Early today, Congressman Steve Pearce joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 4660, the Commerce Justice Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2015. H.R. 4660 is the third of 12 Appropriations bills the House of Representatives plans to address this summer.
"This legislation provides our community, state and Department of Justice law enforcement entities with the resources they need to keep our neighborhoods and nation safe, while also reducing waste, fraud and abuse within our federal agencies," said Congressman Steve Pearce. "Specifically, the bill focuses on combating cyber terror against American companies; it assists state and local law enforcement entities by providing assistance grants, combats human trafficking, and provides essential funding to support violence against women programs.
"Beyond the law enforcement assistance, this bill includes a number of items that benefit science and innovation in New Mexico," Pearce said. "It provides strong funding for NASA exploration and research programs, support for National Science Foundation research, on topics ranging from physical science radio astronomy, and enables the Economic Development Administration to assist with public works and economic development projects."
NOTE: H.R. 4660 provides related agencies with funding for the year to come. This bill provides for a total discretionary funding level of $51.2 billion, nearly $400 million less than in FY14. It provides $27.8 billion to support law enforcement initiatives, including cyber security. Additionally, the legislation provides $8.4 billion for scientific and technical research and weather forecasting. H.R. 4660 passed by a final vote of 321 to 87.