The failure of the 109th Congress to pass most fiscal year 2007 bills "has produced a crisis in science financing" that could result in the closure of large research facilities, delay studies and leave thousands of scientists without jobs, according to federal and private sector officials, the New York Times reports. Last year, Congress approved two of 11 FY 2007 appropriations bills and passed a continuing resolution to fund most federal agencies at FY 2006 levels until February. According to the Times, with inflation, the "budgets translate into reductions of about 3% to 4% for most fields of science and engineering." Democrats last month said that they would seek a CR to fund most federal agencies at FY 2006 levels until the fall, rather than pass the FY 2007 appropriations bills. Scientists maintain that the delay in passage of the FY 2007 appropriations bills could affect a number of important studies. Raymond Orbach, undersecretary for science at the Department of Energy, in a recent statement said, "A yearlong continuing resolution takes away many of the opportunities for advancing science. We urge Congress to continue critical investments in America's scientific leadership." Michael Lubell, a senior official at the American Physical Society, said, "The message to young scientists and industry leaders, alike, will be, 'Look outside the U.S. if you want to succeed'" (Broad, New York Times, 1/7).