Congress must reverse Fermilab cuts
From the emotional high of discovering the origin of cosmic rays to the downtrodden feeling of being at the mercy of politicians making decisions about your livelihood -- all within a few weeks. Such is the life of a Fermilab employee.
The high-energy physics lab in Batavia has faced the threat of federal budget cuts before, but Congress has more often than not come through with the funding needed to continue the lab's research and major projects. But Congress has just passed a 2008 budget bill that cuts $52 million for Fermilab. Fermilab is facing what it considers "a disaster" for the lab's planned projects and future research in general.
We have praised the government's support of the research conducted at Fermilab, and we have joined with researchers in singing the praises of new discoveries, and the promise of such projects as the linear collider and Tevatron. We have been consistent in our belief that research facilities like Fermilab and Argonne National Laboratory are vital in making scientific advancements and maintaining a technological edge. This cut in funding will take its toll on the progress being made at Fermilab.
When Fermilab had former House Speaker Dennis Hastert in its corner, it amounted to an ace in the hole. But that funding clout is gone now that Hastert has retired. Candidates seeking to succeed Hastert in the 14th Congressional District need to be clear on how they view Fermilab and its future.
When officials at Fermilab say "the worst funding crisis in the history of the laboratory" will force it to lay off 200 workers, we would hope someone in Congress would take notice. Illinois U.S. Sens. Barack Obama and Dick Durbin, and U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, a Hinsdale Republican, are vigorously lobbying for additional funding for Fermilab. Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke and Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner and other mayors are urging Congress to approve supplemental funding for Fermilab next year.
Whether we agree with the politics behind it or not, a country financing a war has to cut expenses in other areas to keep the military strong. We also understand why those who have faced hard times in the business world might say Fermilab should scale back, like others in a weaker economy, and adjust to the budget it is given.
Our only concern with that premise is that the research being conducted at Fermilab represents potential findings beyond our imagination. The results of high-energy physics research can manifest itself in so many ways in medical, energy and technological advances.
We also can't lose sight of the economic impact this funding will have for the region, and the consequences of laying off 200 Fermilab employees.
Fermilab officials are now forced to make contingency plans. It borders on a can't-win scenario for Fermilab decision-makers because massive layoffs could result in severance packages and unemployment payments that would drive Fermilab over its budget anyway. A shutdown of the lab for a few months was also on the drawing board for discussion.
A better alternative would be for our congressmen in the House and Senate to revisit this decision and make certain that Fermilab, and this country in general, does not lose its place in the world of high-energy physics research.