FromThe New York Times:
As for the startling estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, if it proves accurate, the budget deficit will be nearly two and a half times bigger than the previous record shortfall of $455 billion reached in 2008. The estimate was far higher than most other analysts have predicted. If combined with the gigantic stimulus package of tax cuts and new spending that Mr. Obama is preparing, which could amount to nearly $800 billion over two years, the shortfall this year could hit $1.6 trillion.
How do you think the federal science budget, which has already failed to keep pace with inflation for the past several years, will fare in this situation? Not well, I'd wager. My guess is that the programs the president supports, such as in energy research, will grow. But as for everything else? We'll see, but I just don't see how Obama can possibly deliver, any time soon, on this pledge that he made in response to ScienceDebate2008 (a response that may have been given before the big economic crash):
My administration will increase funding for basic research in physical and life sciences, mathematics, and engineering at a rate that would double basic research budgets over the next decade.
It's hard for me to grasp how that's gonna be possible, although I'd be interested to hear why I'm wrong....
