Federal Budget Process Shows Promising Signs for Research Funding

July 15, 2021

While attention in Congress remains focused on major infrastructure spending proposals, the annual appropriations process continues to move forward, with encouraging signs for federal research investment. On July 13, the House Appropriations Subcommittees considered spending bills that include the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The full Committee meets to consider the legislation on July

Endless Frontier Act Reintroduced

On April 21, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI) reintroduced the Endless Frontier Act, a $100 billion dollar proposal to ramp up investment in technology research and development aimed at countering China and ensuring American leadership in innovation.

Should it pass, the bill would have major implications for the National Science Foundation (NSF). It would invest $100 billion over

House and Senate Committees Review NSF Funding Proposals

The funding process for federal agencies and programs follows, in theory, a two step process. First, Congress considers authorizing legislation, which can establish, continue, eliminate, or modify federal programs. While these bills provide funding guidance, they do not directly appropriate funds. It is common for federal agencies to continue to operate even when authorizations expire. Following authorization, Congress passes appropriations bills to fund government operations. Appropriations

President Biden Releases ‘Skinny’ Budget

On April 9, the Administration released the President’s “Skinny” Budget, an overview of the in-depth funding request for fiscal year (FY) 2022 that is expected in the coming months. While lacking detail, the budget provides important insights into the new Administration’s priorities. Overall, the request proposes $769 billion in non-defense discretionary spending, a 16 percent increase, and $754 billion in defense spending, a 1.7 percent increase.

The President notes that,