Boulder, Colorado — Colorado’s two U.S. senators are blocking a major federal spending package in an effort to halt Trump administration plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a globally significant climate and weather research institution based in Boulder.
Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet said they will not allow the so-called “minibus” appropriations bill to advance unless it includes explicit language protecting NCAR’s funding and operational independence. The bill would otherwise fund roughly 85% to 90% of the federal government through September 2026.
The standoff follows an announcement by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought that the National Science Foundation intends to “break up” NCAR, a move that researchers warn could severely disrupt long-term climate modeling, severe weather forecasting, and atmospheric science used by governments worldwide.
In a joint statement, the senators accused President Donald Trump of politically targeting Colorado, arguing the decision fits a broader pattern of retaliation against states that resist his administration. Hickenlooper said the White House is “weaponizing the federal government” to punish Colorado officials, a charge the administration has not publicly addressed.
The NCAR dispute comes amid proposed cuts to several Boulder-area federal labs, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Supporters argue the reductions threaten U.S. scientific leadership and public safety, while critics say restructuring is necessary to reduce federal spending.
A rally in support of NCAR employees is scheduled Saturday in Boulder as negotiations over the spending bill continue.
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