The United States of America, once the world wide leader in technology, where all other countries came to for training, education and advanced research has willingly relinquished that role to anyone else willing to take the reins (currently Europe).
There's a reason why the bottom of the periodic chart is dominated by heavy elements named and discovered by Americans.
We spent decades in the lead of all advanced physics and scientific projects, because we saw the value in funding projects that didn't have an economic impact within the lifespan of a single term in Congress, but had vast economic benefits through innovation and spin-off technology.
Bring back the glory days of innovation and discovery. Refund the SSC!