First Impressions: Impact of Election on Science Funding and Policy

Making predictions about the impact of the election on future science budgets and policies is difficult. The election is certain to have profound effects on the how Washington does business. At the same time, there will be a familiarity in how Congress sets the federal science budget, and determines science policy.

There is talk on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue about cooperation next year on initiatives such as welfare reform. Only time will tell whether this will occur; many observers are predicting gridlock.

Although gridlock may prevent passage of new policy initiatives (such as the President’s investment strategy), the appropriations process funding governmental operations will continue. By October 1, 1995, the Congress must enact thirteen appropriations bills that respond to the President’s budget request. Although political brinkmanship may come into play as the President and Congress struggle to meet this deadline, in the end, the appropriations bills will be passed.

Science funding and policy have generally enjoyed bipartisan support. The House science committee has long touted its bipartisan approach to legislation, which is also true of other science-related authorizing committees. An absence of partisan bickering has characterized the VA, HUD, independent agencies appropriations subcommittees and the energy and water development appropriations subcommittees. Battles about funding for mega-projects such as the SSC or space station have not been along strict party lines, either in committee or on the floor. This approach will probably continue.

At the same time, there are two over-arching factors that will importantly affect science-related budgets and policy. The first is the change-over in committee chairs and staff. Republican majorities in each chamber ensure their control of committees. No longer will Rep. George Brown (who won with 51% of the vote) and Senator Barbara Mikulski have direct control over their committee’s and subcommittee’s agendas and legislation. Their Democratic committee staffs, who besides outnumbering their Republican counterparts, have largely been responsible for the drafting of legislation, planning of hearings, and floor strategy, will become minority staff. This shift will be especially important in the appropriations process, which generally relegates minority participation to a minor role. The way in which Congress does business could also change. The Republican Contract with America pledges a cut in the number of House committees, and a one-third reduction in committee staff.

This contract also states that the new majority party will “work to enact additional budget savings,” and a “balanced budget/tax limitation amendment.” Where the new Republican appropriations chairs and their staffs will make budget cuts in science and technology programs has yet to be seen. All of this will have to get underway quickly: Congress reconvenes on January 3, when the Republican majority has pledged to pass major reforms in the committee system and in budgeting procedures.