To be clear, NIST did not propose the cuts in a vacuum. They are a response to the budget allocation they get from the executive branch. The allocation is lower than what their current budget is, so they have to cut something. I suspect that NIST allocated budget cuts to the various departments and when the Fundamental Measurement, Quantum Science and Measurement Dissemination group received its cut allocation it prioritized its programs and the WWV/WWVH/WWVB programs fell below the line. Most of us that have been involved in hard budget decisions know the drill. Something ugly usually happens. In essence, the proposed budget allocations are forcing NIST to take a poison pill.
In context, the overall federal budget proposed is increased. The cuts in WWV/WWVH/WWVB go to expenditures elsewhere by the government. Each individual needs to determine whether the expenditures elsewhere in the government are more important to them than the WWV/WWVH/WWVB cuts. To me, the lower priority given to science and technology in the 2019 proposed budget, evidenced in part by the NIST cuts, is disturbing. I fear that in time it will flow to other programs, including NASA, that are important to us.
At the risk of introducing politics into what should be an apolitical AMSAT BBS, sending your elected representatives a post card declaring how you feel about this issue and what you want them to do about it is as important, or more important, than signing the petition. But, the ballot box is a longer term solution to the problem. Register to vote in November and vote for candidates that will support federal expenditures on science and technology. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.
Off the soap box. - Duffey KK6MC
James Duffey KK6MC Cedar Crest NM
On Sep 3, 2018, at 22:54, Glen Zook via AMSAT-BB amsat-bb@amsat.org wrote:
NOT a White House proposal! The proposal is by the NIST. The petition is to attempt to get the President to intervene to stop the elimination of WWV / WWVH.
Glen, K9STH Website: http://k9sth.net
From: Robert Bruninga <bruninga@usna.edu>To: amsat bb amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, September 3, 2018 9:36 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Fwd: White House wants to eliminate WWV
White house planning to shut down WWV. If you disagree, sign the petition started by Ham Operator Tom Kelly in Oregon:.
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of AMSAT-NA. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb