BCW Joins Coalition Urging Congress to Protect Federal Research Funding

The Business Council of Westchester (BCW), as a member of the Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition, is joining business organizations from across the country in urging congressional leaders to protect federal investments that are critical to America’s global leadership in innovation, science and economic competitiveness.

The Coalition recently sent a letter to congressional leaders emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong federal research and development funding in Fiscal Year 2027. Representing 86 local, regional and state chambers of commerce and business organizations across 37 states, the Coalition underscored the vital role federal research investments play in supporting businesses, creating jobs, strengthening the workforce and ensuring the United States remains competitive in an increasingly innovation-driven global economy.

Federal research funding supports advancements across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, emerging technologies, manufacturing and agriculture, while helping spur private-sector investment, launch new technologies and startups, and develop a highly skilled workforce.

The economic impact of these investments extends far beyond the research itself. According to data highlighted by the Coalition, each additional dollar of federal research spending could increase the present value of U.S. GDP by an average of $12.50 over the next 30 years, demonstrating the significant long-term return federal research investment can provide to businesses, workers and communities nationwide.

As a follow-up to the Coalition’s letter, BCW Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Ravitz will travel to Washington, D.C. next week to participate in the Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition’s Washington Fly-In. Ravitz will join business leaders from across the country for meetings with congressional leaders and briefings from key policy stakeholders focused on protecting federal research investments and strengthening America’s innovation economy.

BCW’s participation in both the Coalition’s advocacy efforts and the upcoming Washington Fly-In reflects its continued commitment to advancing policies that support innovation, economic development and the long-term competitiveness of Westchester’s business community.