Appropriations Committee Releases the Fiscal Year 2012 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations

Press Release

The House Appropriations Committee today released the fiscal year 2012 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill, which will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow. The bill funds the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other related agencies.

In total, the legislation contains $50.2 billion in funding. This is a reduction of $3.1 billion or 6% below last year's level, and $7.4 billion or 13% below the President's request for these programs. This total is also 3% below the pre-stimulus, pre-bailout level of 2008.

"This legislation includes funding for some of the most critical aspects of government -- the protection of our people here at home, the competiveness of our businesses and industries, and the scientific research that will help America continue to lead the world in innovation. However, given this time of fiscal crisis, it is also important that Congress make tough decisions to cut programs where necessary to give priority to programs with broad national reach that have the most benefit to the American people," House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said.

"I believe the subcommittee mark achieves significant spending reduction goals while at the same time preserving core priorities. Within a tight allocation, we have focused resources on the most critical areas -- fighting crime and terrorism; and boosting U.S. competitiveness through investments in science. Despite the difficult choices that were made, this legislation includes a number of positive initiatives to create jobs by promoting economic growth and innovation here at home," Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf said.

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