AHA urges historians to oppose House bill that cuts social science research

On Wednesday May 21the House Science, Space and Technology Committee will mark up the Frontiers in Innovation, Research, Science and Technology Act, or FIRST Act. This legislation includes massive cuts to the National Science Foundation's Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences directorate, whose sphere includes historical research. Moreover, it is not only an issue of money; the legislation also takes aim at the integrity of the peer review process. The AHA is a member of the Consortium of Social Science Associations, which has issued an Action Alert encouraging members to write to their House Representative urging them to vote "NO" on the bill. We share our colleagues' dismay regarding the House of Representatives pending action on the "FIRST Act," and encourage our members to send a message.