Senate Votes to Increase Funding for Science Agencies, Ignoring Trump’s Cuts
TL/DR –
The U.S Senate has approved a budget bill that provides more funding for federal science agencies than President Trump had requested. The bill, which passed by an 82-15 vote, grants additional funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, and the National Science Foundation. It rejects proposed drastic cuts to these agencies and even includes boosts for certain science programs.
Senate Rejects Trump’s Proposed Cuts to Federal Science Agencies
On Thursday, the Senate dismissed the Trump administration’s proposal to severely trim federal science agencies’ budgets, voting to grant the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, and the National Science Foundation billions more than the President had requested.
The 82-15 Senate approval for the minibus budget bill to fund science and environment-related agencies was echoed in the House by a 397 to 28 vote.
Congress rejected Trump’s bid to cut significant portions from the National Science Foundation, NASA, and NOAA budgets.
The bill, supported by both parties, is now awaiting President Trump’s signature.
Despite minimal overall spending reductions, the bill’s bipartisan support indicates a preference among Congressional members to uphold current funding levels.
The package bolsters a few science programs marked for elimination by the Trump administration, including NOAA’s satellite program and National Weather Service staffing which faced cuts.
The bill, driven by bipartisan collaboration, was spearheaded by Senators Susan Collins and Patty Murray.
In earlier remarks, Collins expressed strong support for the National Science Foundation, a critical source of federal funding for fundamental science research.
Collins praised the restoration of proposed cuts and the addressing of how indirect research costs are handled.
The budget package will block agencies from enforcing a new, lower limit on indirect research costs, a move attempted by the Trump administration earlier this year.
A bill summary by Murray highlighted the extra billions allocated to NOAA and NASA above Trump’s request.
Murray emphasized the rejection of Trump’s plan to slash scientific research funds in a speech on Monday.
Murray declared that these bills reinforce Congress’s control over key spending decisions.
The White House has expressed support for the bill, noting its overall spending decrease and potential to help achieve “energy dominance.”
If presented in its current form, Trump’s senior advisors would recommend he sign the bill into law, according to a statement.
More minibus bills for agencies involved in labor, health care, and national security are set to be considered by Congress before the current stopgap funding measure expires on January 30, ending the 43-day government shutdown.
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