth, but at a different location. For now, it appears that the GSA is taking responsibility for figuring out where to move NSF workers.
Key points to note:
* The GSA will continue to support and work with the National Science Foundation on space that allows them to fulfill their mission
* NSF declined to comment on the situation
* The future of NSF’s displaced employees remains uncertain
In conclusion, the takeover of NSF’s headquarters by HUD has left over 1,800 employees facing an uncertain future. The move has been widely criticized by lawmakers and unions, who argue that it is a callous disregard for taxpayer dollars and NSF employees. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of NSF and its employees hangs in the balance.
Keywords: National Science Foundation, HUD, Trump administration, federal efficiency, NSF employees, taxpayer dollars, science, technology, engineering, budget cuts, grants, relocation, GSA, Virginia, Washington D.C.
Hashtags: #NSF #HUD #TrumpAdministration #FederalEfficiency #NSFEmployees #TaxpayerDollars #Science #Technology #Engineering #BudgetCuts #Grants #Relocation #GSA #Virginia #WashingtonDC
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