Culberson's CJS Bill Approved by House Appropriations Committee

Press Release

The House Appropriations Committee yesterday approved a fiscal year 2016 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) funding bill crafted under the leadership of Congressman John Culberson (TX-07). The bill provides $51.4 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF) and other related agencies.

"This bill ensures federal agencies live within their means and helps get the nation's fiscal house back in order, while providing law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to protect lives and property," said Culberson, Chairman of the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee. "The bill also treats NASA and NSF like the strategic national assets they are. Investments that expand the scope of human knowledge are essential to our current and future prosperity."

In order to stay within this year's tight budget allocation, the fiscal year 2016 CJS bill eliminates 35 programs that are no longer necessary and freezes or reduces funding for more than a dozen bureaus and agencies.

The savings allow funding for 55 new immigration judges and support staff along the southern border to reduce a growing backlog of immigration cases. It also allows for increased investment in U.S. Attorneys, Marshals, DEA and ATF agents and others who sit on the front lines of the immigration and criminal justice systems. Nearly one-half of the funding in the bill is allocated for law enforcement, with FBI earning one of the biggest increases to help the agency combat evolving threats from cybercrime, terrorism and espionage.

Another priority in the bill is NASA, which receives a $519 million increase above last year's funding level. This allows for continued development of the Orion Crew Vehicle and Space Launch System flight program that will one day send astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit. It also continues funding for critical scientific missions and technology programs, including restoring proposed reductions to Planetary Programs.

Funding for the National Science Foundation is $50 million above last year's historically high level. The investments are targeted toward programs that foster innovation and U.S. economic competitiveness, including research on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.

Other Key Highlights of the Bill Include:

Department of Justice (DOJ) -- The bill funds DOJ at $27.5 billion, an increase of $852 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. This funding will strengthen critical investigation, law enforcement, and prosecution activities to protect the safety and well-being of communities across the country.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) -- The bill includes $8.6 billion for the FBI -- an increase of $111 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. Within this funding, priority is given to counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and cybercrime.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) -- The DEA is funded at $2.4 billion in the legislation, an increase of $45 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. This includes $372 million for regulatory and enforcement efforts to combat prescription drug abuse.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) -- The legislation contains $1.25 billion for the ATF, $49 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. The bill continues all provisions carried in previous years related to Second Amendment rights, and makes four of these provisions permanent law. Also included is a provision prohibiting funding for an unauthorized reporting and registration requirement on the sale of multiple rifles to the same person in various Border States.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) -- NASA is funded at $18.5 billion in the bill, $519 million above the 2015 enacted level. This funding includes:

$4.8 billion for Exploration -- $403 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. This provides for the continued development of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and Space Launch System flight program, and to continue progress in the commercial crew program.

$5.2 billion for NASA Science programs -- $7 million below the 2015 enacted level. This includes funding above the President's request for planetary science to ensure the continuation of critical research and development programs.
National Science Foundation (NSF) -- The legislation funds NSF at $7.4 billion, an increase of $50 million above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level.

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