Budget Committee Initial Recommendations on R&D Spending Cuts

Within the next few weeks, the House will vote on a legislative package which will include a reduction in discretionary spending of $100 billion over the next five years. Discretionary spending is directly controlled by the annual appropriations process, and includes funding for NSF, NASA, DOE, and the Department of Commerce. Under the provisions of the legislation, a key component of which has cleared the House Budget Committee, spending caps on discretionary spending frozen in 1993 would be extended another two years through the year 2000. In addition, another $100 billion beyond this level would be cut from FY 1996 - 2000 budgets. These savings will be used to pay for portions of the “Contract with America.”

How could this $100 billion be cut? A March 16, 45-page document entitled, “Illustrative Republican Spending Cuts Toward Meeting Contract with America Offset Requirements,” provides “an illustrative list of discretionary spending cuts that the House Budget Committee has suggested to show that this $100 billion cap reduction is achievable.” The document notes that “these suggestions are not binding.” Actual cuts to meet the reduction are the responsibility of various committees. Some of the physics-related science and technology recommendations made by the Budget Committee, with projected five year savings, are:

Under a heading which states,"Begin Termination of the Department of Energy:" “Reduce Energy Supply Research and Development.” $2.318 billion. Included in this reduction are the international fusion program, “the neutron source reactor,” solar and renewable energy, biological and environmental research, environment restoration and waste management, technology transfer, and the precollege education program.

U.S. Geological Survey. “Significant reforms...but not...outright elimination” are recommended for three Interior Department minerals-related agencies, for a total savings of $1.049 billion.

“Accept President Clinton’s Management Reforms for Human Space Flight, and Science, Aeronautics, and Technology in NASA.” $1.546 billion.

“Re-Evaluate Mission to Planet Earth Science Requirements.” $326 million. “The EOS program has gone through several planning exercises that have reduced its cost and scope.... This proposal would scale back and delay parts of the system.”

Under a heading which states, “Begin Phase I of Terminating the Department of Commerce:" “Eliminate Industrial Technology Services and Several programs in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration that are Engaged in Industrial Policy.” ($2.166 billion) “Although the Federal Government has a role in basic research, it should not be engaged in applied research. Furthermore, considerable evidence exists that the Federal Government in not capable of picking projects with the greatest potential for technological and commercial success. Therefore, this proposal would terminate funding in the Department of Commerce for Industrial Technology Services, including the so-called Advanced Technology Program and phase out the manufacturing extension partnership.” Also: “Restructure the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.” ($1.185 billion.)

“Reduce Funding for Goals 2000 and School-to-Work Programs.” ($723 million) “This proposal eliminates funding for three programs: Goals 2000 National Programs, which support assessments, development of standards, research, and technical assistance....” Goals 2000 State and Local Grants would be frozen at $229 million.

House Budget Committee John Kasich (R-Ohio) has stated that additional cuts in discretionary spending levels will be made in May when the committee starts work on the FY 1996 budget. These cuts will be aimed at balancing the federal budget by the year 2002. How the Senate will react to these proposals is yet to be seen.