Cramer: House Passes Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill

Press Release

Today Congressman Kevin Cramer announced the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2015 funding bill for Commerce, Justice, and Science programs. The Fiscal Year 2015 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Act spends $398 million less than the 2014 level, boosts research and manufacturing programs, supports programs to address violence against women, and triples funding for human trafficking task forces and victim services.

"This marks the first time the House has passed three appropriations bills prior to June 1st. I am proud to be in the chamber which is doing the work required of governance, and living up to the expectations of the American people. Congress needs to restore regular order instead of relying on last minute funding bills to keep the government open. I certainly hope the Senate will begin doing their share of the work so we can make regular order a reality," said Cramer.

Since 2011, the House Majority has consistently reduced the total spending level in the Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations bill, amounting to $13.3 billion (over 20%) in savings.

Commerce

Reduces overall Department of Commerce spending while focusing resources on core programs. Promotes innovation and job growth by providing $856 million for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Improves weather forecasting by fully funding the next generation of weather satellites.

Justice

Boosts funding to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by $125 million above 2014 to assist with counterterrorism, and anti cyber-intrusion, gang, and human trafficking programs. Funds anti-violence against women programs at $8.5 million above the President's budget request, and triples funding against human trafficking to $45.4 million.

Combats drug trafficking with increased funding to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), $41 million above 2014 levels, and includes $367 million to combat prescription drug abuse. Includes $41 million for drug courts, $5 million for veterans treatment courts, and $35 million for tribal grant programs to improve public safety.

Science

Increases NASA funding by $250 million over 2014 levels, including $4.25 billion to keep on schedule the replacement for the Space Shuttle program: the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), and $5.2 billion for NASA science research programs.

Focuses $7.4 billion in National Science Foundation (NSF) funding on core cyber security and manufacturing research.

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