Budget

The Science, Space, and Technology Committee has traditionally been known as one of the most bipartisan committees in the House.  While there have been disagreements about budgets and policy – such as the 2010 reauthorization of the America COMPETES legislation – the committee has generally been able to separate itself from the atmosphere found in most committee rooms and on the House floor.  Recent developments indicate a change in this approach.

House and Senate appropriators have completed their hearings on the FY 2014 NASA budget request.

The House Science Committee’s Research Subcommittee held an April 17 hearing to review the Administration’s FY 2014 Budget Request for the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Congressional action on the budget is focused on appropriations legislation for Fiscal Year 2014 that starts on October 1.

One of the first steps in the annual federal budget process is the preparation of an overall framework to guide later congressional action on appropriations, revenues, and entitlements.  This budget resolution includes about 20 categories of federal spending called budget functions. 

This activity is undertaken by the House and Senate Budget Committees.  Later this week these committees will start the preparation of their separate resolutions.  The two resolutions will then be considered on the House and Senate floors.

The Optical Society and the American Institute of Physics (AIP) were joined by 31 scientific associations and organizations in sending a letter to all Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives urging the continued prioritization of federal funding for science and technology.  “Even in times of austerity, investment in scientific research is vital to ensuring our country’s long-term prosperity and competitiveness.”  The letter calls “measures to reduce our federal deficit” to be made in a “thoughtful responsible way.”  The Optical Society is an AIP Mem

“Sequestration cuts will have real and lasting consequences.” – DOE Office of Science Director William Brinkman

Office of Science Director William Brinkman testified before the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee on March 5.  In addition to his oral opening statement, Brinkman provided the subcommittee with written testimony.