Your voice can make a difference.
Letters are one of the best means to influence elected officials.
Let your Congressman and Senators know about the successes of the lab and the importance of the laboratory to the local economy. Be polite - don't use a threatening tone. While you have a constitional right to contact your representatives, you may not use government resources to do so. Congress is under significant pressure to balance budget and cut spending. Science programs have been cut and there is no reason to assume that we will be immune from these pressures.