Sample Phone Script

Below is a suggested script outlining the general message callers should convey when making calls to their own U.S. Representatives and Senators and to the White House regarding the importance of including additional funding for science in the FY08 supplemental appropriations bill.

Sample Phone Script:

Hello, my name is _______, and I live in (City, State).

I am calling today to voice my support for including additional funding for scientific research and science education in the supplemental appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008 that Congress and the President will soon be considering (NOTE: this is the most important point to convey if you can only make a short comment).

The failure to appropriate the funds called for last year in the America COMPETES Act, and endorsed by both the President and Congress, is now having significant ramifications for U.S. laboratories, universities and research centers (see attached background sheet for details on impacts).

As a constituent (change to ‘as a voter’ when calling the White House), I ask (Congressperson or Senator’s name or the President) to urge Congressional and Administration leaders to support adding funds for science in the supplemental appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008.

This action is consistent with both the President and Congress’ promises to support science funding. It would prevent the permanent loss of critical scientific jobs and national scientific and technological capabilities and it will help keep America competitive. The additional funding also would send a clear signal to students studying in these fields that both Congress and the President do, in fact, assign a high priority to science and engineering.

It is not too late to fix this funding problem, so I ask that Congress/the President restore funding for critical science programs by including it in the upcoming supplemental funding bill.

Thank you very much.