FABBS Endorses Bipartisan STEM Legislation to Strengthen the Science Ecosystem

January 21, 2021

House Science Committee Chair Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) have reintroduced three bills that focus on bolstering the STEM workforce, a fourth is expected shortly. FABBS has endorsed all four pieces of legislation.

The Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act proposes the National Science Foundation (NSF) create a two-year fellowship program for scientists facing fewer job opportunities in academia because of the coronavirus

Congress Kicks Off the 117th Session

January 8, 2021

The U.S. Congress began its 117th session on January 3, 2021, after swearing in new and returning Senators and Representatives. The new Congress faces demands for trillions of dollars in new spending in efforts to address needs of a worsening pandemic and long-term consequences. The outcome of the January 5 election for the two U.S. Senators from Georgia resulted in a chamber split evenly between Republicans and Democrats with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris providing the

Negotiations on FY2021 Budget and COVID-19 Relief Continue

December 16, 2020

On the afternoon of Friday, December 11th, the day that the previous continuing resolution (CR) was set to expire, the Senate approved a one-week CR to keep the federal government open through December 18th. The measure, which extends FY 2020 funding levels, was signed into law by the President, avoiding a government shutdown. Lawmakers claim that the one-week extension is intended to provide the time needed to complete their work on an omnibus for FY 2021 spending bills.

Senate Releases Budget for FY 2021, CR Expires on December 11

November 12, 2020

With the election behind us, a lame duck Congress will need to return to Washington to finish up the budget for fiscal year (FY) 2021 that started on October 1. The government has been operating under a continuing resolution (CR) that expires on December 11, 2020. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) had told reporters Wednesday that he wants a deal on the next coronavirus relief bill by the end of the year. However, the House and Senate are still very far apart