May 20, 2015

The House Appropriations Committee passed the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) spending bill for fiscal year (FY) 2016 by voice vote on May 20. The bill would cut the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) budget by $274 million and take additional funding from Earth science programs in NASA to go toward space exploration-focused programs.

The bill includes funding for NASA space exploration and the Administration’s new BRAIN (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) Initiative, fields that Chairman John Culberson (R-TX) deemed “critically relevant” to the nation’s interests.

Democratic Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), David Price (D-NC), Sam Farr (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Mike Honda (D-CA) offered five amendments reversing cuts to NOAA. None passed, and only Rep. Lee’s and Rep. Price’s amendments were voted on; the three other amendments were withdrawn. Culberson generally acknowledged the need for amendments that would restore NOAA funding to current levels, but argued that the amendments did not include an offset of funds and therefore could not be considered if members wanted the bill to pass the House floor.

Sources: E&E News, Appropriations Committee