Given the present admin's intention of closing down most science in the US, and very anti-science attitude, this kind of protest is essential to remind the other politicians that scientists are also constituents.
You'll let us know when "most [federally funded] science is closed down" -- wontcha? There ARE issues that have been neglected. Like ANYTHING environmental OTHER THAN GWarming. And focusing on clean air and clean water and those other issues is a VERY good thing.
There are other things. Like the plethora of Govt labs that simply duplicate themselves (like at NIH) or are redundant compared to the vast number of research labs already established. The objectives SHOULD be to get people INTO STEM. Assure minority representation in those recruitments. And to fund TRUE R&D in the universities and businesses. There is no particular need to duplicate the actual staffs and facilities WITHIN the govt.
With the money that can be saved by cutting off corporate welfare for NON - R&D tax breaks, you could easily INCREASE the amount going to STRAIGHT UP science and R&D.. Neither party has had the balls to do that, but PERHAPS -- a more "independent" Administration will insist it be done..