ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Cornell University has joined other universities across America in a lawsuit against efforts by the federal government to claw back money associated with already existing research grants.

The lawsuit is against the Department of Energy's efforts to cut indirect costs associated with the grants.

In a letter released to students, the President of Cornell University, Michael Kotlikoff, said if indirect costs such as large scale computing, lab maintenance and more are cut, it would do irreparable damage to national security, American economic competitiveness and progress towards energy independence. Along with Cornell's ability to do research and train the next generation of energy scientists.

"Cornell remains committed to its ambitious research mission and appreciates every opportunity to harness scientific inquiry for the public good. We are eager to have a thoughtful conversation about how we could partner with the federal government to reduce research operating costs while preserving the partnership that underlies the many benefits of sponsored research for the American people, economy, and global competitiveness," Kotlikoff said.

Cornell's president said this is the second time this semester the university had to file a lawsuit against a federal agency.