The Detroit News
Sept. 15, 2025
Melissa Nann Burke
The Detroit Regional Chamber helped organize a coalition of local chambers of commerce around the country that are descending on Capitol Hill this week to urge the release of frozen federal research dollars ― contracts funded by Congress and promised to universities but held up by the Trump administration.
The local chambers intend to press U.S. lawmakers on the broad economic impact of federal research investment on U.S. growth and competitiveness, supporting billions in indirect economic impact, fostering new industries and creating new jobs.
The group’s focus this year has been on research grants already awarded to universities, seeking the continuation of funding at the level that was agreed to in university contracts, said Adam Majestic, director of public policy and business advocacy for the Detroit Regional Chamber.
“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.
“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.”
…