OSTP Director Michael Kratsios testifies before the House Science, Space and Technology Committee in Washington. / IANS

The Trump administration's proposal to overhaul the U.S. scientific research system prompted sharp debate in Congress this week, with lawmakers raising concerns about its impact on research funding, international talent and America's global scientific leadership.

The discussion came during a hearing before the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, where White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director Michael Kratsios defended the administration's plan for what it calls a "Golden Age of Science."

"Our economic leadership and technological dominance cannot be taken for granted in a rapidly changing world," Kratsios said.

"The United States no longer stands alone as an industrial and scientific superpower. Unleashing a golden age of American science requires new focus and reforms."

Kratsios said the administration's strategy would prioritize individual scientists, introduce more flexible research grants, strengthen links between scientific discovery and manufacturing, and expand the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate research.

Democratic lawmakers, however, argued that proposed funding changes and uncertainty surrounding federal research support could discourage both domestic and international scientists.

Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren cited figures showing that major U.S. research universities accepted 15 percent fewer PhD applicants for the autumn 2026 intake than the previous year.

According to Lofgren, admissions of international students declined by 17 percent, while admissions of American students fell by 13 percent.

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"International students have long been a lynchpin of U.S. leadership in science and technology," she said, arguing that the decline could weaken the country's future scientific workforce.

Lofgren also warned that China was increasing its scientific investment while recruiting researchers from the United States.

She said the administration's policies were "strengthen(ing) the hand of China while decimating the U.S. research enterprise."

Several Democratic lawmakers echoed those concerns, arguing that uncertainty over research grants, shifting funding priorities and reduced support for federal science agencies could prompt researchers to seek opportunities abroad.

Representative Deborah Ross said scientists were being lost "to China, to Europe, to anybody who can fund their research," while Representative George Whitesides argued that slower grant approvals and fewer research awards were disproportionately affecting early-career researchers.

Kratsios rejected claims that the administration was weakening American science, saying the goal was to modernize a research ecosystem that had become overly bureaucratic.

"Everything that we should -- we do as a science ecosystem driven by the government, should focus on scientists themselves," he said, adding that the administration wanted to "back young American scientists."

He also defended proposals for fast-track grants, longer-term research funding and mechanisms designed to encourage more unconventional scientific ideas.

Republican lawmakers linked the discussion to strategic competition with China, arguing that research security, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced manufacturing should receive greater emphasis to maintain the United States' technological edge.

Democrats countered that sustained investment in universities and federally funded research institutions remained America's greatest competitive advantage.

The debate is being closely watched by international researchers, including Indian students, who make up one of the largest overseas student communities in the United States. A significant proportion are enrolled in graduate programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, making changes to research funding and scientific priorities particularly significant.

The United States has long relied on international talent to support its research universities, national laboratories and technology sector, while also increasing efforts in recent years to strengthen research security and protect advanced technologies from strategic competitors, particularly China.

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