The proposed action is to substantially reduce NSF's contribution to the funding of the Green Bank Observatory.

I would like to now go on to the alternatives for future operations of the Green Bank Observatory.

Alternative A is described as collaboration with interested parties for continued science and education-focused operations with reduced NSF funding.

And the others are, B, collaboration with interested parties for operation as a technology and education park.

C is mothballing of facilities, and D is demolition and site restoration.

- We're going to have one speaker at a time.

We have quite a few people who would like to speak today, and these comments do go on the record.

- The first real experience at the GBT which I had, is where school kids actually get involved in active research with us people.

And I mean, I've seen how people's faces light up when they see something which only scientists are supposed to see.

- I can say with absolute confidence that because I'm a West Virginian, I'm a scientist, and I'm a scientist because of the GBT.

- I reject the idea that this facility needs to be closed down and shuttered.

I know we have here a body that represents the scientists and the intellect that we depend on to try to answer some of the most difficult, perplexing, and complex questions about our existence in the universe.

And I want to ask the National Science Foundation, what do you think you're going to be making of our world when you make this decision?

- Researchers in nearly every possible subfield of astronomy are making fantastic findings that bring us closer to a full understanding of our universe.

Many of the research topics being investigated with the GBT are in line with the NSF's own astronomical priorities, including education.

I've benefited from these programs myself, and that's led to a mentorship experience that has helped me find my passions.

The NSF is absolutely imperative to the future of the observatory and the many people and communities it impacts every day.

- The Chinese government is dumping money into basic research.

They're not trying to play catch-up.

They're trying to pass us, OK?

I was there two years ago, and I remember working in their facility and seeing this huge construction right next door.

And I'm like, what is all that?

And they're like oh, that's our new lab.

And then I come back here, you know, to look at options A, B, C, D, talking about shutting us.

So what the hell, right?

[laughter] Sorry.

You can scratch the, hell, part.

[laughter] Are we going to stop investing?

Are we going to abdicate our leadership role in the world?

OK, so let's keep America great and let's keep investing in the future, all right?

Thank you.

[applause] [ambient music]