Stony Brook Office of Federal Relations Joins SUNY Chancellor on Capitol Hill to Advocate for FY27 Priorities

On March 4, Stony Brook University's Office of Federal Relationsjoined John B. King Jr., Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY) and SUNY's Director of Federal Relations, Whitney Riggs, on Capitol Hill to advocate for the system's federal priorities for Fiscal Year 2027 and meet with members of Congress to underscore the importance of sustained federal investment in higher education, research, student financial aid and public safety-net hospitals.

To kick off his day on the Hill, Chancellor King met with Rep. Nick LaLota, who represents New York's 1st Congressional District, which includes Stony Brook University. During the meeting, King emphasized the critical role that federal investments in academic research play in maintaining the United States' leadership in emerging technologies central to national defense, including artificial intelligence and quantum science. King highlighted Stony Brook University's national leadership in these areas, noting that the university's cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships are helping drive U.S. technological competitiveness and strengthen national security.

"SUNY is at the forefront of the research and innovation that will define America's future competitiveness and security," said King. "Federal investment in areas like artificial intelligence and quantum science is essential to maintaining U.S. leadership globally, and Stony Brook's researchers and partnerships are helping drive life-saving breakthroughs that benefit our economy, our national defense, and communities across New York."

King thanked Rep. LaLota for his commitment to increasing federal investment in Stony Brook's defense research and for his strong support of Stony Brook Medicine and its mission to deliver world-class healthcare, research and medical education to communities across Long Island. Chancellor King also emphasized the importance of protecting and strengthening federal student aid programs, particularly the Pell Grants, which help ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to a SUNY education.

In addition, King discussed the importance of maintaining strong federal support for university research through indirect cost reimbursement. He referenced the work of the Joint Associations Group (JAG), a coalition of higher education and research organizations that recently released recommendations aimed at improving the transparency and efficiency of the federal research funding system. King emphasized that indirect cost funding is essential for universities to maintain the infrastructure, facilities and administrative support necessary to conduct cutting-edge research.

Other congressional members King met with during his visit to the nation's capital included Rep. Grace Meng, Rep. Joe Morelle and Rep. Espaillat, in addition to senior staff of Rep. Bobby Scottand Rep. Timothy Kennedy. The meetings highlighted the vital role SUNY institutions like Stony Brook University play in advancing scientific innovation, strengthening the nation's workforce and expanding educational opportunities for students across New York and the country. Stony Brook University's Office of Federal Relations works closely with SUNY and federal policymakers to advance shared priorities that support research, student access and healthcare across the SUNY system.