TheWeekInCongress.com
Week Ending June 17, 2005
HR 2862 making appropriations for Science, Commerce, Justice, State and the Related agencies.
TITLE I---SCIENCE
BRIEF
The OSTP (Office of Science and Technology Policy) advises the President “on science and technology policies and coordinates research and development programs for the Federal Government”. The Appropriations Committee asserts that US science and technology innovation is in a sorry state and concludes that OSTP should apprise the White House of that fact and how the US can again excel in those areas.
A $1.2 billion bump to spend $57.5 billion for US science and space programs indicates that the Committee well intends for future science spending increases to assure that the US takes a leadership role in world science and technology development.
A $14.6 million increase to $16.5 billion would fund NASA's mission to: “advance human exploration, use and development of space; advance and communicate scientific knowledge and understanding of the Earth, the Solar System and the Universe; and research, develop, verify and transfer advanced aeronautics and space technologies.” Special emphasis is given to the CEV (Crew Exploration Vehicle) program that will replace the familiar Space Shuttle.
The bill funds the National Academy of Science that has expressed concerns in reduced funds for NASA’s program of studying the Earth as a whole system asserting that to not study that phenomena and live within its’ dictates would be a disadvantage compared to countries that do so. Funding, then, would continue for NASA’s efforts to monitor atmospheric conditions such as warming in and from space and in the Earth’s atmosphere.
The NSF (National Science Foundation) received acclaim from the Committee as well as a $17 million increase to spend over $5.5 billion. The mission of the NSF is “to develop a national policy on science, and support and promote basic research and education in the sciences” and it does so from ice cap to ice cap and to great depths under the Earth’s oceans.
NASA would be prohibited from spending for an "Artist in Residence".
Sponsor: Representative Frank R. Wolf (R-VA-10th)
Vote: The House passed HR 2862 419 to 17 (RC 268) (June 16, 2005)
Cost to the taxpayers: “The Committee (on Appropriations) recommends a total of $57,453,000,000 in discretionary budget authority for the departments and agencies funded in this bill. The recommendation is $3,043,383,000 below the (President’s) request and $1,211,118,000 above the amount enacted for the current fiscal year.”
The recommendation for Science spending is $22,119,984,000, which is $444,432,000 above the amount provided in fiscal year 2005 including supplemental amounts, and $53,020,000 above the budget request.
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MORE INFORMATION
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Science, Aeronautics and Exploration
Office of National Science Board
The recommendation includes $5,564,000 for the Office of Science and Technology Policy, which is $764,000 below the current year funding level and the same as the request. The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was created under the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976. OSTP advises the President on science and technology policies and coordinates research and development programs for the Federal Government.
The Committee is deeply concerned about the state of the Nation's dedication to maintaining our position as the world leader in science, technology and innovation. Further, the Committee is convinced that bold and dramatic commitments are necessary to ensure the United States' economic leadership in the 21st Century and a rising standard of living for all Americans. In this regard, the Committee encourages OSTP to ensure that Executive branch policy makers and budget officials understand the impact of stagnation in science and technology on all areas of national life. The Committee expects that future budget requests for science and technology programs will reflect the importance of these investments to the competitive and economic future of the nation.
The Committee is also concerned about the state of science education in the United States. The Committee expects OSTP to work to improve coordination and communication among science agencies to ensure that education programs are effective and complementary, and not duplicative.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was established by the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 to conduct space and aeronautical research, development, and flight activities for peaceful purposes designed to maintain United States preeminence in aeronautics and space. NASA's unique mission of exploration, discovery, and innovation is intended to preserve the United States' role as both a leader in world aviation and as the pre-eminent space-faring nation. It is NASA's mission to: advance human exploration, use and development of space; advance and communicate scientific knowledge and understanding of the Earth, the Solar System and the Universe; and research, develop, verify and transfer advanced aeronautics and space technologies.
The Committee recommends $16,471,050,000 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, an increase of $14,650,000 above the budget request and $274,650,000 above the fiscal year 2005 inclusive of $126,000,000 in emergency funding provided in Public Law 108-324.
The Committee is supportive of NASA's new vision and mission for space exploration and the recommendation includes funds for the Administration's priorities for these activities. The Committee is very concerned about the need to maintain the nation's leadership in science and technology. To this end, the Committee has not agreed to the Administration's proposed reductions to the aeronautics research program or science programs, and has fully restored aeronautics to the fiscal year 2005 level and partially restored the proposed reduction to science programs. However, given the serious nature of the budget deficit facing the nation the Committee was forced to make a number of difficult choices in allocating the scarce resources available to NASA and has proposed what it believes is a more balanced budget that both supports the new vision but does not abandon NASA's other core functions.
The Committee supports the premise outlined by the NASA Administrator in NASA's fiscal year 2005 Operating Plan that the agency must set clear priorities to remain within the budget while ensuring adequate funding for the clear directions identified by the President and Congress. The Committee supports the Administrator's plan to accelerate development of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) to minimize the gap between the retirement of the Space Shuttle and the first operational flight of the CEV. To help achieve this goal, the Committee supports the proposed `non traditional' competitive acquisition of a United States `earth to orbit' crew and/or cargo transfer capability. The Committee believes this approach offers affordable and credible risk mitigation for accelerating post-shuttle United States human spaceflight.
The Committee also supports NASA's objective to restructure Project Prometheus to focus nuclear technology efforts on near-term requirements for human and robotic missions. Finally, the Committee supports NASA's objective to rebalance the content of its overall science portfolio to ensure appropriate resources among planetary science, Earth science, solar physics and astronomy. The Committee understands that NASA is currently reviewing the implications of these objectives and directs NASA to report to the Committee on the outcome of these reviews as soon as possible after their completion.
The Committee has agreed to adopt NASA's new proposed budget structure. The Committee understands that NASA wishes to adopt a budget structure that is consistent with its new vision and mission for robotic and manned space exploration. However, the Committee notes that in the past few years NASA has proposed changes to its account and budget structure every year. Therefore, the Committee expects no further changes to the budget structure. In addition, the Committee remains concerned about the process of setting NASA priorities in the operating plan rather than through the normal budget and appropriations process. Hereafter, the Committee expects the operating plan to only address minor adjustments or changes resulting from unforeseen contingencies.
The Committee is extremely disappointed in the lack of detail of funding provided in the fiscal year 2006 congressional budget justification. NASA is reminded that the primary purpose of budget justifications is to provide needed information to the Committees on Appropriations, and therefore must be submitted in a format with the necessary level of detail required by the Committee so that funding requests may be adequately analyzed. In order for the budget justifications to be of value to the Committee, NASA shall present the fiscal year 2007 budget justification with detailed information on the prior year, current year, and requested funding levels for each program, project or activity funded within each division and directorate in each account, and provide detailed information on all proposed changes being requested. NASA shall submit to the Committee not later than October 15, 2005, a template for its fiscal year 2007 budget justification document that complies with this direction.
The Committee also requests that NASA discontinue the practice of including the Integrated Financial Management Program (IFMP) within the General and Administrative portion of the budget. The Committee directs that NASA budget and manage the IFMP as a program in its own right, and to provide a breakout of the five-year budget for the IFMP and each of its elements as part of the annual budget submission to the Congress.
The Committee directs NASA to amend its operating plan procedures to make them consistent with the direction provided in Section 605 of the general provisions, which provides reprogramming guidelines for all of the Departments and agencies in this bill.
The Committee acknowledges NASA's need to restructure its human and physical capital assets. The Committee understands that NASA is currently developing separate detailed plans for both its human and physical capital assets that will allow NASA to reshape its workforce and capital asset portfolio to help ensure that it can implement its new vision and mission.
The Committee strongly believes that NASA needs to develop a comprehensive coordinated restructuring plan that addresses both its workforce and capital assets. After completion of this comprehensive restructuring plan, NASA needs to develop a roadmap for implementing the plan in a way that limits, to the maximum extent practicable, the disruptions to both the agency and the contractor community.
NASA has, in the past few months, used its buyout authority to promote voluntary separations as a first attempt at reshaping its workforce. The Committee believes that at this early stage, NASA has been able to reshape its workforce without losing critical workforce skills. The Committee directs that NASA should not go beyond this initial voluntary buyout stage until it has developed the comprehensive coordinated restructuring plan and implementation roadmap, and has provided a report to the Congress detailing the steps that will be taken in reshaping the agency's human and physical capital assets.
With respect to the agency's workforce, the Committee notes the impressive core competencies that exist at NASA's field centers, and directs the agency to fully utilize the competencies that reside at the field centers. NASA's field centers are an asset, and not a liability, for our nation. The Committee believes that NASA currently has, and must maintain, world-class scientists and engineers at its field centers. These scientists and engineers must continue to work at the cutting-edge of their disciplines so that they can remain world-class.
The field centers provide the technical expertise to support the formulation of NASA policy, the management of the agency, and the oversight of NASA contracts and grants. The expertise at the field centers plays a critical role in the definition, design, development, and operations of NASA's space and aeronautics assets. The Committee believes that the day-to-day project management activities of the agency should occur at its field centers, with NASA headquarters providing an appropriate oversight function. The Committee also notes the value of an appropriate amount of in-house technical work at the field centers, for the purpose of training young scientists and engineers, and for helping to ensure that the experienced NASA personnel at the field centers remain smart buyers for the taxpayers.
NASA's mission to research, investigate, and explore the limits of aeronautics and the outer reaches of space, is unique among Federal agencies. While NASA is a civilian agency, its pursuits and capabilities have a direct impact on the strategic and economic health of the nation. Too often, those who benefit most from NASA, the American people, are not aware of those successes, benefits and opportunities. The Committee directs NASA to engage in a national awareness campaign. The purpose of such a campaign is to provide NASA with a venue in various media (print, radio, television, Internet, etc.) to articulate missions, recent accomplishments and recruitment efforts to young Americans. This will also provide a mechanism by which to excite and encourage our young people to enter the fields of science, math, and engineering and in doing so help maintain America's leadership in these fields.
NASA possesses a unique capability among Federal government agencies in that it has its own television station. This station is carried nationally on cable television stations. The Committee believes this asset is significantly underutilized and could be used as a centerpiece in helping to excite the next generation of explorers in science. NASA has made numerous important discoveries in recent years as a result of the Hubble Space Telescope, the Mars Rovers, and the Chandra Space telescope to mention a few. NASA must take advantage of its television resources to inform and excite the public about these discoveries. NASA television has for the most part in recent years been used almost exclusively as an internal communications medium. NASA must make more effective use of this capability if NASA is to be permitted to retain it. NASA is directed to develop an integrated communications plan for NASA television. This plan should have a major focus on educating and exciting the next generation of explorers. This plan is to be submitted to the Committee in conjunction with the submission of NASA's fiscal year 2007 budget request.
Science, Aeronautics and Exploration
NASA's Science, Aeronautics and Exploration (SAE) account provides funding for the Science, Exploration Systems, and Aeronautics Research Mission Directorates and Education programs. The SAE appropriation includes both the direct and the indirect costs supporting the Mission Directorates and Education Program, and provides for all of the research; development; operations; salaries and related expenses; design, repair, rehabilitation, and modification of facilities and construction of new facilities; maintenance and operation of facilities; and other general and administrative activities supporting SAE programs.
The Committee recommends $9,725,750,000 for science, aeronautics and exploration, an increase of $64,750,000 above the budget request and $265,050,000 above the fiscal year 2005 enacted level including emergency supplemental appropriations.
Increases above the budget request include $40,000,000 for science programs of which $30,000,000 is for the Glory mission and $10,000,000 is for the Space Interferometry Mission; $53,900,000 for aeronautics research programs; $2,000,000 for education programs; and $50,000,000 for other initiatives terminated in the request. Reductions to the budget request include $25,000,000 from exploration systems research and technology; $25,000,000 from human systems research and technology; and $31,050,000 from corporate administrative costs of which $10,000,000 is from the Office of Advanced Planning and Integration, which is being eliminated.
The Committee is very concerned about the reductions to NASA's science programs especially the drastic reductions to earth science programs designed to provide a better understanding of our planet. To paraphrase the National Academy of Sciences concerning these science programs, decades of research has improved health, enhanced national security, and helped generate economic growth by providing critical environmental information. While the National Academy is currently undertaking a decadal review of NASA's earth science programs, at the behest of the Congress the National Academy has provided an interim report detailing what it believes are short-term urgent science requirements.
The National Academy of Sciences notes `[t]he aggressive pursuit of understanding Earth as a system--and the effective application of that knowledge for society's benefit--will increasingly distinguish those nations that achieve sustained prosperity and security from those that do not. At NASA, the vitality of Earth science and application programs has been placed at substantial risk by rapidly shrinking budgets that no longer supports already-approved missions and programs of high scientific and societal relevance'. To begin to address this shortcoming the Committee is providing $40,000,000 above the budget request. Within the funds provided for science, $35,000,000 is included for the Glory mission, an increase of $30,000,000 above the budget request. Without this additional funding, the amount designated in the fiscal year 2006 budget request would clearly have resulted in the unraveling of Glory as an integrated mission and resulted in a certain delay in the launch of key instruments several years beyond the planned launch date. NASA's Glory program is a key Global Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI) mission and critical to the achievement of CCRI's science goals. The Committee understands that 2006 funding for the Glory mission will sustain the development of the critical Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor and the Total Irradiance Monitor Instrument and begin reintegration of the spacecraft bus. Development will also begin on the science data ground processing system. Critical Design Reviews for all aspects of the program--the instruments, the bus, and the ground system--will also be held in 2006.
The Committee applauds the decision by the Administrator to reassess a fourth servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The Hubble Space Telescope has made numerous and extraordinary contributions to the field of science and has inspired a new generation's interest in space and space science. This mission is not only essential to maintaining the capability of the most scientifically successful space astronomy mission to date, it also provides for the least expensive approach to service Hubble and at the same time provides for the deorbit capability that will assure HST's safe reentry. Repairs and upgrades made during the fourth servicing mission would continue the telescope's dramatic discoveries that will serve as a legacy for NASA and our Nation.
The Committee continues to support the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) and is providing an additional $10,000,000 over the budget request for this mission. NASA's search for planets and life beyond our solar system is having increasing and dramatic success with over 150 planets now discovered. SIM is expected to examine 2000-3000 stars for planetary systems to fulfill a critical step in the search for Earth-like planets. The Committee is providing these additional funds to help ensure that SIM's important mission is maintained.
The National Academy of Sciences Solar System Exploration Decadal Survey of planetary scientists concluded that the highest priority of the scientific community is an orbiter/lander mission to Jupiter's moon Europa. The Administration supported just such a mission, and had proposed that the first or second mission of the Prometheus Nuclear Systems and Technology Program would be the Jupiter Icy Moons Mission (JIMO). NASA no longer plans a JIMO mission for Project Prometheus because of funding and technical considerations, and because the NASA Administrator has determined that funding is needed for near-term nuclear power requirements to implement the President's vision for space exploration. Recognizing that these deep space missions usually take a decade to complete from design to orbit, the Committee supports NASA moving forward with a conventionally powered mission to Jupiter. The Committee urges NASA to consider incorporating a non-nuclear Europa mission as part of its fiscal year 2007 budget request.
NASA is directed to submit a report to the Committee, within 120 days of enactment of this Act, that outlines efforts taken to date by NASA to detect and characterize the hazards of Earth orbit-crossing asteroids and comets, as well as an assessment of what actions would be necessary to put in place capabilities to expand detection and tracking of such Earth orbit-crossing objects as well as actions to address the potential threat from asteroid and comet impacts.
The Committee supports the valuable technology and education collaboration of the American Museum of Natural History and NASA to promote the public understanding of NASA's missions, support the development of the science and technology workforce needed for the 21st century, and to support NASA's strategic directions. The Committee urges NASA to continue this celebrative partnership in fiscal year 2006.
The Committee is extremely concerned about the direction NASA has taken in downsizing and restructuring its Aeronautics Research program. While the United States is reducing its Federal investment in aeronautics research our competitors are increasing their aeronautics research and development budgets and making competitiveness their number one priority. While the Committee strongly supports the President's new vision for robotic and manned exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond, it is imperative that we not forget the importance of aeronautics research to our domestic economy.
The Committee notes that NASA seems to have moved forward in transforming its aeronautics research program without regard to the recently released National Institute of Aerospace report developed by both industry and the science community and commissioned by the Congress to provide a detailed five-year research agenda for NASA's Aeronautics Research program, and the National Academy of Sciences review which will be available within the next 12 to 18 months. Based on these facts, the Committee believes that NASA's new aeronautics research agenda is premature.
To begin to address this issue the Committee has done the following:
Language is included in the general provisions directing the Administration to develop a National Aeronautics Policy to be delivered to the Congress with the submission of the President's 2007 budget request. The Committee believes that the lack of support for the Aeronautics Research program is related to the fact that there is no clear policy direction concerning the Federal government's role in the civil aviation industry.
The Committee has not agreed to the $53,900,000 funding reduction proposed by the Administration, but has instead funded the Aeronautics Research program at the fiscal year 2005 enacted level. The Committee directs that within 60 days of enactment of this Act NASA shall provide to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations and the legislative committees of jurisdiction in the House and Senate a plan for how it intends to allocate aeronautics research funds for fiscal year 2006. Included in this plan should be a definition of work that enhances United States competitiveness; work that leads to additional breakthroughs including rotorcraft and hypersonics, and work that continues to support NASA's exploration goals, such as the Planetary Aircraft Risk Reduction (PARR) project.
The Committee notes that the requested budget does not properly address the requirements for a heavy-lift launch capability that may be necessary to carry out space exploration beyond low-earth orbit. The Committee has been aware that NASA is assessing its launch requirements, and urges NASA to make a decision as expeditiously as is possible. NASA should report to the Committee, no later than 120 days after enactment of this Act, regarding NASA's heavy-lift launch requirements for exploration, and how it plans to meet those requirements.
The Committee also directs NASA to provide a report to the Committee, within 120 days after enactment of this Act, which lists the propulsion systems that will be required to implement Project Constellation. This report should include, but not be limited to, all elements of the earth-to-orbit propulsion systems, in-space propulsion systems, and propulsion systems for landing/ascent craft.
Within the fund provided for non-programmatic construction of facilities $10,000,000 is directed to the Institute for Scientific Research, Inc. for the continued construction of research facilities.
The Committee recommendation includes $50,000,000 above the budget request for the continuation of Congressional priority programs that were terminated in the NASA budget request. These funds will be used for science, aeronautics, education and other NASA-related programs, and will be allocated to individual projects in the statement of managers accompanying the conference report for this Act.
NASA's Exploration Capabilities (EC) account provides funding for the Space Operations Mission Directorate. The Space Operations Mission Directorate includes the International Space Station (ISS), the Space Shuttle Program, and Space and Flight Support. The EC appropriation includes both the direct and the indirect costs supporting the Space Operations Mission Directorate, and provides for all of the research; development; operations; salaries and related expenses; design, repair, rehabilitation, and modification of facilities and construction of new facilities; maintenance, and operation of facilities; and other general and administrative activities supporting the EC programs.
The Committee recommends $6,712,900,000 for exploration capabilities, a decrease of $50,100,000 below the budget request and $8,500,000 above the fiscal year 2005 enacted level.
Decreases below the budget request include $10,000,000 for the International Space Station (ISS). The Committee believes that this small reduction is appropriate given the uncertainties surrounding the nature and scope of the science to be conducted on the ISS. In addition, the Cargo and Crew Services program is reduced by $10,000,000. The Committee is very supportive of this program, but delays associated with program implementation will result in a significant percentage of the funds provided in fiscal year 2005 being carried forward into this fiscal year.
Reductions to this portion of the budget also include $10,000,000 from Rocket Propulsion Testing, $10,000,000 from Space Communications, and $10,000,000 from Launch Services. The reduction to Launch Services should not be taken from the Small Payload Launch program.
NASA notified the Committee last year that $26,000,000 had been budgeted in fiscal year 2005 for a replacement building for Building 4601 at the Marshall Space Flight Center. According to the agency, this building is an engineering office facility whose condition requires replacement rather than repair, based on a cost analysis performed by NASA. NASA noted that this project had scored high on its internal, competitive prioritization process for NASA's repair-by-replacement program. NASA notified the Committee of its intent to defer the construction of Building 4601. In response to a Committee inquiry for the record, NASA stated that the deferment of the construction of this replacement facility would only be for a few months as the project could be executed early in 2006 rather than late in 2005 as previously planned. However, the Committee was disappointed to find that this repair-by-replacement project was not included in NASA's fiscal year 2006 budget request, as the Committee was led to expect. Therefore, NASA is directed to reassess its decision to cancel this project, and to report to the Committee within 60 days after enactment of this Act, detailing how it intends to meet its commitment with respect to this project. At a minimum the Committee expects to see this construction project included in NASA's 2007 budget request.
The Committee recommendation includes a total of $5,643,370,000 for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which is $170,546,000 above the current year funding level and $38,370,000 above the request.
Established in 1950, the National Science Foundation's primary purpose was to develop a national policy on science, and support and promote basic research and education in the sciences filling the void left after World War II. The Committee is committed to keeping the Foundation's current activities true to the founding purpose of supporting basic scientific research.
The Committee directs NSF to amend its operating plan procedures, as necessary, to ensure that they are consistent with the direction contained in section 605 of this Act, which provides reprogramming guidelines and requirements for all departments and agencies funded in the bill. It is the intent of the Committee that the reprogramming requirements described in section 605 also shall apply to all balances of funds carried over into fiscal year 2006 by the NSF. Detailed recommendations for NSF's individual appropriations accounts are contained in the following paragraphs.
The Committee recommends a total of $4,377,520,000 for Research and Related Activities. The recommendation is $156,964,000 above the fiscal year 2005 level and $44,030,000 above the request.
The recommendation does not include specific funding allocations for each directorate or for individual programs and activities. The Foundation is directed to submit a proposed spending plan to the Committee for its consideration within 30 days of enactment of this Act that addresses the Foundation's highest priority research requirements. This spending plan shall be subject to the reprogramming procedures in section 605 of this Act.
Language is included that provides up to $425,000,000 for Polar research and operations support, as requested. The recommended funding level in this account acknowledges the decision of the Administration to shift funding for polar icebreaking from the budget of the Coast Guard to that of the NSF. Language is included allowing the NSF Director to use funds under this account to reimburse the Coast Guard for services provided in support of the NSF's mission. Additional language is included requiring that any such reimbursement be treated as a reprogramming of funds under section 605. The Committee believes that burdening the NSF with the responsibility for maintenance and long-term modernization costs of the Coast Guard icebreaking fleet would irresponsibly jeopardize the nation's primary source of funding for critical basic scientific research. While using Coast Guard capabilities may be necessary to meet fiscal year 2006 requirements, the Committee expects NSF to immediately begin a concurrent pursuit of alternative, more economical, icebreaking solutions for 2006 and beyond. The Committee directs NSF to pursue the most cost-effective means of obtaining icebreaking services in the Antarctic for the 2005-2006 season, including, but not limited to, reimbursing the Coast Guard on a mutually agreed upon basis for the operations and maintenance of the U.S. polar icebreaking fleet. NSF is specifically given the flexibility to pursue alternatives to current operations. Should NSF continue to utilize the Coast Guard for icebreaking capabilities in fiscal year 2006, the Committee would expect NSF to model a reimbursement agreement with the Coast Guard on their successful Memorandum of Understanding with the Defense Department.
The Committee is aware of studies currently underway to review the Nation's icebreaking needs and to examine options for supporting the presence the United States has maintained in the Antarctic for the past four decades. The Committee directs NSF to immediately inform the Committee when the results and recommendations from these studies become available. The Committee anticipates a preliminary report on options for meeting long-term icebreaking needs from the National Academies in September. No later than December 31, 2005, the Committee expects a report from the Office of Polar Programs advisory committee outlining options and potential costs for alternative means of providing logistical support to the McMurdo and South Pole stations in the event that icebreaking capabilities are not available.
The Committee commends NSF for its Silicon Nanoelectronics and Beyond program which involves the sponsorship of research in the areas of information technology and electronics. The Committee encourages NSF to continue the support of such research in fiscal year 2006.
The Committee is aware that NSF's Children Research Initiative has assisted important interdisciplinary collaborations that are making important contributions to research in child development. The Committee expects NSF to continue its research efforts in this area in FY 2006.
The recommendation includes language that allows funds provided under this account to be available for innovation inducement prizes. The concept of inducement awards to encourage broad involvement in solving a specifically stated scientific problem has been a catalyst for scientific advancement since at least the early 18th century. In 1999, a National Academies workshop on this topic encouraged Federal agencies to make more extensive use of this mechanism to pursue particular scientific and technological objectives. The Committee expects NSF to engage the National Academies to craft a prize or categories of prizes that would be of an appropriate scale and to develop the rules and conditions for awarding prizes, and to report back to the Committee on plans to initiate a prize program in fiscal year 2006. The Committee strongly encourages NSF to use this mechanism, particularly in programs that specifically emphasize innovation, to focus on high risk/high payoff research projects. The Committee also expects NSF to encourage private sector involvement in the effort to create a prize program.
The Committee recommends a total of $193,350,000 for the major research equipment and facilities construction account for fiscal year 2006, an increase of $19,700,000 above the fiscal year 2005 funding level and $56,660,000 below the request. This account provides funding for the construction of major research facilities that provide unique capabilities at the cutting edge of science and engineering.
The Committee recommendation assumes that, in addition to new fiscal year 2006 appropriations, at least $14,880,000 will be available from prior year appropriations, for a total available funding level of $208,230,000. The Committee recommendation includes funding for the following major projects: $49,240,000 for Atacama Large Millimeter Array construction; $50,620,000 for EarthScope; $50,450,000 for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory; and $57,920,000 for the Scientific Ocean Drilling Vessel. The recommendation does not provide for any new project starts, as none were requested.
The Committee recommendation for fiscal year 2006 includes $807,000,000 in this account, which is $34,421,000 below the current year level and $70,000,000 above the request. In light of the challenges facing the nation in improving math and science educational participation and achievement, the Committee is disappointed by the reductions proposed in the budget in this account. The recommendation provides the full request for Math and Science Partnerships, which will support awards made in previous years, as well as data collection and evaluation activities.
The Committee's recommendation includes the following program levels: $60,000,000 for Math and Science Partnerships; $97,000,000 for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR); $175,000,000 for Elementary, Secondary and Informal Education; $150,000,000 for Undergraduate Education; $155,000,000 for Graduate Education; $120,000,000 for Human Resource Development; and $50,000,000 for Research, Evaluation and Communication.
The Foundation is directed to submit a proposed spending plan to the Committee for its consideration within 30 days of enactment of this Act that addresses the Foundation's highest priority education requirements. This spending plan shall be subject to the reprogramming procedures in section 605 of this Act. Within the amounts provided for the Elementary, Secondary and Informal Education, the Committee recognizes the value of engaging the general public in informal science and technology education at all ages. The Committee encourages the NSF to continue to ensure geographic diversity in the institutions that participate in the program. Within the amounts provided for the Undergraduate Education activity, the Committee encourages the NSF to allocate funding to the Robert Noyce Scholarship program and the Advanced Technological Education program. Within the amounts provided for Human Resource Development, the Committee encourages the NSF to allocate funding to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program.
The Foundation's Education and Human Resources activities are designed to encourage the entrance of talented students into science and technology careers, to improve the undergraduate science and engineering education environment, to assist in providing all pre-college students with a level of education in mathematics, science, and technology that reflects the needs of the nation and is the highest quality attained anywhere in the world, and to extend greater research opportunities to underrepresented segments of the scientific and engineering communities.
The recommendation includes $250,000,000 for salaries and expenses, which is an increase of $26,800,000 above the current year level and $19,000,000 below the request. Of the amount provided, $10,600,000 is intended to cover built-in pay and benefits adjustments for fiscal year 2006. The Salaries and Expenses activity provides for the operation, support and management, and direction of all NSF programs and activities and includes necessary funds that develop, manage, and coordinate Foundation programs.
The Committee has been disappointed and concerned with NSF's inability to provide specific information concerning the allocation of additional requested personnel resources to specific NSF programs and activities in both the fiscal year 2005 operating plan, and in the fiscal year 2006 budget request. The Committee agrees that priority areas for the allocation of additional personnel include award oversight, and oversight of large facility projects. The Committee encourages NSF to assign additional resources to these activities. The Committee expects NSF to submit detailed information on the allocation of fiscal year 2005 staff resources as soon as possible. For fiscal year 2006, the Committee expects NSF to submit a specific allocation of any new staffing resources within 30 days after the enactment of this Act.
Office of National Science Board
The Committee recommendation includes $4,000,000 for the operations of the National Science Board, which is $32,000 above the current year level and the same as the request.
The National Science Board, established in 1950, establishes policies and assesses the quality, relevance and performance of the National Science Foundation's awards and capital investments. In addition, the Board provides advice to the President and the Congress on matters of science and engineering policy.
The Committee understands that the Board has taken steps to establish a commission to make recommendations for NSF and Federal Government action to achieve measurable improvements in the Nation's science education at all levels. The Committee strongly endorses this effort, and expects the Board to provide an interim report by September 30, 2005, on the establishment of the commission, and to report the commission's findings and recommendations to the Committee at the conclusion of the commission's work.
The Committee recommendation includes $11,500,000 for the Office of Inspector General, which is $1,471,000 above the current year level and the same as the request.
This account supports the National Science Foundation's audit and investigation functions to identify and correct management and administrative deficiencies that could lead to fraud, waste, and abuse.
1. H.AMDT.248 An amendment to increase funding for State and local law
enforcement agencies, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grand
Program, the Community Oriented Policing (COPS) program and the Economic
Development Administration.
Sponsor: Rep Obey, David R. [D-WI-7TH] (introduced 6/14/2005)
Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 Mr. Wolf raised a point of order against
the Obey amendment (A001). Mr. Wolf raised a point of order against the
amendment stating that it made changes in existing law and constituted
legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair sustained the point of order.
2. H.AMDT.249 Amendment sought to increase funding for State and Local
Law Enforcement Assistance and for Community Oriented Policing Services.
Sponsor: Rep Obey, David R. [D-WI-7TH] (introduced 6/14/2005)
Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Obey amendment (A002) Failed by recorded vote: 196 - 230 (RC
244).
3. H.AMDT.250 Amendment sought to increase funding for State and Local
Law Enforcement Assistance.
Sponsor: Rep Terry, Lee [NE-2] (introduced 6/14/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Terry amendment (A003) Failed by recorded vote: 175 - 252 (RC
245).
4. H.AMDT.251 Amendment increases funding for Community Oriented
Policing Services.
Sponsor: Rep Boswell, Leonard L. [IA-3] (introduced 6/14/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Boswell amendment (A004) Agreed to by voice vote.
8. H.AMDT.255 Amendment increases funding for administrative expenses
to carry out direct and guaranteed loan programs in the Small Business
Administration.
Sponsor: Rep Velazquez, Nydia M. [NY-12] (introduced 6/14/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Velazquez amendment (A008) Agreed to by recorded vote: 234 - 189
(RC 246).
9. H.AMDT.256 Amendment sought to increase funding for Community
Oriented Policing Services.
Sponsor: Rep Reichert, David G. [WA-8] (introduced 6/14/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Reichert amendment (A009) Failed by recorded vote: 130 - 297 (RC
247).
10. H.AMDT.257 Amendment increases funding for the DEA and for
Community Oriented Policing Programs.
Sponsor: Rep Baird, Brian [WA-3] (introduced 6/14/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Baird amendment (A010) Agreed to by recorded vote: 260 - 168 (RC
248).
11. H.AMDT.258 Amendment increases funding for Violence Against Women
Prevention and Prosecution Programs.
Sponsor: Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18] (introduced 6/14/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Jackson-Lee (TX) amendment (A011) Agreed to by voice vote
12. H.AMDT.259 Amendment sought to increase funding for Justice
Assistance.
Sponsor: Rep Stearns, Cliff [R-FL-6] (introduced 6/14/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Stearns amendment (A012) Failed by recorded vote: 112 - 316 (RC
249).
13. H.AMDT.260 Amendment increases funding for State and Local Law
Enforcement Assistance.
Sponsor: Rep Dreier, David [R-CA-26] (introduced 6/14/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Dreier amendment (A013) Agreed to by recorded vote: 231 - 195 (RC
250).
14. H.AMDT.261 Amendment increases funding for State and Local Law
Enforcement Assistance.
Sponsor: Rep Garrett, Scott [R-NJ-5] (introduced 6/14/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/14/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Garrett (NJ) amendment (A014) Agreed to by voice vote.
15. H.AMDT.262 An amendment to increase funding for the Community
Oriented Policing Services account by $34,000,000 and to increase funding for
policing initiatives to combat methamphetamine production and trafficking by
$34,000,000.
Sponsor: Rep Wolf, Frank R. [VA-10] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Wolf amendment (A015) Agreed to by voice vote.
16. H.AMDT.263 An amendment to increase funds (by transfer) for the
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program in the amount of
$126,152,000.
Sponsor:
Rep Weiner, Anthony D. [D-NY-9] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Weiner amendment (A016) Failed by recorded vote: 31 - 396 (RC
251).
17. H.AMDT.264 An amendment to increase funding (by transfer) for the
United States and Foreign Commercial Service by $131,900,000.
Sponsor: Rep Mica, John L. [R-FL-7] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 By unanimous consent, the Mica amendment
was withdrawn.
18. H.AMDT.265 An amendment to increase funding (by transfer) for the
Operations, Research, and Facilities account for NOAA by $5 million.
Sponsor: Rep Inslee, Jay [D-WA-1] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Inslee amendment (A018) Failed by recorded vote: 177 - 248 (RC
252).
19. H.AMDT.266 An amendment numbered 33 printed in the Congressional
Record to reduce the United States contribution to the United Nations by 50% or
$218 million.
Sponsor: Rep Hayworth, J. D. [AZ-5] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Hayworth amendment (A019) Failed by recorded vote: 124 - 304 (RC
253).
20. H.AMDT.267 An amendment to add a new section urging the President
and Secretary of State to continue to express concern to the Government of
Mexico over the abductions and murders of more than 370 young women since 1993
in the Mexican cities of Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua.
Sponsor: Rep Reyes, Silvestre [TX-16] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 Mr. Wolf raised a point of order against
the Reyes amendment (A020). Mr. Wolf stated that the amendment sought to change
existing law and constituted legislation in an appropriations bill. The Chair
sustained the point of order.
21. H.AMDT.268 An amendment to designate $5 million in funds for
operational assistance grants and $30 million for guarantees of debentures under
the Small Business Investment Act.
Sponsor: Rep Moore, Gwen [WI-4] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Moore (WI) amendment (A021) Failed by voice vote.
22. H.AMDT.269 An amendment to prohibit use of funds in the bill to
prosecute any individual for travel to Cuba.
Sponsor: Rep McDermott, Jim [WA-7] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 By unanimous consent, the McDermott
amendment was withdrawn.
23. H.AMDT.270 An amendment to prohibit use of funds in the bill to
implement, administer, or enforce regulations relating to amendments made to the
Code of Federal Regulations relating to license exemptions for gift parcels and
humanitarian donations for Cuba.
Sponsor: Rep Flake, Jeff [R-AZ-6] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Flake amendment (A023) Failed by recorded vote: 210 - 216 (RC
254).
24. H.AMDT.271 An amendment numbered 10 printed in the Congressional
Record to prohibit any of the funds in the Act from being used by the U.N. to
develop or publicize any proposal concerning taxation or fees on any United
States person to raise revenue for the U.N. or any of its specialized or
affiliated agencies.
Sponsor: Rep Paul, Ron [R-TX-14] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Paul amendment (A024) Agreed to by voice vote
25. H.AMDT.272 An amendment to prohibit any funds made available in
the Act to the Department of Justice from being used to prevent the States of
Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, or
Washington from implementing State laws authorizing the use of medical marijuana
in those States.
Sponsor: Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [D-NY-22] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Hinchey amendment (A025) Failed by recorded vote: 161 - 264 (RC
255).
29. H.AMDT.276 to prohibit the use of funds for NASA to employ
any individual under the title "artist in residence.".
Sponsor: Rep Chocola, Chris [IN-2] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Chocola amendment (A029) Agreed to by voice vote.
30. H.AMDT.277 to prohibit funds from being used to close or
consolidate any office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or to make
any reductions in the number of full-time officers or employees in any such
office, or to reduce the number of full-time officers or employees serving as
supervisors, management officials, mediators, examiners, investigators, or
attorney in such office, as part of any workforce repositioning, restructuring,
or reorganizing of the Commission that is authorized under law.
Sponsor: Rep Jones, Stephanie Tubbs [D-OH-11] (introduced 6/15/2005)
Cosponsors (None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Jones (OH) amendment (A030) Failed by recorded vote: 201 - 222 (RC
256).
31. H.AMDT.278 to prohibit funds in the Act from being used to enforce
the judgement of the United States District Court for the Southern District of
Indiana in the case of Russelburg v. Gibson County, decided January 31, 2005.
Sponsor: Rep Hostettler, John N. [D-IN-8] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Hostettler amendment (A031) Agreed to by recorded vote: 242 -
182 (RC 257).
33. H.AMDT.280 to prohibit funds in the bill from being used to
implement provisions of Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act which permits
searches of library circulation records, library patron lists, book sales
records, or book customer lists under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
(FISA).
Sponsor: Rep Sanders, Bernard [I-VT] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Sanders amendment (A033) Agreed to by recorded vote: 238 - 187 (RC
258).
34. H.AMDT.281 to increase funds for expenses necessary for enforcing
subsections (a) and (b) of section 642 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and
Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 by $1,000,000. Amendment seeks to reduce
the funds available for Department of Justice - Legal Activities - Salaries and
Expenses, General Legal Activities by $1,000,000.
Sponsor: Rep King, Steve [R-IA-5] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the King (IA) amendment (A034) Agreed to by voice vote
35. H.AMDT.282 to prohibit the use of funds from being made available
to issue a national security letter, for health insurance records, under any of
the provisions of law amended by section 505 of the Uniting and Strengthening
America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct
Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001.
Sponsor: Rep Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-8] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Nadler amendment (A035) Failed by voice vote.
37. H.AMDT.284 to prohibit the use of funds from being available to
deny the production of safety reports regarding the NASA Space Shuttle program
and the International Space Station.
Sponsor: Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila [D-TX-18] (introduced 6/15/2005) Cosponsors
(None)
Latest Major Action: 6/15/2005 House amendment agreed to. Status: On
agreeing to the Jackson-Lee (TX) amendment (A037) Agreed to by voice vote.
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