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Update on Ocean Observatories Initiative

nsf.gov

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Re: Update on Ocean Observatories Initiative

#11

Post by tedd4u »

daveguy wrote: post #10
63 wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

For those unfamiliar, this implies they would have been able to override a presidential veto, so the administration backtracking is just saving the president the embarassment of a defiant congress/disunified party.

If the administration cares about embarrassment, I've got some bad news.

Trump cares about winning, and appearing invincible, a lot. That’s why in close races, he only endorses near the end when he’s sure who’s going to win.

Re: Update on Ocean Observatories Initiative

#12

Post by colechristensen »

daveguy wrote: post #10
63 wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

For those unfamiliar, this implies they would have been able to override a presidential veto, so the administration backtracking is just saving the president the embarassment of a defiant congress/disunified party.

If the administration cares about embarrassment, I've got some bad news.

The administration cares about itself feeling embarrassment.

What it feels embarrassment about doesn't necessarily have much to do with what a normal healthy adult would feel embarrassment about.

Think of him like an emotionally damaged child.

Re: Update on Ocean Observatories Initiative

#14

Post by Terr_ »

tedd4u wrote: post #11
daveguy wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If the administration cares about embarrassment, I've got some bad news.

Trump cares about winning, and appearing invincible, a lot. That’s why in close races, he only endorses near the end when he’s sure who’s going to win.

Right, the operative word is less "embarrassment" than "impotence".

Re: Update on Ocean Observatories Initiative

#15

Post by softwaredoug »

The context behind this is head of OMB Russell Vought thinks impoundments - not paying out congressionally authorized funds - is constitutional. So this seems like a legitimate retreat on one of many impoundment issues. It required real pressure from Congress as they try to harden appropriations against an OMB willing to use almost every tactic to not disburse funds.

But impoundment issues persist in NASA and other science agencies in particular.

Still, it’s a hopeful sign that the constitutional system is not broken completely

Re: Update on Ocean Observatories Initiative

#17

Post by dang »

Related (I think). Have there been others?

U.S. pulling ocean sensors a 'shock' for Canadian research as El Niño nears - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48560847 - June 2026 (271 comments)

U.S. to dismantle system tracking Atlantic currents that are at risk of collapse - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48392232 - June 2026 (487 comments)

Re: Update on Ocean Observatories Initiative

#18

Post by softwaredoug »

cadamsdotcom wrote: post #4

Widespread worldwide outrage can bring about change. This seems to be good news without a catch. Am I missing something?

The only small catch is that NSF did not acknowledge it was illegally withholding funds Congress authorized for the array. And so who knows what might change in the future.

Still Congress seemed willing to pressure the administration on the issue and was about to pass a law directly earmarking the project.

Re: Update on Ocean Observatories Initiative

#20

Post by jauntywundrkind »

I ran into this lovely cross-survey paper three months ago, and was so thankful: an amazing incredible view of reality, a depth of understanding. It was such a horror to think of ripping up such amazing science!

Past, present and future of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation Josep L. Pelegrí

https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.05592.109

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