Appropriations Committee Approves the Fiscal Year 2016 Commerce, Justice, Science Bill

Press Release

The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2016 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) Appropriations bill on a voice vote. 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.

The legislation contains $51.4 billion in total discretionary funding, an increase of $1.3 billion over fiscal year 2015 and $661 million below the President's request for these programs. The bill prioritizes funding for law enforcement, national security, science, and space exploration programs.

"This bill supports a broad range of federal programs that are important to our safety, our economy, and our nation's place as a global leader in research and innovation," House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said. "It prioritizes law enforcement, counterterrorism and cyber security, and important science programs, while weeding out waste and excess. The sound investments in this legislation will help spur American innovation both today and into the future."

"This is a tough budget year, but this bill ensures our law enforcement officers have the resources they need to protect our lives and property," said CJS Subcommittee Chairman John Culberson. "It also makes important scientific research a top priority. Breakthroughs in these areas are vital to America's future economic growth."

Source