The Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) on November 4 sent a letter to the FY14 budget conference committee members urging them to reach an agreement that repeals the sequester, at least temporarily, and makes possible greater investments in research and higher education in order to help close the innovation deficit. AAU President Hunter Rawlings and APLU President Peter McPherson wrote that the budget plan should include modest entitlement reforms that do not harm those in need.

Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are members of the conference. UO President Michael Gottfredson has also spoken with the  senators and other members of the Oregon delegation to express concern about the impacts of further sequestration cuts to UO students and research activities.

The full letter is available here.