Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Regional Chamber has coordinated a coalition of local chambers of commerce from across the United States to advocate for the release of federal research funds currently on hold. This week, representatives from these business groups are meeting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to discuss the economic effects tied to delayed federal research grants.

The coalition is focusing on contracts that have already been funded by Congress and promised to universities but are now paused by the Trump administration. According to Adam Majestic, director of public policy and business advocacy at the Detroit Regional Chamber, the group’s main goal is to ensure continued funding at levels previously agreed upon in university contracts.

“We’re not getting into the nitty-gritty on different things that the administration should be or should not be doing. The whole point is these are contracts that were agreed to, that the universities and the businesses in the communities relied on, and they’ve been paused by the Trump administration,” Majestic said.

Majestic added: “The inconsistency and uncertainty right now from this administration has put a damper on things, and one of those uncertainties is if universities are going to continue receiving funds.”

Local chambers argue that investment in federal research supports significant indirect economic impact, helps foster new industries, and creates jobs throughout various sectors.