US legislators provide substantial federal funding for science projects at universities in their home states.[1] Senator Mitch McConnell, for example, reached $100 million for projects at the University of Louisville and $65 million for a research building at the University of Kentucky.[1] Similarly, Senator Susan Collins secured $45 million for a medical complex at the University of Maine and Senator Patty Murray $50 million for a research center at Washington State University.[1] In the fiscal year 2026 budget, lawmakers provided a total of more than 8,400 projects worth $15.7 billion.[3] These subsidies represent the first federal funds for local projects since 2024, since in 2025 Congress adopted the so-called continuing resolution without the possibility to secure these funds.[3] Federal funds for university research projects are expected to continue to flow, with at least $1 billion expected in the upcoming fiscal year 2027 budget.[1]