Senate Releases FY20 Appropriations Bill for Science Agencies

The Senate Appropriations Committee recently passed the FY20 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill for FY20. The bill total is for $70.833 billion, a $6.715 billion increase above FY19 funding levels.

“This bill is fiscally responsible and prioritizes important federal programs that support economic development, law enforcement, and scientific innovation,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee. “I’m especially pleased that this bill accelerates the goal of returning American astronauts to the moon and cements America’s leadership in space exploration. Ranking Member Shaheen and I have worked in a bipartisan manner to craft a strong bill that enables numerous agencies within our jurisdiction to accomplish their missions, keep communities safe, and address the needs of our nation.”

Key funding highlights in the bill include:

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): $1.04 billion for FY20. This is a $53 million increase over FY19 levels and includes a $5.5 million increase for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program.
• National Science Foundation (NSF): $8.317 billion for FY20. This is a $242 million increase over FY19 levels and includes a $27 million increase over FY19 levels for education activities.
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): $22.75 billion for FY20. This is a $1.25 billion increase over FY19 levels and includes $6.2 billion for space exploration activities, a $1.2 billion increase over FY19. NASA’s STEM Engagement education programs receive $112 million, a notable amount as the program was proposed for elimination in the FY20 President’s Budget Request. NASA’s Office of Science received flat funding consistent with FY19 at $6.9 billion.

To view the bill in full: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FY2020%20CJS%20Appropriations%20Act,%20S.2584.pdf