[Senate Report 119-44]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 122
119th Congress } { Report
SENATE
1st Session } { 119-44
======================================================================
DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE AND JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2026
_______
July 17, 2025.--Ordered to be printed
Mr. Moran, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany S. 2354]
The Committee on Appropriations reports an original bill
(S. 2354) making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce
and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes, reports
favorably thereon without amendment and recommends that the
bill do pass.
Total obligational authority, fiscal year 2026
Total of bill as reported to the Senate................. $82,648,000,000
Amount of 2025 appropriations........................... 75,587,164,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2025 appropriations................................. +7,060,836,000
CONTENTS
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Page
Purpose of the Bill.............................................. 4
Summary of the Bill.............................................. 4
Fighting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse................................. 5
Reprogrammings, Reorganizations, and Relocations................. 7
Congressional Budget Justifications.............................. 7
Agency Spending Plans............................................ 8
Reporting Requirements........................................... 8
Reductions-in-Force.............................................. 9
Appropriations Liaisons.......................................... 9
Access to High-Quality Affordable Child Care for Federal
Employees...................................................... 9
Indirect Cost Rate............................................... 9
Federal Trust and Treaty Responsibilities........................ 10
Title I: Department of Commerce.................................. 11
International Trade Administration........................... 11
Bureau of Industry and Security.............................. 14
Economic Development Administration.......................... 17
Minority Business Development Agency......................... 21
Economic and Statistical Analysis............................ 22
Bureau of the Census......................................... 23
National Telecommunications and Information Administration... 25
United States Patent and Trademark Office.................... 27
National Institute of Standards and Techology................ 29
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.............. 37
Departmental Management...................................... 71
General Provisions--Department of Commerce................... 74
Title II: Department of Justice.................................. 76
Office of Inspector General.................................. 87
United States Parole Commission.............................. 89
Legal Activites.............................................. 89
United States Marshals Service............................... 93
National Security Division................................... 95
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces................. 95
Federal Bureau of Investigation.............................. 96
Drug Enforcement Administration.............................. 99
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.......... 101
Federal Prison System........................................ 103
State and Local Law Enforcement Activities................... 110
Office on Violence Against Women............................. 112
Office of Justice Programs................................... 115
Community Oriented Policing Services......................... 132
General Provisions--Department of Justice.................... 135
Title III: Science............................................... 137
Office of Science and Technology Policy...................... 137
National Space Council....................................... 138
National Aeronautics and Space Administration................ 138
National Science Foundation.................................. 157
Title IV: Related Agencies....................................... 173
Commission on Civil Rights................................... 173
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission...................... 173
International Trade Commission............................... 174
Legal Services Corporation................................... 175
Marine Mammal Commission..................................... 176
Office of the United States Trade Representative............. 176
State Justice Institute...................................... 179
Title V: General Provisions...................................... 180
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 183
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c) Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 186
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 187
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 189
Disclosure of Congressionally Directed Spending Items............ 190
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................ 211
Purpose of the Bill
The bill provides funding for (1) the Department of
Commerce [DOC]; (2) the Department of Justice [DOJ]; (3)
several independent science agencies: the Office of Science and
Technology Policy [OSTP], the National Space Council, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA], and the
National Science Foundation [NSF]; and (4) several related
commissions and agencies: the Commission on Civil Rights, the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC], the United
States International Trade Commission [ITC], the Legal Services
Corporation [LSC], the Marine Mammal Commission, the Office of
the United States Trade Representative [USTR], and the State
Justice Institute [SJI].
Summary of the Bill
The total amount of regular discretionary budget authority
recommended by the Committee for fiscal year 2026 is
$79,711,000,000. Additionally, the Committee makes available
$1,900,000,000 through the Crime Victims Fund [CVF] for victim
compensation and victim services. The Committee remains
concerned about the health of the CVF and its ability to
continue to support compensation to and services for survivors
of crime in future years. Therefore, the Committee directs the
DOJ to continue to advise litigating components and the Offices
of the United States Attorneys of the availability of the CVF
as a repository for fines, fees, and other penalties.
The Committee recommendation is consistent with the
allocation for the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related
Agencies appropriations bill. The Committee has strived to
achieve a careful balance between the competing priorities of
law enforcement, national security, economic development,
scientific research, and space exploration, while having
limited resources. As a result, this bill represents
responsible spending at a time when the United States is living
within a constrained Federal budget.
The DOC is charged with addressing and executing several
critical functions, which include ensuring the effective
operation of our Nation's world class weather satellites and
forecasting severe storms; enforcing trade laws to ensure
American businesses can compete on a level playing field;
collecting economic and population data; promoting exports from
small- and medium-sized businesses; working with distressed
communities to spur economic development; and properly managing
our Nation's fisheries.
The Committee has made a concerted effort to spur U.S.
economic growth through targeted investments in the Economic
Development Administration [EDA] and our Nation's trade
agencies such as the USTR and the ITC, as well as the
International Trade Administration [ITA] and the Bureau of
Industry and Security [BIS] within DOC. Together, these
agencies help businesses get started, compete internationally,
and grow.
Additionally, the changing landscape of criminal activity
and national security both at home and abroad continues to test
the DOJ's ability to deal with and adapt to emerging threats.
The Committee believes that our Federal law enforcement
agencies must work collaboratively to focus and streamline
limited resources in a manner that safeguards taxpayer dollars
while preserving public safety. The Committee strongly supports
DOJ's missions to combat violent crime, disrupt and dismantle
drug trafficking organizations, and uphold the administration
of justice. In addition, the fiscal year 2026 bill provides
funding for grants to help State, local, and Tribal law
enforcement responsibly and safely protect our Nation's
communities, help survivors of domestic violence and sexual
assault, and better respond to substance use disorder. The
Committee also provides the necessary funding for the Bureau of
Prisons to continue implementation of criminal justice reforms
and programming created by the First Step Act (Public Law 115-
391).
For the science agencies, the Committee provides targeted
investments to enable progress toward the goal of returning
Americans to the Moon--and ultimately setting foot on Mars--and
enhancing the United States' leadership in space and science.
Within NSF, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[NOAA], and the National Institute of Standards and Technology
[NIST], the Committee recommendation supports initiatives to
enhance American competitiveness through research in quantum
information science, artificial intelligence, weather and
climate research, and other strategic fields. The bill also
makes targeted investments in NSF to continue its core
research, develop the scientific workforce, and fund programs
in the Directorate of Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships
[TIP].
Fighting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
The departments, agencies, boards, offices, and commissions
funded in this bill can and should continue to reduce operating
expenses by placing greater scrutiny on overhead costs. Savings
can and should be achieved by reducing non-essential travel,
office supply, rent, and utility costs. The Committee also
calls on departments, agencies, boards, offices, and
commissions funded in this bill to continue to achieve savings
by lowering travel contractor costs related to air fares. The
Committee continues longstanding restrictions on first class
travel.
The Committee is extremely concerned about the persistent
pattern of cost overruns and schedule slippages on major
projects and missions carried out by the agencies within this
bill. In addition, reports have exposed a culture within many
agencies that exhibits a lack of accountability and oversight
of grant funding. Therefore, the Committee continues bill-wide
provisions to ensure greater oversight and fiscal
responsibility of taxpayer dollars.
First, the bill requires each agency to notify the
Committee immediately upon identification of program cost
overruns greater than 10 percent.
Second, the bill requires the Inspectors General of the
DOC, DOJ, NASA, NSF, and LSC to conduct reviews of grant and
contract funds to ensure funds are being spent appropriately.
In addition, the Government Accountability Office [GAO] will
review a random sample of Congressionally Directed Spending
projects.
Third, the bill requires all departments and agencies to
link all contracts that provide award fees to successful
acquisition outcomes, and prohibits funds to pay for award or
incentive fees for contractors with below satisfactory
performance.
The Committee also supports long-standing provisions that
were once solely included in this bill but have since become
government-wide provisions. These include requiring each
department, agency, board, and commission funded in this bill
to report spending on large conferences to the Inspectors
General for audit; requiring all departments and agencies
funded in this bill to provide full access to documents and
data for their respective Inspectors General to conduct
investigations and audits; and prohibiting funds from being
used for contracts, memoranda of understanding, cooperative
agreements, grants, or loan activities if the proposed
recipient has unpaid Federal tax liabilities or was convicted
of a felony criminal violation.
Finally, the Committee intends to continue to work with the
GAO to expand the review of selected large-scale acquisition
and construction projects. Specifically, the Committee directs
ongoing GAO reviews of large NASA projects, major research
equipment and facilities construction at the NSF, with reports
to the Committee on a semiannual basis. The Committee
recommendation includes funding for agencies' Offices of
Inspectors General [OIG] to ensure strong accountability and
oversight of Federal programs in this bill.
Agencies shall provide access to all necessary data, as
determined by GAO, in order for these reviews to be completed
and provided to the Committee in a timely manner. The Committee
believes that these project status reports are valuable in
identifying cost overrun and schedule slippage problems early
so they can be addressed immediately and has used information
in the reviews to develop this recommendation.
Federal Vehicle Fleet Management.--The General Services
Administration [GSA] issues guidance on Federal fleet
management, but the Federal vehicle fleet is decentralized,
with each agency maintaining flexibility to manage vehicle
utilization as appropriate. In order to provide better
transparency and accountability of funding for Federal
vehicles, the Committee directs agencies funded in this bill to
conduct an annual review of fleet utilization during the third
quarter of each fiscal year and provide their corresponding
OIGs with supporting documentation on the method used for
determining optimal fleet inventories and justification for any
deviation from GSA's Federal Property Management Regulations.
OIGs shall be responsible for conducting annual audits of fleet
management practices and make the subsequent results for non-
law enforcement sensitive agencies publicly available.
Reducing Duplication and Improving Efficiencies.--The
Committee directs each agency funded in this bill to report to
the Committee, within 1 year of enactment of this act, on all
efforts made to address the duplication of Federal programs
identified by annual GAO reports along with identifying
substantive challenges and legal barriers to implementing GAO's
recommendations and suggested legislative recommendations that
could help the agency to further reduce duplication.
Reprogrammings, Reorganizations, and Relocations
Section 505, contained in the General Provisions of Title V
of the bill, provides procedures for the reprogramming of
funds. To reprogram is to change the use of funds from the
specific purposes provided for in the bill and the accompanying
explanatory statement or, in the absence of direction from the
Committee, from the specific purposes provided for in the
administration's budget request. Each title of the bill has
also traditionally included separate provisions that define
permissible transfers of resources between appropriation
accounts. These transfer authority provisions are also pursuant
to section 505 and were initiated in the early 1990s to provide
additional flexibility to the agencies under the subcommittee's
jurisdiction.
The Committee expects each department and agency to closely
follow the reprogramming procedures listed in section 505.
These procedures apply to funds provided under this bill,
provided under previous appropriations acts that remain
available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2026, or
provided from any accounts in the Treasury available to the
agencies funded by this bill. Section 505 requires that the
Committee be notified by letter, at least 30 days prior to
reprogramming of funds, whether permanent or temporary, in
excess of $500,000 or 5 percent, whichever is less, between
programs, projects, or activities. Section 505 of this act is
also applicable in cases where funding for an activity is
reduced by 5 percent. In addition, the Committee is to be
notified of reprogramming actions which are less than these
amounts if such actions would have the effect of committing the
agency to significant funding requirements in future years;
increasing funds or personnel by any means for any program,
project, or activity for which funds have been previously
denied or restricted by Congress; creating new programs,
offices, agencies, or commissions or substantially augmenting
existing programs, offices, agencies, or commissions;
relocating offices or employees; or reorganizing offices,
programs, or activities.
The Committee also expects that any items that are subject
to interpretation will be reported. In particular, the
Department of Justice is directed to submit to the Committee
all legal opinions evaluating section 505. The Committee
expects that each department and agency funded in the bill will
follow these notification policies precisely and will not
reallocate resources or reorganize activities prior to
submitting the required notifications to the Committee.
Reprogramming or transfer requests shall be submitted only in
the case of an unforeseen emergency or situation that could not
have been anticipated when formulating the budget request for
the current fiscal year.
Congressional Budget Justifications
The Committee directs that all departments and agencies
funded within this bill shall submit all of their fiscal year
2027 budget justifications concurrently with the official
submission of the administration's budget to Congress. Further,
all departments and agencies with classified programs funded
within this act are directed to submit their classified budget
justification documents to the Committee, through appropriate
means, at the same time the unclassified budget justifications
are transmitted.
These justifications shall include a sufficient level of
detailed data, exhibits, and explanatory statements to support
the appropriations requests, including tables that outline each
agency's programs, projects, and activities for fiscal years
2026 and 2027. For example, when requesting an enhancement of
resources, the justification should detail the existing program
and what the new resources would buy. The Committee directs the
chief financial officer of each department or agency funded in
this act's jurisdiction to ensure that adequate justification
is given to each increase, decrease, and staffing and function
change proposed in the fiscal year 2027 budget, particularly
within the departmental operations and management accounts.
The Committee expects that the fiscal year 2027 submissions
will include sufficient detail to justify all programs,
projects, and activities contained in each department, agency,
office, or commission budget request. Budget justifications are
prepared not for the use of the agencies but are the primary
tool the Committee uses to evaluate the resource requirements
and proposals requested by the administration.
Agency Spending Plans
Section 528, a longstanding provision of the Commerce,
Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill,
requires each agency funded by this act to submit spending
plans to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives and the Senate not later than 45 days after the
date of enactment. Section 1113 of the Full-Year Continuing
Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4)
contained a substantially similar requirement. Nonetheless,
DOC, NASA, and NSF failed to provide substantive spending
plans. Accordingly, the Committee has curtailed the
flexibilities it had previously provided to DOC, NASA, and NSF
through transfer authorities.
Reporting Requirements
The Committee directs the departments and agencies funded
in this bill to submit reports by the deadlines detailed herein
or to provide advance notification if there is sufficient
reason why deadlines cannot be met, along with the expected
date of submission.
The Committee also recognizes that some enduring reporting
requirements from previous appropriations laws may no longer be
necessary for congressional oversight purposes. In the interest
of reducing government waste and expediting responses to
current report mandates, each department or agency is invited
to submit a list of reporting requirements that it considers
outdated or no longer relevant for the review of the Committees
on Appropriations. Any list submitted for review shall cite the
original authority, as well as a justification for eliminating
each reporting requirement.
Reductions-in-Force
The Committee directs departments or agencies funded in the
accompanying bill that are planning to conduct a reduction-in-
force to notify the Committee in writing 90 days in advance of
the date of the proposed personnel action.
Appropriations Liaisons
The Committee prefers to channel the majority of its
inquiries and requests for information and assistance through
the budget offices or comptroller offices of the departments
and agencies which it oversees but reserves the right to call
upon any individual or organization in any agency under its
jurisdiction. The Committee directs the chief financial officer
of DOC, DOJ, NASA, and NSF to provide an in-person briefing to
the Committee on the first day of each quarter of fiscal year
2026.
Access to High-Quality Affordable Child Care for Federal Employees
The Committee directs the departments and agencies funded
in this bill to report to the Committee, within 180 days of the
date of enactment of this act, and include in annual budget
justifications thereafter, on their efforts to help provide
access to high-quality affordable child care for the children
of those Federal employees. The reports shall detail all
current programs or efforts that assist department or agency
employees with child care, identify programs-including for
recruitment and retention-that assist with child care, provide
the number of employees utilizing such programs, and detail
associated costs. Additionally, departments and agencies shall
survey employees on the level of interest in such programs or
efforts if they are not currently provided by a department or
agency. Where possible, departments and agencies shall identify
whether access to child care hinders recruitment or retention
efforts, provide the geographical locations where such
hindrance occurs, and identify targeted solutions for such
hindrances.
Indirect Cost Rate
The Committee recognizes that indirect cost recovery has
been essential for supporting federally-funded research at
university and private laboratories, enabling critical
institutional functions such as Federal compliance, research
facility operations, and administrative support. The Committee
acknowledges that optimizing indirect cost rates can further
enhance the efficiency of funding allocation for direct
research and programmatic activities, benefiting early-career
researchers, smaller institutions, and community-based
organizations. Ensuring an effective balance in indirect costs
is key to sustaining U.S. leadership in scientific research and
technological innovation. The Committee notes the academic
research community's efforts to develop a consensus proposal to
refine this balance. In anticipation of that effort, the
Committee introduces a new Title V General Provision on
indirect cost rates.
Federal Trust and Treaty Responsibilities
The Committee reminds agencies funded by this act of their
obligation to uphold the Federal trust and treaty
responsibilities to Tribes and Federal obligations to the
Native Hawaiian Community. This includes upholding treaty and
reserved rights, and any other rights and obligations under
Federal law; supporting self-determination efforts by Native
communities; fulfilling obligations under Presidential
Memoranda and Executive Orders; and conducting early and robust
government-to-government consultation with Tribes, and
meaningful outreach and engagement with Native Hawaiians.
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
The Committee recommends a total of $10,873,807,000 for the
Department of Commerce [DOC]. The recommendation is
$485,997,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The DOC is responsible for a variety of activities critical
to our Nation's well-being, including economic development,
intellectual property protection, standards and measurements,
trade enforcement, weather forecasting, and fisheries
management. Our Nation relies on the Department to maintain
America's competitiveness within today's foreign markets while
promoting and expanding international trade opportunities. The
Department brings together a diverse set of bureaus,
specialized experts, research laboratories, and applied
technology programs to support and expand opportunities for
growth in the private sector. Few departments have such
potential to directly impact the strength and sustainability of
our communities and local businesses.
International Trade Administration
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $623,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 605,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $605,000,000 for
the International Trade Administration [ITA]. The
recommendation is $18,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025
enacted level. The discretionary appropriation is offset by
$12,000,000 in fee collections. The Committee recognizes the
importance of Global Markets [GM] and continues to strongly
support the program. The Committee directs ITA to apply
reductions amongst the business units proportionally. GM
supports job creation in the United States and strengthens U.S.
economic and national security by promoting U.S. exports,
attracting inward investment, and ensuring market access and a
level playing field in international trade for U.S. companies
and industries.
Offsetting Fee Collections.--ITA shall continue to identify
and include an accurate assessment of expected fee collections
and corresponding expenditures.
Travel and Tourism.--The Committee notes the importance of
travel and tourism as economic engines for communities across
the country. The Committee provides an amount equal to the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for ITA to continue implementing
the ``Visit America Act.''
Staffing Levels at Foreign and Domestic Offices.--The
Committee is concerned that Global Markets staff vacancies
within client-facing positions are hindering opportunities for
U.S. businesses to compete in international markets and
compromising foreign direct investment opportunities within the
United States. The Committee directs ITA to provide a briefing,
within 180 days of enactment of this act, on its strategy to
ensure client-facing staff vacancies are addressed so that GM
services are not degraded.
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement [USMCA]
Secretariat.--The Committee provides not less than the fiscal
year 2024 enacted level for ITA to continue to support the U.S.
Section of the Secretariat, authorized by the USMCA
Implementation Act (Public Law 116-113).
Budget and Staffing Oversight.--The Committee directs ITA
to continue to submit, no later than 30 days after the end of
each fiscal quarter, an update on the previous quarter's
accomplishments, upcoming activity, milestones, and budget and
staffing updates. Furthermore, the update shall contain recent
hiring activity within GM's U.S. Commercial Service.
Silane.--The Committee recognizes the importance of silane
gas in building a competitive domestic advanced semiconductor
supply chain. The limited number of domestic sources for
silane, along with the potential export of available silane for
foreign use, represent risks to national security. Multiple
domestic sources of silane are needed to maintain the country's
leadership in advanced semiconductors and to support job
creation through building a robust domestic battery industry.
Within 180 days of enactment of this act, ITA is directed to
coordinate with the Department of Energy's Office of
Electricity to provide a report to the Committee on anticipated
silane demand growth over the next decade, existing efforts to
diversify and increase domestic production of silane, and risks
to semiconductor, battery, and solar panel supply chains posed
by our reliance on imported silane.
Increased International Commercial Engagement and Export
Promotion.--The Committee is concerned by the continuing
erosion of the U.S. share of the global export market and
believes that the Department must prioritize ITA's commercial
engagement efforts to level the international playing field for
U.S. exporters. In particular, the Committee remains concerned
that the Federal Government does not have adequate resourcing
in place to significantly increase exports to Africa, Latin
America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific region. Prior to
obligating funds to open any new international office and hire
additional staff, ITA shall provide the Committee with a
detailed spending plan, which shall include a staffing plan and
a justification for the establishment of any new office.
General Data Protection Regulation [GDPR].--The Committee
urges ITA to continue its efforts to educate small businesses
about the GDPR. The Committee is concerned that small
businesses may be unaware of compliance obligations as a result
of GDPR and could be vulnerable to fines and significant
financial risk. The Committee encourages ITA to work with
Federal, State, and local partners to raise awareness about
GDPR obligations on American small businesses.
Rural Export Assistance.--The Committee encourages the
Secretary to prioritize expanding international trade
opportunities for rural businesses. The Committee provides not
less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for rural export
centers [REC] and not less than $2,000,000 for the National
Rural Export Center. Prior to obligating funds to open any new
REC, hire additional staff based at such new centers, and
modify existing rural export centers, ITA shall submit a
detailed spending plan, which shall include a staffing plan and
a justification for the establishment of any new center or
modification of an existing center. The Committee directs ITA
to prioritize and provide full operational funding of this
program, and provide the Committee with a briefing, within 30
days of enactment of this act, on efforts to sustain REC and
the National Rural Export Center.
Post-Conflict Support for Ukraine.--The Committee
encourages ITA to engage in post-conflict reconstruction
planning for Ukraine, including the expansion of U.S.
activities to strengthen economic engagement with Ukraine.
United Kingdom [UK] Tariff Rate Quota [TRQ] Attestation.--
The Committee is appreciative of the work that DOC and ITA have
done to protect domestic steel and aluminum producers,
including its work in establishing the 2022 TRQ with the UK.
However, the Committee is concerned with the UK's seeming lack
of transparency with parts of the TRQ, specifically as it
pertains to the verification of the results of the audits
conducted on British steel producers that are owned or
controlled by People's Republic of China [PRC] stakeholders.
The Committee urges ITA to continue working with the UK to
publish data and audit information used to make the
determination in the UK's attestation.
U.S.-European Union [EU] Trade and Technology Council
[TTC].--The Committee recognizes the importance of the TTC as a
forum for promoting U.S. and EU competitiveness and prosperity
through increasing transatlantic trade, investment, and
engagement on matters related to critical and emerging
technology. The Committee awaits receipt of the joint report on
the U.S.-EU TTC, as directed by the joint explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 118-42.
Steel Import Monitoring Analysis Program.--The Committee
urges ITA to update the scope of its Steel Import Monitoring
Analysis [SIMA] system to better harmonize it with the scope of
the President's Section 232 steel tariffs. Comprehensive SIMA
coverage will help ensure that the derivative steel products
entering into the United States are doing so transparently and
in a manner consistent with U.S. and international trade laws.
Shipbuilding and Maintenance Sector.--The Committee notes
the strategic and economic importance of U.S. shipbuilding and
maintenance sector. Recent executive actions--including the
Section 301 United States Trade Representative [USTR] Action on
China's Targeting the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding
Sectors for Dominance, and Executive Order 14629--have sought
to strengthen the sector. The Committee directs ITA, in
consultation with USTR and within 180 days of enactment of this
act, to submit a report on the U.S. shipbuilding and
maintenance sector. The report shall include: (1) the
percentage of U.S. parts, components, and supplies that are
utilized in the implementation of Executive Order 14629 and in
the USTR's relief measures; (2) an analysis of DOC's ability to
track parts used in the maritime sector, including its ability
to track trade flows, identify foreign unfair trade barriers,
and practices that limit the export of U.S. parts and
components; and (3) an analysis of Federal efforts to restore
U.S. capacity to build port infrastructure, including ship-to-
shore cranes.
Trade Enforcement.--ITA is directed to submit an annual
report to the Committee providing the total number of open
antidumping and countervailing duty [AD/CVD] orders during the
fiscal year, including investigations and administrative
reviews, compared to the past three fiscal years, and the total
number of final determinations and final results in AD/CVD
proceedings remanded to the agency or subject to remand
proceedings during the relevant fiscal year by the U.S. Court
of International Trade.
Cultural Trade Impact.--The Committee recognizes the
important role that cultural trade plays in our economic growth
and directs ITA to provide a briefing, within 180 days of
enactment of this act, regarding its current efforts to promote
cultural trade goods, future efforts, and recommendations for
legislative actions needed to further support the industries
that create these goods.
Bureau of Industry and Security
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $191,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 211,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $211,000,000 for
the Bureau of Industry and Security [BIS]. The recommendation
is $20,000,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
BIS is the principal agency involved in the development,
implementation, and enforcement of export controls for
commercial technologies and for many military technologies as a
result of export control reform. The Export Enforcement
Division detects, prevents, investigates, and assists in the
sanctioning of illegal exports of such items.
Export Control Regulatory Compliance Assistance.--The
Committee directs BIS to continue its exporter outreach program
to educate companies of all sizes on their obligations related
to export controls. In this effort, BIS, working with ITA U.S.
Export Assistance Centers, should continue targeting small- and
medium-sized businesses and working with State and local trade
and export associations, in addition to working with national
industry groups, to ensure that small- and medium-sized
businesses have clear, easy-to-understand information about
complying with export control regulations.
Enforcement of Russia Export Controls.--The Committee
continues to support BIS's aggressive enforcement of Russian
and Belarussian export controls and other BIS efforts to
counter Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Committee directs
BIS, within 180 days of enactment of this act, to submit a
report detailing the agency's efforts to work with
international allies and partners to harmonize this export
control regime, with the aim of denying Russia access to
controlled items to inhibit its illegal war of aggression in
Ukraine. The report shall also address the feasibility of
banning the export of the vessels, parts, and components
necessary to export oil, petroleum, and LNG to Russia. The
report shall detail the extent of direct or indirect export,
re-export, or in-country transfer of any vessels built or
retro-fitted to transport oil, petroleum, or liquid natural gas
to Russian persons and proxies of Russia, including components
or parts necessary to build or maintain such vessels.
Revision of Firearms License Requirements.--To understand
the impact BIS's interim final rule [IFR] (89 FR 34680) has on
U.S. manufacturers and their suppliers and national security
interests, the Committee directs BIS, within 15 days of
enactment of this act, to provide a briefing that details the
national security and economic impacts of the IFR.
Competitiveness Assessment for New Breeding Techniques
[NBT].--The Committee notes that the PRC has engaged in the
forced technology transfer of American agricultural
intellectual property. The Committee is aware that China's ag-
biotech regulatory regime requires American companies seeking
approval of gene-edited crops utilizing NBTs to provide highly
proprietary and detailed sequencing information on their
products as well as the underlying technology. Scientific
breakthroughs in ag-biotech are a critical area of
technological competition between the United States and China
when it comes to future food security. Therefore, the Committee
directs the BIS to develop and submit a plan to the Committee,
within 180 days of enactment of this act, regarding tools the
agency can use hasten the regulatory clearance and protection
of this category of American precision plant breeding from the
forced export of sensitive U.S. technology.
Investigation on PRC-based Light Detection and Ranging
[LIDAR] Companies.--The Committee is concerned about the
potential national security threat posed by PRC-based LIDAR
companies, and recognizes the partnerships between Chinese
LIDAR manufacturers and the People's Liberation Army to enable
autonomous military vehicles systems. Further, the Committee
recognizes the use of Chinese-manufactured LIDAR for police and
prison surveillance measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous
Region. The Committee directs BIS, within 180 days of the
enactment of this act, to report on whether PRC-manufactured
LIDAR companies meet the requirements to be added to the Entity
List.
Flow Cytometers.--The Committee is concerned with the
possible unintended consequences of IFR (RIN 0694-AJ95). The
IFR may have substantial consequences for American-made medical
devices, potentially creating an unfair advantage for Chinese
manufacturers while putting U.S. manufacturers at a
disadvantage. Furthermore, the Interim Final Rule may undermine
national security by weakening the biotech industry, a critical
component in sustaining technological leadership over global
competitors. The Committee encourages the Department to review
this regulation and brief the Committee, within 30 days of the
enactment of this act, on implications to U.S. manufacturers
and national security.
Artificial Intelligence [AI] Diffusion Rule.--The Committee
notes the Department's withdrawal of the previous Interim Final
AI Diffusion Rule. As the Department continues working to
ensure U.S. leadership in the AI ecosystem, the Committee urges
the Department to balance commercial interest with national
security. Maintaining American leadership requires a continued
competitive presence promoting adoption of U.S. innovations
abroad.
Connected Inverter Systems.--The Committee notes that
energy systems with inverters increasingly rely on common
computing and network infrastructure to perform all aspects of
operation and maintenance. As such, its integration with the
Internet of Things [IoT] has introduced new security threats
into the electrical grid. Further, significant inverter
equipment is produced by foreign entities of concern. As such,
within 180 days of the enactment of this act, the committee
directs BIS to submit a report to the Committee regarding the
national security, foreign policy, and economic risks
associated with the widespread deployment of connected inverter
equipment manufactured by foreign entities of concern.
Reciprocal Defense Procurement [RDP] Agreements.--The
Committee notes the recent GAO report on oversight of RDP
Agreements (GAO-25-106936) and its associated recommendations.
Consistent with the GAO recommendation directed at the DOC, the
Committee encourages BIS, in consultation with other
appropriate offices within Commerce, to update its guidance to
address weaknesses in its methodology assessing the potential
effects of RDP Agreements on U.S. industry so that it is based
on sound economic reasoning and rigorous methodology and
leverages the expertise of other appropriate offices within the
Department. The Committee encourages DOC to collaborate with
the Department of Defense to develop a process, including
written policies and procedures, for evaluating the possible
impacts of any RDP Agreement under negotiation. Further, the
Committee encourages the Department to develop a written
process for ongoing analysis and monitoring of the impact these
agreements have on U.S. industry over time, including robust
economic analysis and mechanisms for advising the Department of
Defense on recommended amendments during re-negotiation of any
existing agreement.
Whistleblower Incentives for Export Control Enforcement.--
The Committee recognizes the growing national security threat
posed by the illegal export of sensitive U.S. technologies,
particularly advanced semiconductors and artificial
intelligence-enabling chips, to foreign adversaries. To
strengthen enforcement of export controls under the Export
Control Reform Act of 2018 (title XVII of Public Law 115-232),
the Committee encourages the establishment of a whistleblower
incentive and protection program at BIS. Therefore, the
Committee directs the Department to submit a report, within 120
days of enactment, outlining a framework for such a program.
The report shall include the feasibility of a program that
provides financial rewards to individuals who voluntarily
provide original information relating to potential violations
of U.S. export control laws. The report should also include
criteria for eligibility, procedures for reward determinations,
and mechanisms for interagency coordination. Any framework
shall include strict protections for the identity and safety of
whistleblowers, and rewards should be issued only upon
successful enforcement actions resulting from submitted
information. Further, in its framework, BIS is encouraged to
develop secure reporting channels, coordinate with relevant law
enforcement and intelligence agencies, and allocate resources
to review, investigate, and act on credible tips. The report
should also identify anticipated funding needs for
administration and oversight.
Defense Impact of Section 232 Tariffs.--The Committee
directs BIS, within 180 days of enactment of this act, to
submit a report on the impacts of existing section 232 tariffs
on the defense supply chain, including the number of jobs
affected, and on national security. This report should include
information about increased costs or lead times for new orders
or materials; any potential shortages of components, parts, or
finished equipment; and the impact on aerospace and defense
manufacturers downstream of the tariffed products.
Economic Development Administration
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $468,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 426,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $426,000,000 for
the Economic Development Administration [EDA]. The
recommendation is $42,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
EDA provides assistance to local governments and nonprofit
agencies for public works, planning, and other projects
designed to facilitate economic development. This assistance
could come in the form of grants, contracts for research and
technical assistance, or prize competitions that incentivize
entities beyond EDA's usual set of eligible recipients to think
through and address broad economic development issues. The
Committee directs EDA to coordinate with regional development
organizations to support projects that will address some of the
pressing issues that challenge rural economic development.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $400,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 360,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $360,000,000 for
Economic Development Assistance Programs. The recommendation is
$40,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. The
Committee directs EDA to focus on its core programs and mission
to aid the most distressed communities across the country. The
Committee expects EDA to use all available carryover and prior
year recoveries to the maximum extent possible. EDA shall
consider geographic equity in making all award decisions and
shall ensure that rural projects are adequately represented
among those selected for funding. Of the amounts provided,
funds are to be distributed as follows:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Works............................................ 100,000
Economic Adjustment Assistance.......................... 51,000
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms................... 13,500
Regional Innovation Program............................. 50,000
Partnership Planning.................................... 35,500
Technical Assistance.................................... 15,500
Research and Evaluation................................. 2,000
Recompete Pilot Program................................. 15,000
STEM Apprenticeships.................................... 2,500
Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs................. 60,000
Workforce Training Grants............................... 10,000
Assistance to Indigenous Communities.................... 5,000
---------------
Total............................................. 360,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outdoor Recreation Projects.--The Committee notes that
projects supporting outdoor recreation are a catalyst for
economic development and should be eligible for EDA funding.
EDA is encouraged to consider such projects when consistent
with a region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Economic Development Representatives.--The Committee
strongly supports EDA's effort to promote access to its
economic development assistance programs through the use of
Economic Development Representatives [EDRs] in under-resourced
communities. The Committee directs EDA to provide a briefing on
staffing levels of EDRs within 30 days of the enactment of this
act.
Prize Competitions.--The Committee encourages EDA to use
prize competitions, where appropriate, to help find innovative
answers to challenging, long-standing economic development
issues. Prize competitions have the potential to spur
innovation and surface the solutions needed to unlock economic
opportunity.
Economic Adjustment Assistance [EAA].--EAA is EDA's most
flexible economic development program, providing funding for
projects ranging from disaster recovery to business
accelerators and incubators. Within funding for EAA, the
Committee supports EDA's collaborations with the Delta Regional
Authority, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the
Northern Border Regional Commission to assist distressed
communities. Additionally, EDA is directed to begin
collaboration with the Southwest Border Regional Commission.
The Committee also notes that EAA can assist communities
dealing with the closures of energy plants, resulting in job
losses and dramatic reductions to local tax bases. The
Committee appreciates the work EDA has undertaken in prior
years to assist communities impacted by recent or scheduled
plant closures, including communities addressing biomass power
plant closures, nuclear power plant closures and coal-fired
power plant closures. The Committee directs EDA to consider the
needs of these communities in awarding EAA grants.
Assistance to Manufacturing Communities and Distressed
Communities.--The Committee encourages EDA to invest in public-
private partnerships that target distressed areas seeking to
diversify their local workforce through advanced manufacturing
operations. When working with distressed communities, EDA shall
work to identify the best funding sources to meet community
needs and to assist with the technical requirements that must
be included in each grant proposal. The Committee reminds EDA
that distressed communities most in need of funding are often
poorly positioned to produce a technical and sophisticated
proposal required for agency funding.
Regional Innovation Program [RIP].--The Committee provides
$50,000,000 for the RIP program and directs EDA to invest in
university based, high-tech business incubators that encourage
entrepreneurship and patent creation, grow the workforce, and
promote technology commercialization, particularly for
distressed manufacturing and legacy communities, and support
the development of regional innovation clusters that focus on
clean and renewable energy technologies. EDA shall continue to
ensure that RIP awards go to multiple grantees in multiple and
diverse geographic areas, including an increased focus on
organizations and States that have not previously received
funding from the program. Furthermore, within funds provided
for RIP, EDA shall award not less than 40 percent of grants to
support rural communities.
Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs [Tech Hubs].--The
Committee provides $60,000,000 for the Tech Hubs program.
Recompete Pilot Program.--The Committee recommendation
provides $15,000,000 for the Recompete Pilot Program. The
Committee encourages EDA to consider designating any finalists
from a previous funding round that did not receive an
implementation award as finalists in future funding
competitions.
Working Waterfronts.--Working waterfronts have long been an
important component of the U.S. economy, supporting commercial
and recreational activities. The Committee provides not less
than $7,000,000 for projects to revitalize, expand, and upgrade
the physical infrastructure of working waterfronts to attract
new industry, encourage business expansion, diversify local
economies, and generate or retain long-term private sector jobs
and investment.
New Forest Products.--The Committee notes that many forest-
based economies have experienced disruption and decline in
recent years. EDA is encouraged to work, including through RIP,
with communities and regions that have been adversely impacted
by rapid changes in the timber and pulp marketplaces and to
support projects that help these communities develop related
industries, including commercialization of new forest products
using low-grade wood. This work may include the coordination of
economic development efforts across multiple States or Economic
Development Districts. Additionally, the Committee reiterates
that communities facing job losses are eligible for all EDA
programs.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math [STEM]
Apprenticeships and Workforce Development.--The Committee notes
the recent growth of STEM-related industries across the
country. Given this trend, the Committee provides $2,500,000 to
create and expand STEM apprenticeship and other workforce
training models to help workers develop the skills necessary to
join this growing industry. Within the funds provided, the
Committee directs EDA to prioritize implementation grants, to
the extent practicable.
Rural Economic Development.--The Committee recognizes the
economic development challenges rural communities face and
encourages EDA, in coordination with regional development
organizations, including regional councils, to continue to
support projects that address these challenges.
Prioritizing Housing Supply.--The Committee recognizes that
economic development and job creation will not benefit
residents unless there is sufficient housing supply, and that
land use regulations in many regions prevent the new housing
supply needed to accommodate economic growth. The Committee
encourages EDA to provide guidance for the inclusion of a
component in Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies
related to housing supply and deregulation to address land use
and zoning barriers to housing. The Committee also encourages
EDA to ensure that projects funded through its Planning and
Local Technical Assistance programs include such a component,
and to consider prioritizing jurisdictions that have removed
land use and zoning barriers to housing production in
discretionary grants, including its Economic Adjustment
Assistance, Public Works, and Recompete grants. Within 90 days
of enactment of this act, the Committee directs EDA to provide
an update on ways EDA funds could support housing supply and
land use deregulation priorities.
Program Duplication.--The Committee appreciates the GAO's
efforts to analyze potential program duplication across the
Federal Government, pursuant to the directive in Senate Report
118-62 and as incorporated into the joint explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 118-42. The Committee looks forward to
reviewing the report.
Capacity Building for Business Districts.--Business
districts drive entrepreneurship, local business ownership,
economic growth, and job creation. They are an essential part
of the economic development ecosystem for towns, cities, and
rural communities. Local business district organizations are
well positioned to provide technical assistance to drive job
creation and job retention in these communities, but often face
significant challenges in accessing EDA funds due to the
relatively small scale and highly local scope of their
operations. To help overcome these challenges, increase
efficiency, and minimize administrative costs, the Committee
encourages EDA to leverage national non-profit networks and
their existing infrastructure to provide support to local
business district organizations through capacity building
grants, technical assistance, training, and dissemination of
best practices.
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
[EPSCoR] States and the Tech Hubs Program.--The Committee
directs EDA, in accordance with section 10621 of Public Law
117-167, to ensure that, subject to available appropriations,
at least one eligible consortium so designated as a regional
technology hub is headquartered in a low population State that
is eligible to receive funding from the EPSCoR program of the
National Science Foundation.
Economic Development Research.--The Committee recognizes
the importance of university-based research in investigating
the myriad economic development challenges facing many regions
in the United States, especially in places that have not
benefited from recent technological developments and places
transitioning from legacy industries, among others. The
Committee provides up to $2,000,000 to support Research and
Evaluation to better inform economic development decision-
making.
Assistance to Indigenous Communities.--The recommendation
provides $5,000,000 to provide resources to address the needs
of Indigenous communities that have historically suffered from
a lack of investment in core economic development needs.
Workforce Training Grants.--The Committee provides
$10,000,000 for EDA to invest in Workforce Training Grants, as
authorized by the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development
Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-272). Workforce development is a
key component of economic development and the strength of the
U.S. economy depends on a talented and well-trained workforce.
EDA is encouraged to award Workforce Training Grants to support
regional partnerships between industry and higher education to
develop innovative workforce solutions that create quality
jobs, including, but not limited to, sectors like advanced
manufacturing, biotechnology, and aeronautics.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $68,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 66,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $66,000,000 for
salaries and expenses. The recommendation is $2,000,000 below
the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
Grant Oversight.--EDA personnel play an essential oversight
role to ensure that grant awards reach the communities they
were meant to serve. The Committee remains concerned that the
ratio of grant awards to EDA post-award management personnel is
unsustainable, jeopardizing the agency's oversight
responsibility as stewards of Federal dollars. Lack of
personnel also slows down the pace of new awards. These facts
underscore the need for additional post-award management
personnel. Therefore, within the funds provided, EDA is
directed to continue exercising proper oversight of existing
grant awards and ensuring new grant awards are made in a timely
manner.
Minority Business Development Agency
MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $68,250,000
Committee recommendation................................ 55,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $55,000,000 for the
Minority Business Development Agency [MBDA]. The recommendation
is $13,250,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. MBDA
is the only Federal agency dedicated to promoting the growth of
minority-owned firms and assists small, medium, and large
minority business enterprises in increasing revenues and
creating jobs.
The President's request for fiscal year 2026 proposes the
elimination of MBDA. MBDA was permanently authorized under the
MBDA Act (division K of Public Law 117-58), and performs
statutory functions. Congress appropriated $68,250,000 in the
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025
(Public Law 119-4) for the operations of the agency. The
elimination of an agency with a permanent authorization and an
appropriation requires consultations between the Committee and
the Department and the enactment of a subsequent law.
Transfer Authority.--The amounts made available for the
MBDA may not be transferred for any other purpose.
MBDA Report and Briefing.--The Committee directs MBDA to
submit a report, within 45 days of enactment of this act,
explaining which components or functions of MBDA considers
statutorily required. The Committee also directs MBDA to brief
the Committee, within 30 days of enactment of this act, on any
changes to the agency's spending or expenditures that resulted
from the agency's implementation of Executive Order 14238.
These changes shall be described at the program, project, or
activity level.
Native Entities.--The Committee's recommendation provides
$4,000,000 for grants to American Indian, Alaska Native, and
Native Hawaiian entities qualified to provide business,
financing, and technical assistance services to Tribes and
encourages MBDA to coordinate with the Department's Office of
Native American Business Development on these efforts.
Economic and Statistical Analysis
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $125,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 122,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $122,000,000 for
Economic and Statistical Analysis [ESA], including $8,000,000
for the Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs. The
recommendation is $3,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted
level. ESA conducts research to provide a better understanding
of the U.S. economy, helping government make more informed
policy decisions.
Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account.--The Committee
recognizes the national economic importance of the outdoor
recreation industry, and provides the fiscal year 2024 enacted
amount to continue providing national and State-level data
detailed statistics on the impact of outdoor reaction
activities on the U.S. economy in support of the Outdoor
Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016 (Public Law
114-249). The Committee directs the Department to continue
working with the outdoor recreation industry, nongovernmental
organizations, and other interested stakeholders to refine the
national-level statistics and to continue developing regional
statistics.
Commodity Checkoff Programs.--The Committee recognizes that
the Commerce Department's Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program is
an industry-led program funding the research and promotion of
concrete masonry products. The Committee encourages the
Department to maximize the effectiveness of its checkoff
programs by utilizing available escrow funds, managing agency
cost reimbursements or developing other administrative
remedies, where practicable, to ensure program resources are
fully utilized for their intended purpose.
Distributional Measures of Growth.--The Committee's
recommendation supports ESA's efforts to improve and expand
distributional measures of growth. The Committee directs ESA to
further research methods that will allow a quarterly release
schedule with minimal delay.
Gross Domestic Product [GDP] Calculation.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of an accurate, comprehensive measure
of U.S. economic activity and is concerned about potential
efforts to change GDP calculation methods. The efforts may
undermine trust in GDP data, upon which policymakers,
investors, and businesses--among other parties--rely. The
Committee directs ESA to brief the Committee, within 30 days of
enactment of this act, on any recent or present plans to change
the method by which GDP is calculated. This briefing shall
include the rationale for any proposed changes and its likely
effect on GDP. The Committee directs ESA to notify the
Committee of any subsequent efforts to change the way GDP is
calculated.
Bureau of the Census
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,382,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,520,349,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,520,349,000 for
the Census Bureau. The recommendation is $137,849,000 above the
fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
Data Sets.--The Committee notes the recent removal or
modification of various Census and the Bureau of Economic
Analysis [BEA] data sets that were previously publicly
available. The Committee's questions about these changes remain
unanswered. The Committee directs the Census Bureau and BEA,
within 30 days of enactment of this act, to provide a briefing
on the scope of the removal and modifications to the data sets.
The Committee also directs the Census Bureau and BEA to provide
the Committee with a report, within 180 days of enactment of
this act, containing a list of all data sets that were removed
or modified as a result of recent executive orders or other
directives. The report shall also assess why the data sets were
removed or modified and how users of these data products can
access them in their original, unaltered forms.
Termination of Advisory Committees.--The Committee directs
the Census Bureau, in consultation with BEA and within 30 days
of the enactment of this act, to provide a report on the
advisory committee terminations, which occurred in February
2025. The report should include a complete explanation of why
these committees were terminated and a plan detailing how the
Department will receive input from external stakeholders in the
absence of these advisory committees.
CURRENT SURVEYS AND PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $328,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 328,500,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $328,500,000 for
current surveys and programs. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. This account provides for
the salaries and expenses associated with the statistical
programs of the Bureau of the Census, including measurement of
the Nation's economy and the demographic characteristics of the
population.
PERIODIC CENSUSES AND PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,054,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,191,849,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,191,849,000 for
periodic censuses and programs. The recommendation is
$137,849,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
This account provides for the constitutionally mandated
Decennial Census as well as other cyclical programs.
Additionally, the Census Bureau conducts individual surveys for
other Federal agencies on a reimbursable basis.
American Community Survey [ACS].--The census stakeholder
and data user communities are interested in ensuring the
integrity, utility, and reliability of data from the ACS. Given
that the Census Bureau did not fully release 1 year ACS
estimates in 2021, the Committee requests an update on steps
the Census Bureau has taken and intends to take to modernize
the ACS, especially increasing the survey's sample size,
expanding nonresponse follow up operations, and reducing
respondent burden. The Committee seeks specific feedback
estimating the cost of these and any other ACS enhancements
that the Census Bureau is considering. The Committee also
directs the Census Bureau to report on how improvements to the
ACS relate to the Bureau's broader operational transformation
efforts. The Committee directs the Bureau to provide a report
addressing these matters within 180 days of enactment of this
act.
Utilizing Libraries and Community Partners for Census
Surveys.--The Committee directs the Census Bureau to continue
to conduct outreach to public libraries and other community
technology centers to ensure that they are fully informed about
and equipped to support residents' participation in Census
Bureau surveys. The Bureau should work with libraries, in
coordination with the Institute of Museum and Library Services,
as part of the overall strategy to maximize response to the
ACS, other surveys, and the decennial Census. Such outreach
should include coordinating with library organizations,
providing libraries with informational materials, and offering
webinars or conference presentations to library audiences, as
appropriate for Census surveys and tests.
Research and Evaluation Reports.--The Committee notes that,
earlier this year, the Census Bureau delayed key reports that
help prepare for the 2030 Census and ongoing surveys. The
Committee shares the interest of the census stakeholder and
data user community in ensuring the integrity, utility, and
reliability of data from ongoing surveys and the decennial
census. The Committee requests a comprehensive report, within
180 days of enactment of this act, on how the Census Bureau
plans to field the 2030 Census and other surveys. The report
shall include estimated budgetary needs to prepare for and
execute the decennial census.
Effects of Field Office Closures.--The Committee notes that
field office presence is integral to the successful execution
of the decennial census and other census products. The
Committee directs the Census Bureau to submit, no later than
180 days after enactment of this act, a report detailing: (1)
the number and location of facilities, by quarter, with
operations to carry out statutorily required functions of the
Census Bureau; (2) a detailed description of the criteria the
Census Bureau reviewed prior to any field office closure; (3) a
detailed summary for transitioning the statutorily required
functions of a facility that is no longer in service as of the
date of enact of this act; (4) metrics for measuring
performance of statutorily required functions at a program,
project, or activity level disaggregated by region; (5) the
number of full time equivalents, by quarter, hired to perform
statutorily required functions hired under Schedule C or the
Schedule Policy/Career; and (6) a detailed description of what
actions or procedures the Census Bureau has implemented to
monitor any impact to service delivery or to address service
concerns from Federal clients in areas or regions where the
Census Bureau has closed a facility.
Census Test.--Fiscal year 2026 is a crucial year in the
ramp up to the 2030 Census, as the Census Bureau is scheduled
to conduct the 2026 Census Test in six geographically and
demographically diverse field sites nationwide and with a
nationally representative sample of households. The Committee
urges the Census Bureau to prioritize and protect funding and
contracts necessary to ensure the objectives of the 2026 Census
Test are fully realized.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $59,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 57,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $57,000,000 for the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
[NTIA]. The recommendation is $2,000,000 below the fiscal year
2025 enacted.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $57,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 55,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $55,000,000 for
NTIA salaries and expenses. The recommendation is $2,000,000
below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The Committee retains language from previous years allowing
the Secretary to collect reimbursements from other Federal
agencies for a portion of the cost resulting from the
coordination of spectrum management, analysis, and operations.
NTIA shall submit a report to the Committee no later than June
1, 2026, detailing the collection of reimbursements from other
agencies.
Broadband Expansion.--The Committee directs the NTIA to
prioritize broadband deployment to unserved and then
underserved areas in accordance with Public Law 117-58. The
Committee further directs NTIA to coordinate with the Federal
Communications Commission [FCC] to maintain broadband coverage
maps completed in accordance with Public Law 116-130.
Consistent with relevant statutes, NTIA's broadband programs
are not to distribute funds to States or any providers without
basing such decision upon the FCC's National Broadband Map and
Broadband Funding Map, to the extent applicable, and NTIA shall
direct States distributing funds to subgrantees to do the same.
Broadband Investments under the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act [IIJA].--In Public Law 117-58, Congress made a
historic $65,000,000,000 investment in broadband
infrastructure, equity, and affordability with the goal of
connecting all Americans to high-speed, reliable, and
affordable Internet service. These investments included
$42,450,000,000 for the Broadband Equity, Access, and
Deployment [BEAD] program. The Committee supports the prompt
liquidation of BEAD funding to States in alignment with their
approved state broadband plans. These investments also included
$2,750,000,000 to support three programs under the Digital
Equity Act to equip individuals and communities with the skills
and tools needed for full participation in all aspects of
society. The Committee notes that NTIA has not issued any
notice of funding opportunity [NOFO] for the fiscal year 2025
Digital Equity Act grant funding as required by the IIJA.
Should NTIA fail to release the NOFOs by the time of the
enactment of this act, the Committee directs NTIA to issue them
immediately upon enactment of this act.
Supply Chain and Workforce.--In administering its broadband
programs, NTIA shall consider the effect of supply chain,
workforce shortages, and uniform guidance procurement
requirements, in addition to other known barriers such as
permit approvals, to determine whether providers can reasonably
meet deployment deadlines. If NTIA determines these factors
unduly impact project commitments or will deter program
participation, the agency may use its discretionary authority
to provide waivers of such requirements, in conjunction with
other relief, as necessary.
Policy and Technical Training.--The Committee encourages
NTIA to work with the FCC and the Department of State to
provide support for activities provided under section 7 of
Public Law 98-549 and provides not less than the fiscal year
2024 enacted level for these activities. As part of these
activities, NTIA may provide assistance and guidance in policy
and technical training to impart best practices to information
technology professionals from developing countries.
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.--The Committee notes
the historic investments Congress has made through the Tribal
Broadband Connectivity Program in the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260) and the IIJA. The
Committee directs NTIA to continue engaging with eligible
entities to ensure the full potential of these investments is
realized. The Committee also directs NTIA to accept
applications for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program by
mail in addition to online. The Committee notes the challenges
of delivering broadband infrastructure to first-time users in
rural and remote areas, such as limited construction seasons
and higher costs for materials due to inflation. The Committee
encourages NTIA to review such challenges for construction
projects and report to the Committee on the need for
supplemental project funding for construction projects in rural
and remote areas, in specific circumstances in which cost
increases are beyond the control of the award recipient, to
ensure projects reach completion.
Broadband Funding Map.--The Committee seeks to ensure that
all Federal broadband deployment programs are working in a
complementary manner to maximize reach, without waste or
redundancy. No less than 90 days after the enactment of this
act, the NTIA shall submit a report to the Committee with a
comprehensive update on the measures NTIA has taken to
coordinate with the FCC and populate the Broadband Funding Map
pursuant to section 60105 of the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) with the required data collected
via the central database pursuant to section 903 of title IX of
division FF of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
(Public Law 116-260). This report should include any
identification of gaps in data available or accessible to NTIA
in carrying out these statutory obligations.
FirstNet Authority's Lack of Contract Oversight for Device
Connection Targets.--The Committee is disappointed in NTIA and
in the First Responder Network Authority [FirstNet Authority]
for their poor oversight of the Nationwide Public Safety
Broadband Network [NPSBN]. The Committee is also alarmed and
disappointed in the FirstNet Authority response to the DOC
OIG's reports that highlight the lack of oversight potentially
impacting first responders' use of the NPSBN. NTIA shall brief
the Committee, no later than 60 days of enactment of this act,
detailing how FirstNet is providing the proper oversight of the
NPSBN contract and how FirstNet Authority plans to implement
the DOC OIG's audit recommendations.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $2,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,000,000
The recommendation includes $2,000,000 to support the
restoration and modernization of NTIA's facilities, including
the telecommunication infrastructure, roads, and grounds of
NTIA's government-owned facilities. This amount is equal to the
budget request.
United States Patent and Trademark Office
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $4,554,940,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,996,100,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $4,996,100,000 for
the United States Patent and Trademark Office [USPTO], which is
$441,160,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
USPTO examines patent applications, grants patent
protection for qualified inventions, and disseminates
technological information disclosed in patents. USPTO also
examines trademark applications and provides Federal
registration to owners of qualified trademarks.
Transfer to the OIG.--The Committee provides $2,450,000 for
the OIG to continue oversight and audits of USPTO operations
and budget transparency, and USPTO is directed to work with the
Department to implement all OIG recommendations.
Reprogramming and Spend Plan.--USPTO shall follow the
reprogramming procedures outlined in section 505 of this act
before using excess fee collections to forward fund expenses
beyond fiscal year 2025.
Intellectual Property [IP] Attaches.--The IP Attache
Program advocates internationally to improve IP systems and
assist U.S. stakeholders, providing assistance in all areas of
IP to U.S. rights holders. This includes entering new foreign
markets, resolving issues related to obtaining IP rights in
foreign jurisdictions, and helping address IP enforcement
challenges abroad. To further the goals of the IP Attache
Program and to provide more assistance to U.S. stakeholders,
the Committee directs USPTO to expand the IP Attache Program by
adding four more IP attaches in key markets that currently lack
attaches. USPTO shall keep the Committee apprised of the new
locations and its plan to staff the locations no later than 90
days after enactment of this act.
The Committee remains concerned that USPTO's IP attaches
may not have adequate access to their foreign government
counterparts and are not consistently involved in Embassy or
consulate conversations regarding intellectual property
matters. The Secretary is directed to work with USPTO, ITA, and
the Department of State to ensure that the attaches are
appropriately utilized, including in discussions and
negotiations at the counselor rank and above.
Northern New England Community Outreach Office.--The
Unleashing American Innovators Act of 2022 (division W of
Public Law 117-328) directed USPTO to open a Northern New
England Community Outreach Office [NNECOO] to serve New
Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. USPTO announced its selection of
the location of the NNECOO on December 13, 2023. The Committee
was pleased that USPTO entered into an agreement with the
University of New Hampshire to open a temporary NNECOO in late
2024 while waiting for the General Services Administration to
find a permanent location. The Committee directs USPTO to
provide quarterly updates to the Committee on its progress in
opening this office, including site selection, facilities,
staff hiring, and all related matters.
IP Theft.--The Committee remains concerned with the growing
theft of IP by and on behalf of foreign government actors,
especially by the PRC, as made clear in the USTR's Section 301
report, ``Findings of the Investigation into China's Acts,
Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer,
Intellectual Property, and Innovation under Section 301 of the
Trade Act of 1974.'' The Committee urges USPTO to work with all
relevant agencies to protect U.S. IP through education,
outreach, foreign IP attaches, and ongoing trade negotiations.
Inventorship Guidance for AI-assisted Inventions.--The
Committee notes that USPTO's Inventorship Guidance for AI-
assisted Inventions may affect the use of AI in the inventive
process with potential consequences for inventors and business.
The Committee directs USPTO, within 90 days of enactment of
this act, to provide a report outlining how the agency plans to
address uncertainty for inventors and businesses in the context
of this guidance, including whether the agency contemplates
further changes to the guidance.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,156,917,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,604,525,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,604,525,000 for
the National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST]. The
recommendation is $447,608,000 above the fiscal year 2025
enacted level. Within funds provided, up to $9,000,000 may be
transferred from the Scientific and Technical Research and
Services [STRS] account to the Working Capital Fund.
NIST's mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial
competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards,
and technology in ways that enhance economic security and
improve our quality of life.
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $857,159,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,006,628,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,006,628,000 for
NIST Scientific and Technical Research and Services [STRS]. The
recommendation is $149,469,000 above the fiscal year 2025
enacted level. The Committee directs NIST to provide a detailed
spending plan for NIST's highest priority laboratory programs
that describes resources used for each program, project, or
activity [PPA].
AI Safety Testing and Evaluations.--To further expand its
critical work in AI, the Committee provides $6,000,000 for U.S.
Center for AI Standards and Innovation [CAISI], which was
formerly known as the U.S. AI Safety Institute [USAISI], to
advance AI research, standards, and testing. In addition, the
recommendation provides an amount equal to the fiscal year 2024
enacted level for NIST AI-research base activities.
The Committee encourages NIST to continue creating guidance
and benchmarks for evaluating and auditing AI capabilities,
with a focus on capabilities through which AI could cause harm,
such as in the areas of cybersecurity, biosecurity, and nuclear
security. The Committee is also pleased that NIST requested
information from the public about how to design AI red-teaming
exercises for different types of model risks, including
specific security risks such as chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear risks. The Committee directs NIST to
continue these workstreams and prioritize evaluating, auditing,
and red-teaming AI capabilities with the potential to cause
large-scale catastrophic harm. The Committee also encourages
NIST to build infrastructure and capacity to enable testing of
the most capable AI models ahead of their release and to work
towards performing such testing with industry partners in
fiscal year 2026.
AI Model Evaluations.--The Committee supports the
continuation of the NIST development, implementation, and
ongoing refinement of AI model evaluations, including testing
for accuracy, robustness, and interpretability across
foundation models and high-impact use cases. NIST is further
directed to coordinate with relevant Federal agencies,
academia, and industry stakeholders to ensure these evaluations
are aligned with national priorities for trustworthy and
responsible AI development.
Foreign AI Model Evaluations.--The Committee directs NIST
to assess the technical characteristics, capabilities, and
potential national security risks of advanced AI foundation
models developed by foreign adversaries, including those from
the People's Republic of China. NIST should focus on the
development of robust model evaluation tools, secure testing
environments, and benchmarking methodologies for comparing the
capabilities of foreign and domestic AI models, as well as
track key drivers of AI performance, including compute scale,
data access, and algorithmic innovation. The Committee further
directs NIST to publish regular unclassified assessments to
inform policymakers on the global trajectory of AI capabilities
and associated security risks.
National Synthetic Content Database.--The Committee
supports efforts by NIST to advance digital content
authentication technologies through the development and
maintenance of a National Synthetic Content Database. The
Committee recognizes the benefits of a shared national database
to provide coverage of synthetic content developments, as well
as to inform content authentication efforts in both government
and industry.
Digital Content Authentication Prize Challenge.--The
Committee acknowledges the critical importance of content
authenticity in an era where AI can produce highly realistic
and potentially deceptive material. The Committee is aware that
competitions are a proven approach to spurring innovation for
complex technical challenges, enabling the rapid identification
of solutions through diverse engagement. The Committee
therefore encourages NIST to within 1 year conduct a prize
competition on novel ways to identify synthetic content.
Priorities for the competition should include: machine
detection and digital forensic methods to detect partial or
fully AI-generated content across single or multimodal content;
assessing the robustness, interoperability, and security of
watermarking and other labeling methods across modalities; and
testing innovations in tamper-evident or tamper-proofing
content provenance tools.
AI Consumer Adoption and Standards for Preventing Fraud and
Scams.--AI is a powerful technology that can lower the barrier
for bad actors to create and proliferate harmful scams. To that
end, the Committee encourages NIST to include in their research
efforts a focus on consumer fraud and scam risks, in order to
maximize the benefits of commercial AI deployment and address
potential consumer harms. Additionally, the Committee supports
efforts by NIST to develop standards for the disclosure of
audio and visual synthetic content, including solutions for
verifying content provenance and authenticity, as well as
collaboration between AI developers and digital platforms to
inform users about the authenticity of shared content.
Quantum Information Science [QIS].--The Committee supports
NIST's research program in QIS, as authorized in section 201 of
the National Quantum Initiative Act (Public Law 115-368) and
provides an amount equal to the fiscal year 2024 enacted level
for these activities. QIS promises to yield revolutionary new
approaches to computing, sensing, and communication, among
others.
Near-Term Application Identification.--The Committee
supports NIST's efforts to identify use cases for near-term
quantum application development through the work of the Quantum
Economic Development Consortium as created by the National
Quantum Initiative Act (Public Law 115-368). Within the funds
provided, the Committee encourages NIST to continue its
coordination with the Quantum Economic Development Consortium
to conduct workshops and develop reports identifying public and
private use cases that can benefit from near-term quantum
applications. Such workshops shall be inclusive of the wide
variety of quantum technologies and identify use cases where
applications can be developed in under 24 months.
University-Based Quantum User Facilities.--The Committee
directs NIST to provide a briefing, within 90 days of the
enactment of this act, on NIST's research on quantum sensing
technology and how it supports the growth of U.S. businesses
and services, including whether university-based user
facilities focused on quantum sensing could increase advances.
Cryptographic Module Validation Program [CMVP] Backlog.--
The Committee encourages NIST to continue its ongoing efforts
to streamline the review process and provide updates about
planning for new announcements and future requirements as it
continues to address its CMVP backlog. Additionally, the
Committee urges NIST to consider liaising with or detailing
qualified cryptographic professionals from other parts of the
Federal Government. The current CMVP backlog poses a potential
security risk to Federal Information Processing Standards,
which will only increase as emerging quantum computing
challenges grow.
Cybersecurity.--The Committee remains concerned about the
number of cyberattacks affecting the Nation and provides an
amount equal to the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for
cybersecurity research, outreach, industry partnerships, and
other activities at NIST, including the National Cybersecurity
Center of Excellence.
Firmware Resiliency.--The Committee recognizes that
enhancing the private sector's cybersecurity resilience is a
critical component to protecting national security. Therefore,
the Committee recommends that NIST undertake the development of
cybersecurity guidelines for private companies to implement
specific firmware security. This would include ways to maintain
software inventories, like the Software Bill of Materials, to
document all components of the software in use to enable quick
identification of potential vulnerabilities in their systems.
Gene Synthesis Safety.--The Committee is pleased that NIST
entered into a 2-year cooperative research agreement with the
nonprofit Engineering Biology Research Consortium to develop
screening and safety tools to defend against the potential
misuse of AI related to nucleic acid synthesis. In developing
such screening and safety tools, the Committee directs NIST to,
at a minimum, prioritize work on tools to guard against any
pathogen capable of potentially causing a pandemic, or any
gene(s) specific to potential pandemic pathogens that either
are by themselves hazardous or could enhance pathogenicity or
transmissibility.
Facial Recognition Technologies.--The Committee encourages
NIST to continue to improve and meet the growing demand for the
Facial Recognition Vendor Test. The Committee is aware that
this test is an important resource for government, commercial,
and academic developers to assess the quality of their facial
recognition technologies. As more companies and government
users invest in this technology, the test will continue to be a
critical step for responsible use. The Committee encourages
NIST to: expand testing to include a more diverse combination
of demographics and environmental settings in the test data;
develop educational material and work on image quality
standards for data collection; expand testing to improve
enhanced privacy technologies for better template protection;
and expand existing testing infrastructures in support of these
improvements. The Committee provides an amount equal to the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for those purposes.
Forensic Sciences.--The Committee provides an amount equal
to the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for forensic science
research, including level funding to support the Organization
of Scientific Area Committees and technical merit evaluations.
Circular Economy.--The Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for circular economy related
research. In addition, the Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for competitive external grants
for academic institutions to investigate plastic and polymeric
materials, as well as novel methods to characterize both known
and newly-developed materials. Such investigations should
address ways to increase the strength of recycled plastics and
better understand mechanical properties, including tensile
stress, compressive stress, thermal properties, and
nanostructure of polymeric materials that could serve as
industry standards for recycled plastic products.
Climate and Energy Measurement, Tools, and Testbeds.--The
Committee recognizes the important role that NIST laboratories
play to address climate change through climate measurements and
modeling of greenhouse gas emissions as well as research and
tools to build more resilient communities. The Committee
provides an amount equal to the fiscal year 2024 enacted level
for climate and energy measurement, tools, and testbeds.
Forward-Looking Building Standards.--The Committee remains
concerned about how climate change will impact the built
environment, and that standards previously set with an
assumption of a stable climate system will expose many Federal
and non-Federal investments to significant, but avoidable,
risk. Therefore, the Committee directs NIST to continue to work
with NOAA and other appropriate Federal agencies and interested
non-Federal parties, as needed, to identify a consistent and
authoritative set of climate information that emphasizes
forward-looking climate data and projections that should be
utilized in the standard-setting process. These data shall
include projections of both chronic climate impacts, such as
sea level rise, and extreme weather events, like hurricanes,
floods, and droughts. This effort shall serve to aid both
Federal and non-Federal bodies to develop standards, building
codes, and voluntary standards that take into account
increasingly extreme weather events and other climate change
challenges. Further, the Committee directs NIST to provide
technical assistance to standards developing organizations
regarding use of the identified forward-looking information.
Urban Dome.--The Committee recognizes the value of NIST's
Greenhouse Gas Measurements Program and Urban Dome Initiative
and the importance of accurate measurement science for
environmental monitoring and human health. These cost-effective
capabilities expand and broaden NIST laboratory capabilities
for investigating and developing measurement tools that support
independent means for determining the accuracy of emissions
inventory data at urban and regional scales. The Committee
provides an amount equal to the fiscal year 2024 enacted amount
for the Greenhouse Gas Measurements Program and Urban Dome
Initiative to continue support for the established testbed
activities and to expand sensor network deployments locations.
Wildfire Risk Reduction.--The Committee notes that new
homes continue to be built within the ``wildland-urban
interface'' [WUI] and that as many as 4.5 million homes are at
high or extreme risk of wildfires. Increased understanding of
WUI fire dynamics and structure ignition mechanisms is critical
to improving structure and community resistance to WUI fires.
The Committee encourages NIST to develop, in coordination with
the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, the U.S. Fire Administration, the Office of Wildland
Fire on behalf of the Department of the Interior's land
management agencies, a framework and recommendations to create
greater alignment and support among Federal agencies for
development and implementation of research-based methods to
increase fire safety and build resilient communities
incentivizing projects that increase the resilience of existing
structures, as well as the adaptation of building codes and
construction practices to increase ignition resistance of the
built environment.
Natural Disasters.--The Committee is concerned about
increasing costs associated with repairing homes damaged by
natural disasters including floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
The Committee directs NIST to provide a report estimating the
reduction in costs, and the benefits to housing affordability
that could be achieved through more resilient construction
methods.
NIST Center of Excellence and Full-Scale Testing Center for
Building Technologies.--There is a pressing need for more
resilient communities by reducing losses and disruptions due to
climate-driven hazards. Environmental shifts are fueling more
intense and more dangerous storms, and cutting-edge research
and testing capabilities are needed to meet the Nation's
evolving risks. The Committee directs NIST to develop
recommendations, within 180 days of enactment of this act, on
what would be needed to establish a NIST Center of Excellence
and Full-Scale Testing Center for Building Technologies. The
proposed center should support community hardening in extreme
wind, surge, and wave events, and shall be established at an
institution with a multi-hazard research focus to further
accelerate research, adoption of new technologies, and
establishment of national standards and measurements to reduce
losses and disruptions due to environmental-driven and natural
hazards.
Composites.--The Committee encourages NIST to work with
academic institutions, in collaboration with State and industry
partners, to develop new composite technologies to solve
problems in the manufacturing space and related materials
industries. Further, the Committee urges NIST to work with
relevant Federal agencies, to aggregate existing standards and
test methods for the use of composites and other innovative
materials in infrastructure, as well as to identify barriers to
broader market adoption.
Pyrrhotite Testing and Mitigation.--The Committee provides
an amount equal to the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for NIST
to continue studying and developing a reliable and cost-
effective standard for testing for the presence of excessive
amounts of the mineral pyrrhotite in concrete used in
residential foundations and municipal structures, which can
cause premature cracking and structural failure. In addition to
funding widespread sample collection and studies needed to
develop standardized tests, the Committee directs NIST to
investigate mitigation strategies for concrete structures that
may not yet have developed cracking but contain pyrrhotite.
Critical and Emerging Technologies.--The Committee
recognizes NIST's important role in U.S. engagement on
standards development across areas of critical and emerging
technologies. As our global competitors increase focus on
international standards development, it is important for NIST,
in partnership with the private sector, to maintain global
leadership. Therefore, the Committee provides an amount equal
to the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for these purposes.
Public Health Risk to First Responders.--The Committee
looks forward to receiving the report on firefighter
occupational exposure to environmental sources of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as ``PFAS'') as
directed in the joint explanatory statement accompanying Public
Law 118-42.
UAS Training for First Responders.--The Committee
encourages NIST, in collaboration with the FAA's Alliance for
System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence [ASSUREd] Safe
program and Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aerial Systems,
to help build a federated ecosystem to teach, train, educate,
certify and credential first responders to employ UAS skills to
crises and emergency management events. The Committee further
directs that a focus be on first responders in underserved
communities.
Regenerative Medicine Standards.--The Committee is
encouraged by the work of NIST and the Standards Coordinating
Body to develop comprehensive standards for the development and
evaluation of regenerative medicine products to fulfill the
regenerative medicine standards provisions enacted under the
21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255). The Committee
recognizes the need to continue ongoing efforts to develop and
maintain standards. The Committee also understands that
additional efforts are needed to ensure proper use of these
standards by educating product developers and disseminating
these standards nationally. The Committee provides $500,000 to
support the development of curricula in partnership with
academic institutions and other stakeholders such as through
establishment of consortia for workforce training around the
use of regenerative medicine standards.
RNA Research Standards.--The Committee recognizes the
recent release of the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine [NASEM] report ``Charting a Future
for Sequencing RNA and Its Modifications'' in March 2024. The
Committee notes several types of standards are needed to
support research and technology development for the RNA
modifications field, and that the report indicates NIST is
well-suited to take the lead given its mission to ``promote
U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing
measurements in science, standards, and technology toward
economic security and improved quality of life.'' To unlock the
full potential of RNA modifications and address pressing
societal challenges in health, agriculture, and beyond, the
Committee encourages NIST, in coordination with the National
Institutes of Health, to implement recommendations from the
NASEM report and develop and promote standards to support the
field of epitranscriptomics, and that modified RNA reference
materials should be developed with a focus on making them
widely available and affordable. The Committee requests an
update on the development and promotion of epitranscriptomics
standards in the fiscal year 2027 congressional budget
justification.
Dr. David Satcher Cybersecurity Education Grant Program.--
The recommendation an amount equal to the fiscal year 2024
enacted amount for the Dr. David Satcher Cybersecurity
Education Grant Program.
Next Generation Extreme Ultraviolet [EUV] Lithography.--The
Committee recognizes the importance of advancing the
development of EUV lithography in the United States for
national and economic security applications, specifically
commercializing particle accelerator driven Free Electron
Lasers. Within NIST programs related to semiconductor research
and development, the Committee directs NIST to explore private
sector partnerships aimed at commercializing particle
accelerator-driven EUV lithography.
NIST Carbon Dioxide Removal and Utilization Research.--The
committee recommends $7,000,000 for carbon dioxide removal and
utilization research, including $5,000,000 for developing
standard reference materials and standard test procedures for
direct air capture and $2,000,000 for supporting carbonate
materials development, testing, and certification for
construction markets.
NIST EXTERNAL PROJECTS
The Committee's recommendation provides funding for the
projects listed in the table titled ``Congressionally Directed
Spending'' at the end of the report in the corresponding
amounts, consistent with NIST's existing authorities,
jurisdictions, and procedures, as appropriate. NIST shall
perform the same level of oversight and due diligence as with
any other external partners.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $212,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 212,000,000
The Committee provides $212,000,000 for Industrial
Technology Services. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal
year 2025 enacted level.
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program
[MEP].--The Committee recognizes the importance of the Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program [MEP] and continues
to strongly support the program at the fiscal year 2025 enacted
level. MEP promotes the critical national needs of small- and
medium-sized enterprises, including by increasing the number of
enterprises that the program assists and by increasing
awareness and usage of existing supplier scouting tools to fill
supply chain gaps and support domestic manufacturing. The
Committee directs the Secretary to continue funding current
recipients at no less than the current amounts for fiscal year
2026. Further, no funds are provided to execute or plan for a
program that reduces the number of active MEP Centers. The
Committee notes that any revamp, including the one outlined in
the June 2025 renewal documents, should not proceed without
consultation and approval from the Committee. The Committee
encourages NIST to ensure that at least 85 percent of the funds
provided for MEP be allocated directly to Centers through base
awards, competitive or expansion award pilot programs.
Manufacturing USA.--The Manufacturing USA program promotes
American competitiveness by fostering the development of new
manufacturing techniques and fields, accelerating
commercialization, and providing technical assistance to U.S.
companies.
For the Manufacturing USA program, the Committee provides
$37,000,000, which is equal to the fiscal year 2025 enacted
level.
In-Space Manufacturing.--The Committee notes the enormous
economic potential in-space manufacturing presents. The
Committee encourages NIST to conduct a feasibility study
regarding a potential Manufacturing USA Institute focused on
in-space manufacturing.
Build America, Buy America Act [BABAA] Compliance.--The
Committee notes potential inconsistencies with the waiver
process outlined in BABAA, and encourages the Secretary to
ensure Department funding dedicated to infrastructure projects,
including the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-
167) shall adhere to BABAA, consistent with subtitle A of title
IX of Public Law 117-58 and all other applicable Federal laws.
CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $87,758,000
Committee recommendation................................ 385,897,000
The Committee provides $385,897,000 for construction of
research facilities, including not less than $128,000,000 for
Safety, Capacity, Maintenance, and Major Repairs. The
recommendation is $298,139,000 above the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
NIST EXTRAMURAL CONSTRUCTION
The Committee provides funding for the projects provides
funding for the projects listed in the table titled
``Congressionally Directed Spending'' at the end of this report
in the corresponding amounts, consistent with NIST's existing
authorities, jurisdictions, and procedures, as appropriate.
NIST shall perform the same level of due diligence as with any
other external partners.
CREATING HELPFUL INCENTIVES TO PRODUCE SEMICONDUCTORS [CHIPS] FOR
AMERICA FUND
Division A of Public Law 117-167 established the CHIPS for
America Fund. The Committee allocates the funds according to
the amounts listed in the following table.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ALLOCATION OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND
TECHNOLOGY FUNDS: CHIPS ACT FISCAL YEAR 2026
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account-Project and Activity Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 9902
Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce 5,000,000
Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Fund............
Secure Enclave (as allocated in section 546(a)(1)(B) (500,000)
of Public Law 118-42)..............................
Administrative Expenses............................. (100,000)
Office of Inspector General, Salaries and Expenses.. (4,000)
---------------
Total, Section 9902............................... 5,000,000
===============
Section 9906
Industrial Technology Services...................... 1,560,000
National Semiconductor Technology Center............ (1,474,000)
Manufacturing USA Institute......................... (86,000)
Scientific and Technology Research & Services....... 40,000
NIST Metrology Program.............................. (8,000)
Administrative Expenses............................. (32,000)
Office of Inspector General, Salaries and Expenses.. (1,000)
---------------
Total, Section 9906............................... 1,600,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periodic Briefings.--The Department of Commerce, Department
of Defense and the Office of the Director of National
Intelligence shall continue to provide quarterly briefings to
the congressional defense and intelligence committees, the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the
House Energy and Commerce Committee, the House Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology, the majority leader of the
Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, and the minority leader of the House
of Representatives on Secure Enclave. Such briefings shall
include updates on cost, schedule and performance and any other
matters deemed appropriate by the congressional oversight
committees listed above.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $6,182,501,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,141,291,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $6,141,291,000 for
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]. The
recommendation is $41,210,000 below the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
NOAA Workforce.--The Committee is concerned that staffing
losses will affect the agency's ability to fulfill its
statutory responsibilities, including the delivery of timely
and accurate weather forecasts vital to public safety. The
Committee notes that sufficient staff funding has been provided
and encourages NOAA to expedite efforts to address mission
critical vacancies. Not later than 90 days after enactment of
this act, NOAA shall submit to the Committee a staffing plan
outlining steps to maintain continuity in its core missions,
including-but not limited to-weather forecasting, space traffic
management and situational awareness, and sustainable fisheries
management.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act [IIJA] Funding.--
NOAA is directed to provide the Committee with a spending plan
for the fiscal year 2026 IIJA funding not later than 15 days
after the enactment of this act. The Committee withholds 50
percent of funding for Executive Leadership within Mission
Support until NOAA submits the spending plan required under
title II of Division J.
Quarterly Briefings.--The Committee directs the Department
of Commerce and NOAA to continue to provide quarterly briefings
to the Committee on all NOAA satellite programs, National
Weather Service operations, and Office of Marine and Aviation
operations and procurements, not later than 30 days after the
end of each quarter, consistent with prior year direction.
OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $4,408,986,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,477,642,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $4,477,642,000 for
NOAA's Operations, Research, and Facilities [ORF]. The
recommendation is $68,656,000 above the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
Management and Administrative Costs.--To ensure financial
transparency, NOAA is strongly encouraged to limit management
and administrative [M&A] and NOAA-wide support service costs
charged to programs, projects, and activities [PPAs] to cover
shared expenses and administrative staff, with a goal of
limiting to 5 percent of annual appropriations. As part of the
spending plan, NOAA is directed to include the M&A and NOAA-
wide support service amounts charged within each line office as
well as the methodologies used to assess costs. Further, as
part of the fiscal year 2027 budget request, NOAA is directed
to include estimated costs as well as to propose how to
consolidate these costs either through existing or new PPAs.
NOAA NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $673,202,000 for
the National Ocean Service [NOS]. NOS programs provide
scientific, technical, and management expertise to promote safe
navigation; assess the health of coastal and marine resources;
respond to natural and human-induced threats; and preserve
coastal and ocean environments.
The Committee's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navigation, Observations and Positioning:
Navigation, Observations and Positioning.......... 183,702
Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts.......... 31,500
Integrated Ocean Observing System Regional 43,500
Observations.....................................
-----------------
Total, Navigation, Observations and Positioning. 258,702
=================
Coastal Science and Assessment:
Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and 95,500
Restoration......................................
Competitive Research.............................. 20,000
-----------------
Total, Coastal Science and Assessment........... 115,500
=================
Ocean and Coastal Management and Services:
Coastal Zone Management and Services.............. 51,000
Coastal Zone Management Grants.................... 81,500
National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund......... 32,000
Coral Reef Program................................ 33,500
National Estuarine Research Reserve System........ 34,000
Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas............ 67,000
-----------------
Total, Ocean and Coastal Management and Services 299,000
=================
GRAND TOTAL, NOS................................ 673,202
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navigation, Observations and Positioning.--The Committee
strongly supports activities under Navigation, Observations and
Positioning, including full operational funding for NOAA's
Navigation Response Teams.
Geospatial Modeling Grants.--The Committee provides
$8,000,000 within Navigation, Observations and Positioning for
the Geospatial Modeling Grants program, for which all funding
shall be distributed externally.
NOAA Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great
Lakes Mapping.--The Committee rejects the proposed termination
of the NOAA Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and
Great Lakes Mapping and provides $10,000,000. The Center shall
continue to work in unison with and leverage existing
capabilities, including the Joint Hydrographic Center, and
across NOAA line offices, including NOS, the Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research [OAR], and the Office of Marine and
Aviation Operations [OMAO], to support and grow the Nation's
deep water, shallow water, and coastal mapping capabilities and
data holdings, in partnership with industry.
Hydrographic Research and Technology Development.--The
Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level for the Joint Hydrographic Center for demonstration,
testing, evaluation, and research-to-operations transition of
hydrographic technology. This should include demonstrating the
potential of gained efficiencies from the use of autonomous
vessels for the collection of hydrographic data.
Hydrographic Charting.--The Committee acknowledges the
critical importance of accurate and timely hydrographic surveys
to ensure safe navigation, support maritime commerce, and
enhance the resilience of coastal communities. The Committee
strongly encourages accelerated efforts to reduce the backlog,
leveraging advanced technologies and partnerships to enhance
survey efficiency. These efforts will bolster the maritime
industry by improving navigational safety and reliability,
while also supporting coastal communities through enhanced
economic opportunities and environmental protection.
Integrated Ocean Observing System [IOOS].--The Committee
notes the importance of the IOOS network that provides marine
information used in disaster response, weather forecasting and
hurricane prediction, water quality forecasting, detection of
harmful algal blooms [HABs], and safe maritime operations. IOOS
observations can also play an important role in ocean planning
efforts, including proper siting of offshore wind projects. The
Committee provides not less than $43,500,000 for IOOS, which is
$1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level. The
Committee encourages the IOOS regional associations to consider
leveraging existing capabilities of the commercial sector,
including uncrewed systems, to meet observational needs through
commercial data buys.
Disaster Preparedness.--Within the funds provided for
Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and Restoration, the
Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level for the Disaster Preparedness Program. NOAA is encouraged
to prepare for and respond to future disasters, including to
conduct a series of disaster workshops and tabletop exercises
using region-specific multi-stressor scenarios.
Marine Debris.--Within the funding provided, NOAA shall
support competitive extramural funding programs and the
programs authorized in the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (Public Law
116-224). NOAA is encouraged to pilot a marine debris
innovation program focused on processing and reuse of marine
and coastal plastic waste including workforce training and
industry partners.
The Committee notes that the IIJA provides $150,000,000
over 5 years for marine debris assessment, prevention,
mitigation, and removal, including $30,000,000 in fiscal year
2026.
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science [NCCOS].--The
Committee provides $55,000,000 for NCCOS and directs NCCOS to
continue efforts related to offshore wind and coastal
sustainability and resilience, including urban and island
flooding.
The Committee provides $1,000,000 for NCCOS's continued
collaboration on research priorities with NOAA's Cooperative
Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology [CIROH].
Harmful Algal Blooms.--Within funding for Competitive
Research, the Committee provides up to $14,000,000 to
accelerate deployment of effective methods of intervention and
mitigation to reduce the frequency, severity, and impact of HAB
events in marine and freshwater systems. Of this amount, up to
$2,000,000 shall be used to explore innovative methods to
increase monitoring and detection of HABs in freshwater systems
by partnering with academic institutions with expertise in
uncrewed systems.
Given the high economic cost related to HAB events relative
to the current research investment in the Gulf of America, the
Committee encourages NOAA to fund long-term HAB research in the
Gulf of America and supports the continuance of the annual Gulf
of America Hypoxia Mapping Cruise.
Digital Coast.--The Committee provides $3,500,000 for the
implementation of the Digital Coast Act (Public Law 116-223).
BLUE GLOBE Act.--The Committee encourages NOAA to implement
the Bolstering Long-term Understanding and Exploration of the
Great Lakes, Oceans, Bays, and Estuaries [BLUE GLOBE] Act
(title CI of Division J of Public Law 117-263).
Regional Ocean Partnerships [ROPs].--Within funding
provided for Coastal Zone Management and Services, the
Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level for the ROPs, or their equivalent, to enhance their
capacity for sharing and integration of Federal and non-Federal
data to support regional coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes
management priorities.
Coastal Management Grants.--The Committee provides no less
than $81,500,000 for Coastal Zone Management Grants. To the
extent practicable, NOAA is encouraged to work with States to
ensure that the program supports Tribal projects and
objectives.
National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund [NOCSF].--The
Committee provides $32,000,000 for the NOCSF. In selecting the
areas of focus for the NOCSF, NOAA and the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation should consider proposals that enhance
ocean and coastal management, bolster coastal infrastructure
and resilience, support regional collaborative efforts and
partnerships, and help coastal communities adapt to changing
ocean conditions.
In addition, the IIJA provides $492,000,000 over 5 years
for the NOCSF, including $98,400,000 in fiscal year 2026.
Coral Reef Program.--Coral reefs provide substantial
economic benefits by supporting fisheries, tourism, and coastal
protection, buffering communities against devastating coastal
storms and hurricanes. Environmentally, they sustain
unparalleled biodiversity, serving as vital habitats for
countless marine species. The alarming decline of coral
populations in the United States demands immediate and robust
action to reverse this trend and safeguard these invaluable
ecosystems for future generations. Therefore, the Committee
provides no less than $33,500,000 to conduct reef restoration
activities under the Coral Reef Conservation Act, as amended
(title C of division J of Public Law 117-263).
National Estuarine Research Reserve System [NERRS].--The
Committee recognizes that the NERRS sites provide mixed-use
areas that are protected for long-term research, monitoring,
education, and coastal stewardship and provides $34,000,000 for
the program, an increase of $700,000 above the fiscal year 2024
enacted level to accommodate the expansion of the system.
Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of Sanctuaries and Marine Protected
Areas to preserve regions for conservation, recreational,
ecological, historical, scientific, cultural, archeological,
and educational purposes and supports the expansion of the
network. This includes the conservation and long-term
preservation of U.S. Civil War heritage such as the U.S.S.
Monitor. The Committee provides $67,000,000 for Sanctuaries and
Marine Protected Areas.
Marine National Monuments.--Within funding provided for
Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas, up to $1,200,000 may be
used to support the sanctuary designation process for the
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument to supplement and
complement existing monument protections, as well as for
competitive education grants, and research and management for
the proper care and management of the objects and locations of
historic or scientific interest in existing marine national
monuments administered by NOS, provided such grants are subject
to a 100 percent non-Federal match.
NOAA NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,129,250,000 for
the National Marine Fisheries Service [NMFS]. NMFS programs
provide for the management and conservation of the Nation's
living marine resources and their environment, including fish
stocks, marine mammals, and endangered species.
The administration's fiscal year 2026 budget request
proposes consolidating the Ecological Services program of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS] and NMFS's Office of
Protected Resources [OPR], both of which administer the
Endangered Species Act [ESA] (Public Law 93-205) and the Marine
Mammal Protection Act [MMPA] (Public Law 92-522). This
consolidation merges the two programs into a single entity
under the Department of the Interior [DOI]. However, due to the
extremely late submission of the NOAA congressional budget
justification, the Committee lacks the necessary information to
evaluate the validity of the proposed consolidation and
therefore continues to fund the OPR within NMFS.
Committee recommendations are displayed in the following
table:
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protected Resources Science and Management:
Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, and Other Species.... 179,955
Species Recovery Grants........................... 7,250
Atlantic Salmon................................... 8,000
Pacific Salmon.................................... 75,750
-----------------
Total, Protected Resources Science and 270,955
Management.....................................
=================
Fisheries Science and Management:
Fisheries and Ecosystem Science Programs and 161,500
Services.........................................
Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and 217,601
Assessments......................................
Observers and Training............................ 58,383
Fisheries Management Programs and Services........ 138,000
Aquaculture....................................... 24,000
Salmon Management Activities...................... 70,750
Regional Councils and Fisheries Commissions....... 45,000
Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants.............. 3,377
-----------------
Total, Fisheries Science and Management......... 718,611
=================
Enforcement....................................... 82,000
Habitat Conservation and Restoration.............. 57,684
-----------------
GRAND TOTAL, NMFS............................... 1,129,250
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saltonstall-Kennedy [S-K] Grant Program.--The Committee
provides $10,000,000 for the S-K Grant program. Prior to
obligating any funds for the S-K Grant Program, NOAA shall
provide the Committee with a detailed spending plan describing
which fisheries activities will be funded in each region and
how the plan incorporates regional priorities. In doing so,
NOAA shall consult with the regional committees authorized
under the American Fisheries Advisory Committee Act (Public Law
117-121) to identify funding priorities. The spending plan
should also include an accounting of the administration of the
regional committees. Within the funds provided, the Committee
encourages NOAA to prioritize support for applications that
improve marketing and development of the seafood industry, as
was the original intent of the S-K Grant Program.
Seafood Trade.--The Committee remains troubled by the lack
of a level playing field for the U.S. seafood industry. The
Committee is concerned that recent surges in crawfish and
shrimp imports have saturated the U.S. market, significantly
impacting domestic producers. Additionally, the Committee is
alarmed by ongoing issues with these imports, including links
to illegal, unreported, and unregulated [IUU] fisheries; forced
labor; unauthorized antibiotic use; and other fraudulent
practices. The Committee directs NOAA to ensure that its
National Seafood Strategy and related policies or programs
prioritize support for U.S. seafood producers and do not
promote the consumption of imported seafood.
Offshore Wind.--The Committee supports the responsible
development of renewable energy projects and provides not less
than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level across NMFS to address
consultation and permitting, stock assessment, management, and
protected resources needs related to the expansion of offshore
wind energy projects.
NMFS Project Consultations.--Within Protected Resources
Science and Management, the Committee provides not less than
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for NMFS to address the
backlog of consultation requests under the Endangered Species
Act [ESA] (Public Law 93-205) and authorization requests under
the Marine Mammal Protection Act [MMPA] (Public Law 92-522).
North Atlantic Right Whales [NARW].--The Committee provides
not less than $51,000,000, an increase of $4,000,000, within
Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, and Other Species for NARW-related
research, monitoring, and conservation efforts. The Committee
supports the use of supplementary funds previously provided to
the agency for these purposes, including innovative gear
research, acoustic monitoring, and satellite tracking. NOAA
shall continue to support disentanglement, stranding response,
and necropsy activities, and is encouraged to develop
alternative NARW models, such as occupancy or threat-based
models, that can be used to validate or test the sensitivity of
the Decision Support Tool. Within funding provided, NOAA is
encouraged to develop and deploy innovative tags, which may
include the use of foam metals, that are biologically
compatible with animal tissues and that can attach to the
animals long enough to provide crucial information on migration
and habitat use patterns.
Within funding provided, not less than $30,000,000 shall be
provided to States through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission to cover costs associated with testing or voluntary
implementation of innovative gear to inform future Atlantic
Large Whale Take Reduction Plan rule development and electronic
tracking requirements within the Northeast lobster and Jonah
crab fisheries. Funding may also support broad-scale monitoring
efforts to inform understanding of NARW habitat use, dynamic
management, and the development of alternative distribution and
risk models. Funding to the States shall be proportional to the
number of active federally permitted lobster trap harvesters in
each State, and the allocation details shall be developed by
the States through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission. Not more than 5 percent shall be used for
administrative costs.
Further, NOAA is encouraged to consider revising the Linden
and Pace models and Decision Support Tool using ``most
reasonably certain to occur'' rather than ``worst case''
scenarios and assumptions to more accurately predict future
NARW populations before issuing any new proposed or final
regulations.
NOAA shall continue to work with Canadian officials to
develop risk reduction measures that are comparable in
effectiveness for both vessels and fisheries, and to
incorporate Canadian fishery measures, Canadian vessel
restrictions, and U.S. vessel restrictions into future
assessment of overall risk reduction. To improve regional
engagement, NOAA is encouraged to include regional management
bodies and pertinent States in bilateral engagements with
Canadian officials regarding coordinated efforts to enhance
NARW recovery.
Real-Time Whale Monitoring Technology.--The Committee
believes that the recovery of endangered large whales,
including the NARW, will require the ability to deliver real-
time monitoring of individual whales to mariners and other
vessel operators to avoid ship strikes. The Committee provides
up to $5,000,000 to support a near real-time monitoring and
mitigation pilot program for large whales as authorized under
section 11303 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263).
NOAA is also encouraged to work with other Federal agencies,
including the Office of Naval Research, the United States Coast
Guard, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, as well as
industry and academia, to support technology development, test
and evaluation of whale monitoring technologies through the
National Oceanographic Partnership Program.
Cetacean Desk.--The Committee provides $200,000 for a
cetacean desk within the Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service, as
authorized under section 11304 of the James M. Inhofe National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-
263).
Protected Species in the Western Pacific.--Within Marine
Mammals, Sea Turtles, and Other Species, the Committee provides
not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for Hawaiian
monk seals, Hawaiian sea turtles, and false killer whales. This
includes the amounts made available to support State activities
related to these protected species and for research to mitigate
interactions between fisheries and false killer whales.
Prescott Grants.--Within Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, and
Other Species, the Committee provides $4,500,000 for the John
H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance grant program.
Sea Turtle Stranding Response and Rehabilitation.--Within
Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, and Other Species, the Committee
provides $500,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for
NOAA to provide direct support to institutions and
organizations permitted to provide sea turtle stranding
response and/or rehabilitation. In doing so, NOAA shall also
seek to leverage and strengthen partnerships with capable
university veterinary schools.
Sea Turtle Conservation.--The Committee reminds NOAA of the
provisions in section 609 of Public Law 101-162 that prohibit
the importation of shrimp from nations that have not been
certified by the United States as having sea turtle
conservation measures in place that are comparable in effect to
that which the United States requires of domestic shrimp
fishermen. The Committee is concerned that this requirement is
not being effectively enforced, placing global sea turtle
populations at significant risk. Within Marine Mammals, Sea
Turtles, and Other Species, the Committee provides up to
$600,000 to cover the costs for NMFS to fully and effectively
enforce this statutory mandate to ensure that no nation or
foreign commercial shrimp fishery that adversely affects sea
turtles is certified under this authority. The Committee
expects the agency to provide a complete description of the
utilization of these funds and the status of the implementation
and enforcement of this program in its 2025 Biennial Report to
Congress required under 16 U.S.C. 1826h.
Species Recovery Grants.--The Committee provides
$7,250,000, and directs NMFS to utilize both the ESA Recovery
Plan and the MMPA Take Reduction Plan priorities when
evaluating marine mammal projects.
Atlantic Salmon.--The Committee recognizes the benefits of
restoring coevolved sea-run fish species in support of recovery
of Atlantic salmon and provides not less than $8,000,000 for
Atlantic Salmon. The Committee encourages NOAA to partner with
States and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop fish
passage performance standards for sea-run species and
prioritize project selection, funding, and staff resources
considering those benefits. The Committee further directs NOAA
to ensure that adequate resources continue to be provided for
State agencies to implement the recovery strategy effectively,
including stable staffing levels. Increased funding provided in
fiscal year 2024 and moving forward should be to assist States
with implementation of their recovery strategy.
Pacific Salmon.--The Committee provides $75,750,000 for
Pacific Salmon. Within the funding provided for Pacific Salmon,
the Committee provides $6,000,000 for NOAA to work with
partners to address the backlog and expedite approval of
Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans and to support the
implementation of new Habitat Conservation Plans and not less
than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level is provided for
pinniped removals.
Flood Control Projects.--The Committee is concerned with
the high number of levees in need of repair along with the
declining status of Pacific salmon and steelhead across the
NMFS West Coast Region, particularly in the Puget Sound and
Columbia Basin watersheds. Within the funding provided for
Pacific Salmon, $375,000 shall be for the NMFS West Coast
Region to outline potential solutions and associated costs for
developing an ESA programmatic tool to address levee projects
and Pacific salmon and steelhead recovery needs located in the
same river basin.
Further, the Committee directs NMFS to identify existing
authorities that could be utilized to develop a levee
rehabilitation program, as well as barriers to execution of
such a program, and recommend additional authorities and
programmatic solutions. Specifically, the report should include
an analysis of the feasibility of a programmatic ESA
consultation on subsets of levee projects, conservation actions
needed in association with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers levee
projects and an analysis of additional staffing or training
needs necessary to efficiently move projects forward. The NMFS
shall coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Northwestern Division on the development of this report. The
NMFS is directed to brief the Committee within 60 days of
enactment of this act on the plan for executing this report.
Northeast Groundfish Research.--The Committee remains
concerned about the decline of the Northeast multispecies
fishery and the health of fishing stocks in the Gulf of Maine.
Within funding provided for Fisheries and Ecosystem Science
Programs and Services, the Committee provides $2,500,000 for
groundfish research, with a focus on the effects of changing
oceanic conditions and warming waters on the fishery, including
stock health and natural mortality. NOAA is further encouraged
to prioritize research regarding relative gear efficiency,
stock boundaries, and other topics that can improve groundfish
stock assessments in the next 5 years. Within the funding
provided, $500,000 shall be obligated to continue ongoing work
on implementing the recommendations set forth in the New
England Fishery Management Council's Fishery Data for Stock
Assessment Working Group Report, and to continue ongoing work
on implementing the recommendations set forth in the 2020
report of the Groundfish Trawl Task Force, consistent with
prior year direction. This funding is intended to support new
and innovative research, including by the Northeast Fisheries
Science Center, separately by, or in collaboration with,
outside partners such as higher education institutions or State
agencies, and in cooperation with the fishing industry. The
Committee directs NMFS to integrate the results of prior year
groundfish research projects into stock assessment models and
fishery management decisions, as appropriate.
Electronic Monitoring and Reporting [EM/ER].--Within
funding for Fisheries and Ecosystem Science Programs and
Services, NOAA shall continue to support the development,
testing, and installation of EM/ER technologies, including
development of electronic reporting systems for commercial
fishermen, image classification efforts in New England, and
improving the National EM image library. Not less than the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level shall be available, in
accordance with 16 U.S.C. 3701, for collaborative partnerships
that include non-Federal matching funds to implement cost-
shared EM/ER programs that support fisheries conservation and
management. During the development and implementation of EM/ER
programs, NOAA shall consult directly with industry and work
through the Fishery Management Councils to develop appropriate
cost-sharing arrangements that are commensurate with the ex-
vessel value of the fishery.
Furthermore, NMFS shall continue to work in fiscal year
2026 with the charter for-hire recreational fishery fleet in
the Gulf of America; the Northeast multispecies groundfish
fishery fleet, including small vessels within that fleet; the
Maine lobster fleet; and any regional fishery fleet interested
in implementing EM/ER technologies to better track information
that is currently collected through the use of human observers.
Gulf Reef Fish.--Within funding for Fisheries and Ecosystem
Science Programs and Services, the Committee provides not less
than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for NMFS to support
Gulf reef fish surveys, research, and sampling.
PFAS in Fish.--The Committee is concerned about the
concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS]
detected in fish tissue. The Committee encourages NMFS to
conduct fish tissue sampling and monitoring of PFAS to evaluate
the impacts on aquatic health. This study should specifically
look into the sub-lethal effects of and the impact of constant
low-level exposure to PFAS in commonly consumed fish.
Fisheries Surveys.--The Committee is concerned that NMFS
has not prioritized and maintained the needed level of
fisheries survey coverage, despite having received more than
the requested funding in previous fiscal years. If additional
funding is needed to maintain historic survey levels, the
Committee expects NOAA to include this amount in the annual
budget request. The Committee notes that any reduction in
fisheries survey coverage is fundamentally unacceptable,
especially in areas where the distribution of fish stocks are
changing due to climate change. The Committee provides a total
increase of not less than $10,000,000 above the fiscal year
2024 enacted level within Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys
and Assessments and directs NMFS to maintain historical levels
of fisheries survey coverage in fiscal year 2026. The Committee
expects NMFS to contract no fewer than six surveys for Alaskan
bottom trawl surveys and cooperative research, including a
survey to capture movement of fish populations out of historic
survey areas, and no fewer than four vessels for West Coast
groundfish surveys. This amount also fully funds both Northeast
Area Monitoring and Assessment Program [NEAMAP] trawl surveys,
including the Maine-New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey, as well
as the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program's
[SEAMAP] existing surveys and addresses critical data gaps in
the bottom longline and fall trawl surveys in the Gulf Coast
States. NOAA is encouraged to prioritize fishery surveys and
fulfill vessel-based science work for other programs, through
private vessel contracts, public-private partnerships, and
platforms other than NOAA research vessels to allow ample time
for fishery surveys and assessments performed by the NOAA
Fleet.
Fishery Survey Contingency Fund.--The Committee is
increasingly concerned that Federal vessel-based fisheries
surveys necessary for determining sustainable and optimal
harvest rates for commercial fisheries have been cancelled with
increasing frequency in recent years, without effective
contingency plans for covering the resulting data gaps.
Furthermore, the Committee is concerned that the planned
service life extensions for each of NOAA's fishery survey
vessels will impact the agency's ability to conduct fishery
surveys. Therefore, within Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys,
and Assessment the Committee provides $4,000,000 for the
Fishery Survey Contingency Fund. Funding shall be used for
fishery data acquisition from commercially available sources
including chartering commercial fishing vessels or other
private sector vessels and for data purchases from autonomous
systems to inform stock assessments. NOAA shall identify
flexible charter and data purchase agreements in order to
provide contingency and augmentation capacity for NOAA Fleet
fishery surveys. NMFS is directed to provide the Committee, not
later than 90 days after enactment of this act, with a plan for
obtaining and incorporating data from this fund into the stock
assessment process.
Industry-Based Fishery Survey Pilot Program.--The Committee
recognizes that an industry-based multispecies bottom trawl
survey [IBS] would create resiliency in survey activities in
the Northeast region and could enhance fishermen's trust of the
data informing stock assessments. The Committee provides
$3,000,000 within Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and
Assessments to design and implement a pilot industry-based
fishery survey. This program will be designed to run in
conjunction with and in complement to NOAA's established
surveys. The IBS should seek to complement the NOAA Ship Henry
B. Bigelow's work and follow NMFS protocols to the extent
practicable.
Cooperative Research.--Depleted fish stocks result in
significant economic losses to our Nation. At a time when
fishing opportunities are constrained by uncertainty in stock
assessments and increased access to healthy stocks depends on
better data, the Committee believes that maintenance of ongoing
monitoring programs and surveys is critical. The Committee
recognizes the Cooperative Research Program's important
partnerships between the fishing industry, academia, and State
partners, which improves science and survey enterprise and
provides not less than $14,500,000. The Committee encourages
NMFS to continue to prioritize long-time series surveys that
are conducted cooperatively with industry and States. Further,
the Committee directs NMFS to continue to integrate the results
into stock assessment models and fishery management decisions,
as appropriate.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.--The Committee recognizes that the
success of the newly adopted assessment and management
frameworks for Atlantic bluefin tuna is predicated on a greater
scientific understanding of this species. Therefore, the
Committee provides $1,000,000 to support research and data
collection for the validation of proposed new spawning grounds,
the application of a groundbreaking genetic population
assessment, and the collection of necessary biological
information from commercial and recreational fishery landings.
Gulf of America Fisheries Research.--The Committee remains
concerned about the stock condition and lack of basic fishery-
independent data (i.e., biological, life history, movement, and
health information) for many important fish species in the Gulf
of America. Therefore, within funds for Fisheries Data
Collections, Surveys, and Assessments, the Committee provides
not less than $5,000,000 for NMFS, via a partnership with the
Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, to provide no fewer
than five grants to academic partners, including consortiums of
universities, and other partners to conduct fishery independent
research on trans-boundary, multi-jurisdictional fish species
in the Gulf of America for which current data is deficient
(e.g., cobia, tripletail, tarpon, red snapper, and gray
triggerfish), including species that are solely managed by the
Gulf States. This data may be used for the management of both
federally- and State-managed fisheries.
Gulf of America Shrimp Fishing Effort.--The Committee
remains concerned that shrimp fishing effort data collection
and analysis in the Gulf of America shrimp fishery will be
interrupted by the termination of 3G cellular transmission
service used by NMFS in its Electronic Logbook [ELB] program.
The Committee recognizes that this scientific data is essential
to the annual evaluation of the fishery's effects on sea turtle
and red snapper conservation mandates. Within the funding
provided in Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and
Assessments, the Committee provides $850,000 for NMFS, in
consultation with the Gulf of America Fishery Management
Council and shrimp industry stakeholders, to continue the
development and implementation of a newly approved ELB that
archives vessel position and automatically transmits scientific
shrimp fishing effort data via cellular service to NMFS. The
Committee awaits receipt of the report outlining progress made
to develop and implement the new ELB program requested in the
joint explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-103.
Northwest Fisheries Ecosystem Monitoring System.--Within
funds for Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and Assessments,
the Committee provides $850,000 to maintain a time-series
monitoring system of hydrographic and ecological data to inform
fishery management on the Northern California Current.
Chesapeake Bay Atlantic Menhaden Abundance.--The Chesapeake
Bay is a critical nursery area for Atlantic menhaden and other
commercially and recreationally important species like blue
crab and striped bass. Atlantic menhaden comprise a majority of
the forage base in the Chesapeake Bay and are the primary food
source for other fish, birds, and whales in the region. The
Committee provides not less than $2,500,000 within Fisheries
Data Collections, Surveys, and Assessments to collect Atlantic
menhaden abundance data in the Chesapeake Bay in partnership
with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and
relevant States.
American Lobster and Jonah Crab Research.--The Committee
provides not less than $300,000 within Fisheries Data
Collections, Surveys, and Assessments to support a cooperative
research program to collect biological, fishery, and
environmental data for American lobster and Jonah crab using
modern technology on commercial fishing vessels.
Horseshoe Crab Survey.--The Committee remains concerned
about the ability to estimate the abundance of the mid-Atlantic
horseshoe crab population. Adequate data are required to ensure
State and interstate managers can effectively manage the stock,
which is important to the biomedical and commercial fishing
industries, as well as to the ecology of the mid-Atlantic
region. The Committee directs NMFS to continue this important
survey to generate the data necessary to ensure the mid-
Atlantic horseshoe crab stock remains on a sustainable path.
Plankton Recorder Survey.--The Committee notes the
continued importance of understanding the distribution of
Calanus finmarchicus plankton to inform the conservation of the
NARW. Within the amount provided for Fisheries Data
Collections, Surveys, and Assessments, the Committee provides
not less than $300,000 for the continuous plankton recorder
survey.
Sharks and Rays.--To better protect and rebuild vulnerable
and endangered shark and ray species, the Committee encourages
NMFS to conduct regular assessments of population status and
rebuilding needs, improve the documentation of relevant species
as bycatch, and ensure transparency and public access for all
fisheries catch information collected.
The Committee directs NOAA to continue to enforce the Shark
Fin Sales Elimination Act, which was enacted as section 5946 of
the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263). The Committee awaits the
receipt of the report describing resource needs to fully
implement the law requested in Senate Report 118-62 and
codified in Public Law 118-42.
Northeast Multispecies Fishery.--The Committee recognizes
that the New England groundfish fisheries management programs
continue to present substantial financial challenges to the
participants as well as to the economic sustainability of those
fisheries and fishing communities. Therefore, the Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level
within Observers and Training for grants to the fishing
industry to fully cover At-Sea Monitoring industry costs,
including all associated sector costs, in the New England
groundfish fishery. Any additional At-Sea Monitoring costs,
including shore side infrastructure, observer training,
observer equipment and gear, electronic monitoring, and NOAA
support costs shall be included in the fiscal year 2027 budget
request. NOAA shall ensure the costs and benefits of At-Sea
Monitoring are commensurate with the gross revenues of vessels
in the fishery and is directed to submit a report to the
Committee not later than 180 days after the enactment of this
act outlining the progress made to achieve this requirement.
Before obligating any of these funds, NOAA shall provide the
Committee with a detailed spending plan.
North Pacific Observer Coverage.--Within Observers and
Training, the Committee provides not less than the fiscal year
2024 enacted level for the North Pacific Observers Program.
Funding shall offset observer costs normally paid for by
harvesters in fisheries that are undertaking a transition to
EM/ER. Additionally, NOAA is encouraged to identify and
implement any efficiencies that would mitigate the cost burden
shouldered by small vessel operators in the fixed-gear fleet.
Western Pacific Observer Coverage.--The Committee provides
not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for observer
coverage in the Western Pacific.
For-Hire Electronic Monitoring and Reporting
Implementation.--The Committee provides not less than
$1,500,000 within Fisheries Management Programs and Services
and $1,500,000 within Enforcement to support the continued,
timely implementation of ELBs for the federally-permitted
charter-for-hire sector in the Gulf of America.
Video Review of Electronic Monitoring Data.--Within funding
provided for Fisheries Management Programs and Services, the
Committee provides not less than $600,000 for the existing
video review of the West Coast groundfish EM data and $500,000
for video review of the Gulf of Alaska EM data.
Fishery Observers.--The Committee supports the transition
to EM/ER technologies from human fishery observers for At-Sea-
Monitoring programs where supported by the regional fishery
councils. The Committee encourages NMFS to clarify that fishery
observer and At-Sea Monitoring programs may utilize their
discretionary funding to augment or replace human observers
with cost-effective observation tools that meet the regulatory
needs of the region.
International Fisheries Management Coordination.--The
Committee is aware that conflicting American and Canadian
fisheries management measures in the Gulf of Maine have
generated concerns from the domestic fishing and lobster
industries, due to differing conservation regulations. The
Committee encourages NOAA to work with Canadian and State
fisheries officials to explore the possibility of developing an
agreement that provides for cooperative fisheries management of
this unique area.
Observer Data Integration.--The Committee provides $500,000
within Fisheries Management Programs and Services to expedite
efforts to integrate At-Sea Monitoring data into stock
assessment models.
Bycatch Reduction.--The development and implementation of
practical bycatch solutions is a priority for U.S. and
international fisheries management and protected species
conservation. The Committee provides not less than $3,125,000,
for competitive grants to non-Federal researchers working with
U.S. fishermen on the development of improved fishing practices
and innovative gear technologies.
Marine Aquaculture.--The Committee recognizes the
significant potential for development of American offshore
aquaculture to increase U.S. production of healthful,
sustainable, and affordable seafood, while expanding the
seafood value chain to include traditional agricultural
producers as well. The Office of Aquaculture has performed
commendable work to coordinate efforts within NOAA and across
Federal agencies toward a comprehensive approach to aquaculture
policy and regulation. The Committee provides $5,000,000 for
the Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and
Marketing to support the sustainable development of aquaculture
in the United States to address the seafood import deficit and
benefit the economy.
NOAA is also encouraged to upgrade equipment and to
increase the amount of staff focused on aquaculture at all NMFS
fisheries science centers, including to return staffing levels
to those in fiscal year 2010 at the Northeast and Northwest
Fisheries Science Centers.
Oyster Aquaculture, Research, and Restoration.--Within NMFS
Aquaculture, the Committee provides not less than the fiscal
year 2024 enacted level to support ongoing research in off-
bottom Eastern oyster production in coastal areas, particularly
in areas where this method is being exploited for commercial
production, including the Gulf of America, and encourages NMFS
to dedicate resources to support regional partnerships for
genetics, disease, and economic modeling. Further, the
Committee encourages NOAA to support collaborative academic
research addressing oyster reefs in the Northern Gulf Coast to
investigate restoration success and close critical knowledge
gaps to oyster farming, restoration, food safety, and
resilience to sustainably strengthen oyster production.
Salmon Management Activities.--Within the amount provided
for Salmon Management Activities, the Committee provides
$41,500,000 to enable NOAA, the Pacific States, and Tribal
communities to continue activities in support of the
obligations set forth in the renegotiated annex of the Pacific
Salmon Treaty. Before any of these funds may be obligated, NOAA
is directed to provide the Committee with a detailed spending
plan that is reflective of the funding recommendations produced
by the U.S. section of the Pacific Salmon Commission. In doing
so, NOAA is directed to consult with the Pacific States, Tribal
communities, and other stakeholders. Further, NOAA is
encouraged to minimize, to the extent practicable, the amount
of funds withheld for administrative expenses.
The Committee also provides $5,000,000 above the fiscal
year 2024 enacted level for the operation and maintenance of
Mitchell Act hatcheries and directs NOAA to continue genetic
stock identification for salmon recovery and management. NOAA
is directed to limit the amount of Mitchell Act hatcheries
funding withheld for administrative expenses to 15 percent,
with a long-term goal of not more than 10 percent.
Fishery Councils and Commissions.--The Committee provides
not less than $45,000,000 to support the Regional Fishery
Management Councils, Interstate Marine Fisheries Commissions,
and International Fisheries Commissions. The Committee
recognizes the important role that regional management plays in
sustaining a balanced ecosystem and healthy fish populations
and the advantage that aggregate data can provide in
understanding emerging trends across our Nation's fisheries.
The Committee directs the Regional Councils and Fisheries
Commissions to prioritize research and monitoring of high
priority species in the face of changing environmental
conditions.
Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants.--The Committee
continues to support Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants,
which support monitoring and assessment programs of States and
Interstate Fisheries Commissions, as well as research to gauge
the health of commercially and recreationally important fish
stocks. The Committee provides not less than $3,377,000 for
Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants.
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.--The
Committee notes NOAA's important role outlined in the National
Security Memorandum on Combating Illegal, Unreported, and
Unregulated Fishing and Associated Labor Abuses and directs the
agency to continue to dedicate the necessary resources to
combat IUU fishing. However, the Committee remains concerned
that the Seafood Import Monitoring Program [SIMP], as currently
structured and implemented by NOAA, is insufficient to
meaningfully prevent the entry of IUU seafood into the U.S.
market. Despite its intended purpose, SIMP has failed to
deliver adequate traceability and enforcement outcomes, and
widespread concerns remain regarding its limited species
coverage, inadequate data verification, and lack of end-to-end
supply chain transparency.
Seafood Import Monitoring Program.--The Committee provides
$6,200,000 for the implementation and modernization of SIMP.
The Committee is particularly concerned about the continued
importation of seafood products from foreign producers that use
antibiotics and other chemical compounds banned in the United
States. To address this, NOAA is directed to work closely with
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] to develop and
implement testing protocols to detect prohibited substances in
imported seafood, with a focus on high-risk countries and
products. This collaboration should ensure that testing and
enforcement mechanisms are integrated with SIMP data collection
and traceability systems. The Committee believes that effective
chain of custody recordkeeping and aggressive enforcement
actions through SIMP is essential for keeping IUU seafood,
including Chinese and Russian banned products, from entering
the U.S. marketplace.
The Committee is aware that commercial space-based radio
frequency [RF] detection technologies have been successful in
tracking maritime vessels even when vessels turn off their
Automatic Identification System [AIS], which is a common
practice among foreign fleets engaged in IUU fishing.
Identifying when and where IUU fishing may be occurring is
critical to NMFS Enforcement's mission and can help better
allocate limited resources to areas of interest where illegal
fishing is taking place. Therefore, the Committee provides not
less than $750,000 for NMFS to further test and operationalize
U.S. commercial space-based RF data collection capabilities to
track foreign vessels engaged in IUU fishing activities in the
U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and other remote maritime regions
of economic, environmental, and national security significance.
Pacific IUU Enforcement.--The Committee notes the threats
to national security and ecosystem integrity posed by Chinese
IUU fishing vessels in the Indo-Pacific region and encourages
NMFS to expand enforcement operations in its Pacific Island
Division.
Northeast Lobster Enforcement.--Within Enforcement, the
Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level for NMFS, in partnership with the relevant States, Joint
Enforcement Agreement partner agencies, and the Atlantic States
Marine Fisheries Commission, to continue the pilot cooperative
offshore lobster enforcement program.
European Green Crab.--The Committee remains concerned by
the rapid and growing invasion of European green crab around
the country, including in the Pacific Northwest. The Committee
provides $1,500,000 within Habitat Conservation and Restoration
for management, intervention, and mitigation of invasive
European green crab. The Committee directs NOAA to coordinate
with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and FWS to ensure a
comprehensive Federal approach to addressing the threat posed
by European green crab, mitigate harm, and protect native crab
and other shellfish populations. Further, NOAA, in partnership
with other relevant agencies, shall jointly brief the Committee
no later than 90 days after enactment of this act on the
collective efforts to address European green crab.
Northwest Straits Initiative.--The Committee provides
$1,000,000 to protect and restore the marine waters, habitats,
and species of the Northwest Straits region to achieve
ecosystem health and sustainable resource use.
Chesapeake Bay Office.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of the work being done to restore oysters in the
Chesapeake Bay, the significance of this work for the seafood
industry, and the effects of increased seafood prices in urban
communities. Therefore, the Committee provides $1,500,000 above
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level within Habitat Conservation
and Restoration to support oyster restoration in the Chesapeake
Bay and encourages NMFS to partner with Historically Black
Colleges and Universities with a proven track record of
aquaculture research on this work.
Fishery Disasters.--The Committee believes that the current
fishery disaster process has significant deficiencies in terms
of efficiency, equity, and reliability. The Committee provides
$1,000,000 within for NOAA to contract a study with the
National Academy of Public Administration [NAPA] to investigate
the requirements for establishing a fishery disaster insurance
program for seafood harvesters. The plan shall include a needs
assessment with significant stakeholder consultation, analysis
of alternatives for program design, and an analysis of legal
and regulatory authorities and gaps.
NOAA OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
The Committee's recommendation provides $657,053,000 for
the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. OAR programs
provide environmental research and technology needed to improve
NOAA weather forecasts, climate predictions, and marine
services. To accomplish these goals, OAR supports a network of
scientists in its Federal research laboratories, universities,
and joint institutes and partnership programs.
The budget request proposes eliminating OAR, potentially
terminating many of its programs and transferring others to
operational NOAA line offices, such as the National Weather
Service and NOS. While the Committee could be open to
realigning some programs to enhance operational outcomes, the
absence of detailed plans hinders informed decision-making.
Consequently, the Committee maintains funding for OAR programs
under their existing structure.
Committee recommendations are displayed in the following
table:
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Climate Research:
Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.. 104,102
Regional Climate Data and Information............ 47,932
Climate Competitive Research..................... 72,116
------------------
Total, Climate Research........................ 224,150
==================
Weather and Air Chemistry Research:
Weather Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.. 91,156
U.S. Weather Research Program.................... 39,100
Tornado Severe Storm Research/Phased Array Radar. 20,916
Joint Technology Transfer Initiative............. 12,000
------------------
Total, Weather and Air Chemistry Research...... 163,172
==================
Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Research:
Ocean Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.... 39,500
Ocean Exploration and Research................... 46,000
National Sea Grant College Program............... 80,000
Sea Grant Aquaculture Research................... 14,000
Integrated Ocean Acidification................... 17,000
Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring...... 52,500
National Oceanographic Partnership Program....... 2,500
------------------
Total, Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Research 251,500
==================
Innnovative Research and Technology:
High Performance Computing Initiatives........... 18,231
------------------
GRAND TOTAL, OAR............................... 657,053
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.--The
Committee strongly supports Climate Laboratories and
Cooperative Institutes for their critical role in delivering
high-quality weather information and driving economic benefits
across the United States. These laboratories and Cooperative
Institutes, conduct world-class research that enhances weather
forecasting accuracy, improves severe weather preparedness, and
supports economic resilience for industries such as
agriculture, transportation, insurance, and energy. These
institutions develop advanced weather models, collect real-time
data, and provide decision-ready information that benefit
farmers optimizing crop yields, logistics companies managing
supply chains, and coastal communities preparing for storm
surges as well as mitigate risks from extreme weather events,
including hurricanes, tornadoes, and heatwaves.
The Committee encourages NOAA to develop a Geographic
Information System-based greenhouse gas emissions tool similar
to, or part of, the Climate Mapping for Resilience and
Adaptation Assessment Tool.
Earth's Radiation Budget.--The Committee provides not less
than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for OAR to continue
atmospheric modeling and assessments and, as practicable, to
initiate observations and monitoring of stratospheric
conditions and the Earth's radiation budget. This includes the
effects of material introduced into the stratosphere due to
changes in natural systems, increased air and space traffic,
and the assessment of solar radiation modification. The
Committee directs OAR, in coordination with NASA and the
Department of Energy, as appropriate, to advance understanding
of the role of atmospheric aerosols in radiative forcing, cloud
formation, precipitation dynamics, and extreme weather events,
and to develop plans for sustained, long-term observations of
the stratosphere. NOAA is further encouraged to coordinate with
NASA for long-range, crewed and autonomous platforms for in
situ atmospheric observations.
Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments [RISA]
Program.--The Committee provides no less than fiscal year 2024
enacted level for the RISA program that supports a network of
regional science hubs across the country that help citizens in
different regions prepare for and deal with the impacts from
droughts, floods, wildfires, and other severe weather events.
The Committee notes that it is important for the RISA teams to
have a connection to the region they serve and, to the extent
practicable, encourages NOAA to ensure that RISA teams are
managed, staffed, and based at an institution located in the
region served. NOAA shall reestablish programs in the Northwest
and South Atlantic to ensure maximum coverage around the
Nation.
National Integrated Heat Health Information System
[NIHHIS].--The Committee supports NIHHIS to help improve
understanding of heat risks and encourages OAR, through NIHHIS,
to support focused heat research to translate existing climate
services and NOAA products necessary to build capacity to
mitigate heat-related hazards, manage risks, advance heat
equity, develop metrics, and promote governance structures,
processes, and strategies to advance heat resilience across all
U.S. geographies. This may include scaling-up the heat research
capacity of academic institutions with established leadership
in heat research, particularly those with the demonstrated
ability to translate research to decision-making to advance
heat resilience quickly.
Precipitation Prediction Grand Challenge.--In order to
better understand and predict rainfall events, the Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for
the Precipitation Prediction Grand Challenge.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Detection Technologies.--The
Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level for a pilot program of instrumentation for observing
greenhouse gases, including methane, and other atmospheric
factors deployed on commercial aircraft and to support the
evaluation of a sustained observing network using such
platforms. In carrying out this program, NOAA is encouraged to
coordinate with relevant Federal agencies and industry
stakeholders, and leverage existing Federal resources including
the NWS's Aircraft-Based Observation Program, to the maximum
extent practicable.
Tornado Research.--Within the funding provided for Weather
Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes, the Committee provides
not less than $11,000,000 and up to $13,000,000, for the
VORTEX-USA program. The Committee notes the lack of progress on
improving tornado forecasts and warnings and directs NOAA to
pursue and extend new partnerships, including with the
commercial sector, to test novel and innovative data sources,
including commercial radar capabilities, to improve coverage
and forecasting skill. Further, NOAA is encouraged to
accelerate coupling of the weather forecast model with radar
observations to add the ability to classify hail size, detect
tornado debris, and better determine the type and intensity of
precipitation.
The Committee encourages NOAA to pursue research on near
real-time infrasonic monitoring of hurricanes and tornadoes.
Advanced infrasound signal processing methodologies and
studies, deployed through a network of infrasound arrays to
detect tornadoes, have the potential to provide accurate and
reliable locations and warnings of active tornadoes.
Data Assimilation.--The Committee believes that the primary
factor in the United States trailing the European weather
models is the lack of an updated and comprehensive data
assimilation effort. The Joint Effort for Data assimilation
Integration [JEDI] is the next generation, unified data
assimilation framework under collaborative development between
NOAA and cross-agency partners through the Joint Center for
Satellite Data Assimilation [JCSDA]. JEDI will allow for a
faster development and research-to-operations of advanced data
assimilation and related components to meet the requirements of
NOAA's Unified Forecast System [UFS]. NOAA, including through
the Environmental Modeling Center, shall develop and transition
JEDI into an operational system no later than 18 months of
enactment of this act to support real-time cycling in test mode
in parallel with the production global model.
The Committee provides $1,000,000 above the fiscal year
2024 enacted level within Weather Laboratories and Cooperative
Institutes to support JEDI development at JCSDA. The Committee
directs NOAA to include sufficient funding in their fiscal year
2027 budget request to advance JEDI and maintain access to the
intellectual capacity necessary to ensure that NOAA maximizes
the science and predictions derived from its Earth observing
systems.
Subseasonal to Seasonal Weather Prediction.--Within funding
for the U.S. Weather Research Program, the Committee provides
not less than $1,000,000 to continue the subseasonal to
seasonal research program to seed innovative research testbeds.
Such efforts shall include a pilot project for subseasonal to
seasonal precipitation forecasts for water management in the
western United States recommended in NOAA's report to Congress
pursuant to section 201 of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-25). The pilot project
should be carried out in coordination with the National Weather
Service and should be focused on achieving measurable
objectives for operational forecast improvement, including
forecasts of seasonal mountain snowpack accumulation and total
seasonal precipitation.
Fire Weather.--As the Nation combats yet another dangerous
and extreme wildfire season, the Committee notes with urgency
the importance of improving fire weather modeling, prediction,
detection, and decision support tools. The Committee provides
not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level within the
U.S. Weather Research Program to continue the collaborative and
integrated fire weather research program, including the Fire
Weather Testbed.
Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information System.--
The Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2024
enacted level within the U.S. Weather Research Program for a
regional radar array demonstration project to enable better
forecasting of extreme West Coast precipitation events, like
atmospheric rivers.
Meteorological Satellite Studies.--The Committee recognizes
the important research conducted by the Cooperative Institute
for Meteorological Satellite Studies.
Tropospheric Ozone.--The Committee encourages NOAA, in
coordination with NASA, EPA, and other relevant Federal
agencies, to study the formation of tropospheric ozone with to
goal of identifying potential mitigation pathways. NOAA is also
encouraged to further understanding of atmospheric oxidation
processes that impact the atmospheric lifetime of methane and
other air pollutants to further refine model fidelity and
forecast ability.
Light Detection and Ranging [LiDAR] Technology.--The
Committee provides up to $2,000,000 within the U.S. Weather
Research Program to develop, demonstrate, and commercialize
advanced, compact LiDAR systems uniquely tailored to near-
surface marine and atmospheric profiling from UAS and mobile
ground-based platforms. This new technology could increase
NOAA's ability to flexibly collect real-time data that fills
temporal and spatial gaps left by existing platforms.
Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Laboratories and
Cooperative Institutes.--The Committee provides not less than
$39,500,000, for laboratories and cooperative institutes. The
Committee expects NOAA to request funding these cooperative
institutes at appropriate levels in future years, including
well-established institutes focused on: watershed impacts on
marine ecosystems; remote sensing; fisheries management; long-
term monitoring of oil spill impacts on marine and freshwater
ecosystem health; coastal resilience; air and marine autonomy;
ocean exploration; tropical storms; hypoxia and HABs.
Environmental DNA [eDNA].--eDNA is a rapidly emerging
technology that is powerful and cost-effective biological
monitoring tool that has been used to monitor fisheries,
invasive species, response to restoration and biodiversity in
many marine areas. Current species and habitat assessments
conducted with conventional monitoring provide a strong basis
for understanding coastal structure and function, but they are
often time-consuming, expensive, and subject to technical and
resource limitations. Advances in eDNA methods and rapid
reductions in analytical costs present an opportunity to
harness this new technology and fundamentally improve our
capacity to monitor marine biology to inform and evaluate
management actions. The Committee directs NOAA to work with
university partners to expand the eDNA program including
designing and implementing an eDNA-based monitoring program.
Methods used should be standardized, transferable, and
repeatable to provide interoperable, consistent time series
data, and to promote a unified approach to sample and metadata
collection and processing.
Further, the Committee supports the use of genomics
research to uncover novel adaptations in marine life to extreme
and dynamic environments; to develop sustainable strategies in
fishing, aquaculture, and mining practices; and to provide
foundational discoveries for biopharmaceuticals.
Ocean Exploration.--The Committee provides not less than
$46,000,000 for Ocean Exploration and directs OAR to continue
efforts to map and characterize America's Exclusive Economic
Zone and extended Outer Continental Shelf, including by
maximizing the amount of funding provided for the Ocean
Exploration CI. NOAA is also encouraged to work with the
Department of Education and other relevant agencies to continue
fundamental ocean exploration in which open source data are
collected for the oceanographic community and private
industries in real-time through telepresence technology.
National Sea Grant College Program.--The Committee provides
not less than $80,000,000 for the Sea Grant program, which
plays a vital role to enhance the practical use and
conservation of coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources to
create a sustainable economy and environment, while
simultaneously providing invaluable educational opportunities
to students.
Coastal Resilience.--NOAA is encouraged to support Sea
Grant coastal resilience activities across all State programs,
including recruitment of resilience-focused staff and enhancing
research, engagement, decision support, and project
implementation. NOAA is encouraged to prioritize work to
enhance the coastal resilience of remote communities most at-
risk for natural disasters and chronic events, with a priority
given to challenges faced by Tribal, indigenous, and
economically disadvantaged communities.
Young Fishermen's Development Act.--Within funding for the
Sea Grant program, the Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for training, education,
outreach, and technical assistance for young fishermen as
authorized under the Young Fishermen's Development Act (Public
Law 116-289).
American Lobster Research.--Within funding for the Sea
Grant program, the Committee provides $2,000,000 for
partnerships among State agencies, academia, and industry to
address American lobster research priorities in the Gulf of
Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England. Research and
extension activities should focus on stock, fishery, and
socioeconomic resilience in the face of environmental and
management changes, with the purpose of informing stock
assessment and future management actions.
Contaminants of Emerging Concern.--The Committee is alarmed
by reports of contaminants of emerging concern that may cause
ecological or human health impacts, including PFAS, in coastal
and estuarine waters. The Committee notes that more research is
needed to better understand the prevalence, transportation,
accumulation, effects, and fate of contaminants of emerging
concern within coastal waters. Therefore, the Committee
provides $1,000,000 within the Sea Grant program to partner
with State agencies and academic institutions to research and
monitor these emerging contaminants.
Sea Grant Aquaculture Research.--The Committee provides not
less than $14,000,000 for aquaculture research. Within the
funding provided, NOAA is encouraged to explore new research
topics, including engineering of ocean-based infrastructure,
and accumulation and metabolization rates of brevetoxins in
commonly farmed shellfish. The Committee further encourages Sea
Grant Aquaculture to partner with Historically Black Colleges
and Universities that conduct aquaculture research.
Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring.--The Committee
provides not less than $52,500,000, and encourages the Global
Ocean Monitoring and Observing program to procure subsurface
ocean profile data to improve hurricane intensity prediction,
by working with industry to take advantage of the new profiling
floats sustainable powered by thermal energy conversion.
National Oceanographic Partnership Program [NOPP].--The
Committee provides $2,500,000 for NOPP to continue to
facilitate interagency and public-private partnerships to
advance ocean science research, development, and education.
Within the funds provided, NOAA shall allocate not less than
$500,000 to work with other appropriate Federal agency and
industry partners to develop, test, and evaluate ocean-based
carbon dioxide removal technologies.
NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,253,661,000 for
the National Weather Service [NWS]. NWS programs provide timely
and accurate meteorologic, hydrologic, and oceanographic
warnings and forecasts to protect life and property and improve
the economic productivity of the Nation. NWS is also
responsible for issuing operational climate forecasts for the
United States. The Committee has made saving lives and
livelihoods through accurate weather forecasting a priority.
The Committee's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Observations.......................................... 257,730
Central Processing.................................... 110,500
Analyze, Forecast and Support......................... 599,500
Dissemination......................................... 116,979
Science and Technology Integration.................... 168,952
-----------------
GRAND TOTAL, NWS................................ 1,253,661
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NWS Staffing.--The Committee is deeply concerned about
staffing shortages at NWS Weather Forecast Offices [WFO], which
jeopardize the ability to maintain 24/7 operational coverage
critical for timely and accurate weather forecasting, warnings,
and emergency response. Insufficient staffing levels risk
compromising public safety and the NWS's mission to protect
lives and property. The Committee provides an additional
$10,000,000 for Analyze, Forecast and Support and urges the NWS
to prioritize recruitment, retention, and training initiatives
to ensure all WFOs are fully staffed. The Committee directs the
NWS to provide a report not later than 90 days after enactment
of this act, detailing current staffing levels, vacancy rates,
and a comprehensive plan to achieve full staffing, including
timelines and resource requirements.
Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System [AWIPS] in
the Cloud.--The Committee supports efforts to modernize AWIPS
by transitioning its infrastructure to a cloud-based
environment. This transition is expected to enhance system
scalability, improve operational efficiency, and ensure robust
data access for weather forecasting and warning services
critical to protecting lives and property. The Committee
encourages NOAA to prioritize the development and
implementation of a secure, cost-effective, and resilient cloud
architecture for AWIPS. NOAA is directed to provide a report to
the Committee not later than 180 days after enactment of this
act, detailing the progress of the cloud transition, including
timelines, cost estimates, and strategies to mitigate risks
associated with the migration.
Observations.--The Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for the Aircraft Based
Observation Program and directs NWS to coordinate with and
leverage existing capabilities of the National Mesonet Program
to increase the use and deployment of commercial aviation-based
atmospheric data, with an emphasis on water vapor data for
numerical weather prediction improvement.
National Mesonet Program.--The Committee recommends not
less than $27,000,000 to enable the program to leverage large
investments by other sponsors, to increase the number of
observations, include new types of data, and introduce
innovative capabilities to address capacity and geographic
coverage gaps. Emphasis should be placed on the boundary layer
of the atmosphere, marine zones, and select surface-based gap
filling networks. Of the funds provided, up to $1,500,000 may
be used for costs associated with the National Mesonet Program
Office
Automated Surface Observing System [ASOS].--The Committee
supports NWS's ongoing efforts to prolong the service life of
ASOS. NWS is directed to ensure that rural and remote
communities who disproportionately rely on ASOS operability for
continued reliable air service are provided with additional
resources, such as trained human observers, to continue
observing capabilities in the event of an ASOS outage.
Testbed and Training for Next Generation Weather
Forecasting.--The Committee encourages NOAA to partner with a
consortium to establish a testbed for applied research and a
training program for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral
researchers to provide a pipeline of talent for the agency. The
testbed should utilize cutting-edge meteorological technology
and provide real-time, actionable data for assimilation into
NWS operational numerical weather models and for applied
research at OAR laboratories. In particular, the research
should help improve existing weather models deficiencies in
accounting for key physical and microphysical processes.
Space Weather.--The Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level to support the space weather
prediction testbed to help drive research to operations to
ensure national and global communities are prepared for space-
weather events in furtherance of NOAA's responsibilities under
the Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to
Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow [PROSWIFT] Act (Public Law
116-181).
National Data Buoy Center [NDBC].--The Committee strongly
supports NDBC, which manages multiple platforms supporting
Agency missions. These include the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean
[TAO] array, monitoring ocean temperature changes linked to El
Nino and La Nina; and the Deep-Ocean Assessment and Reporting
of Tsunamis [DART] program for early tsunami detection. NDBC
also operates IOOS, voluntary ship observations, and buoy
networks. To maintain NOAA weather buoys and coastal marine
stations, which enhance environmental model accuracy and
protect lives at sea, the Committee provides an additional
$5,000,000 within Observations for NDBC.
Tsunami Warning Program.--The Committee directs NOAA to
ensure continuity of operations between the Tsunami Warning
Centers and provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level for the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program to
support education, awareness, and inundation and evacuation map
development.
Further, the Committee directs NOAA to assess how well NOAA
Weather Radio coverage extends to populated areas at risk of
tsunamis and, in collaboration with the Federal Communications
Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to
determine how to use the Integrated Public Alert and Warning
System [IPAWS] to deliver tsunami alerts.
Radar Program Office.--The Committee directs NWS to
establish a Radar Program Office to study and develop a plan
for the impending recapitalization of the Nation's weather
radar system. The plan shall include an analysis of
technologies, as well as alternative architectures, including
purchasing radar data as a commercial service.
Office of Water Prediction [OWP].--The Committee provides
not less than fiscal year 2024 enacted level for OWP, which
receives funding across multiple NWS budget lines. The
Committee maintains the direction carried in previous fiscal
years for NWS to continue to expedite hiring within the
National Water Center [NWC] Water Prediction Operations
Division. NWS is encouraged to initiate Flood Inundation
Mapping operations through the NWC.
Hydrology and Water Resource Programs.--The Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for
NOAA to support the Cooperative Institute for Research to
Operations in Hydrology [CIROH], including for the Water in the
West Initiative. NOAA is encouraged to leverage the CI
expertise to help NOAA assess the most operationally-relevant
research. CIROH delivers expertise and resources in:
hydroinformatics and water resources modeling; geographic
information systems and remote sensing, including snow depth
and soil moisture; coastal inundation modeling and forecasting;
data assimilation; computational science and high-performance
computing; artificial intelligence/machine learning.
Additionally, the CI shall continue to prioritize the
cultivation of the next generation of water resources
scientists and engineers who will be essential to tackle 21st
Century water resources grand challenges.
Operationalizing Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations
[FIRO].--FIRO projects have proven beneficial for improving
water availability, flood risk management, and improved drought
resilience. NOAA is encouraged, through CIROH, to establish a
FIRO research-to-operations program involving academic
partners, the NWS Office of Water Prediction, and NWS River
Forecast Centers in support of the Nationwide FIRO Pathfinder
project.
NOAA NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $400,500,000 for
National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service
[NESDIS] operations. NESDIS programs operate environmental
polar-orbiting, geostationary, and space weather satellites and
collect and archive global environmental data and information
for distribution to users in commerce, industry, agriculture,
science, and engineering, the general public, and Federal,
State, and local agencies.
The Committee's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE
OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Environmental Satellite Observing Systems:
Office of Satellite and Product Operations........ 272,000
Product Development, Readiness and Application.... 58,000
U.S. Group on Earth Observations.................. 500
-----------------
Total, Environmental Satellite Observing 330,500
Systems......................................
=================
National Centers for Environmental Information........ 70,000
-----------------
GRAND TOTAL, NESDIS........................... 400,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Operations Transfers.--The Committee transfers
$30,465,000 to the Office of Satellite and Product Operations
and National Centers for Environmental Information [NCEI] to
move activities funded within Space Weather Follow On and
Geostationary Systems [GOES]-R from Procurement, Acquisition
and Construction to ORF to account for the operational nature
of these satellites.
Commercial Data Buys.--The Committee is concerned that
NESDIS has not fully embraced commercial data purchases in a
manner, scope and scale that will enable sufficient private
sector investment that will ultimately drive innovation and
lower cost. The Committee encourages NOAA to transition more of
its pilot programs into operational data buys and refrain from
building systems that compete directly with industry. NOAA
shall report to the Committee, not later than 90 days of
enactment of this act, how it is complying with section 302 of
the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act (Public Law
115-25).
Maximizing Data for Assimilation.--Given that only two to
three percent of current satellite data is assimilated into
weather models and given that new observing systems will
drastically increase the amount of observations from space,
NOAA is strongly encouraged to consider a requirement for
processing data on orbit in all future satellite contracts. Not
later than 180 days after enactment of this act, NOAA shall
provide a report to the committee assessing U.S. commercial
technologies that can be used to support real-time data ingest
and processing, while also reducing the physical infrastructure
and energy costs associated with ingesting and processing data.
NOAA is also encouraged to support a pilot program to test and
evaluate the effectiveness of U.S. commercial database
technologies to address data ingest and processing bottlenecks
to extract the maximum value from its instruments.
National Centers for Environmental Information [NCEI].--The
Committee provides $70,000,000 for NCEI, including not less
than $10,000,000 for Regional Climate Services, and $5,500,000
for Coastal Data Development. NOAA shall consider the Coastal
Data Development program as the central repository to manage
data collections from NOAA uncrewed systems to achieve the
Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology [CENOTE] Act
(Public Law 115-394) goals by amplifying the use of data for
environmental and economic innovation.
Data Assembly Hub.--The Committee emphasizes the importance
of NOAA leveraging the extensive data gathered from Uncrewed
Systems [UxS] across aerial, surface, and underwater domains.
To enhance data accessibility and promote reusability,
sustained support for the Data Assembly Hub [DAH] rollout is
critical. This infrastructure maximizes the return on
investment for UxS data collection, directly supporting the
Blue Economy and the ongoing restoration of the Gulf of
America. The Committee strongly recommends that NOAA
collaborate with academic and industry partners to secure
technical expertise, ensuring a more efficient and effective
DAH implementation.
NEDSIS Data Products.--The Committee is concerned that NOAA
has decommissioned at least 20 datasets, products and catalogs
during the fiscal year. Neither NOAA nor the Department
provided any advance notification of this action to the
Committee. The Department's actions raise serious concerns
about the accessibility of publicly-funded data upon which
state and city governments, small business owners, service
providers, and researchers rely on to inform their critical
work. Many of these long time series products are relied upon
by the scientific community. The Committee adheres to the
principle that publicly-funded data should remain available to
the public. Restoring the webpages and data sets to their
original forms would honor that principle. The Committee
directs NOAA to restart these products and not later than 90
days after enactment of this act to report to the Committee on
progress.
Regional Climate Centers.--The Committee provides no less
than $6,100,000 to Regional Climate Centers for collecting and
quality-assuring data nationwide, and disseminating information
to diverse stakeholders, including Federal, State, and local
government agencies, farmers, water resource managers,
emergency planners, universities, researchers, businesses, and
the public. The funding will support the development of
innovative tools tailored to address region-specific
challenges, such as heat, humidity, precipitation, drought,
floods, wildfires, and other extreme events in rural and urban
environments.
State Climate Offices [SCO].--The Committee recognizes the
important role SCOs play under NOAA's Regional Climate Services
and other NOAA programs and supports ongoing efforts within
NESDIS to pilot providing SCOs Federal support so that the SCOs
can meet the growing demand by Federal, State, and Tribal users
of the SCOs services to track and better understand weather
events.
NOAA MISSION SUPPORT
The Committee's recommendation provides $373,622,000 for
NOAA's mission support activities. These programs provide for
overall NOAA management, including staffing of the Under
Secretary's office and services to NOAA field offices, as well
as NOAA's Education Office.
Committee recommendations are displayed in the following
table:
MISSION SUPPORT OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission Support Services:
Executive Leadership.............................. 28,230
Mission Services and Management................... 156,000
IT Security....................................... 16,393
Payment to DOC Working Capital Fund............... 71,299
Facilities Maintenance............................ 6,250
Office of Space Commerce.......................... 60,000
-----------------
Total, Mission Support Services............... 338,172
=================
Office of Education:
NOAA Education Program Base....................... 6,000
Jose E. Serrano Education Partnership Program with 20,750
Minority Serving Insitutions.....................
BWET Regional Progams............................. 8,700
-----------------
Total, Office of Education.................... 35,450
=================
GRAND TOTAL, MISSION SUPPORT.................. 373,622
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.--The Committee
commends the agency for its efforts to provide employees a
workplace free from sexual assault and sexual harassment,
including issuance of NOAA Administrative Order [NAO] 202-1106
and creation of the Workplace Violence Prevention and Response
Program. The Committee directs NOAA to continue implementing
NAO 202-1106 and expanding services and provides not less than
the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for these purposes.
Office of Space Commerce [OSC].--In compliance with Space
Policy Directive 3, the Committee continues to support efforts
to transition non-defense space traffic management and space
situational awareness responsibilities from the Department of
Defense to OSC. The responsibilities of space traffic
management and space situational awareness are inherently
governmental. The Committee rejects the proposed termination of
Traffic Coordination System for Space [TraCSS] and provides
$60,000,000 for OSC to continue expanding the operational
capabilities of TraCSS. NOAA is encouraged to use and integrate
commercially-available capabilities to support open standards-
based, interoperable, data-agnostic computing infrastructure
with necessary data, modeling, information, analytics,
services, and user interfaces.
Bay Watershed Education and Training [BWET].--The Committee
recognizes the mental health and educational benefits of field-
based offerings for children and young adults, and encourages
NOAA to continue these unique educational opportunities,
including for underserved communities. In addition, the
Committee encourages NOAA to expand BWET regional programs to
new priority regions, which may include the Delaware Bay.
National Ocean Sciences Bowl [NOSB].--The Committee is
supportive of the NOSB, which has been highly successful in
educating and inspiring the next generation of ocean leaders
over the past 25 years. The Committee provides up to $750,000
for the NOSB, and NOAA is encouraged to include sufficient
support as part of the fiscal year 2027 budget request.
NOAA OFFICE OF MARINE AND AVIATION OPERATIONS
The Committee's recommendation provides $363,356,000 for
NOAA's marine and aviation operations. The OMAO provides
aircraft and marine data acquisition, repair, and maintenance
of the existing fleet; planning of future modernization; and
technical and management support for NOAA-wide activities
through the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.
OFFICE OF MARINE AND AVIATION OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marine Operations and Maintenance..................... 229,461
Aviation Operations and Aircraft Services............. 41,400
Autonomous Unmanned Technology Operations............. 21,495
NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps....................... 71,000
-----------------
GRAND TOTAL, OMAO................................. 363,356
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monitoring of Atmospheric Rivers.--Improving understanding
of atmospheric rivers is critical to prepare for concentrated
rain storms and flooding along the U.S. west coast. Therefore,
the Committee provides $2,500,000 within Aviation Operations
and Aircraft Services to better observe and predict these
extreme weather events.
Autonomous and Uncrewed Technology Operations [AUTO].--The
Committee provides $21,495,000 for AUTO. Not less than
$11,000,000 shall be used for agency-wide data acquisition from
commercially-available, mission-as-a-service uncrewed maritime
systems [UMS] in support of relevant operational missions
including: (1) hurricane intensity forecasting; (2) ocean
monitoring, including in-situ observations in support of the
NDBC and management and enforcement of marine national
monuments in the Pacific; (3) acoustic fishery surveys; (4)
ocean exploration; and (5) hydrographic surveys. Within the
funds provided, not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted
level shall be used to support extramural partnerships with
universities and oceanographic institutions for UMS research,
development, testing, and training, including research to
improve precise marine navigation and coastal resilience
through improvements to uncrewed platforms.
Aviation Accession Training Program.--The Committee
provides not less than $3,000,000 within NOAA Commissioned
Officer Corps to support OMAO's aviation accession training
program, as authorized in section 105 of the NOAA Commissioned
Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-259). The
Committee encourages NOAA to designate one or more Cooperative
Aviation Centers to facilitate the development and recruitment
of aviators for the Commissioned Officer Corps at higher
education institutions that have accredited professional flight
and piloting programs.
NOAA SPECIAL PROJECTS
The Committee's recommendation provides funding for the
projects listed in the table titled ``Congressionally Directed
Spending'' at the end of this report in the corresponding
amounts, consistent with NOAA's existing authorities,
jurisdictions, and procedures, as appropriate. NOAA shall
perform the same level of oversight and due diligence regarding
these projects as with any other external partners.
NOAA PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,719,866,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,610,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,610,000,000 for
NOAA's Procurement, Acquisition and Construction [PAC]. The
recommendation is $109,866,000 below the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
Committee recommendations are displayed in the following
table:
PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Ocean Service:
National Estuarine Research Reserve Construction.. 8,500
Marine Sanctuaries Construction................... 4,000
-----------------
Total, NOS-PAC................................ 12,500
=================
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research:
Research Supercomputing/CCRI...................... 50,000
-----------------
Total, OAR-PAC................................ 50,000
=================
National Weather Service:
Observations...................................... 16,200
Central Processing................................ 68,000
Dissemination..................................... 10,000
Facilities Construction and Major Repairs......... 10,000
-----------------
Total, NWS-PAC................................ 104,200
=================
National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information
Service:
Geostationary Systems--R.......................... 78,600
Polar Weather Satellites.......................... 290,000
Space Weather Follow On........................... ................
Geostationary Earth Orbit......................... 497,897
Low Earth Orbit................................... 125,000
Space Weather Next................................ 150,000
Common Ground Services............................ 90,353
Systems/Services, Architecture and Engineering.... 48,000
Satellite CDA Facility............................ 2,450
-----------------
Total, NESDIS-PAC............................. 1,282,300
=================
Mission Support:
NOAA Construction................................. 64,000
-----------------
Total, Mission Support-PAC.................... 64,000
=================
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations:
Fleet Capital Improvements and Technology Infusion 28,000
Vessel Recapitalization and Construction.......... 75,000
Aircraft Recapitalization and Construction........ 7,000
-----------------
Total, OMAO-PAC............................... 110,000
=================
Unobligated balances from prior years................. -13,000
=================
GRAND TOTAL, PAC.............................. 1,610,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Performance Computing.--The Committee recognizes
NOAA's high performance computing needs and its current
limitations on providing high-fidelity results in near real-
time and provides $50,000,000. Within funding provided for
Research Supercomputing/CCRI, $15,000,000 shall be used to
continue the development of a dedicated high performance
computing facility in collaboration with partners that have
existing high performance computing expertise and scientific
synergies. Further, not less than $5,000,000 is to develop
artificial intelligence systems and optimize software to
support preprocessing of dense observation datasets to
facilitate extraction of the most useful information for
inclusion in data assimilation for model initialization.
NOAA Satellite Reporting.--The Committee directs NOAA to
provide quarterly programmatic and procurement status reports
of all satellites actively orbiting, in standby mode, and under
development, unless any reprogramming, system failure,
construction delay, or other extraordinary circumstance
warrants an immediate update.
Satellite Procurement.--The Committee appreciates the
success of the partnership between NOAA and NASA on procurement
of Earth observing satellites. Since the Committee codified the
lifecycle cost of the geostationary and polar weather
satellites in 2012, the satellites have largely launched on
schedule and at cost. The Committee directs NOAA to continue to
use NASA as the procurement agent for acquisition of the
current and next generation Earth observing satellites. NASA
can leverage their acquisition and bona fide need authorities-
including bulk purchase of instrument and incremental funding
of contracts-on behalf of NOAA for the weather and space
weather program. To simplify procurements, NOAA is encouraged
to co-locate acquisition staff with NASA at Goddard Space
Flight Center. Further, NOAA should retain government-owned
capacity for satellite command and control and data
transmission and processing.
Geostationary Extended Observations [GeoXO].--The Committee
directs NOAA to procure a revised mission architecture that
retains continuity of data in geostationary orbit, while
modernizing core weather-monitoring capabilities and
maintaining first launch in 2032. Given rapidly changing
weather patterns including severe weather, the Committee
believes the revised mission architecture must include imaging
and sounding as the core instruments for all satellites with
data quality standards that meet or exceed GOES-R requirements
and to consider additional instruments if they can be
accommodated under a lower life cycle cost cap. Before NOAA
terminates any current program elements, the agency must submit
a revised mission architecture, including component costs and
planned launch schedule to the Committee.
Systems/Services Architecture and Engineering.--The
Committee strongly supports the continuation of the commercial
data purchase and commercial weather data pilot programs. The
Committee encourages NOAA to test hyperspectral sounder data
and new capabilities including edge processing on orbit to
optimize the use of existing data to extract more value and
retain more information after downlink.
Within funding provided, NOAA is directed to continue the
pilot program to procure space weather observations consistent
with the PROSWIFT Act (Public Law 116-181) and provides up to
$5,000,000 for these purposes.
NOAA Construction.--NOAA Construction finances
construction, repair, and deferred maintenance for the agency's
highest priority Federal facilities. The Committee
recommendation provides $64,000,000 for NOAA Construction. The
Committee notes with concern the condition of NOAA's aging
physical research infrastructure, including several NMFS
regional facilities that perform critical, world-class research
and surveys in support of the agency's multiple missions. The
Committee is particularly concerned that several key NMFS
regional laboratories across the country will soon be unable to
perform basic functions given the significant age of
infrastructure, state of disrepair, and changing physical
environment in which they are located. Therefore, the Committee
urges NOAA to accelerate existing regional facility
modernization planning and analysis efforts. Where appropriate,
such efforts should prioritize the benefits of co-location with
existing Federal academic, university, and nonprofit partners
as a means of leveraging existing relationships and research
efforts in an effort to maintain, if not elevate, the
facilities' capabilities and enhance scientific excellence.
Thirty days before obligating any funds, NOAA shall submit
a report detailing how the funds will be expended and an
explanation of why these projects were prioritized. NOAA is
also directed to immediately inform the Committee if there are
any significant schedule delays or project cost increases.
As part of the fiscal year 2027 budget request, NOAA shall
establish a 5-year budget framework to address regional
facility modernization planning and redevelopment, including in
the Northwest. The budget shall be updated annually as
additional information and funding needs are refined as
projects mature from planning estimates through design phases.
MISSION SUPPORT: NOAA CONSTRUCTION
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Description Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Various......................... Deferred 11,000
Maintenance and
Repair.
Various......................... Leasehold 5,000
Improvements.
WA.............................. Northwest 30,000
Fisheries Science
Center.
FL.............................. Southeast 10,000
Fisheries Science
Center.
Various......................... Outfitting and 4,000
Occupancy.
Various......................... Disposal.......... 4,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee is aware that the leases for the NOAA
headquarters buildings are expiring soon. Not later than 90
days after enactment of this act, NOAA shall report to the
Committee on the status of the lease extension and/or re-
compete process, including timing and estimated leasehold
improvement costs. Further, not later than 30 days after
enactment of this act, NOAA shall report to the Committee
regarding any leases for NOAA facilities terminated during
fiscal year 2025.
Judgment Fund Repayment.--The Committee does not provide
funding for NOAA to make payments to the Department of the
Treasury's Judgment Fund.
Vessel Recapitalization and Construction.--The Committee
provides $75,000,000 in Vessel Recapitalization and
Construction. The Committee provides funding for the completion
of two Class A vessels and the acquisition of two Class B
vessels to facilitate the reduction of gaps in mission coverage
as current ships are decommissioned. The Committee notes that
Class C vessels are critical for conducting fishery surveys,
which underpins the sustainable harvest of biomass in all U.S.
fisheries. Therefore, NOAA is directed to begin the process of
acquiring Class C vessels that are designed to meet basic
fishery survey requirements.
Aircraft Recapitalization and Construction.--The Committee
provides $7,000,000 for Aircraft Recapitalization and
Construction, which includes funds to continue procurement of a
second high-altitude jet as authorized under section 413 of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.
Mission Requirement Costs.--NOAA is directed to document
within all of its future budget requests any unfunded mission
requirement costs, and particularly those that are necessary to
maintain the optimal operational tempo of NOAA assets and
posture of NOAA facilities.
PACIFIC COASTAL SALMON RECOVERY FUND
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $65,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 65,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $65,000,000 for the
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund [PCSRF]. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
Funds are to be used for conservation and restoration of
Pacific salmon populations. State and local recipients of this
funding will provide matching contributions of at least 33
percent of Federal funds. In addition, funds will be available
to Tribes without a matching requirement. Further, in order to
foster greater equity in the implementation of these funds,
NOAA is encouraged to increase the 3 percent restriction on
administrative expenses for Tribal consortia implementing
grants from PCSRF to no less than 30 percent. The Committee
reminds NOAA that Tribal consortia in remote and rural areas
often face the same limitations and challenges as individual
Tribes who are exempted from the 3 percent restriction on
administrative spending, and restriction therefore
disproportionately burdens Tribal consortia in rural areas.
The Committee notes that the IIJA provides $172,000,000
over 5 years for the PCSRF, including $34,400,000 in fiscal
year 2026.
NOAA is directed to report on how its current priorities
meet the intent of the PCSRF to support the recovery and
protection of all declining salmon stocks.
FISHERIES DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $300,000
Committee recommendation................................ 300,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $300,000 for
Fisheries Disaster Assistance. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
FISHERMEN'S CONTINGENCY FUND
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $349,000
Committee recommendation................................ 349,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $349,000 for the
Fishermen's Contingency Fund. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
FISHERIES FINANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2025.................................... -$12,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ -12,000,000
The Committee recommends that direct loans administered
through this account for individual fishing quotas may not
exceed $24,000,000. Traditional direct loans may not exceed
$150,000,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 2025 enacted
level.
The Committee encourages NOAA to facilitate new vessel
construction, vessel replacement, and upgrades within the
Fisheries Finance Program using fuel-efficient technology to
the greatest extent practicable.
RECREATIONAL QUOTA ENTITY FUND
The recommendation continues the halibut recreational quota
entity as authorized under section 106 of the Driftnet
Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act (title I of division S
of Public Law 117-328).
OTHER
Departmental Management
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $94,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 94,500,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $94,500,000 for
Departmental Management [DM], Salaries and Expenses. The
recommendation is equal to the 2025 enacted level.
Within Departmental Management, the Salaries and Expenses
account provides funding for the Secretary, Deputy Secretary,
and support staff. Responsibilities involve policy development
and implementation affecting U.S. and international activities,
as well as establishing internal goals for operations of the
Department.
The Committee is concerned that the Department's failure to
submit timely fiscal year 2025 spending plans, the partial
transmission of the congressional budget justification, and
delays in responsiveness to the Committee have hindered
progress on this recommendation. Therefore, the Committee
limits the Department's transfer authority. The Committee
further directs the Department to reengage in regular
communication with the Committee.
Staffing Levels.--The Committee believes that staffing
issues require the continued attention of the leadership of the
Department and collaboration with the bureaus. Therefore, the
Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Human Capital Officer of
the Department shall continue to provide quarterly briefings to
the Committee on all DOC human capital issues.
Spending Plans.--Under section 528 of this act, the
Department is required to submit a spending plan within 45 days
of the enactment of this act. That plan should describe the
PPAs of the Department so that the Committee receives detailed
descriptions of how the Department intends to operationalize
the funding provided in annual appropriations bills. The
Committee expects to receive a detailed accounting of each
bureau's spending, including mandatory, reimbursable, fee-
funded, or working capital fund spending, particularly with
regard to specific PPAs described in the bill and accompanying
report. The Department shall continue to work with the
Committee to ensure that its spending plans provide adequate
information for continued oversight of the Department.
Salary Lapse.--The Committee directs DOC to provide a
detailed accounting, as part of the fiscal year 2026 spending
plans, identifying the amount of expected salary lapse in
fiscal year 2026 and an explanation of how all accrued salary
lapse will be spent for all DOC bureaus and NOAA line offices
that have a greater than 10 percent vacancy rate, as of
September 30, 2025. Any of the identified amounts that cannot
be justified as either augmenting staffing vacancies or
supporting mission critical functions will be considered for
rescission in fiscal year 2026.
Working Capital Funds.--For each of the three working
capital funds within DOC, the following is to be provided to
the Committee and the OIG by November 30 of each year: (1) a
comparison of the final budget or spending plan at the project
or activity level to the actual year-end data as of September
30 of the prior fiscal year, including detailed narratives for
variances greater than 5 percent at the project or activity
level; (2) the initial budget or spending plan by project or
activity for the current fiscal year; and (3) a detailed
schedule of fiscal year-end unobligated and carryover balances
by source funding category and by expiring budget fiscal year,
to include: direct authority, Federal and intragovernmental
reimbursable authority by trading partner, non-Federal
reimbursable authority, amounts held for future asset
replacement, and other categories.
Department of Commerce Working Capital Fund.--As part of
the fiscal year 2027 budget request, the Department is directed
to provide justification that clearly articulates why each
Advancements and Reimbursements account and Working Capital
Fund project administered by the Office of Acquisition
Management, Office of Budget, Office of the Chief Financial
Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration, and Chief
of Staff should continue to be funded through the Working
Capital Fund.
North American Industry Classification System [NAICS].--The
Committee directs DOC, within 180 days of enactment of this
act, to provide a report describing the Department's efforts to
implement the directives of section 9002 of Public Law 115-334,
including its contributions to the Interagency Technical
Working Group [ITWG] review of NAICS and the North American
Product Classification System [NAPCS] codes for renewable
chemicals and biomanufacturers. The Committee also directs the
DOC to provide quarterly updates to the Committee on the
Department's work to implement the farm bill direction and the
ITWG's recommendations through the 2027 NAICS and NAPCS
revision process.
High Value Assets [HVA].--The Committee remains concerned
that the Department has not fully implemented multifactor
authentication [MFA] for its HVAs in accordance with zero trust
architecture principles. The Department's Chief Information
Officer is directed by the Committee to ensure all Department
Bureaus have implemented MFA using all three Office of
Management and Budget requirements: phishing-resistant MFA,
application-layer MFA, and modern password policies.
Business Applications Solutions [BAS].--The Committee
remains disappointed in the Department's rollout of BAS,
notably the transition of NOAA's financial operations. The
Committee understands that NOAA continues to experience issues
around that ability to pay invoices and reimburse employees for
travel expenses, in part because of problems with data
conversion. In addition, the cost of the contract for BAS has
increased and the Department is evaluating another significant
cost increase to the BAS contract. This is not acceptable and
the Committee directs the Department to provide a briefing to
the Committee, 45 days after enactment of this act, detailing
how it has corrected all BAS issues with NOAA, minimized cost
increases to the contract, and has a solid schedule for the
transition of Census and NIST.
Employee Access to High-quality Affordable Child Care.--The
Committee directs the Department to issue a report, within 180
days of the date of enactment of this act, and include in
annual budget justifications thereafter, regarding its efforts
to help provide access to high-quality affordable child care
for the children Federal employees at each bureau. The reports
shall detail all current programs or efforts that assist
department or agency employees with child care, identify
programs including for recruitment and retention-that assist
with child care, provide the number of employees utilizing such
programs, and detail associated costs. Additionally, the
Department shall survey employees on the level of interest in
such programs or efforts if they are not currently provided by
a department or agency. Where possible, the Department shall
identify whether the lack of access to child care hinders
recruitment or retention efforts, provide the geographical
locations where such hindrance occurs, and identify targeted
solutions for such hindrances.
Workforce Development for the Semiconductor Industry.--The
Committee applauds DOC's ongoing efforts to expand and improve
workforce development for the semiconductor industry,
particularly as NIST continues to implement the CHIPS and
Science Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-167). The Committee
encourages DOC to continue to explore partnership opportunities
with higher education institutions, including community
colleges and regional public colleges, with an emphasis on
advanced precision manufacturing education, and a commitment to
improving the K-12, undergraduate, graduate and non-college
bound pipeline of workers.
RENOVATION AND MODERNIZATION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,142,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,142,000
The Committee recommendation provides $1,142,000. This
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025 enacted level,
for continuing renovation activities at the Herbert C. Hoover
Building.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $48,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 48,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $48,000,000 for the
OIG. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
In addition to funds provided under this heading, the
Committee recommends a transfer of $2,450,000 from USPTO to the
OIG to support activities associated with carrying out
investigations and audits related to the USPTO. The Committee
directs the OIG to continue to perform strict oversight
activities for NOAA vessel and satellite procurements,
cybersecurity, census data collection, and the Business
Applications Solution [BAS] modernization.
General Provisions--Department of Commerce
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Section 101 makes funds available for advanced payments
only upon certification of officials, designated by the
Secretary, that such payments are considered to be in the
public interest.
Section 102 makes appropriations for Department of Commerce
salaries and expenses available for hire of passenger motor
vehicles, and for services, and for uniforms and allowances as
authorized by law.
Section 103 provides the authority to transfer funds
between Department of Commerce appropriation accounts and
requires 30 days advance notification to the Committees on
Appropriations for certain actions.
Section 104 provides congressional notification
requirements for NOAA satellite programs and includes life
cycle estimates for certain weather satellite programs.
Section 105 provides for reimbursement for services within
the Department of Commerce buildings.
Section 106 clarifies that grant recipients under the
Department of Commerce may deter child pornography, copyright
infringement, or any other unlawful activity over their
networks.
Section 107 provides NOAA Administrator with the authority
to avail NOAA of resources, with the consent of those supplying
the resources, to carry out responsibilities of any statute
administered by NOAA.
Section 108 prohibits the National Technical Information
Service from charging for certain services.
Section 109 allows NOAA to be reimbursed by Federal and
non-Federal entities for performing certain activities.
Section 110 provides the Economics and Statistics
Administration certain authority to enter into cooperative
agreements.
Section 111 allows the Secretary of Commerce to waive up to
50 percent of the cost sharing requirements for funds provided
in this act under section 315 of the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972.
Section 112 sets limitations on the Department's ability to
obligate unobligated balances of expired discretionary funds
transferred to the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.
Section 113 allows the NOAA Administrator to establish an
alternative or fixed rate for relocation allowance, including
permanent change of station allowance.
Section 114 is a new provision regarding the National
Weather Service.
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
The Committee recommends a total of $36,920,094,000 for the
Department of Justice [DOJ]. The recommendation is $46,849,000
below the fiscal year 2025 funding level. The Committee's
recommendation emphasizes key funding priorities in support of
the Department's critical missions and activities to protect
the safety, security, and rights of our citizens.
Responding to Opioids, Methamphetamine, Synthetic Drugs,
and Substance Abuse in Our Communities.--The Committee
continues its commitment to helping States and local
communities in the fight against opioids, methamphetamine,
synthetic drugs, and the illegal diversion of prescription
drugs through comprehensive programs covering law enforcement,
prevention, and treatment. The Committee provides a total of
$574,500,000 in DOJ grant funding to help State and local
partners tackle these epidemics. In addition, the Committee
provides $2,567,000,000 for the Drug Enforcement Administration
[DEA] to sustain its efforts to disrupt and dismantle drug
trafficking organizations.
Strengthening Police-Community Relations.--The Committee
continues to recognize and support the important need for
lasting collaborative relationships between local police and
the public. Strong partnerships between the police and the
communities they protect ensure that citizens' civil rights are
protected, foster ongoing open communication, improve officer
safety, and reduce crime. The Committee provides $212,500,000
for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance and Community
Oriented Policing Services [COPS] Office grant programs related
to police-community relations.
Crime Victims Fund.--The Committee renews its concern about
the solvency of the Crime Victims Fund [CVF] and its ability to
continue to support compensation to and services for survivors
of crime in future years. The Committee remains concerned about
insufficient deposits, specifically including the lack of
predictability as to when the proceeds from criminal fines,
penalties, settlements and other sources will be deposited in
the CVF. It is exceptionally difficult for the Committee to
plan without greater insight into potential future proceeds for
the CVF. The Committee directs the Department to submit an
updated plan, within 90 days of enactment of this act, to
establish a system to track payments from concluded cases that
may result in deposits into the CVF.
Trafficking in Persons.--The Department shall provide the
highest practicable levels for the Human Trafficking
Prosecution Unit [HTPU], the Federal Bureau of Investigation
[FBI], and the U.S. Attorneys' Offices [USAO] to investigate
and prosecute crimes of human trafficking. The Committee
continues to encourage the HTPU and Anti-Trafficking
Coordination Teams to continue working with victim service
providers and non-governmental organizations to ensure the
prioritization of victim needs as part of the overall strategy
to combat human trafficking and forced labor in the United
States.
The Committee is concerned about the relatively low number
of dedicated FBI agents assigned to human trafficking cases,
especially in rural communities. The Committee continues to
expect the designation of a lead agent in each FBI field office
as a point of contact for slavery and human trafficking
investigations, and encourages the FBI to assign at least one
full-time agent dedicated to investigating human trafficking
and related crimes in each State. The Committee directs the
Executive Office for United States Attorneys [EOUSA], in
consultation with the United States Attorneys, to provide
sufficient support and training and technical assistance to
each Assistant U.S. Attorney designated as the lead human
trafficking prosecutor, consistent with the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act. As communication and coordination across the
Federal Government are critical to supporting survivors of
trafficking, the Committee encourages EOUSA, in consultation
with the Department of Homeland Security, to develop a process
to enable survivors with T-visas to obtain an expedited letter
of support from the DOJ when their criminal cases close, and to
submit a report on a plan for ensuring that requests for
letters can be processed in less than 3 months. This plan shall
be submitted within 90 days of enactment of this act.
Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Interagency
Coordination.--The Committee recognizes the benefit of
interagency coordination to combat human trafficking, child
sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse material. The
Committee directs the Department to establish an interagency
working group, in coordination with relevant Federal agencies,
to improve coordination and case de-confliction as well as
support to survivors. The joint explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 117-328 directed the Department to
submit a report on the status of this working group, and the
Committee directs the Department to submit an updated report
within 180 days of enactment of this act.
Domestic Trafficking Victims, Fund Special Assessments.--
Section 101 of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of
2015 (Public Law 114-22) mandated the collection of a $5,000
special assessment from persons convicted of certain Federal
offenses related to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Funds from this special assessment are to be deposited into the
Domestic Trafficking Victims' Fund operated by the Department.
The Committee encourages the Attorney General to use funds
provided under this bill to ensure that Assistant U.S.
Attorneys are specifically trained on the mandatory nature and
enforcement of this special assessment, including the
imposition of liens under 18 U.S.C. 3613, to provide additional
funding, resources, and services for the victims of human
trafficking and law enforcement officials involved in the
elimination of this crime.
Human Trafficking Justice Coordinators.--The Committee
appreciates the recent appointment of a National Human
Trafficking Coordinator, consistent with the requirements of
section 15 of the Abolish Human Trafficking Act (Public Law
115-392). The Committee directs the Department to continue to
comply with all requirements of Public Law 115-392, including
the appointment of human trafficking justice coordinators in
each USAO. The Committee further directs the Department to
submit a report, within 90 days of the date of the enactment of
this act, on the implementation of Public Law 115-392 and the
National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking.
Departmental Efforts to Combat Crimes Against Children.--
The Committee directs the Department to continue submitting a
statutory report to Congress every 2 years, consistent with the
requirements of 34 U.S.C. 21111(b). The Committee further
directs the Department to submit an updated report on staffing
and funding for the office of the National Coordinator for
Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, including
staffing, travel, and temporary duty travel expenses, within
120 days of enactment of this act.
Constitutional Policing.--The Committee directs the
Department to enforce constitutional policing statutes,
including 34 U.S.C. 12601, which may require the use of consent
decrees as necessary, where constitutional policing standards
are not being upheld.
Enforcement of Federal Hate Crimes Laws.--The Committee
remains concerned by the rise in reported incidents of bias-
motivated and hate crimes in the United States in the last
several years. The Committee appreciates the work of the
Community Relations Service [CRS], the Civil Rights Division
[CRT], U.S. Attorneys' Offices, and the FBI to enforce the
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
(Public Law 111-84). The Department shall continue to fully and
expeditiously implement the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (Public
Law 117-13), and report to the Committee within 90 days of
enactment of this act, on all actions and expenditures to date
to implement this legislation. In light of ongoing trends
regarding hate crimes, the Committee further directs the
Department to continue to prioritize this work and to
aggressively investigate and prosecute these crimes, which
affect entire communities.
Combating Domestic Terrorism.--The Committee remains
concerned by the significant threat posed by violent domestic
terrorists and extremists and directs the FBI and the
Department to vigorously investigate and prosecute incidents of
domestic terrorism. The Committee appreciates the recognition
of this threat through the formation of the Domestic Terrorism
Unit within the National Security Division and directs the
Department to maintain this unit. The Committee directs the
Domestic Terrorism Executive Committee to continue to meet on a
regular basis and coordinate with United States Attorneys and
other key public safety officials across the country to promote
information sharing and ensure an effective, responsive, and
organized joint effort to combat domestic terrorism.
The Committee further directs the Department to review the
anti-terrorism training and resource programs that the
Department provides to Federal, State, local, and Tribal law
enforcement agencies, and ensure that such programs include
training and resources to assist these law enforcement agencies
in understanding, detecting, deterring, and investigating acts
of domestic terrorism. The Committee directs the Department to
report to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this
act, on the Department's assessment of the domestic terrorism
threat, and an analysis of incidents or attempted incidents of
domestic terrorism that occurred in the United States during
the preceding fiscal year.
Human Rights Crimes.--The Committee remains concerned by
the large number of suspected serious human rights violators
from foreign countries who have found safe haven in the United
States. The Committee directs the Criminal Division [CRM] and
USAO to increase efforts to investigate and prosecute these
crimes, including genocide, torture, use or recruitment of
child soldiers, war crimes, and other crimes committed by human
rights violators, particularly to support the newly-established
War Crimes Accountability Team's efforts to respond to war
crimes and other atrocities committed during Russia's invasion
of Ukraine and the added responsibilities of the CRM to
prosecute war criminals under the Justice for Victims of War
Crimes Act (Public Law 117-351). For this purpose, the
Committee's recommendation supports continued funding for CRM
and USAO to investigate and prosecute these cases.
The Committee is concerned by the low number of
investigations and prosecutions of human rights violators and
directs the Department to report to the Committee within 120
days of enactment of this act, on all investigations and
prosecutions of human rights offenses and other offenses
committed by serious human rights violators within each of the
last five fiscal years, including the efforts of CRM and USAO
to increase the number of prosecutions. The report should also
include any organizational or legal impediments to
investigating and prosecuting more human rights violators.
Violence Against Indigenous Women.--In consultation with
Tribal governments, the Department shall assess and update the
best practices for the investigation and prosecution of
violence against Native American and Alaska Native women.
Additionally, DOJ shall provide an update on the review of the
sufficiency and prioritization of its grant programs aimed at
survivors of such violence, including temporary and
transitional housing, education, and workforce development
assistance, and shall include the results of this updated
review, along with the plan to communicate such grant
opportunities to Tribal governments and organizations, with the
fiscal year 2026 spending plan. DOJ shall provide Congress with
a report on the usage and implementation of the Tribal set-
aside funding from Public Law 119-4 that supports programs and
initiatives in Indian Country and Alaska Native Villages. The
Department is directed to submit a report on the status of
implementing the recommendations published in the Government
Accountability Office [GAO] report 22-104045, entitled
``Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women: New Efforts Are
Underway but Opportunities Exist to Improve the Federal
Response'', within 90 days of enactment of this act
Combatting Violent Crime in Indian Country.--The Committee
encourages U.S. Attorneys to prioritize efforts to investigate
and prosecute violent crimes against Native Americans and
Alaska Natives that occur in Indian Country, to maintain
communication with victims and family members about the status
of ongoing investigations and cases, and to provide as much
information as possible on any declinations. The Committee is
concerned about the relatively low number of DOJ and FBI
investigative resources in Indian Country and encourages DOJ
and FBI, in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and
State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies, to increase
resources, including additional FBI agents, to investigate,
respond to, and prevent crimes in Indian Country. The Committee
further encourages the FBI to increase recruitment, retention,
and placement efforts in order to fill existing positions in
areas with large land-based Tribes or with high instances of
Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons cases.
Zero Trust Architecture.--The Committee continues to
support the Department's Information Technology Strategic Plan
for fiscal years 2024-2026, particularly as it implements the
Office of Management and Budget's [OMB] M-22-09 Federal Zero
Trust Strategy. The Committee is aware of the ongoing cyber
threats nation-States and other actors pose to the Department
and other agencies and believes that the use of zero trust
architecture, among other protective methods, could mitigate a
significant number of these risks.
Financial Fraud.--The Committee recognizes that older
Americans are increasingly targeted by criminals seeking to
swindle them out of their hard-earned life savings through an
ever-growing array of financial schemes and scams. The
Committee commends the Department's work to combat these crimes
in recent years, including through its dedicated Elder Justice
Initiative. The Committee directs the Attorney General to
continue to prioritize Departmental resources to ensure that
reports of financial fraud, including scams against senior
citizens, are thoroughly investigated, with the goal of
bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.
McGirt v. Oklahoma.--The Committee directs the Department
to ensure that all McGirt-related needs are addressed and
further directs the Department to allocate no less than the
fiscal year 2025 enacted levels for these purposes for each
component. The Committee further directs the Department to keep
the Committee apprised of all resource requirements relating to
McGirt, and, within 90 days of the enactment of this act, to
submit a report on the breakdown of cases per USAO attorney in
Oklahoma; estimated caseloads for the next fiscal year; and how
these statistics compare with other USAOs around the country.
The report shall further describe the number and types of
charged cases compared to all referrals received; the
jurisdictions from which cases were referred; and the general
reasons for why cases were not accepted.
Reentry Guidance for Prison Education Programs.--The
Committee encourages DOJ, in collaboration with the Department
of Education, to develop and provide technical assistance and
guidance to the Bureau of Prisons, State departments of
corrections, and other entities that are responsible for
overseeing correctional facilities on how to support
individuals who are preparing to leave prison, reentering their
communities, and either continuing their education or seeking
employment. The Committee directs the Department to provide
guidance on best practices in integrating reentry planning for
participants in prison education programs. This guidance should
address evidence-based strategies to ensure successful reentry,
including by securing employment or continuing their education.
Election Threats Task Force.--The Committee continues to be
concerned by the rise in threats against election workers,
administrators, officials, and others associated with the
electoral process. Therefore, the Committee directs the
Department to prioritize investigations into threats made
against election workers, administrators, officials, and
volunteers. The Committee also urges DOJ to address threats of
violence against election workers and to ensure that all
election workers are permitted to do their jobs free from
threats and intimidation. In order to improve outreach to
election workers and organizations representing them, the
Committee directs the Department to make all policies and
procedures related to submitting threat reports, and
understanding what to expect after filing a report, as well as
the rights and protections offered to election workers,
administrators, officials, and volunteers under current law,
publicly available on its website.
Sextortion.--The Committee adopts the language in Senate
Report 118-198 under this caption and reiterates any reporting
requirements.
COVID-19 Fraud.--The Committee remains appalled by the
individuals who, in a time of grave national crisis, enriched
themselves through fraud against unemployment insurance and
other pandemic-related aid programs. The Committee commends the
Department for prioritizing the investigation and prosecution
of such crimes. Within 180 days of the date of the enactment of
this act, the Criminal Division, the Civil Division, and the
Executive Office for United States Attorneys shall individually
report on their respective efforts to address COVID-19 related
fraud. This report shall describe: all relevant metrics,
including the number of indictments and convictions, the
amounts contemplated by settlements and judgments, and the
amounts of actual recoveries, by fiscal year and by program; an
estimate of the scope of criminal activity, including an
estimate of the amount of losses to the United States
Government; and a detailed description of each components'
strategic plan for addressing fraud pandemic-related aid
programs, with specific attention to unemployment insurance
fraud.
Investigating and Prosecuting Cyber Crime.--The Committee
recognizes the growing threat of cyber crime that crosses
borders and commends the efforts taken by the Office of
International Affairs, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property
Section, and the FBI's Cyber Assistant Legal Attache [ALATs].
The Committee is encouraged by the FBI's expansion of the Cyber
ALAT Program, which works with international partners to
increase investigation efficiencies, enhance evidentiary
exchange, and conduct joint cyber operations. In light of the
challenges posed by evolving technologies and strategies, the
Committee directs the Department to ensure adequate resources
are available for investigations and prosecutions to keep pace
with growing cyber threats in order to build partner country
capacity and successfully prosecute crimes to secure justice
for victims and deter future criminal behavior.
Combatting Cargo Theft.--The Committee is concerned with
the alarming rise in supply chain fraud and cargo theft
throughout the railroad, commercial motor vehicle, and
intermodal transportation systems. The Committee recognizes
that cargo theft offenses are often associated with organized
crime syndicates, drug trafficking, and illicit finance, and
have a significant adverse impact on the United States economy.
The Committee directs the Department to provide a briefing,
within 120 days of the date of enactment of this act, on plans
to establish regional task forces, led by the FBI and in
partnership with Homeland Security Investigations, the
Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration, and Federal, State, and local
enforcement agencies, to investigate and refer related cases
for prosecution.
The Committee further directs the Executive Office for
United States Attorneys to submit a report, within 90 days of
enactment of this act, identifying the USAOs with the highest
rates of crimes involving cargo theft, including under sections
659, 1991, and 2117 of title 18, United States Code. The
Committee directs those USAOs with the highest rates of cargo
theft, or a significant rail presence, to assign at least one
additional attorney to cargo theft prosecutions.
Illegal E-Cigarette Coordination & Enforcement.--The
Committee is concerned that the wide availability of
unauthorized e-cigarettes has contributed to millions of
children using addictive vapor products, despite the statutory
pre-market authorization requirement. The Department has
commenced the first injunctions against manufacturers of
illegal e-cigarettes; however, the Committee notes this only
captures a small fraction of violative products and that there
is no safe harbor for an unauthorized e-cigarette with a
pending application. The Committee supports the recent multi-
agency task force to combat this problem, and directs the
Department, within 90 days of the enactment of this act, to
submit a report detailing the task force's activities. The
report shall specifically describe the task force's enforcement
activities, including the investigation and prosecution of
criminal, civil, seizure, and forfeiture actions, including
enforcement actions against unauthorized e-cigarette
manufacturers with pending applications and large market
shares, and shall assess what additional criminal or civil
authorities may be necessary to address this public health
threat. The Department is further directed to provide a
briefing to the Committee upon submission of the report.
Federal Drug-Free School Zones.--The Committee appreciates
the Department's clarification that section 531 of this act
does not explicitly preclude the USAOs from enforcing section
860 of title 21, United States Code. The Committee encourages
the Department to continue to work to ensure that areas with
young children, including schools and playgrounds, remain drug-
free.
Protecting Veterans' Benefits.--The Committee adopts the
reporting requirement in Senate Report 118-198 under this
caption.
Voting Rights.--The Attorney General is directed to
prioritize resources to enforce the civil provisions of Federal
laws that protect the right to vote, including the Voting
Rights Act, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting
Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote
Act, and the Civil Rights Acts. The Attorney General is further
directed to prioritize resources to enforce provisions of the
Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] to ensure disabled
Americans can fully exercise their right to vote and that no
eligible Americans are denied the right to vote on the basis of
ADA compliance.
Protecting Voting Access.--The Committee encourages the
Department to include rapidly growing language minority
populations in its priority efforts to enforce the civil
provisions of Federal laws that protect the right to vote.
Within 180 days of enactment of this act, the Committee directs
the Department to submit a report detailing the Department's
actions to protect voting access for rapidly growing language
minority populations and any additional resources necessary to
accomplish this objective.
Combatting the Continued Methamphetamine Crisis.--The
Committee notes that many communities and families continue to
suffer from a longstanding and reemerging methamphetamine
crisis. In many States, particularly in rural areas,
methamphetamine-related deaths outnumber those from heroin. The
Committee recognizes the strain methamphetamines place on
families, communities, rural health providers, and law
enforcement agencies, including the disproportionate burden to
Tribal communities. The Committee continues its commitment to
combatting the methamphetamine crisis, including through
sustained funding for numerous DOJ grant programs and the DEA.
Illegal Growing Operations.--The Committee directs the
Department to submit a report, within 90 days of the enactment
of this act, assessing the proliferation of illegal marijuana
growing operations associated with foreign nationals. The
report shall be coordinated among the FBI, DEA, and the
Executive Office for United States Attorneys, and shall
specifically assess: (1) the extent of illegal growing
operations in the United States that are associated with
foreign nationals; (2) any connections or links to Chinese
transnational criminal organizations and/or the government of
the People's Republic of China; and (3) the Federal resources
that can be deployed to support State, local, and Tribal law
enforcement efforts. The report may be transmitted through
classified channels as necessary and appropriate. The Committee
directs the Department, in coordination with Federal law
enforcement partners, to fully support State, local, and Tribal
law enforcement agencies in their efforts on this matter.
Personnel.--The Committee is concerned by the reassignment
of personnel across the Department, including at the FBI. The
Committee recognizes that shifting resources in this manner
threatens the Department's ability to carry out its
counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and other functions to
protect the United States.
Prior Directives and Outstanding Reports.--The joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 118-42 adopted
language in Senate Report 118-62 captioned ``Attorney
Compensation Comparability Study'', ``Law Enforcement in the
United States Antarctic Program [USAP]'', ``Departmental
Aircraft'', ``Protecting Children from Online Predators'',
``Illegal Gambling'' (as modified in the joint explanatory
statement), ``National Incident-Based Reporting System
[NIBRS]'', ``Illegal Streaming Services'', and ``Wildlife
Trafficking''. The Committee adopts these passages, reiterates
any reporting requirements, and looks forward to their timely
submission.
Departmental Staffing.--The Committee directs GAO to
conduct a comprehensive analysis of the Department's human
capital management practices, including an analysis of staffing
levels over the previous three fiscal years. The analysis
should include (1) the number of full-time employees in each
office of DOJ; (2) the number of full-time employees who have
voluntarily left service including whether those employees
chose to take a deferred resignation offer or voluntary early
retirement; and (3) the status or elimination of any DOJ field
offices, including offices that have been closed over the
previous three fiscal years. GAO is further directed to provide
a scoping briefing to the Committee within 60 days of the
enactment of this act, and to submit a final report within 18
months of the enactment of this act.
Spending Plan.--In compliance with section 528 of this act,
the Committee directs the Department to submit a spending plan
within 45 days of enactment of this act. The Committee notes
that the Department has intentionally delayed or withheld
prior-year spending plans because it is continuing to consider
specific, isolated matters. The Committee directs the
Department to submit a substantially complete spend plan by the
statutory deadline, reserving only those specific, isolated
matters that remain under consideration.
JUSTICE OPERATIONS, MANAGEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $142,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 142,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $142,000,000 for
Justice Operations, Management, and Accountability [JOMA]
salaries and expenses. The recommendation is equal to the
fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The JOMA account provides funding for senior policy
officials responsible for Departmental management and policy
development. The specific offices funded by this account
include the immediate Office of the Attorney General [OAG]; the
immediate Office of the Deputy Attorney General [ODAG]; the
immediate Office of the Associate Attorney General; Office of
Legal Policy; Office of Public Affairs; Office of Legislative
Affairs [OLA]; Office of Professional Responsibility; and the
Justice Management Division [JMD].
Timely Responses to Committee Inquiries and Meeting Report
Deadlines.--The Committee has both budgetary and oversight
responsibilities, and requests for additional information from
the Chairs, Vice Chair, Ranking Member, or their Committee
staff to any Department component should be treated as a
priority for the Department and responded to both courteously
and expeditiously.
The Committee again reminds the Department that deadlines
directed in Committee reports or explanatory statement language
are not merely suggestions. The Department is to immediately
submit reports that remain outstanding from fiscal year 2024.
Efforts should be immediately undertaken not only to submit
these delayed reports, but also to ensure that full and
complete information is provided.
JUSTICE INFORMATION SHARING TECHNOLOGY
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $38,460,240
Committee recommendation................................ 50,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $50,000,000 for
Justice Information Sharing Technology. The recommendation is
$11,539,760 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $844,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 804,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $804,000,000 for
the Executive Office for Immigration Review [EOIR], of which
$10,000,000 is a transfer from the U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services Immigration Examinations Fee account. The
recommendation is $40,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025
enacted level. This account funds EOIR, including the Board of
Immigration Appeals [BIA], immigration judges, and
administrative law judges who decide through administrative
hearings whether to admit or exclude aliens seeking to enter
the country and whether to deport or adjust the status of
aliens whose status has been challenged.
Staffing Levels for Immigration Judges and Support Teams.--
The Committee remains deeply concerned by the extraordinary
backlog of cases in our immigration courts. 3.9 million cases
were pending in fiscal year 2024-almost six times the amount of
cases that were pending in fiscal year 2015. The Committee
recognizes that addressing the backlog will require an IJ corps
and associated support teams that are sufficiently staffed,
well-trained, and properly equipped-whether through information
technology, efficient case management systems, or courtroom
space. The Committee has had substantial engagement with EOIR
over many years, seeking improved clarity and accuracy in
EOIR's estimates for the IJ team costs module, as well as
hiring rates, staffing levels, and workforce distribution.
The Committee reiterates its longstanding monthly and
quarterly reporting requirements and directs that EOIR continue
to provide these monthly and quarterly reports at no less than
the level of detail provided in fiscal year 2024. These reports
should further include breakdowns of hiring and separation
data, including for on-boarding (e.g., advertisement posted,
tentative offer, entry on duty), and cause of separations
(e.g., retirement, reduction-in-force, voluntary early
retirement, termination). The Committee further directs
continued submission of the monthly or quarterly reports on
caseloads, performance measure reporting, information
technology improvements, expanded courtroom space, and
interpreter resources, and temporary assignments outside of
assigned locations.
Operational and Adjudicatory Transparency.--To ensure
transparency and promote public confidence in the immigration
courts, EOIR is directed to publish all adjudicatory
statistics; operational, adjudicatory, and policy documents;
court information; and hiring processes on its public website,
and is further directed to update its website within 30 days in
the event of any changes.
Immigration Judge Training.--The Committee directs EOIR to
review its training, to retrain all judges currently on a
probationary period, and to increase the frequency and
availability of training for IJs outside the probationary
period. The Committee directs the Department to ensure IJ
training emphasizes due process, humanitarian protections, and
cultural sensitivity and includes diverse training faculty,
including from the private bar, the non-governmental
organization [NGO] community, and academia.
EOIR Technology Improvements.--The Committee strongly
supports EOIR's efforts to improve efficiency through
information technology improvements, including implementation
of its electronic case management system [ECAS] and the
digitization of older paper records. EOIR is directed to
continue to provide quarterly updates to the Committee on its
ongoing development of the ECAS.
Video Teleconferencing [VTC] Data and Reporting.--The
Committee continues to direct EOIR to collect real-time data
indicating each time a master calendar or individual merits
hearing is conducted via VTC, to allow for better statistical
data collection and to help determine whether VTC has an
outcome determinative impact. This information is to be
provided in the quarterly reports submitted to the Committee
and should include the number and type of hearings conducted by
VTC, including data on appeals cases related to the use of VTC,
and the number of in-person hearing motions filed. The
Committee further directs EOIR to make all policies and
procedures related to EOIR's use of VTC, including EOIR's
immigration adjudication centers and temporary facilities, as
well as a list of locations where IJs are stationed and
detailed, the corresponding docket location, type of docket,
and policies for public and media access for locations using
VTC, publicly available on its website.
Legal Orientation Program [LOP].--The Committee has long
supported the LOP, which, since its inception in 2003, has been
operated by non-profit NGOs with demonstrated immigration law
expertise. LOP does not provide legal representation to
individuals in immigration proceedings; instead, LOP is
intended to enhance informed decision-making through basic
educational orientation as to EOIR legal processes. The
Committee provides no less than $29,000,000 for LOP, including
the fiscal year 2025 enacted level for the Immigration Court
Helpdesk, and adopts the Committee's prior-year direction
regarding its operations. The Committee directs EOIR to
promptly and consistently facilitate LOP providers' immigration
court records requests on behalf of immigrants who are detained
and pro se nationwide pursuant to EOIR Policy Manual section
1.5(c) and BIA Practice Manual section 1.5(e).
The Committee notes EOIR has provided incomplete,
inconsistent, and even contradictory information regarding LOP
operations, and has attempted to terminate the program by
issuing stop-work orders to LOP providers despite continued
appropriations for LOP in fiscal year 2025. As EOIR has
declined to respond to requests for information from Committee,
the Committee directs EOIR to provide an in-person briefing,
within 30 days of the enactment of this act, on its
implementation of the LOP program and to provide timely and
complete responses to Committee inquiries.
Referral and Review.--EOIR is directed to provide, within
30 days of enactment of this act, a briefing on the Attorney
General's authorities under the referral and review power. The
briefing shall assess the statutory, regulatory, and procedural
framework for the referral and review power; the history of its
application including frequency and an analysis of the
referring entity; and policy considerations that would merit
consideration of formal guidelines or regulations.
Children's Cases in Immigration Court.--The Committee
supports efforts to improve the fairness and efficiency in
immigration adjudications involving children, given the
particular vulnerability of child respondents. The Committees
notes that, to provide guidance on children's cases and
juvenile dockets in immigration court, on December 21, 2023,
the EOIR Director issued Director's Memorandum [DM] 24-01. This
memorandum rescinded Operating Policies and Procedures
Memorandum Policy Memorandum [OPPM] 17-03, entitled
``Guidelines for Immigration Court Cases Involving Juveniles,
Including Unaccompanied Alien Children''. Subsequently, on
January 29, 2025, the EOIR Director rescinded and cancelled DM
24-01 and reinstated OPPM 17-03. The Committee directs EOIR,
within 180 days of enactment of this act, to provide an
assessment of the policy and procedural differences between
[DM] 24-01 and [OPPM] 17-03. This assessment shall include the
agency's view of the merits and faults of each of the
differences. Further, the assessment shall evaluate whether any
elements of [DM] 24-01 that are not currently embodied in
[OPPM] 17-03 should be included in current EOIR operating
policies and procedures. EOIR is directed to explain why any
element from [DM] 24-01 should or should not be included in
current EOIR operating policies and procedures.
Office of Inspector General
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $139,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 139,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $139,000,000 for
the Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
This account finances the activities of the OIG, including
audits, inspections, investigations, and other reviews of
programs and operations of the Department to promote efficiency
and effectiveness, and to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and
abuse, as well as violations of ethical standards arising from
the conduct of Department employees in their numerous and
diverse activities.
Bureau of Prisons [BOP] Oversight.--Over the last three
fiscal years, the OIG has received more than 27,000 complaints,
many involving multiple subjects, regarding waste, fraud, or
abuse at the BOP. The Committee understands that approximately
57 percent of all OIG investigations involve allegations of BOP
misconduct. The Committee continues to support OIG's newly
established interdisciplinary team, which is working to enhance
its oversight of the BOP by, among other things, increasing the
number of BOP misconduct allegations accepted for
investigation; establishing a routine, unannounced inspection
program of BOP facilities; maximizing information sharing and
collaboration; and continuously identifying, assessing, and
tracking significant risks in BOP programs and operations to
assist OIG leadership with identifying oversight priorities and
the most effective use of OIG resources.
Expansion of the OIG's Unannounced Inspections Program.--
The Committee recognizes the OIG's responsiveness to the
Committee's direction to create an interdisciplinary BOP
oversight team. The OIG reports that the BOP oversight team has
conducted unannounced inspections of BOP facilities, and those
inspections have resulted in significant findings and
recommendations related to the proper care and custody of
inmates at those facilities. The Committee believes that
expanding the OIG's unannounced inspection program would
produce similar benefits if applied to DOJ's other law
enforcement components. The Committee directs the OIG to
provide the Committee with an assessment of the potential
costs, staffing needs, and potential oversight benefits of
expanding its unannounced inspection program to other DOJ
components.
Review of the FBI Employee Disciplinary Process.--The
Committee recognizes the OIG's prior oversight work on the
FBI's disciplinary process. Most recently, the OIG conducted a
review of the FBI's adjudication process for misconduct
investigations and made recommendations to the FBI to ensure
accountability by completing investigations and adjudications
in all misconduct matters, even where the employee separates
during an investigation. The Committee directs the OIG to
continue its oversight of the FBI disciplinary process, by
assessing three additional topics to promote internal and
public confidence in this process, including: (1) a follow up
on the previous OIG recommendations, including steps taken by
the FBI to ensure that all investigations and adjudications are
completed, even if the employee separates during the
investigation; (2) a comprehensive review of the FBI's appeal
process for misconduct adjudications, to ensure consistency in
that process, regardless of the level of the employee appealing
the adjudication decision; and (3) the due process that is
afforded to FBI and other DOJ law enforcement personnel after a
security clearance is suspended. The OIG shall issue the
results of these reviews, which the Committee expects may be
completed in one or more than one report, including any
recommendations, within 90 days of the enactment of this act,
as OIG determines is appropriate and practicable.
Presidential Nominating Convention [PNC] Security Grants.--
Consistent with longstanding practice, OIG is directed to
conduct audits of the fiscal year 2024 PNC program. The audits
shall include an evaluation of the Office of Justice Program's
standards for determining allowable expenses, and the
sufficiency of the nexus between allowable expenses and (1) the
statutory authority for the program, and (2) the Department's
criminal justice and law enforcement missions.
Immigration Court Bond Grant Rates.--The Committee notes
that detained noncitizens seeking release on bond have
differing outcomes across immigration courts, with some
immigration courts having a lower rate of granting bond than
others. Moreover, the levels at which bonds are set vary
broadly. The Committee directs OIG to conduct a review of the
grant rates for bond in recent years; to identify any factors
that correlate with the differences in the granting of bond
motions; and, when they are granted, the differences in the
dollar amounts for which bond is set, across all immigration
courts.
OIG Review of Implementation of the Direct Appropriation to
BOP.--The Committee directs OIG to undertake a review of BOP
implementation of section 100056 of Public Law 119-21, which
provided $5,000,000,000 to the BOP for fiscal year 2025, to
remain available through fiscal year 2029. To facilitate the
OIG's review, not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this act, the BOP shall provide the OIG and the
appropriate committees with a spend plan, detailing the BOP's
plan to utilize the funding provided in section 100056 for
salaries and benefits for BOP personnel and maintenance and
repairs to BOP facilities, broken out by fiscal year. The OIG's
review shall: (1) specifically consider whether the BOP's spend
plan indicates that the money provided in section 100056 will
be used only for its intended purposes; (2) identify risks in
the spend plan and subsequent implementation of Section 100056,
with recommendations to address such risks; (3) address any
other issues the OIG determines appropriate to consider in the
review; and (4) provide a report, or multiple reports (as the
OIG determines to be appropriate), to the Committee to enhance
the Committee's understanding of BOP's efforts to implement
section 100056 in a sound and responsible manner.
United States Parole Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $14,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 13,500,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $13,500,000 for the
United States Parole Commission. The recommendation is $500,000
below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
Legal Activities
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, GENERAL LEGAL ACTIVITIES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,090,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,028,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,028,000,000 for
General Legal Activities salaries and expenses. The
recommendation is $62,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
This account funds the establishment of litigation policy,
conduct of litigation, and various other legal responsibilities
through the Office of the Solicitor General, the Tax Division,
CRM, the Civil Division, the Environment and Natural Resources
Division [ENRD], CRT, the Office of Legal Counsel, INTERPOL
Washington, the Office of Pardon Attorney, and the Office for
Access to Justice.
INTERPOL Washington.--The Department's fiscal year 2025
spending plan proposes to merge INTERPOL Washington into the
United States Marshals Service. While INTERPOL Washington faces
operational and administrative challenges, particularly with
respect to information technology, such a consequential
reorganization requires additional consultations between the
Department and the Committee. The Committee's recommendation
for General Legal Activities maintains INTERPOL Washington as
an independent component funded through the General Legal
Activities appropriations account. The Committee has provided
no-year authority in the amount of $900,000 to ensure
sufficient resources are available for INTERPOL Washington's
increasing dues payments and to help the Department better
manage fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
The Committee supports INTERPOL Washington's recent efforts
to hire additional investigative analysts and law enforcement
personnel in order to support the growing case workload and
requests from international partners. In addition, the
Committee continues to support INTERPOL Washington's long
overdue IT modernization efforts. Should additional funding be
needed, the Department is encouraged to submit a reprogramming
request in order to complete this project. The Department is
further directed to support additional secondments of DOJ law
enforcement, legal, and other analytical personnel to INTERPOL
General Secretariat.
Civil Rights.--The Committee's recommendation supports
DOJ's efforts to enforce civil rights laws; expand its capacity
to prosecute and provide litigation support for human
trafficking, hate crimes, and unsolved civil rights era crimes;
carry out its responsibilities associated with the civil rights
of institutionalized persons and the access rights of the
disabled; investigate and prosecute police misconduct; and
enhance the enforcement of fair housing and fair lending laws.
Civil Rights Violations in State and Local Prisons and
Jails.--The Committee continues to be concerned by reports of
civil rights violations in State and local prisons and jails
and directs CRT to increase efforts to investigate and address
violations of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act
(Public Law 96-247) in State and local prisons and jails. The
Committee directs CRT to use such sums as necessary from
amounts appropriated in fiscal year 2026 to address such issues
in State and local prisons and jails.
Animal Welfare Act Enforcement.--The Committee supports the
Memorandum of Understanding issued on March 8, 2024, between
DOJ and the U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] and their
joint commitment to enforcing the Animal Welfare Act [AWA]. The
Department is directed to continue coordinating and
collaborating with USDA on AWA enforcement cases to ensure the
DOJ receives necessary information regarding AWA violators, who
have multiple citations for conduct that seriously or adversely
affects the health or well-being of an animal, in a timely
manner. The Department shall report to the Committee, within 90
days of enactment of this act, on its AWA enforcement actions.
International Trade Crimes.--The Committee is concerned
with the rise in international trade crimes, including
violations of law undertaken in furtherance of the evasion of
duties, tariffs, restrictions, or requirements imposed by the
Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, the Tariff Act of 1930, the
Trade Expansion Act of 1962, and the Trade Act of 1974. The
Committee strongly supports the Criminal Division's efforts
with respect to the detection, investigation, and prosecution
of trade-related crimes, and directs the Division to provide
dedicated resources for these efforts. The focus of these
efforts should be enhancing nationwide responses to
transshipment and other trade-related crimes; assisting other
Federal agencies and State, local, and Tribal law enforcement
agencies with trade-related prosecutions; and collaborating
with international and private sector partners to detect,
investigate, and prosecute transshipment and trade-related
crimes. The Committee directs the Division to submit a report,
within 60 days of the enactment of this act, on the
implementation of this directive.
THE NATIONAL CHILDHOOD VACCINE INJURY ACT
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $22,700,000
Committee recommendation................................ 22,700,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $22,700,000 for
legal costs, to be derived from the Vaccine Injury Compensation
Trust Fund. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
This account covers the Department's expenses associated
with litigating cases under the National Childhood Vaccine
Injury Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-660).
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, ANTITRUST DIVISION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $233,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 245,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $245,000,000 for
the Antitrust Division. The recommendation is $12,000,000 above
the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
Consistent with section 605 of Public Law 101-162, all fees
collected by the Antitrust Division in fiscal year 2026 shall
remain available to the Antitrust Division until expended.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $2,611,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,611,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $2,611,000,000 for
the Executive Office for United States Attorneys [EOUSA] and
the 94 USAOs. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year
2025 enacted level.
As in past years, the Committee directs the United States
Attorneys to focus their efforts on those crimes where the
unique resources, expertise, or jurisdiction of the Federal
Government can be most effective.
Civil Rights Prosecutions.--The Committee's recommendation
provides the highest practicable level for continued civil
rights enforcement that will advance both criminal and civil
litigation, including the prosecution of sex and labor
trafficking.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons [MMIP]
Prosecutions.--The Committee encourages DOJ to continue
allocating additional resources to address the crisis of
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, and further directs
DOJ to continue to increase resources and improve coordination
to investigate, respond to, and prevent crimes in order to
promote public safety in Tribal communities. The Committee
further recommends the Department ensure sufficient resources
are made available to sustain this work.
Report on Declinations.--The Committee directs EOUSA to
submit a report, within 1 year of the enactment of this act,
assessing each USAO that declined to prosecute more than forty
percent of all cases or declined to prosecute more than thirty
percent of all felony cases in fiscal year 2024 or 2025. The
report should assess: (1) the total number of all cases that
the office declined to prosecute; (2) the total number of all
felony cases that the office declined to prosecute; (3)
considerations in the USAO's decision to decline to prosecute;
and (4) as practicable, the number of cases involving plea
agreements in which the defendant's sentencing recommendation
by the USAO was less than 50 percent of the minimum sentence
for the principal offense for which the defendant was arrested.
UNITED STATES TRUSTEE SYSTEM FUND
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $245,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 220,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $220,000,000 for
the United States Trustee System Fund. The recommendation is
$25,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. The
appropriation is offset by $205,000,000 in fee collections.
The United States Trustee Program [USTP], authorized by 28
U.S.C. 581 et seq., is the component of the Department with
responsibility for protecting the integrity of the bankruptcy
system by overseeing case administration and litigation to
enforce the bankruptcy laws.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, FOREIGN CLAIMS SETTLEMENT COMMISSION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $2,504,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,504,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $2,504,000 for the
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The Foreign Claims Settlement Commission settles claims of
American citizens arising from nationalization, expropriation,
or other takings of their properties and interests by foreign
governments.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF WITNESSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $270,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 320,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $320,000,000 for
fees and expenses of witnesses. The recommendation is
$50,000,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
This appropriation, which is considered mandatory for
scorekeeping purposes, provides for fees and expenses of
witnesses who appear on behalf of the Government in cases in
which the United States is a party, including fact and expert
witnesses. These funds are also used for mental competency
examinations and witness and informant protection. The
Committee includes bill language prohibiting the Department
from transferring funds out of this account.
The Committee expects that no funds will be expended for
expert witness services, including the payment of fees and
expenses of expert witnesses, from any other DOJ accounts but
Fees and Expenses of Witnesses.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, COMMUNITY RELATIONS SERVICE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $24,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 22,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $22,000,000 for
CRS. The recommendation is $2,000,000 below the fiscal year
2025 enacted level.
Established by Title X of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
(Public Law 88-352), CRS provides assistance to communities and
persons in the prevention and resolution of disagreements
arising from discriminatory practices. The CRS is encouraged to
partner with and support community-based organizations when
possible in order to better support community-based
peacebuilding and violence prevention efforts.
Hate Crimes Prevention.--Within the recommendation, the
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2024 level to
handle the workload and responsibilities stemming from passage
of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes
Prevention Act [HCPA] (Public Law 111-84). The HCPA expanded
CRS's mandate, requiring that CRS help communities prevent and
respond to violent hate crimes committed on the basis of
gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and
disability, in addition to race, color, and national origin.
This funding will maximize the CRS crisis response nationwide
and enable CRS to fulfill both its original mandate and
expanded mandate under the HCPA.
ASSETS FORFEITURE FUND
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $20,514,000
Committee recommendation................................ 20,514,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $20,514,000 for the
Assets Forfeiture Fund [AFF]. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2025 enacted level
United States Marshals Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,692,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,712,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,712,000,000 for
United States Marshals Service [USMS] salaries and expenses.
The recommendation is $20,000,000 above the fiscal year 2025
enacted level. The Committee directs USMS to prioritize its
core missions, which are supporting the Federal justice system
by providing for the security of Federal court facilities and
the safety of judges and other court personnel; apprehending
criminals; exercising custody of Federal prisoners and
providing for their security and transportation to correctional
facilities; executing Federal court orders; seizing assets
gained by illegal means and providing for the custody,
management, and disposal of forfeited assets; assuring the
safety of endangered government witnesses and their families;
and collecting and disbursing funds. The USMS shall report to
the Committee, within 30 days of enactment of this act, and
quarterly thereafter, on the total resources utilized for
activities outside of these core missions.
In addition to receiving direct appropriations, the
Committee is aware that USMS also receives funding from the
Department's AFF to augment salaries and expenses that are
intended to administer directly AFF-related activities like the
management and sale of forfeited assets. The Committee directs
the Department to continue to provide quarterly reports on
USMS's use of AFF funding, as directed in Senate Report 116-127
and adopted by Public Law 116-93.
Judicial Security.--Over the last four fiscal years,
Congress has made critical investments in judicial security,
including the replacement of outdated home intrusion detections
systems, establishment of an open-source intelligence office
within the USMS Judicial Security Division, and additional
staffing. Given the ever-changing threat landscape, the
Committee directs USMS to provide quarterly reports on the cost
of protective details, threat assessments and intelligence, and
other needs required to protect the Federal judiciary. For
fiscal year 2026, the funding in the recommendation above the
fiscal year 2025 enacted level shall be only for the USMS
Judicial and Courthouse Security program.
In May 2022, the Marshal of the Supreme Court requested the
temporary assistance of the Department to secure the residences
of all nine United States Supreme Court Justices. The Attorney
General complied with the request and ordered the USMS to
provide security at each residence 24 hours per day, seven days
per week. Support from the USMS to the Supreme Court Police
[SCP] has been necessary on a temporary basis, but USMS is not
permanently staffed for this residential security mission and
continued redirection of USMS base resources will continue to
strain critical USMS missions nationwide. USMS shall transition
this residential security mission to the SCP by the end of
fiscal year 2026.
CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $15,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 12,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $12,000,000 for
construction in space controlled, occupied, or utilized by USMS
in Federal courthouses and buildings, including but not limited
to the creation, renovation, and expansion of prisoner movement
areas, elevators, and other law enforcement and court security
support space. The recommendation is $3,000,000 below the
fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
FEDERAL PRISONER DETENTION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $2,236,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,236,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $2,236,000,000 for
Federal Prisoner Detention. The recommendation is equal to the
fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
National Security Division
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $128,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 122,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $122,000,000 for
the National Security Division [NSD]. The recommendation is
$6,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The NSD coordinates the Department's national security and
counterterrorism missions through law enforcement
investigations and prosecutions, and handles counterespionage
cases. The NSD works in coordination with the FBI, the
Intelligence Community, and USAO. Its primary function is to
prevent acts of terrorism and espionage from being perpetrated
in the United States by foreign powers.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $547,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 537,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $537,000,000 for
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement. The recommendation is
$10,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement account funds
the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces [OCDETF]
program. The mission of the OCDETF program is to ensure a
coordinated, multi-agency, intelligence-based, and prosecutor-
led approach to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling those
drug trafficking and money-laundering organizations primarily
responsible for the Nation's illicit drug supply and drug-
related violence.
The President's budget request for fiscal year 2026
proposes the dissolution of the OCDETF program, and notes that
the resources previously appropriated to OCDETF are requested
to be directly appropriated to its partner DOJ components--DEA,
FBI, USMS, U.S. Attorneys, CRM, and NSD. The OCDETF
appropriations account is primarily a reimbursement account and
its elimination is infeasible without further consultations
between the Committee and the Department. The Committee's
recommendation continues to support the OCDETF program and the
standalone appropriations account.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $10,643,713,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,643,713,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $10,643,713,000 for
the FBI salaries and expenses. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
Criminal Justice Information Services [CJIS].--The
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2025 enacted
level for the NICS Section. The Committee supports the full
budget request for CJIS, including the technical adjustment for
implementation of Public Law 117-159.
Swatting.--The Committee is concerned about the increase in
swatting incidents and understands that State and local law
enforcement are the front-line responders to these dangerous
incidents. However, the Committee is encouraged to learn about
the FBI's increased outreach to their State and local law
enforcement partners and the FBI's newly-created national
online database to facilitate information sharing pertaining to
swatting incidents. The Committee directs the FBI to continue
to support State and local partners as much as possible in
swatting incidents, including providing resources sufficient to
support the National online database and by preserving
information, identifying common traits or patterns, and
assessing where the attacks appear to be related.
Human Rights Violations.--The Committee directs the FBI to
increase its efforts to investigate and support the
Department's criminal prosecution of serious human rights
crimes, including genocide, torture, use or recruitment of
child soldiers, war crimes, and other crimes committed by
serious human rights violators. This is especially relevant
given the War Crimes Accountability Team's efforts to respond
to war crimes and other atrocities committed during Russia's
invasion of Ukraine and the added statutory responsibilities of
the Criminal Division to prosecute war criminals under the
Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act of 2022. The Committee
recommends funding at no less than the fiscal year 2025 enacted
level.
The Committee directs the FBI to continue this effort
through the International Human Rights Unit [IHRU], which the
FBI shall not dissolve and shall not merge with or assign
duties to any other office, and which shall continue to fully
cooperate with and participate in the Human Rights Violator and
War Crimes Center [HRVWCC]. The Committee is concerned that the
FBI's proposed realignment of personnel from the HRVWCC to
another unit would diminish the FBI's ability to adequately
pursue human rights violators and upset the delicate
relationship the FBI has created between investigators and NGOs
focused on identifying and assisting victims of these
atrocities.
The Committee is concerned by the attempted downsizing of
the IHRU and supports increasing the number of cases
investigated and prosecuted, growing the number of
investigators and prosecutors educated and trained to address
the threat, and engaging more with affected communities
throughout the Nation. The Committee also encourages the FBI to
utilize its civil rights program coordinators in the field to
engage with partners in USAO, NGOs, and local communities to
create a better understanding of the threat, drive
prosecutions, and encourage reporting of international human
rights violators. The Committee further directs the IHRU to
provide training to all FBI field offices on how to detect and
investigate crimes committed by serious human rights violators,
and to report to the Committees on Appropriations and the
Judiciary, within 90 days of enactment of this act, on the
IHRU's efforts to increase the number of human rights
investigations and provide training to all field offices and
opportunities for community engagements, including the numbers
for each.
Hate Crimes Reporting.--The joint explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 117-328 directed the FBI to submit a
report on its continued efforts to ensure that all Federal,
State, and local law enforcement agencies fully report hate
crimes statistics, as required by the Hate Crime Statistics Act
of 1990 (Public Law 101-275, as amended) and the HCPA. The
Committee acknowledges receipt of the FBI's 2023 report in
response to this directive but finds that it does not fully
address key concerns, particularly with respect to
jurisdictions that report zero hate crimes. The Committee
therefore directs the FBI to submit a supplemental report on
its ongoing efforts to ensure comprehensive participation in
hate crimes reporting by all Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies. This report should include a detailed
assessment of jurisdictions that affirmatively report zero hate
crimes, an evaluation of the accuracy of such reporting, and an
identification of factors that contribute to underreporting or
nonreporting. The report should also outline current and
planned efforts to increase awareness of reporting obligations,
address known gaps in participation, and overcome challenges to
the full nationwide implementation of NIBRS. Additionally, the
FBI shall detail its ongoing outreach and training on hate
crimes reporting, including the number and scope of trainings
conducted, and strategies to ensure victims feel secure
reporting hate crimes to law enforcement. The Committee
continues to urge State, local, and Tribal law enforcement
agencies to consider the cost of participation in the FBI's
Hate Crime Statistics Act program as an extraordinary expense
under the HCPA.
National Bioforensic Analysis Center.--The Committee
recognizes the need to maintain operations at the National
Bioforensic Analysis Center [NBFAC]. The Committee supports the
bioforensic analysis and investigations performed at NBFAC and
appreciates that the NBFAC currently operates under a cost-
sharing memorandum with the DHS, for the FBI to maintain
ongoing operations at this facility. The Committee provides
$21,840,000 for the FBI's role at the NBFAC.
Combatting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.--The
Committee has long expressed serious concern about the
sufficiency of efforts to combat modern slavery and human
trafficking, particularly in rural areas. The Committee directs
the FBI to allocate additional staff dedicated to human
trafficking at its field offices with the largest geographic
areas of responsibility.
Transnational Repression.--Within the funds provided, the
Committee directs the FBI to ensure its tip lines and
electronic threat intake portals are staffed by people with the
cultural and linguistic ability to communicate effectively with
diaspora and exile communities and knowledge of the tactics of
transnational repression. The FBI should ensure that the tip
line, to the maximum extent practicable, protects the
confidentiality of the identifying information of individuals
who may report potential transnational repression.
Within the funds provided, the Committee directs the FBI to
provide specialized training to FBI employees on how to
identify different tactics of transnational repression in
physical and nonphysical forms, which governments are known to
employ transnational repression most frequently, which
communities and locations in the United States are most
vulnerable to transnational repression, tools of digital
surveillance and other cyber tools used to carry out
transnational repression activities, applicable espionage and
foreign agent laws, and efforts by foreign governments to
exploit the U.S. immigration system for repressive ends.
The Committee directs the FBI to submit a report within 120
days of enactment of this act regarding the FBI's activities
related to combatting transnational repression, including (1)
policy and programmatic-related initiatives the FBI has
instituted to address transnational repression, including
related costs; (2) metrics that detail how successful the FBI
has been in addressing transnational repression; and (3) what
further programs and resources the FBI may need to successfully
address transnational repression tactics against American
nationals.
Respect for Child Survivors Act.--The Committee directs the
FBI to submit a report on the status of the implementation of
the Respect for Child Survivors Act (Public Law 117-354),
including its plans and protocols to use and coordinate with
children's advocacy center-based multidisciplinary teams when
interviewing all witnesses covered by the act. The report shall
be submitted within 180 days of the enactment of this act.
Foreign Acquisition of U.S. Farmland.--The Committee is
aware of the growing acquisition of U.S. farmland by foreign
nationals from adversarial nation States. The Committee directs
the FBI to submit a report, within 180 days of the enactment of
this act, assessing the scope and context of such purchases,
and any associated threats. The report may be transmitted
through classified channels, as necessary and appropriate.
FBI Translators.--The Committee directs the FBI to submit a
report, within 90 days of enactment of this act, on the
barriers the FBI faces in hiring and retaining translators who
are fluent in Chinese languages. The report should include how
many translators are currently on staff, how many are required
to meet the needs of the FBI, where current translators are
stationed, what recruitment efforts the FBI employs to hire
translators, and what additional resources the FBI requires to
meet the current need.
Aircraft Usage.--The Committee directs the FBI to report to
this Committee, within 30 days of enactment of this act, on the
use of government-owned aircraft by DOJ required use travelers.
Such report shall describe the official and non-official
purposes, as relevant, of each such use, the cost associated
with each such use, and the amount of reimbursement paid by the
required use traveler.
Operation Not Forgotten.--The Committee directs the FBI and
DOJ to partner with the Bureau of Indian Affairs [BIA] to
address unresolved crimes in Indian Country, and to report on
progress in resolving criminal cases in Indian Country to the
Committee. The Committee also remains concerned about the
number of FBI personnel deployed to work on Indian Country
cases, and directs DOJ to include the number of DOJ personnel
assigned to Indian Country cases, facilities, and operations in
its annual report to Congress to comply with Public Law 111-211
(25 U.S.C. 2809).
Threats to State Judges.--The FBI Office of Partner
Engagement [OPE] plays a central role in sharing information
with law enforcement partners, notably through its fusion
center engagement program. Most State and major urban area
fusion centers were established in the years following the
September 11, 2001, attacks in an effort to enhance
communication, cooperation and information sharing between
State, local and Federal law enforcement agencies, including
the FBI. The Committee is aware of increased abuse and threats
against State judges and judicial personnel. Moreover, the
families of judges and judicial personnel face abuse and
threats with much of the vitriol coming online. The Committee
believes that the FBI can help States and localities in finding
and neutralizing threats against State judges. Therefore, the
Committee urges the FBI to increase its work with fusion
centers on collecting and disseminating threat information
against State judges and State judicial branch personnel.
CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $30,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 15,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides for FBI
construction. The recommendation is $15,000,000 below the
fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
Drug Enforcement Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $2,567,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,567,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides total resources of
$2,567,000,000 for the DEA salaries and expenses. In addition,
$669,660,000 is derived from the DEA's Diversion Control Fee
Account. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
The Committee directs DEA to prioritize its core missions,
which are to enforce the controlled substances laws and
regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and
civil justice system of the United States or any other
competent jurisdiction those organizations and principal
members of organizations involved in the growing, manufacture,
or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or
destined for illicit traffic in the United States; and to
support non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the
availability of illicit controlled substances on the domestic
and international markets. The DEA shall report to the
Committee, within 30 days of enactment of this act, and
quarterly thereafter, on the total resources utilized for
activities outside of these core missions.
The Committee strongly supports DEA's efforts to reverse
the significant decline in special agent employment levels to
ensure the DEA has the personnel necessary to combat the
ongoing methamphetamine and opioid crises. The Committee
encourages the DEA to assign agents to the geographic areas
that are most broadly impacted by methamphetamines and opioids.
Social Media Platforms.--The Committee is aware that online
drug sales pose a growing threat to Americans of all ages, but
particularly teens. The Committee adopts and reiterates the
directive under this heading in Senate Report 118-62, as
adopted into the joint explanatory statement accompanying
Public Law 118-42. The Committee looks forward to the timely
submission of this report.
Fentanyl Analogues.--Given the worsening opioid epidemic,
the Committee encourages DEA to continue its efforts to test
and schedule fentanyl-related substances to advance the
scientific and medical research of these dangerous substances.
The DEA shall report, and make available for public comment,
the scientific and medical evaluation provided by the Secretary
of Health and Human Services as part of any proposed rule in
the Federal Register relating to the scheduling of a fentanyl-
related substance. The DEA shall include all pharmacological
data that it considered, as well as information related to the
identification and testing of the substance that is the subject
of the proposed rule. The Department shall report to the
Committee on Appropriations, within 90 days of enactment of
this act, the status of studies and scheduling recommendations
for all fentanyl analogues it has identified.
Fentanyl Tracking.--The Committee directs the DEA to use
the provided funding to develop a comprehensive fentanyl
tracking system, which includes documentation of seizure
location, chemical composition, probable or known manufacturing
location, and probable or known point of entry into the U.S.,
if applicable. The DEA shall report back to the Committee on
these efforts within 90 days of the enactment of this act.
DEA Suspicious Orders Report System [SORS].--The Committee
directs DEA to take further action to remove barriers to access
for opioid use disorder medications. DEA must clarify the
difference between suspicious orders of opioids and suspicious
orders of buprenorphine on SORS. DEA should also work with
other Federal regulators, including the Department of Health
and Human Services [HHS] and FDA, to ensure these barriers are
removed after necessary clarifications are made..
Xylazine.--The FDA and DEA have issued warnings regarding
the risks of the human consumption of xylazine, a sedative used
in veterinary medicine and in farming. Media reports indicate
the increased use of the drug, by itself or in combination with
other substances, is resulting in worsening addiction and is
causing physical wounds to those who use illicit opioids. The
DEA shall report to the Committees on Appropriations and the
Judiciary, within 90 days of enactment of this act, on the
prevalence of xylazine in drug seizures, information about
known distribution networks for the drug, and potential harm-
reduction strategies.
Tribal Consultation.--Prior to the finalization of the
Proposed Rule for Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled
Substances When the Practitioner and the Patient Have Not Had a
Prior In-Person Medical Evaluation (88 Fed. Reg. 12875), the
Committee directs DEA to engage in meaningful Tribal
consultation with federally recognized Tribes affected by the
proposed rulemaking, as required by the DOJ Tribal Consultation
Policy, Executive Order 13175, Executive Order 13604, and a
November 30, 2022, Presidential Memorandum mandating executive
agency consultation with Indian nations and Tribes.
Insomnia Pharmaceuticals.--The Committee supports DEA's
efforts, in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration
[FDA], to ensure the availability of non-addictive treatments
for insomnia, particularly for high-risk populations like
servicemembers, veterans, and first responders. The Committee
encourages DEA to request FDA to begin its required Eight-
Factor Analysis, to run concurrently with DEA's own analysis. A
concurrent analysis would allow DEA, with FDA, to reach a
conclusion sooner, particularly as by law, DEA is bound by an
HHS decision to deschedule. The Committee directs DEA to
provide a briefing, within 60 days of the enactment of this
act, on the status of any scientific and medical evaluation
that may be in progress under the provisions of section 811 of
title 21, United States Code.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,625,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,625,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,625,000,000 for
ATF salaries and expenses. The recommendation is equal to the
fiscal year 2025 enacted level. The Committee's recommendation
supports the full operational funding for ATF's crime gun
intelligence capabilities, including its correlation centers,
and its forensic science and scientific research laboratories.
The Department's fiscal year 2026 budget request proposes
to eliminate ATF as a separate component, with its functions
merged into DEA. The Committee has not been apprised as to how
such a proposal can be executed under current law and believes
a reorganization of this magnitude requires consideration by
the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives
and the Senate. Accordingly, the Committee recommendation for
ATF does not provide funding for the merger of ATF into DEA.
The Committee directs ATF to prioritize its core missions,
which are reducing the illegal use of firearms and illegal
firearms trafficking; reducing the illegal use and storage of
explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and
the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products; and
regulating lawful commerce in firearms and explosives. The ATF
shall report to the Committee, within 30 days of enactment of
this act, and quarterly thereafter, on the total resources
utilized for activities outside of these core missions.
Combating Gun Violence and Enforcing Existing Gun Laws.--
The Committee's recommendation maintains ATF's ability to
enforce existing firearms laws and perform regulatory oversight
and training, including through the National Integrated
Ballistics Information Network [NIBIN]. This funding will
enable ATF to continue to collect, report, and share ballistic
intelligence with Federal, State, local, and Tribal law
enforcement partners to identify, target, and disrupt violent
criminals, including serial shooters. Funds will support work
with State and local law enforcement agencies and laboratories
to collect ballistic hit information to provide leads to Crime
Gun Intelligence Groups for investigations and document
successful prosecutions as a result of NIBIN.
Crime Gun Intelligence Centers [CGICs].--The Committee
appreciates ATF's efforts with the CGIC program, an interagency
collaboration focused on the immediate collection, management,
and analysis of crime gun evidence in real time, in an effort
to identify shooters, disrupt criminal activity, and prevent
future violence. There are currently more than 55 CGIC sites
across the country, and the Committee encourages the ATF to
work with additional high-risk areas to identify solutions and
metrics to demonstrate meaningful reductions in illegal gun
trafficking and related violent crime.
NIBIN Expansion.--The Committee supports efforts to expand
the use of NIBIN and to ensure all law enforcement agencies
have access to NIBIN's correlation services, including through
the NIBIN National Correlation and Training Center [NNCTC]. The
Committee appreciates the investments being made by State and
local partners to collect and share ballistics evidence across
geographically separated law enforcement jurisdictions and
encourages ATF to continue to build on these investments and
consider additional service models to offer departments,
including Tribal law enforcement agencies, access to NIBIN. The
Committee further directs that ATF examine ways to expand
access to NIBIN to State and local agencies in the New England
and southwest border regions.
Training Law Enforcement Partners.--The Committee expects
ATF to continue to provide training to local and State law
enforcement agencies on submitting trace requests of firearms
recovered in criminal investigations to ATF. Firearm tracing
provides critical information to assist law enforcement
agencies investigate and solve firearms crimes. The Committee
supports the ongoing efforts of Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies to solve violent crimes and urges ATF to
provide all possible training opportunities in support of these
efforts.
Preventing Firearm Straw Purchases.--The Committee notes
that preventing firearms purchases by prohibited persons is
critical to ATF's efforts to prevent violent crime and protect
public safety. ATF has initiated a public awareness campaign to
reduce firearm straw purchases at the retail level, and to
educate would-be straw purchasers of the penalties of knowingly
participating in an illegal firearm purchase. The Committee
expects continued funding of this initiative, as authorized
under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (Public Law 117-
159).
Combatting Federal Firearms Licensee [FFL] Theft.--The
Committee recognizes that firearms stolen from FFLs are a
continued threat to public safety. As every retail store has
unique characteristics, there is no one-size-fits-all solution
to help prevent thefts. The Committee supports ATF's
collaboration with industry, through initiatives such as
Operation Secure Store, to engage with FFLs through retailer
store security seminars and store security audits to help them
make well-informed security-related decisions. As a result of
these initiatives, dozens of firearms stores have improved
security and countless thefts have been prevented. Within the
funds provided, the Committee encourages the continued
collaborative efforts between ATF and the firearm industry to
enhance public safety.
National Services Center.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of the ATF's National Services Center [NSC], which
houses several mission-critical functions, including the
National Tracing Center [NTC], the Firearms and Ammunition
Technology Division [FATD], and the National Firearms Act [NFA]
Division, among others. The Committee directs the ATF to submit
a report to this Committee, within 120 days of enactment of
this act, on the needs, including occupational hazards and
risks as well as impact on ATF's mission, associated with the
current Martinsburg facilities, and the cost and feasibility of
constructing a new physical structure or expanding existing
spaces versus continuing repairs over a 10-year period.
Federal Prison System
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $8,392,588,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,392,588,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $8,392,588,000 for
BOP salaries and expenses. The recommendation is equal to the
fiscal year 2025 enacted level. The Committee reminds the
Department and BOP that all reports, including those required
on a quarterly basis, are to be submitted in a timely manner.
The Committee directs BOP to prioritize its core missions,
which are to ensure that individuals in its custody are always
accounted for, treated humanely and with dignity, and returned
to their communities with the training and skills they need to
be productive, law-abiding citizens. The BOP shall report to
the Committee, within 30 days of enactment of this act, and
quarterly thereafter, on the total resources utilized for
activities outside of these core missions.
Staffing Shortages.--The Committee continues to be
displeased with BOP's staffing shortages, which were only
exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee remains
concerned about the lack of locality pay and wage increases for
Bureau employees, which has negatively impacted the retention
rate of correctional officers and other staff working at BOP
institutions. Within 120 days of enactment of this act, the BOP
must provide the Committee with a report detailing its employee
retention methods and benefits provided to Bureau employees as
well as the rate at which these benefits have maintained parity
with other Federal agencies and inflation.
Hiring and Staffing Reports.--The Committee directs BOP to
submit quarterly hiring and staffing reports, including
correctional officer to inmate ratios from Pay Period 26-2016
to the present for the OPM position classification standard
Correctional Officer Series GS-0007, broken out by region;
institution, to include an additional subset for each facility
within an institutional complex; and security level, no later
than 90 days after enactment of this act. For further
transparency, this data is also directed to be published on
BOP's website.
As BOP previously notified the Committee that it does not
currently record staffing by shift (i.e., morning watch, day
watch, and evening watch), the Bureau shall start recording
this data and include these metrics in this report by the end
of the current fiscal year. For any institution with a staffing
ratio greater than 15:1 and in which there has been an incident
involving deadly force, BOP shall provide a separate, detailed
explanation of the role staffing may or may not have played in
the incident along with a corrective plan to ensure it will not
happen again.
The Committee continues to be concerned about the
significant number of vacancies in BOP institutions, creating
an extremely dangerous environment for both staff and
incarcerated persons. The Committee directs the Department to
immediately improve hiring policies and ensure BOP is able to
promptly fill existing and future vacancies and staff its 122
Federal facilities across the United States at January 2016
levels. The Committee again directs BOP to provide a report,
within 90 days of enactment of this act, to the Committee
regarding the number of vacancies at each facility further
detailed by job title, job series, and General Schedule level
as well as the number of applicants going through the hiring
process for each vacant position. If there are expedited hiring
efforts the Department can make to ensure BOP is properly
staffed, the Committee directs the Department to do so, and to
include these measures and their results in the aforementioned
report.
The Committee notes that retention incentive pay increases
are useful tools to protect, recruit, and retain talented
staff. The Committee supports the use of recruitment and
retention bonuses and rejects any further position
eliminations.
First Step Act [FSA] Staffing.--The staffing for many
inmate programs have either had key positions removed from
current staffing complements or have been slow to fill
vacancies. The programs impacted are also needed to
successfully implement the First Step Act of 2018 (Public Law
115-391) including, but not limited to, drug treatment,
psychology, religious services, vocational services, and
education services. The Committee continues to direct BOP to
hire additional programming staff to successfully provide these
key programs and ensure that each facility has a Special
Education Teacher on staff. The Committee also directs the BOP
to hire a Special Populations Manager at each of the BOP
institutions to ensure that additional FSA programming can be
provided. Positions that are vital to the FSA should be added
to institution staffing requirements and not taken from
existing staffing complements.
Staffing at High Security Institutions.--The Committee is
concerned about reports of significant upticks in violence
among inmates and against correctional officers at high
security institutions. The Committee previously directed BOP to
ensure at least two correctional officers are on duty for each
housing unit for all three shifts at all high-security
institutions, to include United States Penitentiaries and
Administrative and Federal Detention Centers as well as Witness
Security Program units and units housing high security pretrial
inmates. BOP is directed to continue to submit quarterly
reports to the Committee showing compliance with this directive
and to provide a cost estimate and strategic plan for
implementation for medium security institutions that currently
do not have a second officer for all three shifts.
Augmentation.--BOP reports that there is a higher incidence
of serious assaults by inmates on staff at high and medium
security institutions than at the lower security facilities,
yet to meet staffing needs, BOP routinely uses a process called
``augmentation,'' whereby a non-custodial employee is assigned
custodial responsibilities. The continued use of augmentation
stretches correctional facility staff too thin, leading to
unsafe conditions for both staff and inmates.
The Committee has expressed its concerns about the practice
of augmentation since fiscal year 2017 and once again directs
BOP to curtail its overreliance on augmentation, particularly
in housing units, a directive issued again as part of Senate
Report 116-127 and adopted by Public Law 116-93. BOP should
focus on hiring additional full-time correctional staff before
continuing to augment existing staff. BOP is further directed
to submit quarterly reports to the Committee on the use of
augmentation broken out by region, institution, and security
level each time this practice is employed. As part of the
quarterly report, BOP is required to also submit the number of
hours, and subsequent cost, of overtime recorded at each
institution. In addition, for each Federal correctional
facility at which two or more Federal inmates have died in one
calendar year, BOP shall submit to the Committee a detailed
report describing each incident and the role augmentation may
have played in exacerbating the inherent dangers.
In addition to officer and inmate safety concerns, the
Committee also notes that augmenting staff means that critical
programs and services required for inmates under the FSA are
imperiled when those who provide counseling, education, and
other programs to inmates are being pulled from their original
duties to work in the cellblock. BOP is directed to ensure that
non-custody correctional employees must spend at least 90
percent of their work week or pay period in their primary
positions.
Direct Hire Authority.--The Committee is aware that BOP has
requested OPM to delegate direct hiring authority to BOP
facilities. To ensure the safety of staff and inmates, the
Committee once again encourages BOP to continue to work with
OPM to provide this authority for BOP facilities and to ensure
a prompt and efficient hiring process if the authority is
granted.
The Committee also directs the BOP to review the current
pay scale of BOP's Correctional Officers as compared with other
DOJ law enforcement components and comparable State and local
correctional agencies. This review should analyze opportunities
to convert the pay band to a higher scale and the resource
requirements to do so. The review should be conducted in
consultation with the Department's JMD. The Committee directs
this review to be submitted within 180 days of enactment of
this act.
Overtime Pay Rate.--BOP shall ensure that every bargaining
unit Primary Law Enforcement position is being properly paid
overtime at the full overtime rate under the Fair Labor
Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 203). This includes, but is not
limited to, the positions of all nursing staff, teachers,
Special Education Teachers, Religious Services, and Psychology
Services. All of these positions are considered Primary Law
Enforcement positions and work with thousands of offenders in
extremely hazardous environments. Each of the positions listed
work in a correctional environment, and any overtime accrued
would be performed in the duties providing a safe and secure
correctional environment.
FSA Implementation.--The Committee directs the Department
of Justice and BOP to fully and expeditiously implement the
FSA. The Committee is concerned that the Department has not met
several reporting deadlines and not fully implemented several
provisions of the act. The Committee directs the Department to
expeditiously expand programming and file all required reports
no later than the deadlines established by the act. The
Department shall report to the Committees on Appropriations and
the Judiciary of the House and the Senate, within 90 days of
enactment of this act, and every 90 days thereafter, on all
actions and expenditures to implement the FSA including
activities and expenditures to implement, review, validate, and
maintain the risk and needs assessment system and to evaluate
and provide evidence-based recidivism reduction [EBRR] programs
and productive activities [PA].
The Committee directs BOP to immediately take steps to
ensure compliance with FSA requirements, and to ensure that all
those incarcerated in BOP facilities have access to robust
programming opportunities, including third-party faith-based
programs. The Committee further directs BOP to submit a report,
within 30 days of the enactment of this act, on such efforts.
The report shall identify which approved EBRR programs and PAs
are faith-based.
The Committee reminds BOP that Congress intended for the
FSA to expand BOP partnerships with external organizations.
This specifically involves the opportunity for third-party
partners to provide EBRR Programming and PAs, including faith-
based programs, taught from a specific faith tradition-within
Federal prisons. Further, the Committee reminds BOP that the
FSA reflects a singular definition for EBRRs and PAs,
regardless of whether the program is internal or external and
does not require a third-party review of external program's
evidence. BOP is directed to submit a report to the Committee,
within 90 days of the enactment of this act, on the following:
(1) an account of whether each approved EBRR and PA is an
internal BOP program, a contracted BOP program, or an external
third-party program; (2) any difference in the criteria and
evaluation process for suitability of an internal BOP program,
a contracted BOP program, or an external third-party program as
an EBRR or PAs; (3) the number of external faith-based programs
that applied to qualify as an EBRR and PAs since the FSA was
enacted, including the number that have been denied, the number
that are still pending, and the names of any accepted
applicants and whether any are taught from a specific faith
tradition; (4) actions BOP has taken to promote the opportunity
for submissions of external programs for consideration as EBRRs
and PAs; and (5) list and describe what program providers make
up the ``faith-based recidivism-reduction partnerships'' noted
in the Bureau of Justice Statistics reporting on FSA
implementation. The report shall also include efforts to fill
all vacant programming and other dedicated FSA positions,
efforts to improve transparency regarding EBRR credit
calculation, the EBRR programming currently available at each
BOP facility, the associated hours of EBRR credit participants
earn for participation in each program, and the need for and
availability of medication-assisted treatment at each BOP
facility.
Compassionate Release.--The Committee requests an updated
report on BOP's compassionate release and home confinement
efforts, containing the information required by Senate Report
116-127 and codified in Public Law 116-93, as well as including
information on the expansion of these programs per the
authority provided under Public Law 116-136.
Restrictive Housing.--The Committee remains concerned about
the growth in the restricted housing population in BOP
institutions. In 2012, approximately 7.8 percent of Federal
inmates in BOP facilities were held in some form of restricted
housing. In 2014, that number had dropped to approximately 6.5
percent. Unfortunately, the restricted housing rate has
returned to 2012 levels, with approximately 7.3 percent of the
Federal prison population currently placed in restricted
housing, including special housing units, special management
units, and the ADX Supermax facility. The Committee directs BOP
to reduce significantly the number of Federal inmates in
restricted housing, including by opening transition units and
other specialized units for populations often sent to
restricted housing and working with regional directors and
wardens to address the widespread reliance on restricted
housing.
The Committee urges the Director of the BOP to fully
implement all the 2014 and 2016 restrictive housing reports
recommendations. A recent GAO Report, ``Bureau of Prisons:
Additional Actions Needed to Improve Restrictive Housing
Practices'' (GAO-24-105737), found that the BOP has failed to
implement 54 of the 87 recommendations from two prior studies
in 2014 and 2016 on improving restrictive housing practices.
Within 180 days of enactment of this act, and continuing semi-
annually thereafter, the Committee directs the BOP to submit a
report outlining what steps the BOP has taken to implement the
2014 and 2016 restrictive housing recommendations, the
timeframe for completing the remaining recommendations, and in
instances where the Bureau does not concur with the
recommendation or deems it impractical, it should document its
rationale and any alternate steps it plans to take.
Contraband Cell Phones in BOP Facilities.--In an August
2022 report, BOP observed that ``[c]ontraband cellphones remain
a significant correctional security and public safety concern
for the BOP as well as for State and local correctional
agencies across the country.'' Since fiscal year 2020, the
Committee has provided substantial resources for BOP to pilot
and outfit its facilities with managed access system and micro-
jamming solution cellphone interdiction technologies. The
Committee directs BOP to submit, within 90 days of the date of
the enactment of this act, an updated report on the deployment
of these technologies. The report shall identify the number of
contraband devices confiscated through the use of each
technology, and shall describe the long-term funding
requirements for full deployment. The report should further
provide all available data on the number of contraband cell
phones delivered by drones, and any actions being taken to
address this method of delivery.
Camera System Upgrades.--The Committee supports continued
upgrades to security cameras that will help to better protect
the safety, wellbeing and civil rights of those incarcerated
and BOP employees, including correctional officers, medical
personnel and other professional staff.
Residential Reentry Centers [RRCs].--The Committee
maintains its concerns and expectations regarding RRCs as
outlined in Senate Report 116-127 and adopted by Public Law
116-93, including the direction requiring BOP to alert the
Committee before adopting any significant change in policy or
practice involving RRCs or other recidivism-reduction measures.
The Committee directs BOP to refrain from canceling or
modifying any existing contracts for RRCs if another BOP-
contracted RRC facility does not exist within 100 miles of the
existing RRC. In instances where RRC contracts are expiring,
the Committee directs BOP to take interim and emergency
measures to prevent facility closures and the interruption of
services, including by expediting solicitations and re-
solicitations for existing services. The Committee encourages
BOP to begin or continue the development of and planning for
the operation of an RRC in each State that does not currently
have such a facility.
Extreme Weather Plans.--Recent examples of BOP's responses
to extreme weather events-including extreme heat or cold-raise
concerns about unsafe conditions for inmates, correctional
officers, and institution staff. The Committee continues to
direct BOP to issue clear and consistent policies and guidance
across all BOP facilities regarding preparations for and
responses to extreme weather events, including by establishing
temperature thresholds for health and safety at BOP facilities.
Strengthening Collaboration to Ensure Effective Treatment
Services.--The Committee recognizes the importance of
rehabilitation and successfully enabling reentry of
incarcerated people into their communities, including providing
mental health, substance misuse and other behavioral health
support to individuals leaving the custody of the Federal
Bureau of Prisons and entering the Federal Judiciary's
Probation and Pretrial Services program for a term of court-
ordered post-release supervision. Creating a continuum of care
can help certain offenders adhere to and continue engagement
with their behavioral health treatment plans, obtain gainful
employment, and avoid committing future crimes. The Committee
is aware that there is continuum of care collaboration between
the Federal Judiciary's Probation and Pretrial Services program
and the Federal Bureau of Prisons but encourages both entities
to strengthen that collaboration to included better information
sharing, including electronic data sharing, on the treatment
needs of individuals coming out of Federal prison.
RRC ID Data Collection.--A recent GAO report, ``Bureau of
Prisons: Opportunities Exist to Better Assist Incarcerated
People with Obtaining ID Documents Prior to Release'' (GAO 22-
105302) found that the BOP does not collect ID-related data
from inmates once they are transferred to RRCs. The Committee
directs the Bureau to make changes to the Statement of Work for
RRCs to ensure that in future or renegotiated contracts, the
RRCs are required to collect and regularly report data to BOP
on the number of people obtaining ID documents while residing
at RRCs, and to report on these efforts no later than 90 days
after enactment of this act.
The Committee further directs the BOP, in the above-
referenced report, to assess the feasibility of entering into
memoranda of understanding with additional State departments of
motor vehicles to expand innovative services at BOP facilities,
in order to provide state-issued photo ID processing services
for those individuals with proper supporting documents.
Establishment of Ombudsman Office.--The Committee directs
the Department, within 90 days of enactment of this act, to
report to the Committee on plans that it has developed and
steps that it has taken to establish an Ombudsman's office to
receive complaints from incarcerated persons, family advocates,
representatives of incarcerated persons, Bureau of Prisons
staff, a representative of staff, a Member of Congress, or a
member of the judicial branch of the Federal Government,
pursuant to the Federal Prison Oversight Act. The Committee
further directs the Department, within 90 days of enactment of
this act, to provide to the Committee a proposed spending plan,
detailing BOP's plan to establish the Ombudsman office and
inspections regime, as required by the Federal Prison Oversight
Act.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $179,762,000
Committee recommendation................................ 179,762,000
This Committee's recommendation includes $179,762,000 for
the construction, acquisition, modernization, maintenance, and
repair of prison and detention facilities housing Federal
inmates. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025
enacted level. BOP shall proceed with ongoing planned and
associated new construction efforts for BOP operated facilities
to meet projected capacity requirements, as identified in its
monthly status of construction reports to the Committee. BOP is
directed to continue to provide such reports on a monthly
basis, along with notifications and explanations of any
deviation from construction and activation schedules, and any
planned adjustments or corrective actions. Within the amount
provided, $150,000,000 shall be for the continued development
and planning of a BOP and DOJ correctional officer and law
enforcement officer training facility. The Committee reiterates
the directive for the Department to provide a spending plan,
prospectus, and schedule, and looks forward to its submission.
Consistent with that effort, the Committee further directs the
Department to engage in request for information and request for
proposal efforts to develop a contract for formal project
management, planning, and design support that takes into
account site selection, environmental impact, and other
requirements for timely and effective implementation.
FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
(LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $2,700,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,700,000
The Committee's recommendation provides a limitation on the
administrative expenses of $2,700,000 for the Federal Prison
Industries, Inc. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year
2025 enacted level.
State and Local Law Enforcement Activities
In total, the Committee recommends $3,695,113,000 for State
and local law enforcement and crime prevention grant programs,
including: $3,493,113,000 in discretionary appropriations and
$202,000,000 in mandatory appropriations. The total is
$69,889,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
Management and Administration [M&A] Expenses.--The
Department shall, in preparing its fiscal year 2026 spending
plan, assess M&A expenses compared to program funding. The
Committee directs the Department to ensure that its assessment
methodology is equitable and that the assessment reflects a
fair representation of the share of each program devoted to
common M&A costs. The Committee also directs grant offices to
minimize administrative spending to maximize the amount of
funding that can be used for grants or training and technical
assistance. The Committee reiterates the direction provided in
Senate Report 113-78 that the Department shall detail, as part
of its budget submission for fiscal year 2025 and future years,
the actual costs for each grant office with respect to
training, technical assistance, research and statistics, and
peer review for the prior fiscal year, along with estimates of
planned expenditures by each grant office in each of these
categories for the current year and the budget year.
Grant Funding Set-Asides.--The Committee notes the
significant number of reductions in grant funding for various
permissible purposes, including training and technical
assistance; research, evaluation, and statistics activities;
and peer review; with set-asides ranging anywhere from 2
percent to 10 percent of total grant funding provided. The
Committee directs the Department to continue providing a
comprehensive report, concurrently with the spending plan, that
details the total amount provided for each grant program in
this act, the specific reductions taken, the purpose for those
reductions, and the final use of those resources, including any
transfers that may occur among Office of Justice Programs
[OJP], Office on Violence Against Women [OVW], and COPS. The
Committee expects that the report will provide a complete
analysis of the final amounts externally awarded and the
amounts retained internally for other purposes.
Grant Funds for Rural Areas.--The Committee remains
concerned about the needs of rural areas, especially those
communities with high crime rates. The Committee wants to
ensure that the challenges encountered by the residents of
these areas are being addressed through the equitable
allocation of grant funding. The Committee reminds the
Department to consider the unique needs of rural communities
when making grant awards through the numerous programs funded
by this bill.
Tribal Grants and Victim Assistance.--The Committee
provides a total of $117,000,000 in discretionary grant funding
for Tribes as follows: $48,000,000 within OJP for Tribal
assistance; $16,000,000 for a Tribal youth program within the
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention [OJJDP];
$34,000,000 for Tribal resources and $4,000,000 for a Tribal
Access Program within the COPS Office; and $12,000,000 for a
special Tribal criminal jurisdiction program and $3,000,000 for
a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney on Tribal land program within
the OVW. In addition, a total of $65,893,535 is provided to
Tribal governments and coalitions through OVW programmatic
statutory set-asides and another $95,000,000 is provided to
Tribal governments and Tribal coalitions in CVF funding.
For Tribal assistance grants within OJP, funding is to be
used to support efforts to help Tribes improve the capacity of
their criminal and civil justice systems. OJP is expected to
consult closely with Tribal stakeholders in determining how
Tribal assistance funds will be awarded for detention
facilities, including outdated detention facilities that are
unfit for detention purposes and beyond rehabilitation; courts;
alcohol and substance abuse programs; civil and criminal legal
assistance; and other priorities. The Committee directs OJP to
submit, as part of the Department's spending plan for fiscal
year 2026, a plan for the use of these funds that is informed
by such consultation.
In addition, the bill includes a 5 percent set-aside for
Tribes within the CVF. OVC is directed to consult closely with
Tribal stakeholders to improve services for Tribal victims of
crime, to include expanded purpose areas described in the OVC
final rule effective August 8, 2016. OVC shall continue to
follow direction provided by the Committee in Senate Report
115-275 and adopted by Public Law 116-6 regarding grant
application requirements, accountability, and assistance.
The Committee directs the Department to give Tribes maximum
flexibility in the use of funds and the definition of victim
services, in order to best meet the unique needs of victims in
Tribal communities. The Committee also directs the Department
to streamline administrative requirements as much as possible
to increase accessibility for those most in need in Indian
Country.
STOP School Violence Act.--A total of $195,000,000 is
provided for the STOP School Violence Act (division S of title
V of Public Law 115-141) grant program for fiscal year 2025. Of
this amount, $60,000,000 is derived from the Bipartisan Safer
Communities Act and $135,000,000 is provided for in this act.
Of the amount provided for in this act, $82,000,000 is provided
to the Bureau of Justice Assistance [BJA] for evidence-based
school safety programs outlined in the act and $53,000,000 is
provided to the COPS Office for a competitive grant program as
outlined in the act. The Committee directs BJA to prioritize
evidence-based programming to train students and school
personnel on the warning signs of interpersonal violence and
suicide, to prevent the root causes of student violence, and to
deliver mental health crisis intervention, as permitted under
the act. The Committee directs the offices to work with other
Federal agencies to notify States, localities, tribes, and
school districts of funding availability upon release, increase
training and technical assistance for school district
applicants, and provide microgrants for school districts,
including rural, Tribal, and low-resourced schools. The
Committee directs BJA to prioritize applicants from rural and
low-resourced school districts and applicants incorporating
crisis centers and evidence-based trainings for students and
staff within their anonymous reporting systems. The Committee
encourages BJA and the COPS Office to prioritize applications
that promote the use of mental health professionals and
resources in their school safety plans.
National Sexual Assault Hotline.--The Committee urges OVC
to fully support the National Sexual Assault Hotline, as
authorized by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of
2006, as amended (34 U.S.C. 20985(d)).
OVC Center for Victims of Crime Act [VOCA]
Administrators.--The Committee directs OVC to continue to
provide peer-to-peer training on Federal grants management,
administration and strategies to increase access to services
and compensation for VOCA victim assistance and victim
compensation grantees and subgrantees.
Shelter for Victims and their Companion Animals.--The
Committee recognizes the importance of providing shelter and
transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their
companion animals and encourages the Department to continue
providing robust funding for grants under the Emergency
Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program,
as authorized by section 12502 of Public Law 115-334. The
Committee directs OVC to continue to coordinate with the
Departments of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and
Health and Human Services to efficiently implement this
program.
Support for Child Advocacy Centers.--The Committee commends
OVC and OJJDP for its enhanced support of CACs through
solicitation OJJDP-2020-17712. The Committee directs the
offices to sustain this funding through continuation awards, in
order to avoid the severe consequences of a break in critical
services.
DOJ Grant Oversight.--The Committee encourages the
Department to review its multi-year grant award processes and
protocols to ensure grantees have fully complied with the rules
of year-one funding before year-two funding is disbursed in
multi-year grant awards. In addition, the Committee supports
the Department's efforts to create a high-risk designation for
grantees, so as to increase fiscal responsibility throughout
the grant making process. The Committee recommends that the
Department promptly complete and publish an internal review of
the program, to inform efforts to implement a high-risk grantee
designation in other Federal agencies. The Committee directs
OJP, OVW, and the COPS Office to submit an annual report on
grant programs that have not received a sufficient number of
qualified applicants.
Office on Violence Against Women
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $713,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 720,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $720,000,000 for
OVW grants. The recommendation is $7,000,000 above the fiscal
year 2025. Resources are provided to the OVW to respond to the
needs of all victims of domestic violence, sexual assault,
dating violence, and stalking, including, but not limited to,
Native women, immigrants, LGBTQ victims, college students,
youths, and public housing residents. To minimize fraud, waste,
and abuse in these programs, OVW is encouraged to implement any
open recommendations of the Department's OIG with respect to
the recipients of grants under these programs.
The table below displays the Committee's recommendations
for the programs under this office.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOP Grants.......................................... 255,000
Transitional Housing Assistance...................... 51,000
Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women.... 2,500
Consolidated Youth-Oriented Program.................. 17,000
Improving Criminal Justice Responses Program......... 60,500
Homicide Reduction Initiative.................... 4,000
Lethality Assessment Initiative.................. 2,000
Sexual Assault Victims Services...................... 79,500
Rural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement.. 51,000
Violence on College Campuses......................... 25,000
HBCU, HSI and Tribal Colleges.................... 12,500
Legal Assistance for Victims......................... 56,000
Abuse Later in Life Program.......................... 9,000
Justice for Families Program......................... 22,000
Disabilities Program................................. 12,000
National Center on Workplace Responses............... 1,000
Research on Violence Against Indian Women............ 1,000
Indian Country-Sexual Assault Clearinghouse.......... 500
Tribal Special Criminal Jurisdiction................. 12,000
Rape Survivor Child Custody Act...................... 1,500
Restorative Justice Responses and Evaluations........ 15,000
Culturally Specific Programs......................... 11,000
Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys.............. 3,000
LGBT Specific Services Program....................... 1,000
National Deaf Services Line.......................... 2,000
Underserved Populations Program...................... 5,000
Financial Assistance Program......................... 4,000
Abby Honold Act...................................... 5,000
Access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations.......... 12,000
Cybercrime Enforcement............................... 5,500
------------------
TOTAL, Violence Against Women Prevention and 720,000
Prosecution Programs..........................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access to Sexual Assault Nurse Exams.--The Committee's
recommendation includes $12,000,000 for grants for regional
sexual assault nurse examiner [SANE] training, salaries for
SANEs and sexual assault forensic examiners [SAFEs], and
technical assistance and resources to increase access to SANEs
and SAFEs, as authorized by the Violence Against Women
Reauthorization Act of 2022 (division W of Public Law 117-103).
The Committee encourages the Department to prioritize areas
where nationwide gaps exist in the availability and quality of
post-sexual assault medical forensic care, including rural,
Tribal, underserved communities, and urban areas that lack
full-time coverage. The Committee directs OVW to collaborate
with the Office for Victims of Crime to implement this program
in coordination with other funding opportunities designed to
enhance the quality and availability of post-sexual assault
medical forensic care, to include multidisciplinary settings
responding to the abuse of both children and adolescents.
Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights.--The Committee
again provides $10,000,000 as part of the STOP grants for the
recently enacted Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights, a
new and consequential grant program that incentivizes States to
codify and standardize survivor rights. The Committee notes the
Department's lower request due to a limited number of States
applying and qualifying for the awards. Accordingly, the
Committee continues to direct the Department to submit a report
to the Committee, within 120 days of enactment of this act,
detailing any applicants deemed by OVW as ineligible for this
funding, the reasons for the ineligibility, and suggested
legislative changes that could increase state eligibility.
Statutory Set-Asides.--The underlying statutes for several
grant programs, including STOP and Sexual Assault Services
Program [SASP], outline set-asides for Tribal governments and
coalitions, culturally specific community-based organizations,
and organizations providing services to underserved
populations. These set-asides would provide a total of
$89,578,535 for fiscal year 2026, with $65,893,535 for Tribal
governments and coalitions, $17,375,000 for culturally specific
organizations, and $6,310,000 to meet the needs of underserved
populations. The Committee expects OVW to ensure that the full
amounts provided for in the authorizing statutes are released
to these groups expeditiously.
Rural Victims.--Victims of sexual assault living in rural
communities may be reluctant to report to law enforcement. The
Committee encourages the OVW to implement projects that reduce
barriers to the reporting of crime in rural areas, colonias,
and persistent poverty counties and directs the OVW to submit a
report to the Committee not later than 90 days after enactment
of this act.
Violence Against Middle Eastern and North African Women.--
The Committee directs the Department to develop best practices,
in consultation with Middle Eastern and North African [MENA]
community-based organizations, for the investigation and
prosecution of violence against MENA women. The Committee
further directs the Department's Office on Violence Against
Women to review the sufficiency of its Culturally Specific
Services and Underserved Populations programs with regard to
MENA survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including
the quality and cultural competency of its temporary and
transitional housing, education, and workforce development
assistance, and whether additional resources are needed to
provide MENA survivors with equitable access to services. The
Department shall report to the Committee on these directives
within 180 days of enactment of this act.
Trauma-Informed Investigations.--OVW published the
Framework for Prosecutors to Strengthen our National Response
to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Involving Adult Victims
[Prosecutor's Framework] in May 2024. OVW stressed the need for
prosecutors ``to build provable cases in a trauma-informed
manner that treats victims with humanity and ensures due
process for defendants.'' The Committee notes the importance of
those investigating and prosecuting alleged sexual assault and
domestic violence crimes understanding that survivors do not
respond to these crimes in any one way and that trauma-informed
questioning is necessary to help ensure that justice is done.
OVW has encouraged the grantees of the STOP formula grant
program and prosecutors broadly to use the Prosecutor's
Framework. The Committee directs OVW to provide a report to the
Committee, within 180 days of enactment of this act, on its
efforts to encourage grantees in the aforementioned programs to
implement the guidance.
Office of Justice Programs
The OJP is responsible for providing leadership,
coordination, and assistance to its Federal, State, local, and
Tribal partners to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of
the U.S. justice system in preventing, controlling, and
responding to crime. As most of the responsibility for crime
control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in
States, cities, and other localities, the Federal Government is
effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter
into successful partnerships with these jurisdictions.
Therefore, OJP is tasked with administering grants; collecting
statistical data and conducting analyses; identifying emerging
criminal justice issues; developing and testing promising and
innovative approaches to address these issues; evaluating
program results; and disseminating these findings and other
information to State, local, and Tribal governments.
RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND STATISTICS
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $65,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 60,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $60,000,000 for the
Research, Evaluation and Statistics account. The recommendation
is $5,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
Funding in this account provides assistance in the areas of
research, evaluation, statistics, hate crimes, DNA and
forensics, criminal background checks, and gun safety
technology, among others.
The Committee's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND STATISTICS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bureau of Justice Statistics......................... 33,000
National Institute of Justice........................ 27,000
------------------
TOTAL, Research, Evaluation and Statistics... 60,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spending Plans.--The Department shall submit to the
Committee, as part of its spending plan for State and Local Law
Enforcement Activities, a plan for the use of all funding
administered by the National Institute of Justice [NIJ] and the
Bureau of Justice Statistics [BJS], respectively, for approval
by the Committee prior to the obligation of any such funds.
National Crime Victimization Survey [NCVS].--BJS is
directed, as part of the NCVS, to collect data on offenders
under the influence at the time of the offense.
Correctional Education Evaluation.--The Committee directs
NIJ to continue the established public-private partnership with
research and correctional institutions to collect and evaluate
data, and continue to advance the research on the impact of
correctional education on recidivism.
Report on Forensic Laboratory Resource Requirements.--The
Committee adopts and re-iterates the directive under this
heading in Senate Report 118-62, as adopted into the joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 118-42. The
Committee looks forward to the timely submission of this study.
Human Trafficking Study.--NIJ is directed to provide a
briefing, within 30 days of the date of the enactment of this
act, on the status of the study required by Section 20 of the
Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-392) and
its estimated completion date.
STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $2,000,033,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,878,146,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,878,146,000 for
State and local law enforcement assistance. The recommendation
is $121,887,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The Committee's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants............. 569,146
Officer Robert Wilson III VALOR Initiative....... 13,000
NamUs............................................ 3,000
Officer Training for Responding to People with 8,000
Mental Illness and Disabilities.................
John R. Justice Grant Program.................... 3,000
Prison Rape Prevention and Prosecution........... 15,500
Kevin and Avonte's Law........................... 3,000
Project Safe Neighborhoods....................... 19,000
Capital Litigation and Wrongful Conviction Review 12,000
National Center on Restorative Justice........... 3,000
Ashanti Alert Network............................ 1,000
Family-Based Alternative Sentencing Pilot 3,500
Programs........................................
Rural Violent Crime Initiative................... 7,000
Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act..... 5,000
Forensic Ballistics Programs in Higher Education. 1,500
Multidisciplinary Partnership Improvements for 3,000
Protective Orders...............................
Byrne Discretionary Projects..................... 152,146
Victims of Trafficking Grants........................ 88,000
Economic, High-Tech, White Collar, and Cybercrime 8,000
Prevention..........................................
Intellectual Property Enforcement Program........ 2,500
Internet of Things Training Modules.............. 2,000
Adam Walsh Act Implementation........................ 19,000
Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant 30,000
Program.............................................
Transfer to NIST................................. 1,500
National Sex Offender Public Website................. 1,000
National Instant Criminal Background Check System 87,000
[NICS] Initiative...................................
NICS Act Record Improvement Program.............. 25,000
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science...................... 34,000
DNA Initiative....................................... 148,000
Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grants.................. 120,000
State and Local Forensic Activities.............. 10,000
Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing 14,000
Grants..........................................
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training Program 4,000
Grants..........................................
Sexual Assault Kit Initiative [SAKI]................. 51,500
CASA--Special Advocates.............................. 14,000
Tribal Assistance.................................... 48,000
Second Chance Act/Offender Reentry................... 116,000
Smart Probation.................................. 8,000
Children of Incarcerated Parents Demo Grants..... 5,000
Project HOPE Opportunity Probation with 5,000
Enforcement.....................................
Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act... 10,000
Pay for Success.................................. 7,500
Substance Use Disorder Initiative.................... 418,000
Drug Courts...................................... 89,000
Mentally Ill Offender Act........................ 40,000
Residential Substance Use Treatment.............. 35,000
Veterans Treatment Courts........................ 34,000
Prescription Drug Monitoring..................... 35,000
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance 185,000
Use Disorder Program............................
Keep Young Athletes Safe Act......................... 2,500
STOP School Violence Act............................. 82,000
Emmett Till Grants................................... 3,000
Hate Crime Prevention Act............................ 17,000
Community-Based Approaches to Advancing Justice...... 9,000
Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act............................. 9,000
Body Worn Camera Partnership Program................. 27,000
Justice Reinvestment Initiative...................... 32,000
Community Violence Intervention and Prevention....... 55,000
Daniel Anderl Act.................................... 10,000
------------------
TOTAL, State and Local Law Enforcement 1,878,146
Assistance....................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.--
The Committee recommends $569,146,000 for Byrne-JAG. Funding is
not available for luxury items, real estate, or construction
projects. The Department should expect State, local, and Tribal
governments to target funding to programs and activities that
conform to evidence-based strategic plans developed through
broad stakeholder involvement. The Committee directs the
Department to make technical assistance available to State,
local, and Tribal governments for the development or update of
such plans. Funding is authorized for law enforcement programs
including those that promote data interoperability among
disparate law enforcement entities; prosecution and court
programs; prevention and education programs; corrections
programs; drug treatment and enforcement programs; planning,
evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and crime
victim and witness programs, other than compensation.
Combatting Violence and Hate Crimes at Houses of Worship
and Faith-Based Organizations.--The Committee remains concerned
with the rise in religiously-motivated violence across the
United States, including targeted acts of violence directed at
houses of worship, faith-based community centers, and other
religious institutions. In response to these threats, the
Committee directs the Department to prioritize funding
allocated under 34 U.S.C. 10157(b) to support State and local
law enforcement agencies seeking to enhance security measures
for at-risk religious institutions and to address the
precipitous increases in hate crimes targeting individuals on
the basis of religion. The Committee further directs the
Department to submit a report, within 6 months of the enactment
of this act, describing the implementation of this directive.
Byrne-JAG and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.--In
addition to the funding provided in this act, the Committee
notes that an additional $150,000,000 will be released to
State, local, and Tribal governments this fiscal year under the
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act [BCSA]. Government agencies
and law enforcement can use BCSA funding for the following
purposes, including, but not limited to: extreme risk
protection order programs, drug courts, mental health courts,
and veterans courts.
Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement Officer
Resilience and Survivability [VALOR] Initiative.--The
Committee's recommendation provides $13,000,000 within Byrne-
JAG for the VALOR Initiative. The Committee expects Federal law
enforcement agencies to continue to expand on efforts to
provide local police with information as to whether a suspect
has a violent history, to the extent that transfer of such
information is allowable and available via Federal law
enforcement databases, in an effort to prevent officer deaths.
The Committee notes that an additional $12,000,000 is provided
under the COPS heading for Protecting Our Lives by Initiating
COPS Expansion Act (Public Law 114-199) programs, which help to
provide active shooter training programs for State and local
law enforcement officers.
Law Enforcement Officer De-escalation Training.--The
Committee recommends $8,000,000 for a competitive grant program
to support training and related initiatives (with a particular
emphasis on de-escalation practices) that help improve
responses to individuals with mental illness, intellectual
disabilities, or developmental disabilities and others who come
into contact with law enforcement or correctional officers,
including for purposes described in the Law Enforcement De-
Escalation Training Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-325).
National Missing and Unidentified Persons System [NamUS].--
The Committee strongly supports the mission of NamUS, in
particular its efforts to identify unidentified children. The
Committee encourages OJP to support partnerships, such as
Project 525, that work collaboratively towards resolving
longstanding cases involving minors.
Prison Rape Elimination Act [PREA] Audit Quality
Initiative.--Facility audits are a key component in helping
agencies move their sexual abuse prevention and response
policies from written documents to everyday practices. Congress
enhanced the audit process in 2018 to ensure greater oversight
of the audit process and improved audits, but many of these
changes have not been fully implemented by the PREA Management
Office. The Committee supports the Department providing the
necessary resources to carry out this work.
Project Safe Neighborhoods [PSN].--PSN is a nationwide
initiative that brings together Federal, State, local, Tribal,
and territorial law enforcement officials, prosecutors,
community-based partners, and other stakeholders to identify
the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and
develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN is
coordinated by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices in the 94 Federal
judicial districts throughout the 50 States and U.S.
territories. OJP is encouraged to highlight ways PSN funding
can reduce gun violence, including through automated ballistics
imaging triage technology. This technology can improve gun
crime arrest rates by enabling law enforcement entities to
immediately scan ballistics evidence, quickly access crime gun
intelligence, and streamline evidence submission to NIBIN.
The Committee notes the continued importance of PSN funds
being used only for the purposes set forth in 34 U.S.C. 60703.
The Committee further notes that PSN funds shall be locally
controlled to address problems that are identified locally. The
Committee directs DOJ to submit a report to this Committee,
within 180 days of enactment of this act, that details for each
area in which the PSN Block Grant Program operates: (1) how the
area spent funds under the PSN Block Grant Program; (2) the
community outreach efforts performed in the area; and (3) the
number and a description of the violent crime offenses
committed in the area, including murder, non-negligent
manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Capital Litigation Improvement and Wrongful Conviction
Review.--The Committee recognizes the need for legal
representation and investigation services for individuals with
post-conviction claims of innocence.
Given the urgent need to identify and remediate wrongful
convictions, the Committee directs that at least 50 percent of
the $12,000,000 appropriated to the Capital Litigation
Improvement and Wrongful Conviction Review grant programs shall
be used to support Wrongful Conviction Review grantees
providing high quality and efficient post-conviction
representation for defendants in post-conviction claims of
innocence. Wrongful Conviction Review grantees shall be
nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and/
or State or local public defender offices that have in-house
post-conviction representation programs that show demonstrable
experience and competence in litigating post-conviction claims
of innocence. Grant funds shall support grantee provision of
post-conviction legal representation of innocence claims; case
review, evaluation, and management; experts; potentially
exonerative forensic testing; and investigation services
related to supporting these post-conviction innocence claims.
National Center on Restorative Justice.--Of the $3,000,000
provided for this program, no less than $2,500,000 shall be
used to continue a partnership with an accredited university of
higher education and/or law school for the purposes of
supporting a National Center on Restorative Justice to educate
and train the next generation of justice leaders. The Center
shall expand its partnerships with practitioners and
facilitators to increase access and types of restorative
justice training and education opportunities available across
the country and continue to support research focusing on how
best to provide direct services to address social inequities,
such as simultaneous access to substance abuse treatment and
higher education. Further, the Center will expand educational
opportunities for those under sentence and in a court-
supervised substance abuse program, and, through research and
evaluation, the Center will disseminate reports on the impact
of attitudes, recidivism, and costs of the educational
initiatives. Up to $500,000 may be used to support microgrants
to innovative restorative justice projects in communities
across the country.
Forensic Ballistics and Higher Education.--Subject to
approval from ATF, educational institutions can join NIBIN in
collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. Through the
use of ballistics identification equipment, these NIBIN
initiatives can provide students with hands-on training in the
processing of firearms evidence used to generate actionable
crime gun intelligence. The Committee provides $1,500,000 for a
competitive grant program for universities and technical
colleges, to acquire ballistics identification equipment and
support forensic ballistics programs.
Rural Violent Crime Initiative.--State, local, and Tribal
law enforcement agencies in rural areas face unique challenges,
including limited financial and technological resources, and
the need to cover large, remote areas with smaller staff.
Violent crime, including drug- and human-trafficking, continues
to grow in these locations. The Committee provides $7,000,000
for a Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for Law
Enforcement Agencies, with grants to be awarded on a
competitive basis to small law enforcement agencies in rural
locations. Grants are to support improved training and
technology, expanded community-based crime prevention programs,
and partnerships with victim service providers. This initiative
is intended to improve communication and collaboration among
State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies with the
communities they serve, to address the unique criminal justice
challenges in rural areas. Of the total amount provided, no
less than $4,000,000 shall be for a microgrant program with
streamlined application and reporting requirements.
Uses of Byrne-JAG Funds.--The Committee continues to
recognize that novel equipment and technologies can improve
public safety and public trust in criminal justice
institutions. OJP is urged to promote awareness, through
Statements on the OJP website, in ``FAQs'' and seminars, and in
solicitation documents, that Byrne-JAG funds may be used for
managed access systems and other cell phone mitigation
technologies; fentanyl and methamphetamine detection equipment,
including handheld instruments; drug detection canines; license
plate readers; and hiring and training of cybercrime analysts
and investigators.
Grants to Combat Human Trafficking.--The Committee's
recommendation provides $88,000,000 for services and task force
activities for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and foreign
nationals who are victims of trafficking, as authorized by
Public Law 106-386 and amended by Public Law 113-4, of which no
less than $22,000,000 is for the Enhanced Collaborative Model
to Combat Human Trafficking Task Force Program. The Committee
urges that human trafficking task forces funded under this
grant program take affirmative measures to emphasize the
investigation and prosecution of persons who patronize or
solicit children for sex as a human trafficking demand
reduction strategy. OJP shall consult with stakeholder groups
in determining the overall allocation of Victims of Trafficking
funding and shall provide a plan to the Committee for the use
of these funds as part of the Department's fiscal year 2026
spending plan.
The Committee notes that funding provided in this program
may be used for victims of sex and labor trafficking who are
minors, as authorized under the Violence Against Women Act of
2013. Child trafficking victims require specialized care, and
these resources can be used for items like residential care,
emergency social services, mental health counseling, and legal
services. This funding level also includes $10,000,000 for the
Minor Victims of Trafficking Grant program, of which $5,000,000
is for victim services grants for sex-trafficked minors, as
authorized by Public Law 113-4, with the remaining $5,000,000
for victim services grants for labor-trafficked minors. The
Committee encourages OJP to give an affirmative preference to
applicants for grants that treat minors engaged in commercial
sex acts as victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons,
and discourages the charging of such individuals for
prostitution or a sex trafficking offense. The Committee
encourages DOJ to work in close coordination with the
Department of Health and Human Services to encourage
collaboration and reduce duplication of effort.
Internet of Things Capabilities Database.--The growing use
of Internet of Things devices requires understanding of
existing capabilities of such devices for training on options
and best practices for handling of evidence to meet judicial
standards and privacy concerns. To meet this need, $2,000,000
shall be dedicated for a separate competitive grant program in
order to provide four awards of not less than $500,000 each for
institutions of higher learning that provide training in
computer forensics and digital investigation to develop a
database on Internet of Things device capabilities and to build
and execute training modules for law enforcement.
Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program.--
Within the $30,000,000 provided for bulletproof vests,
$1,500,000 is to be transferred directly to the NIST Office of
Law Enforcement Standards to continue supporting ballistic- and
stab-resistant material compliance testing programs. The
Committee expects OJP to continue strengthening internal
controls to manage the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest
Partnership Grant Program. Improving grantee accountability in
the timely use of Federal funds to purchase body armor will
help every police officer who needs a vest to get one, thus
saving officers' lives.
National Instant Criminal Background Check System
Initiative Grants.--A total of $127,000,000 is provided for
this program, of which $40,000,000 is derived from the BSCA and
$87,000,000 is derived from funding in this act. Funding
provided in this act will be used to continue to improve the
submission of State criminal and mental health records to NICS.
This investment will strengthen the National background check
system by assisting States in finding ways to make more records
available in the NICS system, especially mental health records,
thereby addressing gaps in Federal and State records currently
available in NICS. Those gaps significantly hinder the ability
of NICS to quickly confirm whether a prospective purchaser is
prohibited from acquiring a firearm. The Committee expects OJP
to track whether grant recipients are submitting data in a
timely manner into the NICS system.
The Fix NICS Act allows the Attorney General to waive the
National Criminal History Improvement Program match for States
that are in compliance with the implementation plan required
under Section 107 of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of
2007 (Public Law 110-180). The Committee directs the Department
to remind States of the possibility of this waiver in guidance
or technical assistance regarding this grant program.
The Committee is aware that many State laws and policies
provide for the expungement or sealing of certain criminal
records, making it possible for people with past convictions to
access employment and housing, or exercise their social and
civic rights. However, many States do not have the resources
for appropriate technology to implement such policies
effectively. The Committee urges the Department to ensure that
grants made under the National Criminal History Improvement
Program [NCHIP] can be made available for supporting States in
the planning and the implementation of records systems that
allow for the efficient expungement or sealing of qualifying
criminal history records without requiring those eligible to
apply.
The Committee encourages the Department to consider
lengthening the period of performance for NCHIP, the NICS Act
Record Improvement Program, and NCHIP Supplemental Funding
grantees to enable comprehensive system upgrades that are
necessary to ensure improved functioning of the background
check process and maximum contribution of relevant records to
the system.
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science.--The recommendation
provides a total of $35,000,000, of which $17,000,000 is to
target specifically the challenges the opioid and synthetic
drug epidemic has brought to the forensics community.
DNA Backlog and Crime Lab Improvements.--The Committee
continues its strong support for DNA backlog and crime lab
improvements by recommending $148,000,000 to strengthen and
improve Federal and State DNA collection and analysis systems
that can be used to accelerate the prosecution of the guilty
while simultaneously protecting the innocent from wrongful
prosecution. Within the funds provided, $120,000,000 is for
Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Reduction grants, $14,000,000 is for
Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing grants, $4,000,000
is for Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Program grants, and
$10,000,000 is for other State and local forensic activities.
An additional $12,000,000 is provided for Access to Sexual
Assault Nurse Examinations grants under the Violence Against
Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs.
The Committee expects that the OJP will make funding for
DNA analysis and capacity enhancement a priority in order to
meet the purposes of the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant
Program. The Committee directs the Department to submit, as
part of its fiscal year 2026 spending plan, a detailed
description of the DNA-related and forensic programs, including
a description of the alignment of appropriated funds with the
authorized purposes of the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant
Program. Consistent with the Justice Served Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-257), the Committee expects that not less than 5
percent, but not more than 7 percent, of amounts for the
program shall be provided for grants for prosecutors to
increase the capacity of State and local prosecution offices to
address cold cases involving violent crime, where suspects have
been identified through DNA evidence.
The Committee appreciates the Department's publication of
data and metrics on the effectiveness of this program. For
example, more than half of all matches made on the Combined DNA
Index System [CODIS] are attributable to cases and offender
samples processed through this Federal grant program. The
Committee encourages the Department to continue to track and
annually report such metrics related to how this program
contributes to the number of cases and offender samples
submitted to CODIS, as well as to the related number of CODIS
matches.
DNA-related and Forensics Programs.--The Committee
continues to direct the Department to allocate funds for DNA-
related and forensics programs in compliance with all relevant
requirements, including the Justice for All Reauthorization Act
of 2016 (Public Law 114-235), the Justice Served Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-257), and appropriations directives.
Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.--The Committee's
recommendation includes $51,500,000 to continue a competitive
grant program started in fiscal year 2015 as part of the
initiative to reduce the backlog of rape kits at law
enforcement agencies. OJP shall provide competitively awarded
grants with a comprehensive community-based approach to
addressing the resolution of cases in the backlog.
The Committee believes it is important for the Department
to maximize the results of investments in sexual assault kit
[SAK] testing through continued research to identify best
practices for State, local, and Tribal jurisdictions in
handling the myriad issues that arise from perpetrator
identification-such as victim notification, investigation,
prosecution, documentation, forensic advancements, inter-
jurisdiction sharing, and tracking. The Committee further
believes it is critically important to fund efforts to support
cross-jurisdiction and cross-site data sharing to identify and
pursue repeat offenders operating in multiple jurisdictions.
Finally, the Committee believes that further work to validate
the extensive cost savings that result from the prevention of
future offenses as a result of SAK testing is needed. The
Committee directs the Department to support efforts that
advance these objectives; and further directs BJA to issue a
report, within 1 year of the enactment of this act, on the
number of partially tested kits.
Second Chance Act [SCA] Grants.--The recommendation
provides $116,000,000 for SCA grants. The Committee expects
that SCA funding will support grants that foster the
implementation of strategies that have been proven to reduce
recidivism and ensure adults released from prisons and jails
safely and successfully reenter their communities. The SCA
supports activities such as employment assistance, substance
abuse treatment including MAT options, housing, local
transportation, mentoring, family programming, and victim
support. SCA grants will also support demonstration projects
designed to test the impact of new strategies and frameworks.
Of the amounts provided in this section, $10,000,000 is
provided for the purposes of the Crisis Stabilization and
Community Reentry Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-281), which also
addresses the mental health and substance use disorder needs of
individuals who are recently released from correctional
facilities.
When awarding SCA grants, the Committee directs OJP to
consider the impact of reentry of prisoners on communities in
which a disproportionate number of individuals reside upon
release from incarceration. OJP shall assess the reentry
burdens borne by local communities and local law enforcement
agencies; review the resources available in such communities to
support successful reentry and the extent to which those
resources are used effectively; and make recommendations to
strengthen the resources in such communities which are
available to support successful reentry and to lessen the
burden placed on such communities by the need to support
reentry.
Project HOPE Institute.--The Committee recognizes the
success of Project HOPE. The Committee provides $5,000,000 for
Project HOPE, of which not less than $500,000 shall be directed
to continue the Project HOPE Institute to provide training,
technical assistance, and best practices for jurisdictions
replicating the HOPE model. The Committee directs BJA to award
grants to support both existing Project HOPE models and new
jurisdictions.
Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act.--The
Committee directs BJA to ensure that the program includes
grants for peer support specialists and peer-led mental health
education classes or support groups for justice-involved
individuals and families commensurate with community needs.
Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act [CARA] Programs.--
The Committee provides a total of $418,000,000 for CARA
programs, including $89,000,000 for drug courts; $34,000,000
for veterans treatment courts; $35,000,000 for Residential
Substance Abuse Treatment, including access to any of the three
MAT options; $35,000,000 for prescription drug monitoring;
$40,000,000 for the Mentally Ill Offender Act; and $185,000,000
for the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use
Disorder Program [COSSUP].
The Committee directs that funding for COSSUP programs
focus on prevention and education efforts, effective responses
to those affected by substance abuse, and services for
treatment and recovery from addiction. Of the $185,000,000 for
COSSUP, not less than $11,000,000 shall be made available for
additional replication sites employing the Law Enforcement
Assisted Diversion [LEAD] model, with applicants demonstrating
a plan for sustainability of LEAD-model diversion programs; no
less than $5,500,000 shall be made available for education and
prevention programs to connect law enforcement agencies with K-
12 students; and not less than $11,000,000 shall be made
available for embedding social services with law enforcement in
order to rapidly respond to drug overdoses where children are
impacted.
The Committee supports specialized residential substance
abuse treatment programs for inmates with co-occurring mental
health and substance abuse disorders or challenges. Given the
strong nexus between substance abuse and mental illness in our
prisons and jails, the Committee encourages the Attorney
General to ensure that funds provided for residential substance
abuse treatment for State prisoners are being used to treat
underlying mental health disorders, in addition to substance
abuse disorders.
The Committee recognizes the importance of drug courts and
the vital role that they serve in reducing crime among people
with a substance use or mental health disorder. In recent
years, drug courts have been on the front lines of the opioid
epidemic and have become important resources for law
enforcement and other community stakeholders affected by opioid
addiction. The Committee applauds efforts already undertaken in
communities across the country to utilize drug courts. The
Committee encourages Federal agencies to continue to work with
State and local governments and communities to support drug
courts.
The Committee supports the ability of drug courts to
address offenders with co-occurring substance abuse and mental
health problems, and supports court ordered assisted outpatient
treatment programs for individuals struggling with mental
illness. Within the funding provided for drug courts, the
Committee encourages OJP to give attention to States and
localities that have the highest concentrations of opioid-
related cases, and to prioritize assistance to underserved
areas whose criminal defendants currently have relatively
little opportunity to access drug courts. The Committee
encourages OJP to coordinate, as appropriate, with other
Federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human
Services, as it implements these activities in order to avoid
duplication.
The Committee supports the work of mental health courts
across the country. The Committee is concerned, however, by the
high rates of re-incarceration among individuals with serious
mental illness due to the inadequate access to care for or
management of their illness and directs that the Department
include appropriate long-acting medications, including
injectable anti-psychotic medication, as an allowable expense
to improve treatment adherence and reduce risk for relapse and
re-incarceration.
Veterans Treatment Courts.--The Committee continues to
strongly support veterans treatment courts [VTCs]. An
evaluation of VTCs funded by BJA found limitations in access to
VTCs due to challenges in identifying veterans and also
emphasized that veterans' needs vary from other drug courts.
The Committee supports the Department's efforts to offer a
broader range of tools to address program needs. The joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 118-42 directed
BJA to submit a report, within 180 days of the enactment of
that law, on the establishment of a National Center for
Veterans Justice, designed to continuously enhance coordination
of data, best practices, original research, and technical
assistance to further evidence-based practices for justice-
involved veteran interventions. The Committee appreciates the
submission of this report and provides $5,000,000 for the
establishment of the Center. The Committee directs BJA to
provide a briefing on the establishment of the Center within 30
days of the enactment of this act, and to coordinate with the
Veterans Justice Commission on the structure, staffing,
programming, and funding of the Center.
BJA is encouraged to prioritize VTC grants to rural and
low-income areas with high rates of substance abuse and veteran
homelessness. BJA is directed to submit a report, within 90
days of the enactment of this act, detailing the geographic
distribution of applicants, award recipients, and award funding
levels, over fiscal years 2019 to 2025.
Keep Young Athletes Safe Act.--The Committee again provides
funding of $2,500,000 for a competitive grant program to
safeguard young athletes against abuse in sports, including
emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The Committee directs
that funding be prioritized for curriculum development and
training for abuse prevention education in youth athletic
programs and for investigation and resolution of sexual abuse
claims. The Committee further directs that the Department
explore opportunities for supporting an athlete survivor
leadership network to better incorporate survivors' lived
experiences are incorporated as part of new curriculum,
training materials, and technical assistance, including a
better understanding of how and when to report. Any
recommendations regarding youth athletes stemming from the work
and reporting by the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics
and Paralympics shall be incorporated into this program.
Justice Reinvestment Initiative [JRI].--The Committee
provides $32,000,000 for the JRI, which provides assistance to
States to identify local issues arising in criminal justice
systems and to develop data-driven and research-backed
responses. Jurisdictions may use the JRI to reduce recidivism;
control the size of corrections populations, either
incarcerated or on community supervision; reduce crime; and
create budgetary solutions to better balance correctional costs
within a State's budget. Justice reinvestment is used to
implement data-driven strategies to improve public safety by
reducing corrections spending and reinvesting those savings in
efforts to decrease crime and strengthen neighborhoods. Funding
may be used to provide technical assistance to States with
existing justice reinvestment programs to further such
programs; provide technical assistance to additional States to
expand the justice reinvestment initiative to those
jurisdictions; or provide funding to States with existing
justice reinvestment initiatives to expand or enhance the
State's self-identified justice reinvestment initiative goals.
Justice reinvestment funds shall not be restricted by Federal
agencies for use on specific programs or policy initiatives,
and States shall be permitted to establish their own priorities
within the justice reinvestment framework.
Addressing Hate Crimes.--The Committee provides a total of
$35,000,000 to address hate crimes in our communities. Of this
amount, $17,000,000 is for Hate Crime Prevention Act grants
authorized under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate
Crimes Prevention Act (section 4704 of Public Law 111-84). The
Committee continues to urge the Department and grant recipients
to prioritize efforts to identify, investigate, report on, and
prevent hate crimes that occur online or are related to bias-
motivated harassment and criminal activity occurring online.
The Committee also provides $9,000,000 for grants authorized
under the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Crime Act, and $9,000,000 for
grants provided under the Community-Based Approaches to
Advancing Justice program.
Community-Based Approaches to Advancing Justice.--The
Committee recognizes the importance of community-based
organizations in conflict resolution and empowering communities
to combat hate crimes and incidents, as Congress has directed
for the last two fiscal years. These organizations provide
direct assistance to targeted communities, train individuals on
techniques to de-escalate dangerous situations, and provide
timely statistical information on hate crimes to their
communities. The Committee continues to provide funding for
grants to these organizations to advance justice within their
communities.
Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative
[CVIPI].--The Committee strongly supports continued funding for
CVIPI, a proven, evidence-based strategy that reduces violence
and saves lives. A total of $105,000,000 is provided for CVIPI
in fiscal year 2026. This includes $50,000,000 from the BSCA
and $55,000,000 in this act. This grant program supports
communities in developing comprehensive, evidence-based
violence intervention and prevention programs, including
efforts to address gang and gun violence, based on partnerships
between community residents, law enforcement, local government
agencies, and other community stakeholders. Awards should be
prioritized for communities with the highest number of
homicides and the highest number of homicides per capita. The
Committee directs OJP to prioritize that these grants be made
to community-based violence intervention programs to the
fullest extent possible and also track and publish information
on this funding, including the number of awards made and a
description of the use of funding for each project and the
number of grant applications received.
The Committee recognizes the importance of also providing
effective training for law enforcement to advance public safety
using community violence intervention initiatives. The
Committee encourages OJP to develop a grant opportunity for an
accredited research university that has demonstrated it can
deliver two evidence-based complementary educational programs
that address both the needs of next generation community
violence intervention leaders and law enforcement.
Human Trafficking Victim Services.--The Committee
recognizes the critical importance of continued robust Federal
support for life-saving victim services for sex and labor
trafficking survivors. Federally funded victim services
stabilize and encourage survivors to report trafficking crimes
and to participate as effective witnesses in related
investigations and prosecutions. The Committee remains
committed to ensuring adequate Federal resources are available
to support victims of human trafficking, regardless of
immigration status, as authorized under the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act (22 U.S.C. 7105(b)(1)(B)(i)). Therefore, the
Committee directs DOJ to provide uninterrupted Federal
resources for comprehensive services for human trafficking
survivors.
Byrne Discretionary Grants.--The Committee provides
$152,146,000 for Byrne discretionary grants to prevent crime,
improve the criminal justice system, provide victim services,
and other related activities. The Committee directs OJP to
provide the funding for the projects listed in the table
titled, ``Congressionally Directed Spending'' at the end of
this report in the corresponding amounts.
JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $375,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 380,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $380,000,000 for
juvenile justice programs. The recommendation is $5,000,000
above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The Committee strongly supports a comprehensive approach of
substantial funding for a robust portfolio of programs that
work to improve the lives of the youth in our communities.
Title II State Formula and Title V Juvenile Delinquency
Prevention grants are the backbone of programs assisting State
and local agencies in preventing juvenile delinquency and
ensuring that youth who are in contact with the juvenile
justice system are treated fairly. Combined with other critical
programs like youth mentoring, the Committee believes that a
balanced level of programming is the way to best help at-risk
and vulnerable youth and their families.
The Committee encourages OJJDP to review its suite of grant
programs in order to offer services and programs for children
and youth who have experienced complex trauma.
The Committee's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part B--State Formula Grants......................... 65,000
Emergency Planning-Juvenile Detention Facilities. 500
Youth Mentoring Grants............................... 105,000
Title V--Delinquency Prevention Incentive Grants..... 55,000
Prevention of Trafficking of Girls............... 4,000
Tribal Youth..................................... 16,000
Girls in the Justice System...................... 4,500
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative................. 10,500
Children Exposed to Violence..................... 9,000
Arts in Juvenile Justice......................... 2,000
Victims of Child Abuse Programs...................... 43,000
Missing & Exploited Children Programs................ 105,000
Training for Judicial Personnel...................... 4,500
Juvenile Indigent Defense............................ 2,500
------------------
TOTAL, Juvenile Justice........................ 380,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any deviation from the above table is subject to the
reprogramming requirements of section 505 of this act.
Victims of Child Abuse Act.--The Committee's recommendation
provides $43,000,000 for the various programs authorized under
the Victims of Child Abuse Act (Public Law 101-647) and directs
OJJDP to ensure that not less than 90 percent of the grants
awarded are for the purposes of developing and maintaining
child advocacy centers [CAC], including training and
accreditation. The Committee further directs OJJDP to ensure
the funds intended to support local CACs are used efficiently
with the highest percentage possible of Federal funding
expended for local CAC organizational capacity, which is
essential for the effective support of implementing the
multidisciplinary response to child abuse investigation,
prosecution, and intervention services.
The Committee continues to support efforts by CACs to use
their unique model and expertise to help military installations
address cases of child abuse, and again provides $1,000,000
from within the funds provided to continue to support a pilot
project to identify, develop, and operationalize best
practices. As this effort has been funded since fiscal year
2017, the Committee directs OJJDP to report on the status of
this pilot, including the locations of CACs and military
installations working together, the number of children served
through these partnerships, and lessons learned from this pilot
program.
The Committee further directs OJJDP to coordinate with the
Department of Defense on the implementation of recommendations
made in GAO's report on ``Increased Guidance and Collaboration
Needed to Improve DoD's Tracking and Response to Child Abuse''
(GAO-20-110), including national agreements between CACs and
each military service.
Youth Mentoring Grants.--To support the critical work of
national, regional, and local organizations in nurturing and
mentoring at-risk children and youth, the Committee recommends
$105,000,000 for competitive, peer-reviewed youth mentoring
grants, of which $16,500,000 is for helping youth impacted by
substance abuse, including opioids and methamphetamine. The
Committee expects that the OJJDP will take all steps necessary
to ensure fairness and objectivity in the award of these and
future competitive grants. The Committee expects OJP to
maintain OJJDP's expanded eligibility for local mentoring
programs, particularly in rural areas, unaffiliated with
national mentoring organizations. The Committee further expects
OJP and OJJDP to collaborate with mentoring stakeholders to
expand youth mentoring services in rural areas inordinately
affected by substance abuse, particularly heroin and opioids,
and that are considered at-risk.
Arts in Juvenile Justice.--Of the funds provided for Title
V Juvenile Delinquency Prevention, $2,000,000 shall be directed
to the Arts in the Juvenile Justice Demonstration Program as
described in fiscal year 2025. The Committee encourages OJJDP
to prioritize applications with arts partners who have prior
experience in serving youth who are engaged, or at risk of
engaging, in the juvenile justice system as well as
partnerships developed through authentic collaboration with
young people who have lived expertise or experience. The
Committee directs OJJDP to provide a report, not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of this act, on the use of
funds, grant recipients, and project purposes for fiscal year
2025 as well as plans for fiscal year 2026 funds including
expansion of the program and creation of best practices to
replicate these kinds of partnerships.
Girls in the Juvenile Justice System.--Girls in the United
States with a history of sexual and physical abuse, school
failure, substance dependency, and involvement in the welfare
system, and who live in impoverished communities or are
experiencing homelessness, face unique and complex risks. The
Committee provides $4,500,000 for the ``Girls in the Justice
System'' grant program, which will enable organizations,
including nonprofit entities, with a successful track record of
administering prevention and early intervention programs for
girls who are most likely to end up in the juvenile justice
system, at a local or State level, to replicate these programs
at a national level. Funding for this program will further
support prevention and early intervention strategies and
curricula throughout the country, and place vulnerable girls on
a path toward success, stability, and long-term contribution to
society.
Children Exposed to Violence.--According to DOJ, nearly
two-thirds of children in the United States have been exposed
to violence, which can impact development, health, and
educational outcomes, and perpetuate the cycle of violence and
substance misuse. The Committee provides $9,000,000 for grants
to help children exposed to violence through direct supportive
services for them and their families; training and capacity
building for communities to build sustainable partnerships to
prevent and help children cope with exposure; State and local
policy reform to heal from trauma through supportive services
for the children and their families; training and awareness-
raising for communities on how to prevent and help children
heal from violence; State and policy reform; and technical
assistance for child and family-serving systems and
organizations to help them better recognize and help families
at risk for violence.
Missing and Exploited Children Programs.--The Committee
recommends $105,000,000 for OJJDP's Missing and Exploited
Children Programs in order to support law enforcement agencies
and other national organizations that report and investigate
missing children cases and also investigate those who exploit
children both with and without an online nexus. The Committee
directs OJP to provide a plan for the use of these funds as
part of the Department's spending plan for fiscal year 2026,
which shall include investments in authorized national programs
that serve as a resource center and clearinghouse on missing
and exploited children, task force grants, and administrative
costs for the Internet Crimes Against Children [ICAC] program.
The Committee directs OJJDP to continue to ensure that all
grantees report regularly on these programs.
Within funds provided, the Committee directs that the
Missing and Exploited Children programs, including the
requirements of 34 U.S.C. 11293(b) and the AMBER Alert program,
are to be funded at no less than the fiscal year 2025 enacted
levels. The Committee continues to recognize the diverse and
unique challenges, identified in the report to Congress
directed by the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act
(Public Law 115-166), for the integration of State AMBER Alert
communications plans and Tribal systems. Of the funds provided
for AMBER Alert activities, $1,000,000 shall be directed to
addressing State/Tribal integration consistent with the
findings of the report directed by Public Law 115-166.
The Committee addressed the increased tips of online child
sexual exploitation and abuse reported to the National Center
for Missing and Exploited Children's [NCMEC] CyberTipline in
Senate Report 116-127, as adopted by Public Law 116-93, and
continues the direction that OJJDP continue to provide for the
development of IT solutions to address both duplicative tips
and law enforcement deconfliction, so as to ensure that only
high-quality information is being provided to law enforcement
agencies, including ICAC task forces.
The Committee directs that within the funds provided,
$3,000,000 be for a competitive grant award program to increase
the technological investigative capacity, and associated
training of law enforcement, to support the development,
refinement, and advancement of widely used investigative tools,
methods, and technologies that address child sexual abuse
material [CSAM], exploitation, and sex trafficking, as
previously directed in fiscal years 2018 through 2024. The
Committee also directs that OJJDP expand efforts to provide
advanced skills training for ICAC officers.
Advanced ICAC Skills Training.--The Committee directs that
within the funds provided, no less than $1,000,000 be provided
to maintain, strengthen, and enhance the ICAC Child Online
Protection System [ICACCOPS] investigative tools that address
CSAM, exploitation, and sex trafficking. The funding provided
will significantly upgrade hardware, software, and other
critical infrastructure components. These upgrades will
increase investigative capacity and effectiveness to keep pace
with the evolving threat of technology-facilitated child sexual
exploitation and abuse. The Committee directs OJJDP to identify
and provide a report on specific, long-term objectives
associated with this funding within 90 days of enactment of
this act.
The Committee also directs the Department to prioritize
expanded training on and use of the ICACCOPS program across
Federal, State, local, Tribal, and military law enforcement
agencies. The Committee further directs the Department to
coordinate with the Department of Defense on the implementation
of section 550D of Public Law 116-92.
Statute of Limitations.--The Committee is aware that
statutes of limitation laws have prevented survivors of child
sexual abuse, child exploitation, and child sex trafficking
from seeking justice when their trauma causes them to delay
disclosure of their abuse until later in life. The Department
is encouraged to explore ways of supporting and encouraging
States to review, pursue and revise, or continue reviewing,
pursuing and revising, civil and criminal statutes of
limitations laws and avenues for reviving time-barred civil
claims for child sexual abuse, child exploitation, and child
sex trafficking for adults who were a child at the time of the
sexual abuse claim in question.
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS BENEFITS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $274,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 236,800,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $236,800,000 for
public safety officers benefits. The recommendation is
$38,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. The
recommendation reflects a reduction of $38,000,000 in the
Congressional Budget Office's estimate of the payments for
death benefits, which are scored as mandatory. This program
provides a one-time death benefit payment to eligible survivors
of Federal, State, and local public safety officers whose death
was the direct and proximate result of a traumatic injury
sustained in the line of duty or certain eligible heart attacks
or strokes. Within funds provided, $202,000,000 is for death
benefits for survivors.
The Committee also recommends $34,800,000, as requested,
for disability benefits for injured officers and education
benefits for the families of officers who have been permanently
disabled or killed in the line of duty.
Community Oriented Policing Services
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES PROGRAMS
INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $417,168,839
Committee recommendation................................ 500,167,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $500,167,000 for
community oriented policing services. The recommendation is
$82,998,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The Committee's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COPS Hiring Grants................................... 206,000
Tribal Resources Grant Program................... 34,000
Regional Information Sharing Activities.......... 44,000
Tribal Access Program............................ 4,000
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act... 10,000
Collaborative Reform Model....................... 7,500
POLICE Act........................................... 12,000
Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces..................... 16,000
Anti-Heroin Task Forces.............................. 35,000
STOP School Violence Act............................. 53,000
Community Policing Development....................... 25,000
Law Enforcement Officer De-Escalation................ 20,000
COPS Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment 133,167
Projects............................................
------------------
TOTAL, Community Oriented Policing Services.... 367,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any deviations from the above table are subject to the
reprogramming requirements of section 505 of this act.
COPS Hiring Program.--The Committee recommends $206,000,000
for COPS Hiring grants to help State, local, or Tribal law
enforcement agencies create and preserve police officer
positions and to increase community policing capacity and crime
prevention efforts. Hiring grants will have an award cap of
$125,000 and require grantees to provide a 25 percent local
match. The Committee encourages the COPS Office to focus on
efforts to train and increase the capacity of law enforcement
agencies, executives, and managers serving rural communities to
enhance the use of community policing practices and innovations
in policing to expand the effectiveness of limited resources.
Tribal Access Program.--The Committee directs the COPS
Office to provide a briefing, within 30 days of enactment of
this act, on participation levels in the Tribal Access Program,
as well as its auditing and compliance review processes.
Additional Technical Assistance.--The Committee urges the
COPS Office to provide increased technical assistance to
applicants who have not previously received COPS grants or
otherwise indicate that they are newly establishing community-
oriented policing programs.
Grants for Small and Rural Communities.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the COPS Office in helping to
staff and equip State, local, and Tribal law enforcement
officers. However, the Committee is concerned about the
administrative difficulties faced by small and understaffed
departments, especially in rural communities, when applying for
Federal grants. The Committee directs the Department to review
and improve the application requirements for COPS Hiring Grants
and other COPS Office grants so that more small and
understaffed departments can apply for and utilize the funding.
The Committee directs the COPS Office to submit a report, with
180 days of the enactment of this act, assessing these efforts
and describing the actions it has taken.
Addressing Racial, Ethnic, and Demographic Gaps in Law
Enforcement.--The Committee is concerned about racial, ethnic,
and demographic gaps in law enforcement agencies. In fiscal
year 2024, the Committee directed the COPS Hiring Program to
give additional consideration to applicants that commit to
recruiting officers from the communities in which they will
serve. The Committee continues to support this effort.
Community Policing Development, Training and Technical
Assistance.--The Community Policing Development [CPD] program
assists State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies with
the implementation of community policing strategies. Programs
funded by CPD provide guidance on promising practices, develop
and test innovative strategies, build knowledge about effective
practices and outcomes, and support new, creative approaches to
preventing crime and promoting safe communities. The Committee
provides $25,000,000 for CPD.
De-escalation Training.--The Committee provides $20,000,000
for de-escalation training programs and implementation of the
Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act (Public Law 117-
325). The Committee directs the COPS Office to submit a report,
within 60 days of the date of enactment of this act, describing
initial implementation of that act in fiscal year 2024, program
changes contemplated for fiscal year 2026, and resources
requirements for continued implementation in fiscal year 2027.
Collaborative Reform Model.--The Committee provides
$7,500,000 for the continuation of the Collaborative Reform
Model, which assists local law enforcement agencies to identify
problems and develop solutions to some of the most critical
issues facing law enforcement today, such as use of force, fair
and impartial policing, and improved accountability. Grant
funding is to only be used to assist law enforcement agencies
that choose to engage in the collaborative reform process with
the Department.
Regional Information Sharing Systems [RISS] Program.--The
Committee provides $44,000,000 for the RISS Program, to be
administered through grants. The Committee directs that the
Department assess no more than 4 percent of the total
appropriation for the RISS program for management and
administration purposes, so as to ensure sufficient funding is
available for law enforcement.
Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces.--The Committee's
recommendation provides $16,000,000 for the COPS Office to make
competitive grants to law enforcement agencies in States with
high seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine,
laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. These funds shall
be utilized for investigative purposes to locate or investigate
illicit activities such as precursor diversion, laboratories,
or methamphetamine traffickers.
Anti-Heroin Task Forces.--The Committee reiterates concerns
over the dramatic rise of heroin use, deaths, and related crime
in the United States. The need for additional resources and
training to address these challenges is apparent, and the
Committee created the anti-heroin task force program within the
COPS Office in fiscal year 2015, continually providing funding
in succeeding fiscal years. The Committee provides $35,000,000
for the COPS Office to make competitive grants to law
enforcement agencies in States with high per capita levels of
primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, and other
opioids. These funds shall be utilized for drug enforcement,
including investigations and activities related to the
distribution of heroin or unlawful diversion and distribution
of prescription opioids, and for securing equipment commonly
used in opioid investigations. The Committee directs that
funding can be used for existing positions supported by prior
Anti-Heroin Task Force awards. Priority shall be given to drug
task forces managed and operated by the State that serve a
majority of counties in the State.
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Grants.--The
Committee strongly supports efforts to protect the mental
health and well-being of law enforcement officers.
Unfortunately, the stress of officers' work and stigma
associated with seeking assistance for emotional and mental
health issues has led to an increase in suicides for officers
across the country. To address this concern, $10,000,000 is
provided for Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act
Program grants which shall be distributed as a competitive
grant program for State and local law enforcement agencies to
provide better training on officer emotional and mental health,
implement suicide prevention programming, and help officers
seek assistance in receiving support services.
School Resource Officers.--The placement of law enforcement
officers in schools can promote school safety and reduce the
risk of violence, but may also carry a risk that these officers
could contribute to a ``school-to-prison pipeline'' process
where students are arrested or cited for minor, non-violent
behavioral violations and then sent to the juvenile court
system. This ultimately can lead to academic failure and
greater recidivism rates for these students, and wastes
community resources. The Committee directs that the COPS Office
continue to implement requirements and procedures regarding
written memoranda of understanding and training requirements,
including clear definitions of officers' roles and
responsibilities on campus, for any COPS Hiring grant funds
used to hire school-based law enforcement officers.
POLICE Act.--The COPS Office's Preparing for Active Shooter
Situations [PASS] program has supported training for more than
130,000 law enforcement first responders in a response protocol
adopted by the FBI as the National standard for special agent
tactical instructors. Many State and local police departments
have also adopted this response protocol as a standard for
active shooter response, ensuring law enforcement officers
arriving on the scene understand how others are trained to
respond. The Committee encourages the Department to ensure that
grants authorized under the POLICE Act may be made available
for primary schools, secondary schools, and college campuses,
and that such training is an integrated training with campus
police officers and local law enforcement. The Committee
further encourages the continued development of e-learning
resources to supplement in-person training.
COPS Law Enforcement Technology.--The Committee provides
$133,167,000 for grants for State, local, Tribal, territorial,
and other entities to develop and acquire effective equipment,
technologies, and interoperable communications that assist in
the prevention of and response to crime. The Committee directs
the COPS Office to ensure that all equipment funded under this
program meets the requirements of NIST's Office of Law
Enforcement Standards. The Committee directs the COPS Office to
provide the funding for the projects listed in the table
titled, ``Congressionally Directed Spending'' at the end of
this report in the corresponding amounts.
General Provisions-Department of Justice
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The Committee recommends the following general provisions:
Section 201 limits the amount of funding the Attorney
General can use for official reception and representation.
Section 202 prohibits the use of funds in this title to pay
for an abortion except where the life of the mother would be in
danger, or in the case of rape or incest.
Section 203 prohibits the use of funds in this title to
require a person to perform or facilitate an abortion.
Section 204 requires female prisoners to be escorted when
off prison grounds.
Section 205 allows the Department of Justice, subject to
the Committee's reprogramming procedures, to transfer up to 3
percent between appropriations, but limits to 6 percent the
amount that can be transferred into any one appropriation.
Section 206 limits the placement of maximum or high
security prisoners to appropriately secure facilities.
Section 207 restricts Federal prisoner access to certain
amenities.
Section 208 requires review by the Deputy Attorney General
and the Department's investigative review board prior to the
obligation or expenditure of funds for major technology
projects.
Section 209 requires the Department to follow reprogramming
procedures prior to any deviation from the program amounts
specified in this title or the reuse of specified deobligated
funds provided in previous years.
Section 210 prohibits the use of funds for OMB Circular A-
76 competitions for work performed by employees of the Bureau
of Prisons or of the Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated.
Section 211 prohibits U.S. Attorneys from simultaneously
holding multiple jobs outside of the scope of a U.S. Attorney's
professional duties.
Section 212 permits up to 2 percent of grant and
reimbursement program funds made available to the Office of
Justice Programs to be used for training and technical
assistance, and permits up to 2 percent of grant and
reimbursement program funds made available to that office to be
transferred to the National Institute of Justice or the Bureau
of Justice Statistics for criminal justice research and
statistics.
Section 213 gives the Attorney General the authority to
waive matching requirements for Second Chance Act adult and
juvenile reentry demonstration projects; State, Tribal and
local reentry courts; and drug treatment programs. If a waiver
is granted, the Attorney General shall document any factors and
material presented by a grantee upon determining that a fiscal
hardship exists prior to making an award.
Section 214 waives the requirement that the Attorney
General reserve certain funds from amounts provided for
offender incarceration.
Section 215 prohibits funds, other than funds for the
National instant criminal background check system established
under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, from being
used to facilitate the transfer of an operable firearm to a
known or suspected agent of a drug cartel where law enforcement
personnel do not continuously monitor or control such firearm.
Section 216 places limitations on the obligation of funds
from certain Department of Justice accounts and funding
sources.
Section 217 permits the Department of Justice to
participate in Performance Partnership Pilot collaboration
programs.
Section 218 requires reports on Departmental funds.
Section 219 prohibits funds from being used to conduct,
contract for, or otherwise support, live tissue training.
Section 220 is a provision regarding freedom of expression.
Section 221 is a provision regarding freedom of religion.
Section 222 is a new provision regarding communications
with the Committees on Appropriations.
Section 223 is a new provision regarding grants and other
assistance from the Department of Justice.
Section 224 is a new provision regarding Department of
Justice records.
TITLE III
SCIENCE
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $7,965,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,965,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $7,965,000 for the
Office of Science and Technology Policy [OSTP]. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
OSTP was created by the National Science and Technology
Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (Public Law
94-282) and coordinates science and technology policy for the
White House. OSTP provides scientific and technological
information, analyses, and advice for the President and the
executive branch; participates in the formulation,
coordination, and implementation of national and international
policies and programs that involve science and technology;
maintains and promotes the health and vitality of U.S. science
and technology infrastructure; reviews and analyzes, with the
Office of Management and Budget, the research and development
budgets for all Federal agencies; and coordinates research and
development efforts of the Federal Government to maximize the
return on the public's investment in science and technology and
to ensure Federal resources are used efficiently and
appropriately. The Committee expects OSTP to be at the
forefront of promoting American competitiveness through
scientific research and technology development.
Right to License and Copyright Articles.--Researchers
should have the right to choose how and where they publish or
communicate their research, and should not be forced to
disseminate their research in ways or under licenses that could
harm its integrity or lead to its modification without their
express consent. The Committee is concerned that in
implementing OSTP's August 2022 Memorandum to Executive
Departments and Agencies titled, ``Ensuring Free, Immediate,
and Equitable Access to federally Funded Research'' agencies
may be violating this principle. OSTP is encouraged to clarify
its guidance to agencies and instruct them not to limit grant
recipients' ability to copyright, freely license, or control
their works.
Sequencing RNA.--The Committee recognizes the release of
the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
report ``Charting a Future for Sequencing RNA and Its
Modifications'' in March 2024. The Committee notes that a
number of the report's recommendations will require a unified
strategy across the Federal Government to unlock the full
potential of RNA modifications and address pressing societal
challenges in health, agriculture, and beyond. The Committee
supports these efforts and directs OSTP to develop a
coordinated plan for the relevant Federal agencies to implement
the report's recommendations, which shall include collaborating
with industry and academic institutions, and to provide an
update as part of the fiscal year 2027 budget request.
Permanent Standard Time.--The Committee is aware of growing
interest in eliminating the twice-annual time change. The
Committee encourages OSTP to coordinate an assessment of the
impact of permanent standard time on agricultural practices,
human health, and economic productivity.
National Space Council
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,965,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,965,000
The Committee provides $1,965,000 for the National Space
Council. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
The National Space Council provides advice and assistance
to the President on national space policy and strategy. The
Council reviews U.S. Government space policy, including long-
range goals; develops strategies for national space activities;
and develops recommendations for the President on space policy
and space-related issues. The National Space Council's
additional roles are to monitor and coordinate implementation
of the Nation's objectives in space by executive departments
and agencies; foster close coordination, cooperation, and
technology and information exchange among the civil, national
security, and commercial space sectors; and facilitate
resolution of differences concerning major space and space-
related policy issues.
The Committee directs the National Space Council to provide
the Committee with quarterly briefings on its activities,
including its current assessment of current and emerging
threats to maintaining U.S. leadership in space-based
activities by the Federal Government, industry, and academia
and any associated plans and policies to maintain that
leadership.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $24,838,327,000
Committee recommendation................................ 24,899,679,000
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Science:
Earth Science................................... 2,166,000
Planetary Science............................... 2,551,800
Astrophysics.................................... 1,604,900
Heliophysics.................................... 887,300
Biological and Physical Science................. 90,000
-------------------
Total, Science................................ 7,300,000
===================
Aeronautics:........................................ 950,000
Space Technology:................................... 975,000
Exploration:........................................ 7,783,000
Space Operations:................................... 4,314,000
STEM Engagement:.................................... 148,000
Safety, Security and Mission Services:.............. 3,107,079
Construction and Environmental Compliance and 275,000
Restoration:.......................................
Office of Inspector General:........................ 47,600
-------------------
GRAND TOTAL, NASA............................. 24,899,679
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee's recommendation provides $24,899,679,000 for
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA]. The
recommendation is $61,352,000 above the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
NASA was established by the National Aeronautics and Space
Act of 1958 (Public Law 85-568) to conduct space and
aeronautical research and development and to conduct flight
activities for peaceful purposes. NASA's unique mission of
exploration, discovery, and innovation is intended to preserve
the United States' role as both a world leader in aviation and
as the pre-eminent space-faring nation. It is NASA's mission to
advance human and robotic exploration, use, and development of
space; advance and communicate scientific knowledge and
understanding of the Earth, the Moon, the solar system, and the
universe; and research, develop, verify, and transfer advanced
aeronautics and space technologies.
The bill continues investments in human spaceflight that
will enable travel to the Moon, and eventually Mars, with NASA-
developed crew and launch vehicles; build a Gateway, landers,
space suits, and other infrastructure for Moon landings; enable
the burgeoning domestic launch industry that is bringing cargo
and crew to the International Space Station and encouraging the
development of new destinations in low-Earth orbit [LEO]; and
support NASA's science and technology programs. These elements
should be viewed as complementary pieces of a balanced whole.
NASA is the American people's space agency. In advancing the
U.S. national interest, NASA should seek, to the extent
practicable, to retain public ownership of technologies,
scientific data, and discoveries made using public funds.
For Science, the Committee's recommendation strives to keep
NASA's near-term launches on track to continue progress in
exploring our solar system and the universe, understanding the
Sun, and observing our changing planet. The Committee expects
NASA to continue making progress on the recommendations of the
National Academies' decadal surveys, now and in the future.
For Exploration and Space Operations, the Committee's
recommendation maintains support for ongoing activities in LEO,
for the production of the vehicles that will take U.S.
astronauts to the Moon and Mars, and for the continued
development of systems that will enable human exploration of
space.
NASA is directed to continue providing the Committee with a
quarterly launch schedule, by mission, which describes the
risks associated with launch delays due to problems with the
launch vehicle, impacts of launch delays to other missions in
the launch queue, and a budget estimate of the anticipated
carrying costs for missed launch windows. Due to disruption of
NASA activities and missions, NASA shall also include any
adjustments to launch windows for delayed missions. This launch
schedule should also be made available for the public on the
NASA website.
The Committee urges NASA to enhance oversight and
accountability, as its acquisition management remains on GAO's
High Risk List. To achieve its ambitious science and
exploration goals, NASA must address cost growth and schedule
delays by prioritizing adequate early funding for technology
development and project management. NASA is directed to
cooperate fully with GAO, providing timely program data for
reports to Congress after the annual budget submission and
semiannually thereafter. NASA shall also promptly address GAO
recommendations to mitigate performance delays and cost
overruns.
The Committee understands that NASA projects undergo major
reviews in addition to regular oversight throughout the year.
When one of these reviews results in changing the cost profile
of a project in the current or budget request year, the
Committee expects to be informed in a timely fashion so that
its actions can consider the most recent NASA analysis and
expectation.
The Federal funding priorities for NASA set forth in this
bill and explanatory statement should not be interpreted as
suggestions. They are equivalent to any statutory requirement
levied upon NASA in this act. The Committee articulates the
funding levels of programs, where appropriate, in the form of
tables and, if necessary, supplements with explanatory
statement language.
SCIENCE
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $7,334,200,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,300,000,000
SCIENCE
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earth Science........................................ 2,166,000
Earth System Observatory Missions................ 245,000
Venture Class Missions........................... 200,400
Planetary Science.................................... 2,551,800
NEO Surveryor.................................... 300,000
DAVINCI.......................................... 99,000
VERITAS.......................................... 36,100
Dragonfly........................................ 500,000
Astrophysics......................................... 1,604,900
Hubble Space Telescope........................... 98,300
JWST............................................. 208,000
Laser Interferometer Space Antennna.............. 80,500
Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope................ 300,000
Habitable Worlds Observatory..................... 150,000
Heliophysics......................................... 887,300
Geospace Dynamics Constellation.................. 100,000
HelioSwarm....................................... 109,500
Biological and Physical Sciences..................... 90,000
------------------
Grand Total, Science........................... 7,300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee provides $7,300,000,000 for Science, which is
$34,200,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. The
Science account encompasses: Earth Science, Planetary Science,
Astrophysics, Heliophysics, and Biological and Physical
Science. This funding supports NASA programs that seek to
answer fundamental questions concerning the ways in which Earth
is changing; the comparison of Earth with other planets in the
solar system and around other stars; the connections between
the Sun and Earth; and the origin and evolution of planetary
systems, the galaxy, and the universe, including the origin and
distribution of life in the universe. These objectives are
assisted by input from the scientific community through decadal
surveys and are achieved through orbital and suborbital
experiments, robotic flight missions, ground-based scientific
research and data analysis, and the development of new
technologies for future missions. NASA shall continue its
progress toward implementing the recommendations of decadal
surveys in Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science,
Astrophysics, and Biological and Physical Sciences.
The Committee rejects the mission terminations proposed in
the fiscal year 2026 budget request for Earth Science,
Planetary Science, Astrophysics, and Heliophysics. The
Committee is concerned by the plan to end 55 missions across
Science, which was driven by budget pressure rather than
scientific value. The operating missions that are providing
valuable scientific data should undergo the Senior Review
process. Meanwhile, missions that are at the end of development
and have been confirmed should proceed to launch at the
earliest possible date. The Committee is open to collaborating
with NASA to implement Senior Review findings. However, mission
cancellations without clear justifications may hinder
scientific progress and U.S. leadership in space.
Further, the Committee affirms the importance of NASA
upholding its commitments to our international partners and
expects future budget requests to sustain funding to fulfill
these commitments, including for missions such as Laser
Interferometer Space Antenna and Rosalind Franklin ExoMars
Rover.
Life Cycle Costs.--The Committee agrees that NASA ought to
strictly control development costs of NASA missions. However,
the Committee notes that it generally regards the development
costs as occurring through Phase D and not into Phase E.
Operation of NASA missions far beyond their originally planned
life is something to celebrate, and NASA's Senior Review
process ensures that agency operations funds are spent on
scientifically productive missions.
Earth Science.--The Committee recommendation provides
$200,400,000 for Earth Venture Class Missions to support
missions under development while maintaining the cadence of
future missions. Consistent with the National Academies'
Decadal Survey for Earth Science and Applications from Space,
the Committee acknowledges the vital role of the Venture Class
Missions program in supporting the development of novel remote
sensing technologies and sustaining the scientific workforce.
Further, the Committee supports the competition selection of
Earth System Explorers for implementation.
The Committee notes that NASA supports airborne science
platforms for observing stratospheric conditions and the
Earth's radiation budget, including the impact of the
introduction of material into the stratosphere from changes in
natural systems, increased air and space traffic, and solar
radiation modification, and for calibrating and enhancing the
value of NASA's satellite and Earth Sciences programs. Further,
Earth Science missions could help to understand the efficacy of
carbon dioxide removal proposals, including to track carbon
stocks and carbon cycling in aboveground biomass and coastal
marine ecosystems.
Geosynchronous Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer
[GLIMR].--The Committee provides $7,000,000 to complete GLIMR
instrument delivery and mission requirements and directs NASA
to work with the commercial space industry to secure launch
services for the mission for a launch not later than the end of
fiscal year 2027.
Landsat Next.--The Committee recognizes the critical
importance of the Landsat program in providing continuous,
high-quality, and accessible Earth observation data for
scientific research, environmental monitoring, resource
management, and disaster response. The committee provides
$183,000,000 for the Landsat Next Mission and encourages NASA
to maintain the current superspectral three-satellite
constellation architecture, with a launch target by the end of
2031, to ensure uninterrupted continuity of the Landsat data
record.
Earth System Observatory.--The Committee underscores the
importance of addressing the high-priority Earth observation
needs outlined in the decadal survey, together with our
international partners. Therefore, the Committee rejects the
proposed termination of the Earth System Observatory missions
and supports NASA recompeting these as cost-capped missions.
Earth System Modeling.--As part of NASA's Earth system
modeling efforts, the Goddard Institute for Space Studies
[GISS] plays a critical role in advancing Federal research. Its
contributions have enhanced our understanding of historical
climate patterns, supported assessments of current water
resources and food security, and improved predictions of
extreme weather events. These models provide substantial value
to taxpayers by delivering reliable, long-term data that inform
decision-making across key sectors such as agriculture, energy,
infrastructure, and parametric insurance-strengthening
resilience, promoting economic stability, and improving risk
management.
To sustain these capabilities, the Committee provides no
less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for earth system
modeling, including GISS. Not later than 120 days after
enactment of this act, NASA shall submit to the Committees a
comprehensive plan for establishing the Integrated Earth System
Modeling Institute, that will leverage expertise across all
NASA centers, including GISS, to ensure continued modeling
excellence, efficient use of resources, and delivery of
actionable insights.
Cryospheric Science.--The Committee encourages NASA to
strengthen its commitment to cryospheric sciences through
sustained support for ongoing missions, such as NASA-ISRO
Synthetic Aperture Radar [NISAR] and Ice, Cloud, and Land
Elevation Satellite-2 [ICESat-2], and by advancing the
development of future missions critical to understanding polar
dynamics, including the Surface Deformation and Change [SDC]
mission. Additionally, the Committee recommends that the
National Academies initiate studies for potential cryospheric
science missions to be included in the upcoming Decadal Survey
for Earth Science, such as a successor to ICESat-2, which is
approaching the end of its observational phase.
Terra, Aqua, and Aura.--The Committee recognizes that the
2023 Senior Review for Operating Missions makes clear that the
Terra, Aqua, and Aura missions provide irreplaceable data to
the scientific community and that each spacecraft is nearing
the end of its design life. The Committee rejects the proposed
termination of these missions, provides not less than the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level, and directs NASA to continue
operating them as long as they maintain scientific
productivity. In addition, not later than 120 days after
enactment of this act, NASA shall provide the Committee a
transition plan to ensure the continuity of data between the
Terra, Aqua, and Aura missions and successor missions or
follow-on data sources for instruments, including a replacement
for the Microwave Limb Sounder.
Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition [CSDA].--The CSDA
program identifies, evaluates, and acquires data from
commercial sources to support NASA's Earth Science research and
application goals. The Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for CSDA and encourages NASA to
maximize the acquisition of commercial data sets for the
scientific research and applications community, including
through on-demand tasking of various data types, quantities,
and qualities to meet research requirements.
Planetary Science.--The Committee is increasingly concerned
over the delays in announcements of opportunities in the New
Frontiers and Discovery programs and the NASA directed delays
on launches for missions in these programs. The objective of
these programs was to provide regular access to space for the
planetary science community for top priorities from the
Planetary decadal survey in the case of the New Frontiers
program or more innovative, high-value science from Discovery
class missions. The Committee is concerned about the expected
reductions to the scientific community and workforce due to the
irregular pace of missions in these programs, which threaten
U.S. leadership and innovation in these fields. The Committee
directs NASA to issue the Announcement of Opportunity for the
fifth New Frontiers mission and the next Discovery mission no
later than early 2026 and to return to the launch cadence
envisioned for these programs of a New Frontiers launch every 5
years and a Discovery mission launch every 3 years.
High End Computing Capability.--The Committee accepts the
proposal to consolidate NASA's High End Computing Capability
within Planetary Science. As a result, the recommendation
transfers $50,000,000 from Earth Science Research to Planetary
Science Research. In addition, the Committee supports the
integration of AI capability into NASA's existing High End
Computing program and recognizes that this capability will
likely lead to increased demand for computing resources.
Additional computing resources may be necessary to enhance
support for emerging technologies and workflows and ensure
NASA's leadership in scientific and technological innovation
and, if appropriate, the Committee expects NASA to request
additional resources as part of the fiscal year 2027 budget
request.
Planetary Defense.--The Committee recommendation includes
$341,000,000 for planetary defense. The Committee
recommendation supports funding for Near Earth Object
Observations, which makes critical observations of Near Earth
Objects and potentially hazardous asteroids, and provides not
less than $300,000,000 for the Near Earth Object Surveyor
Mission [NEOSM] to maintain a 2028 launch date.
Not later than 180 days after enactment of this act, NASA
shall provide the Committee with a plan for development and
design of rapid reconnaissance mission technologies for Near
Earth Object characterization as well as deflection and/or
disruption mission technologies for mitigation, including
required missions, to fulfill the goals of the National Academy
of Sciences' 2022 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal
Survey titled ``Origins, Worlds, and Life''.
Lunar Discovery and Exploration.--The recommendation
includes $201,200,000 for Lunar Discovery and Exploration,
including $22,200,000 to continue the Lunar Reconnaissance
Orbiter.
Commercial Lunar Payload Services [CLPS].--The Committee
approves the proposed transfer of the CLPS program from Science
Mission Directorate to Exploration Systems Development Mission
Directorate, and further direction is included within
Exploration.
Venus Missions.--The Committee directs NASA to continue
formulation of the Deep Atmospheric Venus Investigation of
Noble Gases, Chemistry and Imaging [DAVINCI] and the Venus
Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy
[VERITAS] missions and provides not less than $99,000,000 and
$36,100,000, respectively, for these purposes. In addition, the
Committee provides $68,900,000 to continue development of the
Venus Synthetic Aperture Radar [VenSAR] instrument as NASA's
contribution to the EnVision mission.
New Frontiers.--The Committee recommendation includes
$570,000,000 for New Frontiers, including $500,000,000 for the
Dragonfly mission to ensure a launch readiness date of no later
than 2028.
Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification,
and Security-Apophis Explorer [OSIRIS-APEX].--The Committee
notes the unique opportunity for NASA to observe the asteroid
Apophis during its close approach to the Earth in 2029 and the
importance of the OSIRIS-APEX mission. Therefore, the Committee
provides not less than $19,900,000 for the mission.
New Horizons.--The Committee notes that New Horizons is the
only NASA mission flying in the most distant portion of our
solar system, the Kuiper Belt. The Committee provides
$15,000,000 to continue scientific observations and maintain
extended operations.
Juno.--The Committee acknowledges the outstanding
scientific contributions of NASA's Juno mission that have
advanced our understanding of solar system formation. The
Committee supports sustained operations for high-performing
missions in extended phases and provides not less than
$27,200,000 million for Juno.
Mars Missions.--The Committee rejects the proposed
termination of the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution
Orbiter [MAVEN], the Mars Odyssey Orbiter, and the Mars Express
and supports continued operations for these missions. In
addition, the Committee provides not less than $73,900,000 for
NASA's contribution to the Rosalind Franklin ExoMars Rover.
The Committee provides up to the request level of
$110,000,000 for Mars Future Missions to establish a regular
cadence of science-driven, lower-cost mission and hosted
instrument opportunities that allow for rapid response to
discoveries.
Uranus Orbiter and Probe.--In order to advance the
recommendations of the Planetary Science Decadal Survey, the
Committee provides $10,000,000 for formulation of the Uranus
Orbiter and Probe mission.
Astrophysics.--The Committee recommendation for
Astrophysics includes not less than $98,300,000 for the Hubble
Space Telescope, restoring grant funding for investigators and
maintaining current public outreach activities; not less than
$63,000,000 for the Chandra X-ray Observatory; and $80,500,000
for NASA's contribution to the Laser Interferometer Space
Antenna [LISA].
The Committee recognizes that both Hubble and Chandra
continue to make transformative discoveries and provide key
capabilities that augment and complement the James Webb Space
Telescope [JWST] and help secure U.S. leadership in space and
science but will eventually need to be decommissioned as their
capabilities degrade and resources are prioritized to other
observatories.
Astrophysics Research.--The Committee recognizes the role
of the Astrophysics Research program in supporting the
development of novel astrophysics observation technologies that
lay the foundation for future mission architectures.
Additionally, a strong research program maximizes the
scientific value of space-based missions by ensuring that the
data collected through such observations can continue to
provide new insights into the mechanisms behind cosmological
phenomena. The Committee also understands that supporting these
activities through extramural grant funding contributes to the
long-term viability of the U.S. astrophysics community. As
such, the Committee recommends $300,400,000 for Astrophysics
Research.
Science Mission Directorate Education.--The Committee
provides not less than $52,000,000 for education and outreach
efforts and supports the Astrophysics Division continuing to
administer this SMD-wide education funding. Not later than 30
days of enactment, NASA shall release a new call for proposals.
The Committee encourages SMD-funded investigators to be
directly involved in outreach and education efforts and support
citizen science. NASA should continue to prioritize funding for
ongoing education efforts linked directly to its science
missions.
James Webb Space Telescope.--The Committee provides
$208,000,000 for JWST, including $4,000,000 for a one-time cost
to refresh the technology for the JWST Mission Operations
Center. The Committee directs that no cuts will be made to
flight operations, observatory operations, observing modes, or
current public outreach activities.
Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.--The Committee strongly
supports the timely development and launch of the Nancy Grace
Roman Space Telescope and provides $300,000,000 for the
mission. Recognizing the telescope's transformative potential
to survey billions of galaxies, detect thousands of exoplanets,
and probe the universe's large-scale structure with a field of
view 100-times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, the
Committee encourages NASA to prioritize the completion of all
necessary integration, testing, and assembly processes to
enable a launch at the earliest feasible date.
Habitable Worlds Observatory.--The Committee supports the
Habitable Worlds Observatory as recommended by the Decadal
Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics, ``Pathways to Discovery
in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s'' [Astro2020]. In
order to cement continued American leadership in astronomy, the
Committee provides $150,000,000 for the Habitable Worlds
Observatory. The funding should be used to increase the
technical readiness level of the coronagraph, ultra-stable
segmented telescope, and astrophysics instrument subsystems;
finalize architectures; construct hardware testbeds; and begin
development of the observatory with a target launch date in the
mid to late 2030s. In addition, the Committee directs NASA to
establish the Habitable Worlds Observatory Project Office at
Goddard Space Flight Center to leverage existing expertise in
astrophysics and segmented mirror technology.
Astrophysics Explorer.--The Committee is encouraged by
NASA's commitment to accelerate the cadence of Astrophysics
Explorer missions and to continue a new line of small Pioneer-
class missions that leverage advancements in low-cost platforms
such as CubeSats and balloons to support groundbreaking
science. Such activities can improve scientific understanding
while simultaneously developing the scientific workforce
through increased research opportunities for students and
faculty. Therefore, the Committee provides $230,700,000 for the
Astrophysics Explorer program to meet these needs.
Heliophysics.--The Committee provides $887,300,000 for
Heliophysics and recognizes that a greater understanding of our
Sun and the accompanying technologies developed for that
purpose will help to mitigate the hazards that solar activity
poses to ground- and space-based platforms that strengthen our
National security, economic competitiveness, and scientific
prowess. The Committee also notes that the priorities outlined
below are guided by the recommendations of the National
Academies' 2024 Decadal Survey for Solar and Space Physics
[Heliophysics], ``The Next Decade of Discovery in Solar and
Space Physics'' and is supportive of NASA's collaboration with
external stakeholders to foster scientific consensus on future
directions.
Within the amount for Heliophysics, the recommendation
includes: $247,800,000 for Heliophysics Research; $207,700,000
for Living with a Star [LWS], including not less than
$25,000,000 for the Parker Solar Probe operations; and
$288,400,000 for Heliophysics Explorer, including $109,500,000
for HelioSwarm. The Committee is increasingly concerned on the
lengthening windows between selections for the Heliophysics
Explorer program and the impacts this is having on the field
and expects NASA to maintain the cadence for the program.
Geospace Dynamics Constellation [GDC].--The Committee notes
that the GDC mission is a top priority of the two most recent
Heliophysics decadal surveys to improve understanding of the
variability of the space weather environment surrounding Earth.
The Committee is encouraged by NASA's efforts to reformulate
the GDC mission to address budgetary constraints while
preserving its core scientific objectives. To ensure the
mission's success, the Committee directs NASA to prioritize a
cost-effective, streamlined approach, leveraging commercial
partnerships, innovative spacecraft designs, and existing
technologies where feasible. Therefore, within LWS, the
recommendation provides $100,000,000 for the GDC mission with
the goal of achieving a trailblazer launch in 2027, followed by
subsequent launches. Not later than 90 days after the enactment
of this act, NASA shall provide the Committee with an updated
schedule and budget profile for GDC, including a plan to
incorporate the Dynamic Neutral Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling
[DYNAMIC] mission and/or science goals.
Solar Terrestrial Probe.--The recommendation includes
$85,900,000 for Solar Terrestrial Probe to support Interstellar
Mapping and Acceleration Probe [IMAP] operations and maintain
operations for other ongoing missions, including the
Magnetospheric Multiscale [MMS] mission at $26,000,000. The
Committee directs NASA to maintain operations and scientific
analysis for MMS at a level that will achieve the phase two
objective of night side reconnection events.
Space Weather.--In response to the National Space Weather
Strategy and Action Plan and the recommendations of the 2024
Heliophysics decadal survey, the Committee provides $47,500,000
for Space Weather. The Committee notes the relevance of NASA
Space Weather activities to safeguarding human health against
radiation during long-duration deep space exploration
activities. NASA should coordinate with NOAA, NSF, and the
Department of Defense to ensure that NASA is focused on
research and technology that enables other agencies to
dramatically improve their operational space weather assets and
the forecasts they generate using data from those assets,
including current and future ground-based telescopes and
instruments, such as the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope.
Biological and Physical Science.--Biological sciences are
integral to future crewed Moon, Mars, and long-duration Low
Earth Orbit [LEO] missions. The Committee directs NASA to
continue research into understanding the effects of living and
working in low- and micro-gravity environments on humans and
other living organisms. The recommendation provides $90,000,000
for Biological and Physical Science, including $4,000,000 to
continue the consortium established in the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-42). The consortium
shall continue to include academic institutions with
demonstrated expertise within the human health, animal, and
plant sciences.
The Committee supports NASA taking advantage of commercial
LEO uncrewed platform services as a cost-effective means to
further Biological and Physical Science. Not later than 90 days
after the enactment of this act, NASA shall provide the
Committee a report on how the agency can leverage commercial
LEO platforms to advance research and science objectives.
AERONAUTICS
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $935,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 950,000,000
The Committee provides $950,000,000 for Aeronautics, which
is $15,000,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. The
Aeronautics account funds research in key areas related to the
development of advanced aircraft technologies and systems,
including those related to aircraft safety, ultra-efficient
vehicles and fuel efficiency, hypersonics, and research that
supports the Next Generation Air Transportation System.
Advanced Materials Research.--The Committee encourages NASA
to ensure the global competitiveness of the U.S. aerospace
industry by continuing to leverage existing academic and
industry expertise to develop mature, affordable, high-rate
composite manufacturing and assembly technologies, enabling a
faster, more cost-effective production cycle for lightweight
airframe structures. To accelerate the development of critical
fuselage and wing concepts through technology and manufacturing
readiness, the Committee provides not less than $30,000,000 for
the High-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing [HiCAM] program.
The Committee recommends NASA partner with industry with
experience in high-rate, large-scale aerostructure design and
manufacturing to provide unique process development for large
hypersonic aerostructures and provides an additional
$15,000,000 to further develop and mature automation of high
temperature ceramic matrix composites for reusable commercial
hypersonics.
Advanced Propulsion Demonstrator.--The Committee continues
to support NASA's efforts to develop advanced propulsion
technologies including sustainable aviation fuels, the Subsonic
Flight Demonstrator project, the Electrified Powertrain Flight
Demonstrator [EPFD], and compact core. Considering the expected
product development timeline and global competition, the
Committee believes robust support is required to test and field
technologies for the next domestic narrow body aircraft.
Therefore, the Committee encourages Aeronautics to conduct an
open fan flight demonstration study.
Advanced Air Mobility [AAM] Systems.--The Committee
continues to support NASA's work on flight testing of
autonomous AAM vehicles in an integrated airspace that enables
beyond visual line of site flights in a controlled airspace.
The recommendation provides not less than the fiscal year 2024
enacted level for the Advanced Air Vehicles Program and the AAM
National Campaign, including up to $10,000,000 for the Air
Traffic Management-eXploration safe autonomous flight enabling
infrastructure.
SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,100,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 975,000,000
The Committee provides $975,000,000 for Space Technology,
which is $125,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The Space Technology Mission Directorate funds basic research
that can advance multi-purpose technologies to enable new
approaches to all of NASA's current missions. Space Technology
also includes funding for NASA's Small Business Innovative
Research [SBIR] and Small Business Technology Transfer
programs.
The Committee approves the proposed new budget structure
that features a realignment from legacy Technology Readiness
Level [TRL] based programs to functional domains [Programs]
that are capability focused.
The Committee remains supportive of numerous technologies
developed under the Space Technology Mission Directorate, which
promise significant benefits for NASA missions and the agency
as a whole. Key enabling technologies, including Solar Electric
Propulsion, Vertical Solar Array Technology, optical
communications, and artificial intelligence, will drive
critical capabilities for both robotic and human exploration
missions.
Innovative Nanomaterials.--The recommendation includes
$5,000,000 to advance large scale production and use of
innovative nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes and
carbon/carbon composites.
Nuclear Propulsion.--The Committee rejects the proposed
termination of the Nuclear Thermal Propulsion [NTP] and Nuclear
Electric Propulsion [NEP] programs and sustains support for
developing operational nuclear propulsion systems. The
Committee recommends no less than $110,000,000 for the
development, production, and demonstration of nuclear thermal
propulsion systems. Within these amounts, the Committee
encourages NASA to conduct nuclear fuels research, modeling,
simulation tools, reactor propulsion system testing, and space
nuclear workforce development at a university equipped for
material characterization of unirradiated and irradiated
nuclear fuels and operating a graphite-moderated experimental
test reactor.
The Committee directs NASA to submit a plan within 90 days
of enactment of this act outlining a development strategy for
NTP and NEP as well as a proposal to transition nuclear
propulsion activities from Space Technology to the Exploration
Systems Development Mission Directorate's Mars Campaign Office.
Fission Surface Power [FSP].--The Committee accepts the
proposed transfer of FSP to the Exploration Directorate.
Nuclear Propulsion Center of Excellence.--The Committee
provides $10,000,000 for NASA to establish a center of
excellence to advance nuclear propulsion research. The center
shall partner with academic institutions with demonstrated
expertise within the nuclear propulsion industry. NASA shall
establish the center of excellence in a State or region that
does not currently host a NASA facility and in a region that
has a large population of industry partners who are also
invested in nuclear propulsion research.
Flight Opportunities Program.--The recommendation provides
$30,000,000 for the Flight Opportunities Program. The funding
provided for this program may be used to support undergraduate
and graduate work in developing flight opportunities payloads.
Within the amount provided, $5,000,000 to support payload
development and flight of K-12 and collegiate educational
payloads.
Center for Robotics and Space Mobility.--The Committee
provides $10,000,000 to support the establishment of a Center
for Robotics and Space Mobility at the Goddard Space Flight
Center to advance space mobility, satellite servicing, in-orbit
manufacturing, and autonomous transport to include the removal
orbital debris. NASA shall submit a multi-year funding plan for
the Center not later than 180 days after enactment of this act,
outlining funding needs and opportunities for public-private
partnerships. NASA is encouraged to utilize long-standing
robotic expertise to intensify collaborations with the
Department of Defense, the intelligence community, and
commercial partners to enhance space capabilities and
accelerate advancements in space exploration and national
security.
On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing-1 [OSAM-
1].--The Committee directs NASA to delay any plans to dispose
of or dismantle OSAM-1 until after the Department of Defense
[DOD] has evaluated the feasibility of a potential transfer of
OSAM-1 to the U.S. Space Force or other interested DOD entities
and provided a report to Congress on the resources necessary
for such a transfer.
Orbital Debris Inspection Mission.--The Committee provides
$10,000,000 for the Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection
Capability mission to inspect orbital debris, in partnership
with the private sector, with a target launch before the end of
2026. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this act, NASA
shall provide the Committee with a plan to add docking with and
deorbit of orbital debris to the mission manifest, including
the estimated cost.
In-Space Manufacturing.--The Committee provides up to
$10,000,000 for NASA to continue partnering with industry
partners on a fabrication laboratory demonstration of
semiconductor, metal, and electronics manufacturing research in
space. The committee also provides up to $17,000,000 for the
Moon-to-Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology
Project [MMPACT] currently underway at Marshall Spaceflight
Center with plans for lunar surface demonstration as early as
2027.
Lunar Infrastructure Foundational Technologies [LIFT-1].--
The Committee supports NASA's investment, in collaboration with
industry, on innovative solutions to advance the Moon-to-Mars
initiatives, such as the LIFT-1 program. The Committee provides
$25,000,000 for LIFT-1 for a lunar surface technology
demonstration by 2028. The Committee encourages NASA to
consider viable, comprehensive approaches to the LIFT-1
program, not only to solve the critical need of creating oxygen
on the Moon, but also to provide viable communications;
positioning, navigation, and timing; and power generation
projects in the near term to advance the lunar effort.
Small Business Innovation Research.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the SBIR program and its previous
success in commercialization of results from federally-funded
research and development projects, and includes the requested
level for SBIR.
EXPLORATION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $7,666,200,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,783,000,000
EXPLORATION
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Orion............................................... 1,420,800
Space Lunch System.................................. 1,307,600
Exploration Ground Systems.......................... 867,000
xEVA................................................ 575,000
Gateway............................................. 100,000
Human Landing Systems............................... 2,092,000
Human Exploration Requirements...................... 458,500
-------------------
GRAND TOTAL, Exploration...................... 7,783,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee provides $7,783,000,000 for Exploration,
which is $116,800,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The Exploration account funds the capabilities required to
develop, demonstrate, and deploy the transportation, life
support, and surface systems that will enable sustained human
presence beyond LEO and throughout the solar system. The
Committee believes the Nation deserves a safe and robust human
spaceflight program to explore beyond LEO, including the
establishment of a sustainable lunar presence, and ensuring
U.S. leadership in space.
The Committee remains committed to returning astronauts to
the Moon in 2027. However, spacecraft development and launch
delays are eroding confidence that the United States will be
the next nation to land humans on the lunar surface. In order
to ensure a successful program with an enduring lunar capacity,
the Committee encourages NASA to take all actions necessary,
including enhancement or augmentation of its current
architecture to ensure the quickest and safest return of
Astronauts to the moon. The Committee provides additional
funding to afford NASA the flexibility to accelerate the
development of a Human Landing System [HLS].
Human Landing System.--The Committee provides
$2,092,000,000 to fund the development of two independent HLS
vehicles, the execution of all contracted HLS missions, and the
adaptation of these crewed landers into heavy cargo landing
services. This investment aims to enable sustainable human
exploration of the Moon and lay the groundwork for future Mars
missions. NASA is encouraged to modify existing crewed lunar
landing system contracts as needed to support earlier landing
opportunities. Additionally, NASA shall facilitate accelerated
schedules for lunar landing systems by providing dedicated test
facility resources, personnel, and other appropriate support.
To ensure affordability and redundancy, the Committee
emphasizes fostering competition among industry partners. For
long-term deep space exploration, including Mars, NASA is
directed to leverage existing contracts and investments to
develop robust deep space capabilities. NASA shall pursue a
regular schedule of human and heavy cargo lunar missions to
build infrastructure and expertise, enhancing lunar exploration
and scientific objectives.
Space Launch System [SLS].--The Committee provides
$1,307,600,000 for the SLS and rejects the proposed termination
following Artemis III and directs NASA to include an SLS option
in all free and open competitions for future Artemis launch
services. The Committee instructs NASA to maintain sufficient
funding for the acquisition of spare parts and long-lead
hardware to ensure a consistent annual launch schedule for the
SLS and Orion spacecraft. This schedule is critical to prevent
interruptions in the United States' capacity to execute human
missions beyond LEO and must be sustained until a commercially
developed, human-rated launch vehicle and crew vehicle are
proven operational.
Orion Spacecraft.--The Committee provides $1,420,800,000
for the Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle. The Committee rejects
the proposed termination of the Orion program after Artemis III
and directs NASA to evaluate the reusability of the Orion
capsule and weigh the status of commercial vehicle providers to
support frequent and consistent launch cadence for the future
Artemis missions.
Gateway.--The Lunar Gateway, scheduled for launch in 2027,
is expected to play a major role in the Artemis program,
serving as a space station around the Moon used for critical
communications, scientific research, and as an astronaut
habitation module. The Committee recognizes the Habitation and
Logistics Outpost [HALO] module as a cornerstone of Gateway,
essential for enabling sustained human presence around the Moon
and serving as a testing platform for future Mars exploration
systems. Given Gateway's critical role in advancing the U.S.
mission to return to the Moon, establish a pathway to Mars, and
maintain strategic leadership in lunar exploration, the
Committee opposes the proposed termination of the Gateway
program and provides $100,000,000 for its continued
development.
Exploration Extravehicular Activity [xEVA] Spacesuits.--The
Committee provides not less than $575,000,000 for the xEVA and
Human Surface Mobility program to maintain schedule for the
International Space Station and Artemis missions. NASA shall
only procure EVA spacesuits and services for NASA and
international partner astronauts for Low Earth Orbit, Artemis
and deep space missions that meet the strict safety and mission
criteria required under the xEVA program. Further, the
Committee expects that the HLS, Gateway, and Lunar Terrain
Vehicle development teams are coordinating with the xEVA
program to ensure compatibility. NASA is encouraged to explore
competition within the xEVA program to ensure redundancy and
affordability.
Mars Exploration.--The Committee affirms that landing
American astronauts on Mars has long been a central objective
of NASA's human exploration program. The Committee strongly
supports NASA's renewed commitment to accelerate progress
toward this goal while reducing costs through the use of
commercial innovation, fixed-price development partnerships,
and follow-on procurement of commercial services. The ability
to launch from Earth and deliver large payloads to the Martian
surface is essential for enabling both crewed and robotic
missions. Therefore, NASA shall prioritize and expedite the
development of commercial systems capable of performing entry,
descent, and landing of human-class cargo-and eventually crew-
on Mars. Of the funds provided for Mars exploration, priority
shall be given to advancing these capabilities, with the aim of
launching an initial system demonstration during the 2026
Earth-Mars transfer window.
Fission Surface Power [FSP].--The Committee continues its
strong support for Fission Power Systems. The Artemis Program
will need nuclear power to be successful in completely meeting
all of its Moon to Mars objectives and to compete with other
nations that are rapidly pursuing similar technological
advancements. The Committee supports designing, building, and
testing the first ever space FSP for deployment to and
demonstration on the lunar surface. Therefore, the Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for
the developmental of FSP.
SPACE OPERATIONS
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $4,220,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,314,000,000
SPACE OPERATIONS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Space Station.......................... 1,240,000
Transportation (Crew & Cargo)........................ 1,816,000
Space and Flight Support............................. 1,008,000
Rocket Propulsion Test Program................... 48,200
Commercial Leo Destinations.......................... 250,000
------------------
Grand Total, Space Operations.................. 4,314,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee provides $4,314,000,000 for Space Operations,
which is $94,000,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The Space Operations account supports the International Space
Station [ISS] and the supporting functions required to conduct
operations in space up to the full requested level. The ISS is
a complex of research laboratories in LEO in which American and
international partner astronauts conduct unique scientific and
technological investigations in a microgravity environment. The
Committee rejects the proposed reduction in the ISS to minimal
operations and directs NASA to maintain the fullest possible
use of ISS through end of life.
International Space Station.--The ISS remains a critical
platform for scientific research, technological development,
and international collaboration in low Earth orbit. The
Committee urges NASA to prioritize full utilization of the
ISS's capabilities, including expanded opportunities for
commercial partnerships, scientific experiments, and crewed
missions, to ensure the greatest return on investment for the
American taxpayer. The Committee directs NASA to sustain the
skilled workforce critical to ISS operations, ensuring the
safety and success of our continuous human presence and
missions in LEO.
Space Transportation.--The Committee fully funds the crew
and cargo programs at $1,816,000,000 and strongly supports
continued, regular access to the ISS and notes that this access
supports national capabilities in Earth orbit and is vital to
retaining U.S. leadership in space. NASA shall maintain a
regular cadence of not less than two crew rotation missions per
year and four cargo missions per year on U.S. vehicle systems
while the ISS is operational.
Suborbital Crew.--The Committee directs NASA to qualify
U.S. commercial suborbital vehicles and procure flights for
NASA suborbital crew. NASA must utilize Federal Aviation
Administration [FAA] safety regulations and licensing
requirements to ensure safety and coordinate efforts to protect
public health and safety. Additionally, NASA shall develop a
qualification process with a clear roadmap, enabling operators
to complete the review within a reasonable timeframe.
ISS Deorbit Vehicle.--The Committee provides sufficient
funding within Space Transportation to support NASA's efforts
to develop and procure a deorbit vehicle to ensure the safe and
controlled deorbit of the ISS at the end of its useful life.
The Committee notes that the procurement of the deorbit vehicle
should not result in a reduction in support for other
activities on the ISS.
Space Communications.--The Committee recognizes the
critical role of NASA's Space Communications and Navigation
[SCaN] program in enabling safe, reliable, and high-capacity
communications and data relay for current and future science,
exploration, and commercial missions. The Committee provides
$50,000,000 above the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for the
modernization of NASA's communications architecture, including
upgrades to the Near Space Network and Deep Space Network
[DSN], adoption of commercial services where appropriate, and
the continued development and demonstration of next-generation
technologies such as optical communications and interoperable
systems.
The Committee encourages NASA to prioritize system
resiliency, cybersecurity, and capacity improvements to meet
growing mission demands and avoid potential bottlenecks that
could jeopardize mission timelines or data return. NASA is
directed to provide the Committee, not later than 180 days of
enactment of this act, a report detailing its long-term
communications strategy, including projected network capacity
needs, integration of commercial capabilities, and required
investments through the end of the decade.
21st Century Launch Complex.--The Committee notes that
maintaining multiple launch sites contributes to assured access
to the ISS for NASA, researchers, and industry. The
recommendation includes up to $20,000,000 for NASA-owned launch
facilities to fill critical maintenance, capacity, and range
safety gaps, including $6,000,000 to upgrade the Bermuda
Tracking and Telemetry Station in order to support remote
operation for government and commercial launch users at the
Wallops Flight Facility launch complex.
Rocket Propulsion Test Program and Testing
Infrastructure.--The Committee rejects the proposed termination
of the Rocket Propulsion Test program and provides $48,200,000
to ensure that test infrastructure remains adequate to support
the SLS and other propulsion development programs. In managing
the program and its infrastructure, NASA should prioritize
facility and fixed infrastructure improvements specific to
infrastructure that is shared among users of the facility in a
continued effort to attract and facilitate commercial
partnerships at NASA's test centers.
Commercial LEO Development.--The Committee supports
maintaining the ISS as long as it can be operated safely.
However, it is anticipated that current commercial efforts to
develop viable alternatives will allow NASA to meet anticipated
mission requirements using free-flying space stations in LEO
before the end of the decade. To that end, the Committee
provides $250,000,000 for NASA's Commercial Low Earth Orbit
Destinations [CLD] program, which is critical to fostering the
development of commercial space stations that will succeed the
ISS. The CLD program is designed to establish sustained U.S.
access to LEO without requiring prolonged, direct NASA
operation and funding, while strengthening the Nation's
leadership in the emerging LEO economy.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS ENGAGEMENT
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $143,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 148,000,000
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Engagement account funds STEM education activities to educate
and inspire our next generation of explorers and innovators.
The Committee provides $148,000,000 for STEM Engagement, which
is $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. As part
of this activity, NASA is directed to continue progress toward
the shared goal of both the Committee and NASA of capping
administrative costs at no more than 5 percent.
STEM Education.--The Committee rejects the proposed
termination of NASA's Office of STEM Engagement [OSTEM]
including its four programs: National Space Grant College and
Fellowship Project [Space Grant]; Established Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research [EPSCoR]; Minority University
Research and Education Project [MUREP]; and Next Generation
STEM project [Next Gen STEM].
STEM ENGAGEMENT
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NASA Space Grant...................................... 63,000
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 26,000
[EPSCOR].............................................
Minority University Research and Education Project.... 45,500
Next Generation STEM Project.......................... 13,500
-----------------
TOTAL........................................... 148,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Space Grant Program.--The Committee provides $63,000,000
for Space Grant and directs that all 52 participating
jurisdictions be supported at not less than $900,000 each. NASA
shall limit administrative costs to the fiscal year 2024 level
and shall continue to have a goal of reducing administrative
costs to no higher than 5 percent. The Committee encourages
NASA to continue using funds to evaluate program performance,
augment base grants, and competitively respond to local,
regional, and national needs.
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
[EPSCoR].--The Committee provides $26,000,000 for the NASA
EPSCoR Program and directs that no more than 10 percent shall
be used for administrative costs.
Minority University Research and Education Project
[MUREP].--The Committee continues to encourage MUREP to support
programs that connect science, indigenous culture, and
community, including the integration of indigenous practices,
at minority-serving higher education institutions, including
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions and
American Indian Tribal Colleges and Universities. The academic
institution or institutions should be located in a State or
States where the need for such indigenous-academic
collaboration is present.
Competitive Program.--The Committee provides up to
$5,000,000 within Next Gen STEM for the Teams Engaging
Affiliate Museums and Informal Institutions [TEAM II] program,
also known as Competitive Program for Science, Museums,
Planetariums, and NASA Visitors Centers. This competitive grant
program supports interactive exhibits, professional development
activities, and community-based programs to engage students,
teachers, and the public in STEM.
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $3,092,327,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,107,079,000
The Committee provides $3,107,079,000 for Safety, Security,
and Mission Services, which is $14,752,000 above the fiscal
year 2025 enacted level. The Safety, Security, and Mission
Services account funds agency management, including NASA
headquarters and each of the nine NASA field centers, as well
as the design and execution of non-programmatic Construction of
Facilities and Environmental Compliance and Restoration
activities.
Workforce Succession Planning.--The Committee directs NASA
to prioritize strengthening its civil service technical
workforce to meet strategic mission needs across all centers.
NASA should invest in recruiting and retaining the next
generation of diverse scientists and engineers and manage
workforce transitions as retirements increase. The agency is
encouraged to use its Flexibility Act authorities to convert
term hires to permanent status and promote knowledge transfer
through mentorships and technical achievement-based career
advancement.
Independent Verification and Validation [IV&V] Program.--
Given the anticipated increase of human space flight and
activities in orbit, the Committee rejects the proposed
reduction to NASA's Independent Verification and Validation
program. The IV&V program provides rigorous, independent
assessments of mission-critical software to identify and
mitigate potential risks. Its work supports both human and
robotic spaceflight programs, including the Geostationary
Operational Environmental Satellites [GOES], the ISS, the JWST,
and the Commercial Crew Program.
NASA Special Projects.--The Committee directs NASA to
provide the funding for the projects listed in the table
titled, ``Congressionally Directed Spending'' at the end of
this report in the corresponding amounts. The agreement further
directs NASA to perform the same level of oversight and due
diligence as with any other external partners.
CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $300,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 275,000,000
The Committee provides $275,000,000 for Construction and
Environmental Compliance and Restoration, which is $25,000,000
below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. The Construction and
Environmental Compliance and Restoration account provides for
design and execution of programmatic, discrete and minor
revitalization, construction of facilities projects, facility
demolition projects, and environmental compliance and
restoration activities.
Unmet Construction Needs.--The Committee is disappointed at
the gulf between the amounts NASA requested for this account
and the cost of the projects identified as shovel ready and
needed. NASA is directed to include no fewer than the top 10
construction projects that are needed but unfunded in its
fiscal year 2027 budget request, including any unmet
construction due to aging buildings.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $47,600,000
Committee recommendation................................ 47,600,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $47,600,000 for the
Office of Inspector General, which is equal to the fiscal year
2025 enacted level. The Office is responsible for promoting
efficiency and preventing and detecting crime, fraud, waste,
and mismanagement.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
The Committee includes bill language regarding the
availability of funds for certain prizes. NASA is reminded that
under the authority provided in section 20144 of title 52,
United States Code, no prize may be announced until the funds
needed to pay it have been appropriated or committed to in
writing by a private source. NASA is directed to provide any
written notification under subsection (h) (4) of that section
to the Committee.
The Committee also includes bill language regarding
transfers of funds between accounts and the NASA spending plan
for fiscal year 2026.
The Committee also includes bill language creating a NASA
Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.
The Committee also includes bill language to extend the
availability of certain funds.
National Science Foundation
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $9,060,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,000,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $9,000,000,000 for
the National Science Foundation [NSF]. The recommendation is
$60,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
NSF was established as an independent agency by the
National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (Public Law 81-507) and
is authorized to support research and education programs that
promote the progress of science and engineering in the United
States. The Foundation supports research and education in all
major scientific and engineering disciplines through grants,
cooperative agreements, contracts, and other forms of
assistance in all parts of the United States. NSF also supports
unique, large-scale domestic and international research
facilities.
RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $7,176,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,176,500,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $7,176,500,000 for
Research and Related Activities [R&RA]. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The R&RA appropriation funds scientific discovery, trains a
dynamic workforce, and supports broadly accessible state-of-
the-art tools and facilities. Research activities contribute to
the achievement of these outcomes through expansion of the
knowledge base; integration of research and education;
stimulation of knowledge transfer among academia and the public
and private sectors, and international activities; and bring
the perspectives of many scientific disciplines to bear on
complex problems important to the Nation. NSF's discipline-
oriented R&RA account includes Biological Sciences; Computer
and Information Science and Engineering; Engineering;
Geosciences; Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Social,
Behavioral and Economic Sciences; Technology, Innovation and
Partnerships; Office of International Science and Engineering;
Office of Polar Programs; Integrative Activities; and the U.S.
Arctic Research Commission. All of these disciplines are part
of a balanced whole.
The Committee's fiscal year 2026 recommendation supports
Federal long-term basic and translational research that has the
potential to transform our economy and way of life. Private
industry, foundations, and non-profits bring additional
expertise, resources, and capacity to NSF-funded research. This
can further accelerate discovery and translation of research
into products and services, enhance the preparation of the
future workforce to benefit society, and grow the American
economy. The Committee strongly encourages NSF to leverage the
Nation's research communities through partnerships and
collaboration to make available infrastructure, expertise, and
financial resources to the U.S. scientific and engineering
research and education enterprise.
Technology, Innovation and Partnerships [TIP].--The
Committee recognizes NSF's critical role in driving U.S.
scientific and technological innovation and supports the TIP
Directorate authorized under the Research and Development,
Competition, and Innovation Act (division B of Public Law 117-
167). The directorate is a cross-cutting platform to advance
science and engineering research leading to breakthrough
technologies, to find solutions to national and societal
challenges, to strengthen U.S. global competitiveness, and to
provide training opportunities for the development of a diverse
STEM workforce. As NSF works to incorporate the goals of TIP
into its research portfolio, NSF is reminded that the success
of TIP will be enhanced through investing in the necessary
foundational basic research provided by scientific disciplines
across the research spectrum.
Regional Innovation Engines [NSF Engines].--As part of the
TIP Directorate, the Committee provides up to $200,000,000 for
the Regional Innovation Engines, authorized under section 10388
of Public Law 117-167, to create regional-scale innovation
ecosystems throughout the United States and help spur economic
growth by bringing together the science and technology research
enterprise and regional-level resources to promote long-term
national competitiveness. The Committee directs NSF to award at
least 20 percent of NSF Engines to institutions in EPSCoR
States.
Scientific Facilities and Instrumentation.--A critical
component of the Nation's scientific enterprise is the
infrastructure that supports researchers in discovery science.
The Committee strongly supports NSF's role in building and
operating groundbreaking research facilities, especially in
areas that maintain or enhance U.S. leadership in key
disciplines. Investments to advance the frontiers of research
and education in science and engineering are critical to the
Nation's innovation enterprise. The Committee expects NSF to
fully fund its U.S. scientific research facilities and
instruments to adequately support scientists and students
engaged in sustained, cutting-edge research.
As major research facilities transition from construction,
funded in the Major Research Equipment and Facilities
Construction account, to science operations and maintenance,
funded in R&RA, it is necessary for NSF to accommodate this
shift without impacting the existing scientific activities. The
Committee notes that as a result of the National Science
Board's ``Study of Operations and Maintenance Costs for NSF
Facilities'' the agency created the Facility Operation
Transition pilot to enable this shift. The Committee expects
that as major research facilities, such as the Vera C. Rubin
Observatory, move from construction into science operations NSF
will continue to use the Facility Operation Transition to allow
the ongoing operations and maintenance costs to gradually be
absorbed into the managing division or directorate. Further, as
part of the fiscal year 2027 budget request, NSF shall provide
a 5-year operations and maintenance budget outlook for
facilities that have recently graduated from the Major Research
Equipment and Facilities Construction account.
The recommendation includes full operational funding for
the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory,
the National Radio Astronomy Observatories, the National Solar
Observatory [NSO], and the University-National Oceanographic
Laboratory System.
Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope [DKIST].--The Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 funding level for
DKIST operations. DKIST is the largest and most advanced solar
telescope on the planet and is a valuable resource for research
and educational programs in solar physics. The Committee
recognizes the value of DKIST's operations and does not support
a reduction in its observing time. As such, the Committee
expects NSF to respect the conclusion of the bottom-up
operations and maintenance cost analysis and include the
recommended amount in the fiscal year 2027 budget request to
enable DKIST to operate seven days a week.
Astronomy.--The Committee expects NSF to provide
appropriate levels of support for operating its current
facilities, developing instrumentation, and preparing for
investments in future world-class scientific research
facilities. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine [NAS] Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics
2020 [Astro2020] outlines a comprehensive research strategy and
vision to maintain U.S. science and technology leadership at
the frontiers of astronomy and astrophysics for ground-based
instruments and observatories. The Committee therefore provides
$50,000,000 for NSF to support the development of next
generation astronomy facilities recommended in Astro2020.
The Committee remains strongly supportive of a two-
hemisphere, U.S. Extremely Large Telescope [USELT] program with
a robust user support system and data archive to ensure broad
U.S. community access. This is consistent with the direction in
division C of the joint explanatory statement accompanying
Public Law 118-42 and Astro2020. NSF shall immediately advance
both USELTs into final design review, at no cost to the Federal
Government. Further, NSF, within the construct of the National
Science Board approval process, is encouraged to advance the
design of these Astro2020 priority projects during fiscal year
2026 so that appropriate Major Research Equipment and
Facilities Construction funds can be included in the fiscal
year 2027 budget request. The U.S. ground-based astronomy
program has been the leader in this critical basic science for
more than a century, and the NSF has helped ensure open access
to scientists regardless of their academic institution
affiliation. The USELT program will provide unprecedented
opportunities for scientific discovery and represents the only
major science program undertaken by the Federal Government with
a 50 percent cost share by non-Federal partners, including
major U.S. allies. Not later than 90 days after enactment of
this act, NSF shall brief the Committee about how the
Foundation intends to implement this congressional direction.
Solar Astronomy.--The Committee commends NSF's ongoing
efforts to partner with academic institutions and the NSO to
operate the Richard B. Dunn Solar Telescope [DST]. The
Committee directs NSF to continue working with the NSO and the
academic community to ensure DST and its associated
instrumentation remain available for continued research and
educational programs.
Green Bank Observatory [GBO].--The Committee continues to
support NSF's effort to develop multi-agency plans at GBO and
provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level to
support operations and maintenance at GBO through multi-agency
plans, or directly through the Foundation. The Committee also
supports efforts to develop new radar capabilities at GBO in
partnership with other agencies such as NASA, the Department of
Defense, and industry.
Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory
[LIGO].--The Committee rejects the proposal to close one LIGO
detector, which would completely undermine Nobel Prize-winning
observations into gravitational waves. The Committee directs
NSF to continue operating both LIGO facilities and provides not
less than $49,000,000. Further, the Committee supports the
Foundation's efforts to invest in infrastructure and improve
observational capabilities at both LIGO facilities, including
technology development for the next generation gravitational
wave detection network, as recommended in Astro2020 and in the
recent report of the Advisory Committee for the Mathematical
and Physical Sciences Directorate. Not later than 90 days after
enactment of this act, NSF is directed to brief the Committee
regarding the plan to develop next generation gravitational
wave detection network.
Neutrino Research.--The Committee is aware of the many
important scientific contributions being made by the South Pole
neutrino observatory IceCube, the current upgrade underway, and
the initial planning for the next generation facility IceCube-
Gen2 as recommended in Astro2020 and the Particle Physics
Project Prioritization Panel. NSF should consider development
activities for IceCube-Gen2 and ensure an appropriate
transition between the IceCube upgrade and IceCube-Gen2
projects to leverage lessons learned and knowledge transfer
from one project to another to protect the specialized
Antarctic workforce needed for both the upgrade and
construction projects. The Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for IceCube operations and
maintenance.
Earth-Systems Science.--The Committee strongly supports
efforts in Earth systems research and modeling, vital for
understanding interconnected physical, biological, and chemical
processes shaping our planet. These efforts are essential for
advancing knowledge of ecosystems, natural resources, and
environmental dynamics to inform evidence-based policy
decisions. The Committee encourages NSF to prioritize
investments in interdisciplinary research, advanced
computational tools, data integration, and workforce
development to enhance the accuracy and impact of Earth-system
studies and models.
Clean Energy.--The Committee encourages NSF, in
collaboration with the Department of Energy, to support
meritorious research into carbon dioxide removal technologies,
such as: direct air capture, including early-stage application
of sorbents, solvents, membranes, and related components;
terrestrial and biological carbon removal; carbon
mineralization; and ocean-based carbon removal.
Arctic Research.--The Committee supports NSF's intention to
build upon the Navigating the New Arctic Big Idea and to expand
its support of research and infrastructure in the North
Atlantic sector of the Arctic, which is critical for
understanding how Arctic warming will affect the environmental
and socio-economic conditions of communities along the eastern
coast of North America. This includes observations of emerging
toxins and pathogens in the Arctic and supports the continued
funding of long-term observations during this critical time of
Arctic warming, including atmosphere and snow observations at
Summit Station and projects observing permafrost thaw and
microbiomes. In addition, to maximize investments, the
Committee encourages NSF to develop new multinational
partnerships to support research teams that address pan-Arctic
and global concerns linked to Arctic change. Further, NSF
should enhance support for Arctic-related student programs
aimed at broadening participation, including graduate
dissertation fellowships and the Research Experience for
Undergraduate programs.
Permafrost Research.--The Committee encourages NSF, in
coordination with NOAA, the Environmental Protection Agency,
the Department of Energy, and other relevant Federal agencies,
to improve existing government efforts to improve Earth system
models to better account for physical biogeochemical, and
ecological changes in permafrost regions, including extreme
events such as abrupt thaw processes, wildland fires, and
floods.
EPSCoR.--In recognition that the success of our Nation's
research enterprise relies on success in every State, the
Committee reinforces the requirements codified under section
10325 of Public Law 117-167 that, to the maximum extent
practicable, 17 percent of NSF research funding and 20 percent
of scholarship funding go to EPSCoR States in fiscal year 2026.
To help achieve these targets, the agreement provides not less
than $255,000,000 for the EPSCoR program. Within the amount
provided, no more than 5 percent shall be used for
administration and other overhead costs. NSF is encouraged to
support projects in EPSCoR States across all funding
initiatives and centers, including Regional Innovation Engines,
Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure awards, and Science and
Technology Centers.
Further, the Committee directs NSF to support the existing
jurisdiction EPSCoR offices, providing up to $750,000 annually
per State office. The State office will be responsible for
supporting NSF and EPSCoR grant applications, ensuring the
continuity of EPSCoR programs across their jurisdictions and
working with the jurisdictional steering committees on
statewide plans and vetting EPSCoR Collaborations for
Optimizing Research Ecosystems [E-CORE] and EPSCoR Research
Incubators for STEM Excellence [E-RISE] submissions, to ensure
they holistically benefit the research goals and priorities of
the entire jurisdiction. To ensure a smooth transition from the
EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program Track-1
program to the new E-CORE and E-RISE programs, the Committee
encourages NSF to consider raising the maximum funding
available for an E-CORE to $3,500,000 annually and requiring
that all E-CORE and E-RISE submissions from a jurisdiction be
submitted through the jurisdictional EPSCoR office. NSF shall
provide increased technical assistance to EPSCoR jurisdictions
that receive declinations and are encouraged to submit revised
proposals. NSF is also directed to more directly engage with
the EPSCoR community as the agency continues to implement the
``Envisioning the Future of NSF EPSCoR'' report, including
regarding how to achieve the NSF-wide funding targets included
in Public Law 117-167.
Technical Assistance and Outreach to HBCUs and MSIs.--The
Committee recognizes the important role that Historically Black
Colleges and Universities [HBCUs] and Minority-Serving
Institutions [MSIs] play in advancing scientific research and
innovation. To ensure that these institutions have access to
the resources and support needed to participate in federally-
funded research, NSF is directed to conduct technical
assistance and outreach to applicants from HBCUs and MSIs,
including through maintaining the Growing Research Access for
Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity [GRANTED]
program, in fulfillment of section 10524 of Public Law 117-167.
The Committee directs NSF to submit a report on agency efforts
to increase outreach and support for HBCUs and MSIs not later
than 120 days after enactment of this act.
Leverage the Power of Biology.--The Committee supports
NSF's funding for research in genomics and biodiversity, and
directs NSF to continue to advance plant genomics research
programs, to further its work in crop-based genomics research,
and to maintain a focus on research related to crops of
economic importance and other elements of the bioeconomy.
VORTEX-SE.--NSF has been working in conjunction with NOAA
to build a full research campaign to study the unique
characteristics of tornadoes in the southeastern United States.
The Committee expects that future budget requests for VORTEX-SE
will include adequate budgetary resources for associated
research and instrumentation that will maximize the scientific
return of this ongoing research. As part of VORTEX-SE, the
Committee encourages NSF to look beyond its traditional
research disciplines and programs and to utilize collaborative
opportunities for co-funding grants that enhance understanding
of the fundamental natural processes and hazards of tornadoes
in the southeast and to improve models of these seasonal
extreme events.
Quantum Science.--The Committee supports continued
investment in quantum science as fundamental, transformative
research that can position the United States as a leader in
emerging fields of economic and scientific importance. The
recommendation provides not less than the fiscal year 2024
enacted level for quantum information science research to
support basic interdisciplinary quantum information science and
engineering research and human resources development in all
aspects of quantum information science and engineering. Within
the amount provided, the Committee recommendation includes
$185,000,000 for activities authorized under section 301 of the
National Quantum Initiative Act (Public Law 115-368), and
$50,000,000 for National Quantum Information Science Research
Centers, as authorized in section 302 of that act.
The Committee also encourages NSF to partner with
institutions of higher education, industry, and other Federal
agencies in order to develop the next generation of quantum
computing workforce. Such efforts could include quantum
computing-related grants and interdisciplinary research
initiatives related to workforce development activities.
Artificial Intelligence [AI].--The Committee believes it is
important to maintain leadership in AI and commends NSF for its
significant investments in this area. The application of AI and
machine learning tools in research offers the potential to gain
new understandings and accelerate discoveries. The Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2024 enacted level for
AI research. Researchers need to understand the appropriate
uses of advanced computing tools to target scarce compute
resources toward appropriate research questions and computer
scientists and programmers need use-specific training to
optimize the use of advanced computing tools in health research
and other complex fields. The Committee encourages NSF to
develop effective AI education and training pathways for the
research workforce, including trainees and senior scientists,
to ensure the U.S. research workforce remains at the forefront
of scientific discovery. Further, the Committee encourages NSF
to continue its efforts in workforce development for AI and
other emerging technologies, including education programs for
non-computer science students, with focused outreach to
community colleges, HBCUs, Hispanic Serving Institutions,
Tribal Colleges and Universities, and MSIs.
National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource
[NAIRR].--The Committee commends NSF on the launch of the NAIRR
pilot, in collaboration with the Department of Energy and
industry partners, to provide needed access to computing
resources to enable AI innovation by researchers. The Committee
provides $30,000,000 for the NAIRR pilot and looks forward to
seeing its continued evolution. Not later than 90 days after
enactment of this act, NSF shall provide the Committee with a
briefing regarding the progress of the pilot, planning and
needs for full realization of the NAIRR as outlined in
``Strengthening and Democratizing the U.S. Artificial
Intelligence Innovation Ecosystem'' report, and budget
expectations for future years. NSF is encouraged to collaborate
with community organizations and open science institutions to
ensure maximum utilization of the resource.
Transparency, Interpretability, and Explainability of AI.--
The Committee encourages NSF to fund meritorious research and
develop technical methods and techniques to improve the
transparency, interpretability, and explainability of AI to
better understand why and how models arrive at their decisions,
recommendations, and other outputs. NSF is encouraged to
consider this as part of the pilot program for Research in
Rapidly Evolving, High Priority Topics as authorized under
section 5401 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative
Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-283).
Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure.--The recommendation
provides $50,000,000 for the Mid-scale Research Infrastructure
program and encourages the Foundation to make no fewer than two
mid-scale awards to EPSCoR States.
HBCUs Excellence in Research.--The Committee supports the
HBCUs Excellence in Research program, and the recommendation
includes $25,000,000 for the program. The program helps to
address NSF's previously troubling track record of only
providing substantial research funding to a small number of
HBCUs. NSF is encouraged to support HBCUs with a Carnegie
classification of R2 to achieve the highest ranking.
Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences [SBE].--The
Committee supports the SBE Directorate and recognizes the
fundamental importance of the research it supports in advancing
scientific understanding of public health, defense and
security, education and learning, and the interface between
humans and technology. The Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2024 enacted level for the SBE Directorate. The SBE
Directorate funds more than half of our Nation's university-
based behavioral science research but remains the smallest of
NSF directorates. The Committee believes that behavioral
science provides evidence-based understanding of human behavior
and recognizes the SBE Directorate's unique role in funding
this research and encourages NSF to continue its support of
these programs.
NSF is encouraged to support broad-based research in the
SBE Directorate to develop and publish recommendations,
including from researchers in the social sciences and ethics
and technical subject matter experts, on concrete and practical
guidelines for how organizations will and should deploy AI
systems and identify limitations and concerns about specific
deployment of AI systems in settings.
Research Security.--The Committee notes the importance
placed on research security in subtitle D of Public Law 117-167
and supports the continued implementation of the various
provisions. The Committee further supports NSF's initiative to
create clear guidelines that inform researchers and
universities on disclosure requirements pertaining to research
security. NSF is encouraged to continue to engage university
and affinity groups to listen to any community concerns and
share information about NSF's policies and processes. NSF is
further encouraged to explore ways to assist less-resourced
institutions on disclosure requirements and international
talent retention.
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
[NCSES].--The Committee supports the work of the NCSES, and
encourages the NCSES to identify, compile, and analyze existing
nationwide data and conduct survey research to better
understand the National cyber workforce and to support
additional NCSES personnel to ensure adequate staffing for this
research.
Combating Sexual Harassment in Science.--The Committee
strongly supports NSF actions to combat sexual harassment in
science, including the implementation of the Combating Sexual
Harassment in Science subtitle of title V of Public Law 117-
167. The Committee encourages NSF to work in partnership with
stakeholders from across the science ecosystem with experience
in field safety and the prevention of sexual harassment in
science as they support this important work.
Entrepreneurial Fellowships.--The Committee supports the
Entrepreneurial Fellowships program within the TIP Directorate,
as authorized under section 10392 of Public Law 117-167. These
immersive fellowships provide scientists with training, lab
space, industry connections, and other resources to translate
emerging technologies from lab to market in areas key to global
competitiveness.
Sub-Seafloor Sampling Program [S3P].--The NSF's S3P is a
follow-on to the International Ocean Discovery Program. The S3P
program is the latest iteration of a scientific ocean drilling
program that NSF has supported for more than 50 years.
Scientists have collected more than 475 kilometers of core
samples from expeditions across the globe, representing a
unique a valuable resource for researchers and industry. The
Committee supports the newly awarded Scientific Ocean Drilling
Coordinating Office and encourages NSF to support a robust
strategy to acquire new samples and maximize the scientific
utilization of current and future earth core samples, including
working with the current U.S. repository for scientific ocean
drilling cores on a long-term plan to build out analytical
capabilities and educational outreach for the earth science
community.
Uncrewed Aircraft System Technologies.--The Committee
encourages NSF to consider supporting meritorious uncrewed
aircraft system technologies research activities as authorized
under section 10352 of Public Law 117-167, including a prize
competition and support for undergraduate and graduate
curriculum development.
Wildland Fire Research.--The Committee supports NSF's
recent efforts to advance interdisciplinary wildland fire
science through funding for initial ideation and development of
partnerships. The Committee encourages NSF to build upon this
initiative by supporting collaborative research grants in
wildfire science, including by leveraging NSF-supported
environmental data infrastructure for wildfire science and by
partnering with other Federal programs and agencies such as the
Joint Fire Science Program and NOAA. NSF is encouraged to
consider the recommendations included in the final report of
the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, which
highlighted the need for new mechanisms to support research on
scientific innovation and technology development related to
wildfires, post-fire monitoring and recovery, and watershed
health-related fire research.
The Committee encourages NSF to work with NAS to study
predictive wildfire models. The study could focus on developing
a system-of-systems engineering framework, exploring robust
sensor technologies across land, air and space, and
establishing a roadmap for the maturation of timely predictive
and decision support models for a nationwide wildfire
intelligence system.
Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the NSF Mathematical Sciences
Research Institutes across the country, which provide important
basic research in multiple fields. The NSF is directed to
continue supporting this program.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates [REU].--The
Committee was dismayed to hear about the cancellation of
numerous REU programs during 2025. The Committee is strongly
supportive of the REU Sties and Supplements program, as
authorized by section 514 of the America Creating Opportunities
to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education,
and Science [COMPETES] Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Public Law
111-358), and provides not less fiscal year 2024 enacted level.
NSF Faculty Early Career Development [CAREER] Program.--The
Committee expects NSF to continue to fund the CAREER Program,
which provides financial support to early-career faculty who
have the potential to serve as academic role models in research
and education and to lead advances in the mission of their
department or organization.
MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $234,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 350,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $350,000,000 for
Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction [MREFC].
The recommendation is $116,000,000 above the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
The MREFC appropriation supports the acquisition,
procurement, construction, and commissioning of unique national
research platforms and facilities as well as major research
equipment. Projects supported by this appropriation push the
boundaries of technology and offer expanded opportunities for
the science and engineering community. Preliminary design and
development activities, ongoing operations, and maintenance
costs of the facilities are provided through the R&RA
appropriation account.
The Committee's recommendation supports the continued
construction of the Antarctic Infrastructure Recapitalization
and the Leadership-Class Computing Facility. The Committee
encourages NSF and the National Science Board to continue
planning and budgeting for the next generation of major
facilities needed to ensure the United States maintains its
scientific leadership.
The recommendation provides $90,000,000 for Mid-scale
Research Infrastructure. The Committee continues to support
investments in Mid-scale Research Infrastructure, including the
procurement of larger mid-scale instrumentation under the MREFC
account. Using MREFC for larger mid-scale projects will allow
these projects to benefit from the oversight that all MREFC
projects undergo. NSF is encouraged to award at least one mid-
scale project led by an institution in an EPSCoR State.
The Committee encourages GAO to continue its annual review
of programs funded within MREFC so that GAO can report to
Congress shortly after each annual budget submission of the
President and semiannually thereafter on the status of large-
scale NSF projects and activities based on its review of this
information.
Antarctic Research Infrastructure.--The Committee is
concerned about pausing Antarctic field research and delaying
the Fourth Generation Ground Cosmic Microwave Background [CMB-
S4] and IceCube-Gen2 due to infrastructure challenges. Despite
significant support for Antarctic infrastructure upgrades at
McMurdo, Amundsen-Scott, and Palmer Stations, the modernization
effort is years behind schedule, potentially extending another
decade. These delays risk U.S. leadership in Antarctic
research, partner support for new facilities, and progress in
understanding critical Antarctic changes. The Committee is also
concerned about the lack of community and stakeholder
consultation in these decisions. NSF is directed to request
sufficient resources to support concurrent infrastructure
upgrades, ongoing research, and major facility planning, and to
submit a comprehensive plan within 180 days, detailing
timelines, milestones, and funding needs for Antarctic
upgrades, research vessel deployment, and South Pole physics
experiments.
Study on NSF Research Infrastructure.--The National Science
Board's Vision 2030 States that research infrastructure
``symbolizes a nation's commitment to S[cience] &
E[ngineering], since it represents a significant long-term
undertaking.'' Within 30 days of enactment of this act, NSF
shall update and make public the plan required under 42 U.S.C.
1862n-4 and shall contract with the National Academies to
report on NSF's plans to strengthen research infrastructure.
The report shall analyze whether NSF is providing the major
research facilities to ensure the United States can conduct
world-leading scientific research, how the NSF responds to
international partner interest in major facility construction
partnerships, the adequacy of NSF's capability to join existing
partnerships, and recommendations for the current NSF process
for investing in design and operation of billion-dollar class
major facilities could be improved, including new funding
mechanisms. The report shall be released not later than 270
days after the enactment of this act.
STEM EDUCATION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $1,172,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,000,000,000
STEM EDUCATION
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account-Project and Activity Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STEM Education....................................... 1,000,000
Graduate Research Fellowship Program............. 285,000
Advanced Technological Education................. 75,000
Improving Undergraduate STEM Education [IUSE].... 90,000
Centers for Research Excellence in Science and 24,000
Technology......................................
HBCU--Undergraduate Program...................... 36,500
IUSE: HSI........................................ 46,500
Tribal Colleges and Universities Program......... 16,500
ADVANCE.......................................... 18,000
Alliances for Graduate Education and the 8,000
Professoriate...................................
Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation 49,500
Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program......... 67,000
CyberCorps, Scholarships for Service............. 63,000
Advancing Informal STEM Learning [AISL].......... 60,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,000,000,000 for
STEM Education. The recommendation is $172,000,000 below the
fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The STEM Education appropriation supports a comprehensive
set of programs across all levels of education in STEM
including activities that unite school districts with
institutions of higher learning to improve pre-college
education. Other pre-college activities include the development
of the next generation of STEM education leaders, instructional
materials, and the STEM instructional workforce. Undergraduate
activities support curriculum, laboratory, and instructional
improvement; expand the STEM talent pool; attract STEM
participants to teaching; augment advanced technological
education at 2-year colleges; and develop dissemination tools.
Graduate support is directed to research and teaching
fellowships, internships, and instructional workforce
improvement by linking precollege education systems with higher
education. Programs also seek to broaden the participation of
groups underrepresented in the STEM enterprise and promote
informal science education.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program.--The Committee
supports the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, which
provides a stipend and cost-of-living allowance to graduate
students who are pursuing full-time, research-based masters and
doctoral degrees in STEM education. The Committee provides
sufficient funding to support 2,000 new fellowships in fiscal
year 2026.
Advanced Technological Education.--The Committee provides
$75,000,000 for Advanced Technological Education.
Broadening Participation.--The Committee recognizes that
the future of U.S. economic competitiveness and our Nation's
ability to address national, economic, and health security
threats depends on sustaining a robust STEM workforce. As the
demographics of our Nation evolve, ensuring individuals from
underrepresented communities across the country can enter and
sustain a career as part of the STEM workforce is essential to
securing the workforce going forward. The Committee is deeply
concerned that entrenched financial barriers are increasingly
deterring students, particularly those from underrepresented
communities, from pursuing STEM careers. The Committee
encourages NSF to evaluate the adequacy of compensation for
trainees and early career researchers supported through
fellowships, training grants, and research awards. NSF is also
encouraged continue supporting the recruitment, retention, and
advancement of underrepresented faculty at U.S. institutions of
higher education through relevant existing programs. The
Committee continues to support the Broadening Participation in
STEM programs.
Informal Science Education.--The Committee maintains its
strong support for NSF's informal science education program and
provides not less than $60,000,000 for Advancing Informal STEM
Learning. The Committee encourages NSF to coordinate and
provide necessary support for investments in summer and both
in- and out-of-school time STEM education programs across
Federal agencies, including support for extracurricular STEM
programs. The Directorate for STEM Education is further
encouraged to continue its NSF-wide efforts to support informal
STEM education programs and program providers, including
support for high-quality professional development, and
leveraging the research directorates to support activities that
match their respective content areas.
NSF is further encouraged to provide technical assistance
to federally-funded STEM researchers and professionals who wish
to engage with afterschool, summer and other out-of-school time
programs. This guidance should, at a minimum, include examples
of partnerships between programs and institutions; a resource
for locating potential programs; and guidance on how to ensure
an effective and productive partnership and measure appropriate
outcomes.
Hands-on and Experiential Learning Opportunities.--
Developing a robust, talented, and diverse homegrown workforce,
particularly in the fields of STEM, is critical to the success
of the U.S. innovation economy. The Committee directs NSF to
provide grants to support the development of hands-on learning
opportunities in STEM education as authorized under section
10311 of Public Law 117-167, including via afterschool
activities and innovative learning opportunities such as
robotics competitions. It is highly recommended that any NSF
grant recipient working with afterschool, summer, and other
out-of-school time programs have a plan for professional
development and longer-term sustainability beyond their
specified grant periods, such as through educator training and
robust partnerships.
Transformative Education Research and Translation.--The
Committee encourages NSF to establish a program for Centers for
Transformative Education Research and Translation as authorized
under section 10395 of Public Law 117-167. These centers could
instrument large-scale digital learning platforms, enable
multi-stakeholder partnerships of institutions of higher
education and State and local education agencies to support
collaborative research and translation in K-12 STEM education
innovation, and accelerate STEM learning outcomes of students
from underserved regions and students of color. The Committee
encourages NSF to collaborate with the Department of Education
and consider how these centers could inform teacher
professional learning and development in all STEM disciplines,
identify key metrics for scaling and sustaining innovations,
and establish practice-initiated partnerships.
National STEM Teacher Corps.--In order to prepare the
future STEM workforce and to create a scientifically literate
public, the Committee appreciates the importance of supporting
and recognizing outstanding STEM teachers in our Nation's
classrooms, rewarding them for their accomplishments, and
creating rewarding career paths to which all STEM teachers can
aspire. Therefore, the Committee provides $25,000,000 for the
National STEM Teacher Corps pilot program authorized under
section 10311 of Public Law 117-167.
CyberCorps: Scholarships for Service.--The Committee
provides $63,000,000 for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for
Service program. NSF is encouraged to increase the number of
scholarships awarded at participating institutions and to
increase the number of institutions that receive grants to
participate in the program.
Enhancing Graduate Education and Training.--The Committee
supports measures that improve graduate student advising and
mentorship and funding mechanisms. The Committee recognizes the
importance of these matters to increase talent retention and
international competitiveness, including through the
Innovations for Graduate Education Program. The Committee
encourages NSF to develop methods that enhance graduate
education, to set clear mentorship standards in federally
funded projects, and to study the impact of funding models on
graduate student productivity and outcomes.
CREATING HELPFUL INCENTIVES TO PRODUCE SEMICONDUCTORS [CHIPS] FOR
AMERICA WORKFORCE AND EDUCATION FUND
Division A of Public Law 117-167 established the CHIPS for
America Workforce and Education Fund.
Microelectronics and Semiconductors Research and Talent
Development.--The Committee recognizes the efforts by NSF and
the Department of Commerce to build a skilled workforce to
support microelectronics and semiconductor manufacturing. The
Committee seeks to ensure that research and development funding
for the microelectronics and semiconductors ecosystem aligns
with NSF's goal of cultivating talent nationwide. To achieve
this, the Committee encourages NSF to collaborate with HBCUs,
MSIs, community colleges, master's degree-level institutions,
and predominantly undergraduate institutions with existing or
emerging capacity in microelectronics and semiconductors
research. These partnerships aim to significantly enhance these
institutions' capabilities and increase the number of graduates
from these programs.
The Committee allocates the funds according to the amounts
listed in the following table.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: CHIPS ACT FISCAL YEAR
2025
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account-Project and Activity Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors $50,000
[CHIPS] for America Workforce and Education Fund....
Research & Related Activities.................... 25,000
STEM Education Activities........................ 25,000
------------------
Total........................................ 50,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENCY OPERATIONS AND AWARD MANAGEMENT
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $448,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 444,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $444,000,000 for
Agency Operations and Award Management. The recommendation is
$4,000,000 below the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The appropriation provides salaries and expenses, including
staff salaries, benefits, travel, training, rent, advisory and
assistance services, communications and utilities expenses,
supplies, equipment, and other operating expenses necessary for
management of NSF's research and education activities.
The Committee continues to believe that NSF should include
criteria that evaluate how a grant proposal will advance our
Nation's national security and economic interests, as well as
promote the progress of science and innovation in the United
States.
The Committee reiterates its long-standing requirement that
NSF submit reprogrammings when initiating new programs or
activities of more than $500,000 or when reorganizing
components. The Committee expects to be notified of
reprogramming actions, which involve less than the above-
mentioned amount if such actions would have the effect of
changing the agency's funding requirements in future years, or
if programs or projects specifically cited in the Committee's
explanatory statement are affected.
Tribal Approval.--The Committee directs NSF to update its
Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide to more
thoroughly address issues relating to the scope of Native-owned
lands covered by the policy, Tribal delegation of authority to
Tribal organizations to issue approvals, and the appropriate
scope of subsistence resources considered in the Guide, after
conducting a thorough consultation with Tribal nations, Alaska
Native corporations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and by
inviting comments from other Tribal organizations.
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $5,090,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,090,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $5,090,000 for the
Office of the National Science Board. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The National Science Board is the governing body of NSF and
is charged with serving as an independent adviser to the
President and Congress on policy matters related to science and
engineering research and education.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $24,410,000
Committee recommendation................................ 24,410,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $24,410,000 for the
Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The recommendation is equal
to the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The OIG appropriation provides audit and investigation
functions to identify and correct deficiencies that could lead
to instances of fraud, waste, or mismanagement.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The bill includes two administrative provisions. One allows
limited transfers of funds among accounts. The other requires
notification for disposal of certain assets.
TITLE IV
RELATED AGENCIES
Commission on Civil Rights
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $14,350,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,350,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $14,350,000 for the
salaries and expenses of the Commission on Civil Rights. This
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
Donations.--The Commission shall provide to the Committee
quarterly updates on all gifts and donations, as well as the
terms of any specific activities funded by the gift or
donation. Additionally, anticipated funding from gifts or
donations shall be included in the Commission's annual spend
plan.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $455,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 455,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $455,000,000 for
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] salaries and
expenses. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
The EEOC serves both U.S. public and private workplaces by
helping provide a fair and inclusive workplace, committed to
enhancing employee retention, productivity, and profitability.
Inventory Reduction.--The Committee continues to direct the
EEOC to prioritize its staffing and resources toward reducing
the number of current and outstanding unresolved private sector
inquiries and pending charges and public sector hearings. The
Committee further directs EEOC to use appropriated funds to
resolve the backlog of existing and incoming claims and not for
activities that do not directly support this activity.
Public Comment on EEOC Guidance.--The Committee remains
concerned that, as the EEOC conducts its business in protecting
against employment discrimination, its guidance can be adopted
without the opportunity of public input prior to implementation
and enforcement. Therefore, if requested by at least two
Commissioners, the EEOC shall make any new guidance available
for public comment in the Federal Register for not less than 30
days prior to taking any potential action on proposed guidance.
Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness.--The
Committee is encouraged by the EEOC's recent efforts to ensure
that the use of software, including artificial intelligence,
machine learning, and other automated decision-making systems
used in hiring and other employment decisions complies with
Federal civil rights laws.
State and Local Enforcement Assistance.--The Committee
recommends up to $32,500,000 to assist State and local
enforcement agencies. This will help ensure that EEOC provides
adequate resources to its State partners.
Client Privacy.--The Committee notes the presence of
employees of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency
[DOGE] Service at the EEOC and directs EEOC to report to the
Committee, within 30 days of enactment of this act, on the
measures EEOC is undertaking to ensure that the U.S. DOGE
Service or other entities from the Executive Office of the
President cannot access personal EEOC inquiry and charge
information.
Commissioner Charges.--The Committee notes that the EEOC
has no authority to require information from private entities
based on the request of a commissioner in the absence of a
commissioner charge. Within 30 days of enactment, the Committee
directs the EEOC to report on any public demands for
information sent to private sector businesses and EEOC's
authority to request this information without a signed
Commissioner's charge.
Commission Practices.--The Committee notes the EEOC has
departed from longstanding EEOC norms regarding quorum and
adherence to Commission-voted documents. The Committee directs
the EEOC OIG to report on actions taken by the EEOC in
violation of its quorum rules.
Staffing and Office Closures.--The Committee directs the
EEOC to submit a report, within 45 days of enactment of this
act, on its staffing plans, including the number and type of
full-time employees, and the status of any EEOC field offices,
including offices that have been closed since the enactment of
Public Law 118-42, and EEOC's plans to reopen the closed
offices.
International Trade Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $122,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 122,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $122,000,000 for
International Trade Commission [ITC] salaries and expenses. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
ITC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency responsible
for conducting trade-related investigations and providing
Congress and the President with independent technical advice
related to U.S. international trade policy.
Commissioner Vacancies.--The Committee stresses the
importance of filling Commissioner vacancies to fulfill ITC's
critical mission. The Committee expresses its desire to see
those vacancies filled promptly with qualified nominees.
Biotechnology Trade Practices.--The Committee notes the
potential subsidization and market overcapacity by Chinese
biotechnology firms that may affect competition and impact U.S.
industry. The Committee directs the ITC review the extent to
which Chinese state support and pricing practices in the
biotechnology sector-including genomic sequencing, synthetic
biology, and active pharmaceutical ingredient [API]
manufacturing-may be affecting U.S. market share and
competitiveness. The Committee further directs the ITC to
submit a report to Congress, within 12 months of enactment,
outlining its findings and identifying impacts U.S.
biotechnology producers and service providers.
Section 337.--The Committee notes that, under 19 U.S.C.
337, the Commission may consider the effect of the exclusion of
an article upon public health and welfare, and other factors,
when making determinations. The Committee directs ITC to submit
a report, within 120 days of enactment of this act, on its
processes for considering an exclusion's potential effects on
public health and welfare. Furthermore, the Committee directs
ITC, within 30 days of enactment of this act, to provide a
briefing on investigations undertaken by the ITC regarding real
parties' interest, current disclosure requirements, remedial
measures available, and any recommendations to address such
concerns without overburdening litigants or creating unintended
consequences.
Tariff Impacts to Housing.--The Committee encourages the
International Trade Commission to incorporate the impact of
housing and construction costs into their research efforts and
into public-facing reports on tariffs and other trade barriers.
Legal Services Corporation
PAYMENT TO THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $560,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 566,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $566,000,000 for
payment to Legal Services Corporation [LSC]. The recommendation
is $6,000,000 above the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
The Committee's recommendation provides $522,100,000 for
basic field programs, to be used for competitively awarded
grants and contracts; $26,200,000 for management and
administration; $5,000,000 for client self-help and information
technology; $5,700,000 for the Office of the Inspector General
[OIG]; $2,000,000 for loan repayment assistance; and $5,000,000
for LSC's Pro Bono Innovation Fund.
Governance and Management.--LSC must continue to improve
its governance and management in order to further restore the
transparency of the organization and direct additional funds
into legal aid, where resources are desperately needed. The
Committee expects the OIG to continue conducting annual audits
of LSC grantees to ensure that funds are not being used in
contravention of the restrictions by which LSC grantees are
required to abide.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
The Committee's recommendation continues the administrative
provisions contained in the fiscal year 1998 appropriations act
(Public Law 105-119) regarding operation of this program to
provide basic legal services to disadvantaged individuals and
the restrictions on the use of LSC funds.
LSC funds cannot be used to engage in litigation and
related activities with respect to a variety of matters
including: (1) redistricting; (2) class action suits; (3)
representation of undocumented immigrants; (4) political
activities; (5) abortion; (6) prisoner litigation; (7) welfare
reform; (8) representation of charged drug dealers during
eviction proceedings; and (9) solicitation of clients. The
exception to the restrictions occurs in a case where there is
imminent threat of physical harm to the client or prospective
client.
The Committee's recommendation permits LSC recipients to
operate with boards of directors that have as few as 33 percent
attorneys without requiring appointment by bar associations.
LSC recipients operating in rural areas, where there are not as
many attorneys available or willing to serve on boards, stand
to benefit most from the flexibility that this provision
provides. This provision also improves the ability of LSC
recipients to have fiscal experts, community representatives,
and others with diverse skills and perspectives on their
governing bodies.
Marine Mammal Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $4,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,500,000
The Committee provides $4,500,000 for the Marine Mammal
Commission. The recommendation is equal the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
The Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of
Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals provide oversight and
recommend actions on domestic and international topics to
advance policies and provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection
Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-522, as amended). The Commission
provides precise, up-to-date scientific information to Congress
on issues related to the safety of marine mammals.
Office of the United States Trade Representative
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $59,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 65,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $65,000,000 for the
Office of the United States Trade Representative [USTR]
salaries and expenses. The recommendation is $6,000,000 above
the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. USTR is responsible for
developing and leading international negotiations for the U.S.
on policies regarding international trade, direct investment,
and commodities. Its areas of responsibility include all
matters relating to the World Trade Organization; trade,
commodity, and direct investment matters dealt with by certain
international institutions; industrial, agricultural, and
services trade policy; and trade-related protection of
intellectual property and the environment.
Within funds provided, the Committee continues to support
USTR's accepting full financial responsibilities of the
Interagency Center on Trade Implementation, Monitoring, and
Enforcement (formerly named the Interagency Trade Enforcement
Center) in fiscal year 2026.
Economy Act Transfers.--USTR is directed to continue
isolating Economy Act payments as individual transfers and to
submit documentation of and justification for all Economy Act
transfers, regardless of amount, to and from other Federal
agencies, to the Committee not less than 15 days before such
transfers of sums are made.
Travel.--USTR is directed to provide monthly travel reports
detailing all trips outside of the United States, including the
purposes and costs of such trips. Additionally, USTR shall
continue to provide the Committee with quarterly reports
outlining the status of ongoing trade negotiations, enforcement
activities, and objectives achieved for existing trade
agreements.
USMCA.--The Committee directs USTR to provide quarterly
expenditure reports, by object class, no later than 30 days
after the end of each fiscal quarter, for funding provided to
USTR by title IX of the USMCA Implementation Act (Public Law
116-113). Further, as the review period for the USMCA
approaches in summer 2026, the Committee urges USTR to pursue
changes that would prohibit the People's Republic of China from
taking advantage of the agreement, improve the agreement's
labor standards, and onshore additional manufacturing jobs. The
Committee directs USTR to consult will all relevant
Congressional Committees during the review period to ensure
bipartisan, bicameral support from Congress.
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.--The Committee notes the
ongoing interagency work to negotiate the Indo-Pacific Economic
Framework. The Committee encourages USTR to secure commitments
that strengthen supply chain security for critical minerals,
pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients among
nations party to the agreement.
Annual Trade Agenda.--The Committee requests the
President's Trade Policy Agenda submitted during fiscal year
2026 include an explanation of how the administration's trade
policy objectives and priorities support and advance the
objectives of the National Defense Strategy and the National
Security Strategy.
Examining Unfair Chinese Trade Practices.--The Committee
recognizes that non-allied nations are becoming large exporters
of electric vehicles worldwide and is concerned that electric
vehicles from such countries will soon flood the U.S. market.
Some Chinese automakers are seeking to establish manufacturing
plants in Mexico and other strategic locations to sidestep U.S.
tariffs. The Committee directs USTR, in consultation with other
relevant departments and agencies, to examine non-allied
nations' non-market policies and practices related but not
limited to electric vehicles, including industrial targeting,
non-market excess capacity, direct subsidies, low interest
loans, loan forgiveness, targeted regulations, and licensing
arrangements, as well as policies that prevent U.S auto
manufacturers from competing in their markets on a level
playing field, and report its findings to this Committee within
180 days of enactment of this act.
Trade and Agricultural Exports.--The Committee supports
efforts to reduce foreign tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers
for U.S. agricultural exports, including the strong enforcement
of trade rules and regulations. However, the Committee is
concerned that trade actions resulting in decreased foreign
market access for U.S. agricultural products due to retaliation
threaten to harm our Nation's farmers and ranchers. The
Committee urges USTR and the Secretary of Commerce to fully
evaluate and consider the impact foreign tariffs and other
retaliatory actions have on U.S. farmers and ranchers when
negotiating with trade partners and in making trade-related
decisions.
U.S European Union [EU] Trade and Technology Council
[TTC].--The Committee recognizes the importance of the TTC as a
forum for promoting U.S. and EU competitiveness and prosperity
through increasing transatlantic trade, investment, and
engagement on matters related to critical and emerging
technology. The Committee awaits receipt of the joint report on
the U.S. TTC, as directed by the joint explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 118-42.
Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator.--The
Committee notes that certain trading practices may affect
prices of pharmaceuticals for American consumers, potentially
depriving them of innovative drugs produced by U.S.
manufacturers. The Committee directs USTR to brief the
Committee, within 30 days of enactment of this act, on its
implementation of section 3 of the Executive Order 14297.
Abraham Accords Trade Cooperations.--The Trade Policy
Agenda submitted during fiscal year 2026 shall include a plan
to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords through the use of
existing Free Trade Agreements, Trade and Investment Framework
Agreements, Foreign Trade Zones, and Qualified Industrial
Zones.
Tariff Negotiations.--The Committee is aware of public
reports that dozens of countries have been in contact with the
United States regarding trade negotiations but is concerned
that the administration has not shared which countries have
solicited negotiations, commenced negotiations, or both, with
the United States. USTR is directed to brief the Committee,
within 45 days of enactment of this act, on which countries
have solicited negotiations regarding tariffs, detailed
information on any agreements reached in response, and the
status of active negotiations.
TRADE ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $15,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 15,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $15,000,000 for the
Trade Enforcement Trust Fund as authorized under the Trade
Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-
125). The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2025
enacted level.
Trade Enforcement Trust Fund.--The Committee supports
efforts to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and to
increase compliance of U.S. trade partners. The Committee
directs USTR, as part of its fiscal year 2026 spending plan, to
provide a breakdown of expenses for the Trade Enforcement Trust
Fund's activities.
State Justice Institute
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2025.................................... $7,640,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,640,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $7,640,000 for the
State Justice Institute [SJI]. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2025 enacted level.
SJI was created in 1984 to further the development and
adoption of improved judicial administration in State courts.
Legal Deserts.--The Committee is concerned that many areas
of the country have too few practicing attorneys to ensure that
litigants in these areas can retain counsel without taking
burdensome steps. The American Bar Association [ABA] has
referred to these areas as ``legal deserts.'' Using 2020 data,
the ABA found that 1,300 counties in the United States have
fewer than 1 attorney per 1,000 residents, and many have no
attorneys. As a result, many litigants appear in court without
representation. Legal deserts may hit juveniles hardest because
they are among the most vulnerable participants in the legal
system. The Committee urges SJI to examine the issues related
to legal deserts and to prepare a report, within 180 days of
enactment of this act, with recommendations to address legal
deserts.
TITLE V
GENERAL PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS AND RESCISSIONS OF FUNDS)
The Committee recommends the following general provisions
for the departments, agencies, offices, and commissions funded
in the accompanying act. Similar provisions were carried in the
fiscal year 2025 act.
Section 501 prohibits the use of appropriations for certain
publicity and propaganda purposes.
Section 502 prohibits any appropriations contained in this
bill from remaining available for obligation beyond the current
fiscal year unless expressly provided.
Section 503 limits funds for certain consulting purposes.
Section 504 provides that, should any provision of the bill
be held to be invalid, the remainder of the act would not be
affected.
Section 505 stipulates the policy and procedures by which
funding available to the agencies funded under this bill may be
reprogrammed for other purposes.
Section 506 provides for a penalty for persons found to
have falsely mislabeled products.
Section 507 requires agencies to provide quarterly reports
to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees regarding
unobligated balances.
Section 508 requires agencies and departments funded in
this bill to absorb any necessary costs related to downsizing
or consolidation within the amounts provided to the agency or
department.
Section 509 limits funds for the sale or export of tobacco
or tobacco products.
Section 510 stipulates obligation of receipts and the use
of certain funds for victim services available under the Crime
Victims Fund.
Of the funds set aside for Indian Tribes, the Committee
expects that the Office for Victims of Crime [OVC] will award
such funds to Indian Tribes that have not been designated high-
risk grantees by the DOJ and that comply with grant application
requirements. OVC is expected to provide instructional model
grant applications and other guidance to aid Tribes in
preparing grant applications. Grant-receiving Tribes will need
to certify that grant funds will not be used to supplant funds
otherwise available for Tribal victim assistance so that OVC
can ensure grant accountability and that grants are being used
effectively to improve services for Tribal victims of crime.
Section 511 prohibits the use of DOJ funds for programs
that discriminate against, denigrate, or otherwise undermine
the religious beliefs of students participating in such
programs.
Section 512 limits transfers of funds between agencies.
Section 513 requires the Inspectors General of the
Departments of Commerce and Justice, NASA, NSF, and LSC to
conduct reviews of activities funded in this bill and requires
certifications regarding conflicts of interest.
Section 514 prohibits funds for certain telecommunications
and information technology acquisitions unless the acquiring
department or agency has assessed the supply chain risk of the
technology, including risks from technology originating in
China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Section 515 prohibits the use of funds to support or
justify the use of torture.
Section 516 prohibits funds for activities that seek to
include certain language in new trade agreements.
Section 517 prohibits funds to authorize a national
security letter in contravention of the statutes authorizing
the FBI to issue national security letters.
Section 518 requires notification to the Committees in the
event of cost overruns.
Section 519 authorizes funds appropriated for intelligence
activities for the DOJ during fiscal year 2025 until the
enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2025.
Section 520 prohibits contracts or grant awards in excess
of $5,000,000 unless the prospective contractor or grantee has
certified in writing that he or she has filed all Federal tax
returns, has not been convicted of a criminal offense under the
IRS Code of 1986, and has no unpaid Federal tax assessment.
Section 521 specifies rescissions of prior appropriations.
Section 522 prohibits the use of funds to purchase first
class or premium airline travel in contravention of current
regulations.
Section 523 prohibits the use of funds to pay for the
attendance of more than 50 employees at any single conference
outside the United States and limits the cost of any such
conference incurred by an agency, with certain exemptions.
Section 524 requires agencies funded in this bill to report
on undisbursed balances.
Section 525 requires, when practicable, the use of funds in
this act to purchase light bulbs that have the ``Energy Star''
or ``Federal Energy Management Program'' designation.
Section 526 prohibits the use of funds by NASA, OSTP, or
the National Space Council to engage in bilateral activities
with China or a Chinese-owned company or effectuate the hosting
of official Chinese visitors at certain facilities unless the
activities are authorized by subsequent legislation or NASA,
OSTP, or the National Space Council have made a certification
pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section.
Section 527 prohibits the use of funds to establish or
maintain a computer network that does not block pornography,
except for law enforcement purposes.
Section 528 requires departments and agencies funded in
this bill to submit spending plans to the House and Senate
Appropriations Committees within 45 days of enactment of this
act.
Section 529 prohibits funds to pay for award or incentive
fees for contractors with below satisfactory performance or
performance that fails to meet the basic requirements of the
contract. The Committee directs any head of any executive
branch department, agency, board, commission, or office funded
by this bill to require that all contracts within their purview
that provide award fees to link such fees to successful
acquisition outcomes, specifying the terms of cost, schedule,
and performance.
Section 530 prohibits the use of funds by the Department of
Justice or the Drug Enforcement Administration in contravention
of a certain section of the Agricultural Act of 2014.
Section 531 prohibits the Department of Justice from
preventing certain States from implementing State laws
regarding the use of medical marijuana.
Section 532 requires quarterly reports from the Department
of Commerce, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
and the National Science Foundation of travel to China.
Section 533 requires 10 percent of the funds for certain
programs be allocated for assistance in persistent poverty
counties.
Section 534 prohibits the use of funds in this act to
require certain export licenses.
Section 535 prohibits the use of funds in this act to deny
certain import applications regarding ``curios or relics''
firearms, parts, or ammunition.
Section 536 prohibits funds from being used to deny the
importation of shotgun models if no application for the
importation of such models, in the same configuration, had been
denied prior to January 1, 2011, on the basis that the shotgun
was not particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to
sporting purposes.
Section 537 prohibits the use of funds to implement the
Arms Trade Treaty until the Senate approves a resolution of
ratification for the Treaty.
Section 538 includes language regarding detainees held at
Guantanamo Bay.
Section 539 includes language regarding facilities for
housing detainees held at Guantanamo Bay.
Section 540 provides that the Department of Commerce and
Department of Justice may utilize funding to provide payments
pursuant to section 901(i)(2) of title IX of division J of the
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020.
Section 541 sets certain requirements for the allocations
of funds related to the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (Public
Law 117-167).
Section 542 is a new provision regarding indirect costs.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7, RULE XVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Rule XVI, paragraph 7 requires that every report on a
general appropriation bill filed by the Committee must identify
items of appropriation not made to carry out the provisions of
an existing law, a treaty stipulation, or an act or resolution
previously passed by the Senate during that session.
The Committee recommends funding for the following programs
or activities that currently lack an authorization for fiscal
year 2026, either in whole or in part, and therefore fall under
this rule:
APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW--FISCAL YEAR 2026
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last year of
Agency/program authorization
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Commerce:
International Trade Administration:
Export Promotion.................................. 1996
Economic and Statistics Administration
Salaries and Expenses............................. n/a
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration:
Salaries and Expenses............................. 1993
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:
Operations, Research, and Facilities:
NOAA Authorization Act of 1992.............. 2006
Windstorm Impact Reduction Act.............. 2017
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation 2021
Act of 2017................................
Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control..... 2002
National Ocean Service.......................... 1993
Coastal Zone Management......................... 2013
National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund....... 2019
Marine Protection, Research, Preservation & 2005
Sanctuaries....................................
Estuaries and Clean Waters Act.................. 2005
National Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 2005
2000...........................................
Oil Pollution Act............................... 2011
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act............... 2005
Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and 1990
Restoration Act................................
Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act.......... 2002
National Marine Fisheries Service:
Marine Mammal Protection........................ 1999
Species Recovery Grants......................... 1992
NOAA Marine Fisheries Program................... 2000
Interjurisdictional Fisheries................... 2012
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 2013
Management.....................................
Endangered Species Act.......................... 1992
Pacific Salmon Treaty Act of 1985............... 2009
Estuary Restoration Act......................... 2012
High Seas Driftnet Fisheries Enforcement Act.... 2012
Lacey Act Amendments of 1981.................... 2008
Saltonstall-Kennedy Act of 1954................. 1991
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research:
Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes. 1993
National Integrated Drought Information System 2023
(NIDIS)........................................
Great Lakes and Lake Champlain Invasive Species 2019
Program........................................
National Ocean Service:
Marine Protection, Research, Preservation & 2005
Sanctuaries....................................
National Weather Service:
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction:
NOAA Corps.................................. 2020
Department of Justice:
General Administration:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
Justice Information Sharing Technology.......... 2009
Executive Office for Immigration Review:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
Office of Inspector General:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
U.S. Parole Commission
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
Legal Activities:
General Legal Activities:
Salaries and Expenses....................... 2009
Antitrust Division:
Salaries and Expenses....................... 2009
U.S. Attorneys:
Salaries and Expenses....................... 2009
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission:
Salaries and Expenses....................... 2009
Fees and Expenses of Witnesses.................. 2009
Community Relations Service:
Salaries and Expenses....................... 2009
Assets Forfeiture Fund Current Budget 2009
Authority..................................
U.S. Marshals Service............................... 2009
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
Federal Prison Detention........................ 2009
Construction.................................... 2009
National Security Division:
Salaries and Expenses........................... n/a
Interagency Law Enforcement:
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement.......... 2009
Federal Bureau of Investigation..................... 2009
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
Construction.................................... 2009
Drug Enforcement Administration:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
Federal Prison System............................... 2009
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
Buildings and Facilities........................ 2009
Office of Justice Programs:
Research, Evaluation, and Statistics:
National Institute of Justice............... 1995
Bureau of Justice Statistics................ 1995
State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance:
Adam Walsh Act.................................. 2009
Bulletproof Vest Partnership.................... 2020
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants........ 2012
John R. Justice Grant Program............... 2014
Capital Litigation Improvement Grant Program 2021
Missing Americans Alert Program (Kevin and 2022
Avonte's Law)..............................
Prison Rape Prevention and Prosecution 2010
Program....................................
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)............ 2021
Drug Court Program.......................... 2023
Justice and Mental Health Collaboration 2021
Program....................................
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment....... 2000
State Criminal Alien Assistance Program......... 2011
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes 2012
Prevention Grants Program......................
Keep Young Athletes Safe........................ 2022
National Criminal History Improvement Program 2022
(NCHIP)........................................
NICS Act Record Improvement Program (NARIP)..... 2013
Paul Coverdell Grants........................... 2021
Second Chance Act/Offender Re-Entry............. 2023
Victims of Trafficking Programs................. 2021
Juvenile Justice Programs:
Part B-Formula Grants........................... 2020
COPS Programs:
COPS Hiring Program............................. 2009
Tribal Resources Grant Program.................. 2015
Community Policing Development/Training and 2009
Technical Assistance...........................
Regional Information Sharing Activities......... 2003
STOP School Violence Act........................ 2028
National Aeronautics and Space Administration:
Science............................................. 2017
Aeronautics......................................... 2017
Exploration......................................... 2017
Space Operations.................................... 2017
Education........................................... 2017
Safety, Security and Mission Services............... 2017
Construction and Environmental Compliance and 2017
Restoration........................................
Office of the Inspector General..................... 2017
National Science Foundation......................... 2027
Related Agencies:
Commission on Civil Rights:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 1995
International Trade Commission:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2004
Payment to the Legal Services Corporation:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 1980
Marine Mammal Commission:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 1999
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2004
State Justice Institute:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on July 17, 2025,
the Committee ordered favorably reported a bill (S. 2354)
making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and
Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes, provided,
that the bill be subject to amendment and that any amendment
increasing budget authority be offset by a reduction of equal
or greater budget authority, and provided that the Chair of the
Committee or the Chair of the Subcommittee reporting the
original bill be authorized to offer the substance of the
original bill as a Committee amendment in the nature of a
substitute to the House companion measure, by a recorded vote
of 19-10, a quorum being present. The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chair Collins Mrs. Murray
Mr. McConnell Mr. Durbin
Ms. Murkowski Mr. Reed
Mr. Graham Mr. Merkley
Mr. Moran Mr. Schatz
Mr. Hoeven Ms. Baldwin
Mr. Boozman Mr. Murphy
Mrs. Capito Mr. Van Hollen
Mr. Kennedy Mr. Peters
Mrs. Hyde-Smith Mrs. Gillibrand
Mr. Hagerty
Mrs. Britt
Mr. Mullin
Mrs. Fischer
Mr. Rounds
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Coons
Mr. Heinrich
Mr. Ossoff
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 12, RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Paragraph 12 of the rule XXVI requires that Committee
reports on a bill or joint resolution repealing or amending any
statute or part of any statute include ``(a) the text of the
statute or part thereof which is proposed to be repealed; and
(b) a comparative print of that part of the bill or joint
resolution making the amendment and of the statute or part
thereof proposed to be amended, showing by stricken-through
type and italics, parallel columns, or other appropriate
typographical devices the omissions and insertions which would
be made by the bill or joint resolution if enacted in the form
recommended by the Committee.''
In compliance with this rule, changes in existing law
proposed to be made by the bill are shown as follows: existing
law to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets; new matter is
printed in italic; and existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman.
DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE, THE JUDICIARY, AND RELATED
AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1996 (PUBLIC LAW 104-134)
TITLE V--RELATED AGENCIES
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Maritime Administration
* * * * * * *
Legal Services Corporation
* * * * * * *
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Sec. 502. None of the funds appropriated in this Act to the
Legal Services Corporation shall be used by the Corporation to
make a grant, or enter into a contract, for the provision of
legal assistance unless the Corporation ensures that the person
or entity receiving funding to provide such legal assistance
is--
* * * * * * *
(2) a qualified nonprofit organization, chartered
under the laws of a State or the District of Columbia,
that--
(A) furnishes legal assistance to eligible
clients; and
[(B) is governed by a board of directors or
other governing body, the majority of which is
comprised of attorneys who--
(i) are admitted to practice in a
State or the District of Columbia; and
(ii) are appointed to terms of
office on such board or body by the
governing body of a State, county, or
municipal bar association, the
membership of which represents a
majority of the attorneys practicing
law in the locality in which the
organization is to provide legal
assistance;]
(B) is governed by a board of directors or
other governing body, 33 percent of which is
comprised of attorneys who are members of the
bar of a State, as defined in section 1002(8)
of the Legal Services Corporation Act (42
U.S.C. 2996a(8)), in which the legal assistance
is to be provided;
------
DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE, THE JUDICIARY, AND RELATED
AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998 (PUBLIC LAW 105-119)
TITLE V--RELATED AGENCIES
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Legal Services Corporation
* * * * * * *
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Sec. 501. (a) Continuation of Competitive Selection
Process.--None of the funds appropriated in this Act to the
Legal Services Corporation may be used to provide financial
assistance to any person or entity except through a competitive
selection process conducted in accordance with regulations
promulgated by the Corporation in accordance with the criteria
set forth in subsections (c), (d), and (e) of section 503 of
Public Law 104-134 (110 Stat. 1321-52 et seq.).
(b) Inapplicability of Certain Procedures.--Sections
1007(a)(9) and 1011 of the Legal Services Corporation Act (42
U.S.C. 2996f(a)(9) and 2996j) shall not apply to the provision,
denial, suspension, or termination of any financial assistance
using funds appropriated in this Act.
(c) Additional Procedures.--If, during any term of a grant
or contract awarded to a recipient by the Legal Services
Corporation under the competitive selection process referred to
in subsection (a) and applicable Corporation regulations, the
Corporation finds, after notice and opportunity for the
recipient to be heard, that the recipient has failed to comply
with any requirement of the Legal Services Corporation Act (42
U.S.C. 2996 et seq.), this Act, or any other applicable law
relating to funding for the Corporation, the Corporation may
terminate the grant or contract and institute a new competitive
selection process for the area served by the recipient,
notwithstanding the terms of the recipient's grant or contract.
(d) Modified Governing Body Requirement.--For purposes of
this Act, section 1007(c) of the Legal Services Corporation Act
(42 U.S.C. 2996f(c)) shall be applied by substituting ``33
percent'' for ``60 percent''.
BUDGETARY IMPACT OF BILL
PREPARED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE PURSUANT TO SEC. 308(a), PUBLIC LAW 93-344, AS
AMENDED
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Budget authority Outlays
-----------------------------------------------------------
Committee Amount in Committee Amount in
allocation\1\ bill allocation\1\ bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with the
subcommittee allocation for 2026: Subcommittee on
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies:
Mandatory....................................... .............. 457 .............. \2\536
Discretionary................................... .............. ............ .............. ............
.......\2\
Defense..................................... .............. 6,604 .............. 6,575
Non-defense................................. .............. 73,107 .............. 81,629
Projection of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2026............................................ .............. ............ .............. \3\48,920
2027............................................ .............. ............ .............. 19,614
2028............................................ .............. ............ .............. 6,672
2029............................................ .............. ............ .............. 3,018
2030 and future years........................... .............. ............ .............. 3,018
Financial assistance to State and local governments NA 1,028 NA \3\91
for 2026..........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\As of the date that this bill was reported, there is no section 302(a) allocation to the Committee on
Appropriations for fiscal year 2026.
\2\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\3\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NA: Not applicable.
DISCLOSURE OF CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
The Constitution vests in the Congress the power of the
purse. The Committee believes strongly that Congress should
make the decisions on how to allocate the people's money. As
defined in Rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the
term ``congressionally directed spending item'' means a
provision or report language included primarily at the request
of a Senator, providing, authorizing, or recommending a
specific amount of discretionary budget authority, credit
authority, or other spending authority for a contract, loan,
loan guarantee, grant, loan authority, or other expenditure
with or to an entity, or targeted to a specific State, locality
or congressional district, other than through a statutory or
administrative, formula-driven, or competitive award process.
For each item, a Member is required to provide a certification
that neither the Member nor the Member's immediate family has a
pecuniary interest in such congressionally directed spending
item. Such certifications are available to the public on the
website of the Senate Committee on Appropriations (https://
www.appropriations.senate.
gov/congressionally-directed-spending requests). Following is a
list of congressionally directed spending items included in the
Senate recommendation discussed in this report, along with the
name of each Senator who submitted a request to the Committee
of jurisdiction for each item so identified. Neither the
Committee recommendation nor this report contains any limited
tax benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in rule
XLIV.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recommendation
Account Project Location Recipient ($) Requestor(s)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOC-NIST STRS....................... The National Center to Baltimore City, MD..... Blackbird 3,000,000 Alsobrooks, PVan
Accelerate Cures. Laboratories, Inc.. Hollen
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Quantum Computing Prince George's County, The Maryland Center at 700,000 Alsobrooks, PVan
Breakthrough Against MD. Bowie State Hollen
Cancer. University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... UM-MIND X-CHANGE......... Baltimore City, MD..... University of 2,910,000 Alsobrooks, PVan
Maryland, Baltimore. Hollen
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Wildfire Education, Boulder, CO............ University of Colorado 1,887,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Research and Training Boulder.
Laboratory.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Quantum Laboratory Denver, CO............. University of Colorado 778,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Equipment. Denver.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Cybersecurity Readiness Groton, CT............. Naval & Maritime 689,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Initiative for the Consortium.
Maritime Industrial Base.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Biopharmaceutical Newark, DE............. University of Delaware 3,604,000 Blunt Rochester, Coons
Manufacturing Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Integrated Nanotechnology Little Rock, AR........ University of Arkansas 3,000,000 Boozman
Sciences Research. at Little Rock.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Power Packaging Center of Fayetteville, AR....... University of 3,500,000 Boozman
Excellence. Arkansas,
Fayetteville.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Mechanical Engineering Montgomery, AL......... Alabama State 500,000 Britt
Degree Program. University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Development of Digital Auburn, AL............. Auburn University..... 1,000,000 Britt
Technologies.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Detection and Prevention Tuscaloosa, AL......... The University of 1,000,000 Britt
of Aquaculture Product Alabama.
Mislabeling.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Gonzaga University Center Spokane, WA............ Gonzaga University.... 1,000,000 Cantwell
for Materials Research.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... UW Interdisciplinary Seattle, WA............ University of 2,000,000 Cantwell
Engineering Building Washington.
Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... WSU National Pullman, WA............ Washington State 2,000,000 Cantwell
Semiconductor Crystal University.
Growth Center.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Applied Energy Systems South Charleston, WV... BridgeValley Community 800,000 Capito, Justice
Lab for Renewable and Technical College.
Workforce Training.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Instrumentation for Morgantown, WV......... West Virginia 2,200,000 Capito, Justice
BioNano and Chemistry University Research
NMR Research Facilities. Corporation.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... University of New Orleans New Orleans, LA........ University of New 1,350,000 Cassidy
Advance Computing and Orleans.
Chemical Sciences
Instrumentation Upgrades.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Electronic Microscopy Baton Rouge, LA........ Louisiana State 2,500,000 Cassidy, Kennedy
Sight. University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Semiconductor Technology Lafayette, LA.......... University of 5,000,000 Cassidy, Kennedy
Center. Louisiana Lafayette.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Maine High-Performance Waterville, ME......... Central Maine Growth 6,200,000 Collins
Computing Hub. Council.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... 3D-Printing Research and Bangor, ME............. Penquis C.A.P, Inc.... 1,270,000 Collins
Development.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Expansion of Gene Editing Newark, DE............. Christiana Care Health 500,000 Coons
Learning Lab. Services.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Harper College Quantum Palatine, IL........... William Rainey Harper 765,000 Duckworth
Workforce Education and College.
Training Network.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Advanced Chemistry Huntingdon County, PA.. Juniata College....... 400,000 Fetterman, PMcCormick
Instrumentation for
Pennsylvania Students.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... King's College Wilkes-Barre, PA....... King's College........ 300,000 Fetterman, PMcCormick
Cybersecurity Lab.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Western Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, PA......... University of 400,000 Fetterman, PMcCormick
Shared Quantum Pittsburgh.
Information Core
(WPASQIC).
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Scientific Kearney, NE............ University of Nebraska 3,000,000 Fischer
Instrumentation for Board of Regents.
Biomedical Research.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Instrumentation for Lincoln, NE............ University of Nebraska 1,000,000 Fischer
Advanced Water Research. Board of Regents.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Growing Nebraska's Lincoln, NE............ University of Nebraska 1,000,000 Fischer
Bioeconomy. Board of Regents.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... SUNY Albany--Cleanroom Albany County, NY...... The Research 1,521,000 Gillibrand
Equipment Update. Foundation for The
State University of
New York University
at Albany.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Quantum Research New York, NY........... New York University... 1,000,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Biomanufacturing Rensselaer, NY......... Rensselaer Polytechnic 1,000,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Equipment. Institute.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Rochester Quantum Network Monroe, NY............. Rochester Institute of 2,000,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
(RoQNET). Technology.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Semiconductor Thermal Onondaga, NY........... Syracuse University... 1,000,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Noise Testbed.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Modernization of Franklin, NY........... Trudeau Institute Inc. 2,500,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Instrumentation and
Analytical Capabilities.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Advanced Product Cleveland, OH.......... Case Western Reserve 1,750,000 Husted
Manufacturing University.
Technologies Initiative.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Research Equipment for Athens, OH............. Ohio University....... 1,250,000 Husted
U.S. Energy Leadership
and Supply Chain
Strength.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Impact Lab Equipment..... East Liberty, OH....... Transportation 1,500,000 Husted, Moreno
Research Center.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Nanoscience Device Dayton, OH............. University of Dayton.. 1,250,000 Husted, Moreno
Research and Workforce
Development Lab.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Secured Research Starkville, MS......... Mississippi State 1,000,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Computing Infrastructure. University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Agriculture Autonomy Starkville, MS......... Mississippi State 1,100,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Technology Incubator. University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Graphene and Graphene- Oxford, MS............. University of 4,000,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Like Low-Dimensional Mississippi.
Materials.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Old Dominion University's City of Norfolk, VA.... Old Dominion 1,500,000 Kaine, Warner
Center of Excellence in University.
Trustworthy Artificial
Intelligence.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Medical Education New Orleans, LA........ Health Sciences Center 7,500,000 Kennedy
Building Laboratory
Research Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Preparing Next-Gen Beverly, MA............ Endicott College...... 786,000 Markey, Warren
Engineers.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Soil Carbon Sampling and Falmouth, MA........... Woodwell Climate 800,000 Markey, Warren
Analysis Laboratory. Research Center.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... An End to Forever Worcester, MA.......... Worcester Polytechnic 1,500,000 Markey, Warren
Chemicals in Worcester Institute.
County.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Bioscience AI Computing Benton County, OR...... Oregon State 2,000,000 Merkley, Wyden
Cluster. University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Next Generation Benton County, OR...... Oregon State 2,520,000 Merkley, Wyden
Semiconductor Test University.
Facility.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Semiconductor Innovation Multnomah County, OR... Portland State 2,000,000 Merkley, Wyden
and Nanoscience University.
Equipment Purchase.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Imaging and Lane County, OR........ University of Oregon.. 3,000,000 Merkley, Wyden
Characterization
Research and Training
Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Advanced Manufacturing Kansas City, KS........ Kansas City Kansas 3,000,000 Moran
Workforce Enhancement Community College.
Program.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Bioprocessing & Manhattan, KS.......... Kansas State 4,000,000 Moran
Industrial Value Added University.
Products Equipment
Innovation Center--
Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Advanced Manufacturing... Olathe, KS............. Kansas State 5,004,000 Moran
University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Advanced Manufacturing Wichita, KS............ Wichita State 5,000,000 Moran
Technology and Equipment. University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Enhanced Manufacturing Dayton, OH............. Sinclair Community 1,145,000 Moreno
Education Center. College.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Polymer R&D and Akron, OH.............. University of Akron... 1,000,000 Moreno
Production Facility.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Engineering and Oklahoma City, OK...... Mid-America Christian 1,300,000 Mullin
Artificial Intelligence University.
Technology Project.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Cooperative and Secure Tulsa, OK.............. University of Tulsa... 3,000,000 Mullin
Physical AI Systems.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Biotechnology Research Anchorage, AK.......... University of Alaska 1,500,000 Murkowski
Commercialization Anchorage.
Initiative.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Radiocarbon Lab Upgrades. Seattle, WA............ University of 1,500,000 Murray
Washington.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Kirsten Wind Tunnel Seattle, WA............ University of 3,000,000 Murray
Improvements. Washington.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Husky Secure Computing Seattle, WA............ University of 10,000,000 Murray
Data & Infrastructure. Washington.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Safe and Secure AI Houghton, MI........... Michigan Technological 2,000,000 Peters, Slotkin
Manufacturing University.
Implementation Program.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Advancing Emerging New York, NY........... American Museum of 1,000,000 Schumer
Technologies and Natural History.
Scientific Discovery
through the Digital
Twinning of Scientific
Specimens.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... CNSE 200mm Wafer Albany, NY............. The Research 1,000,000 Schumer
Cleanroom Equipment. Foundation for The
State University of
New York, University
at Albany.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Building Capacity for Durham, NH............. University of New 890,000 Shaheen
PFAS Analysis in New Hampshire.
Hampshire.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... VITAL and Bioinformatics Bozeman, MT............ Montana State 3,000,000 Sheehy
Facilities Equipment. University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Donnelly Science Center Baltimore, MD.......... Loyola University 2,000,000 Van Hollen
Research Lab. Maryland.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Equipment for the Center Baltimore City, MD..... Morgan State 3,400,000 Van Hollen
for Education and University.
Research in
Microelectronics.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Biomedical Research and Frederick County, MD... Hood College.......... 2,500,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Training Center. Hollen
DOC-NIST Construction............... Molecular Biology Baltimore City, MD..... Morgan State 5,500,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Research Laboratory. University. Hollen
DOC-NIST Construction............... University of Maine Orono, ME.............. University of Maine... 45,000,000 Collins
Health Science Complex.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Healthy Kentucky Research Lexington, KY.......... University of Kentucky 35,000,000 McConnell
Building.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Center for Bioscience.... Louisville, KY......... University of 70,000,000 McConnell
Louisville.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Bioprocessing & Manhattan, KS.......... Kansas State 8,000,000 Moran
Industrial Value Added University.
Products Equipment
Innovation Center--
Construction.
DOC-NIST Construction............... University of Kansas Kansas City, KS........ University of Kansas.. 36,000,000 Moran
Cancer Center.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Scientific Research Multiple, WA........... Washington State 50,000,000 Murray
Center. University.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Great Bay National Concord, NH............ New Hampshire Fish and 5,000,000 Shaheen
Estuarine Research Game Department/Great
Reserve: Research Bay National
Facility. Estuarine Research
Reserve.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Bio-Design Innovation Hub Baltimore City, MD..... Maryland Institute 897,000 Van Hollen
College of Art.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ UMBC Laboratory for Flood Baltimore County, MD... University of 1,000,000 Alsobrooks
Risk Impact Assessment Maryland, Baltimore
and Adaptation. County.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Watershed Research Prince George's County, Anacostia Watershed 250,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Equipment. MD. Society. Hollen
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Pollution-Monitoring Prince George's County, EarthReports, Inc. dba 1,057,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Project and Equipment. MD. Patuxent Riverkeeper. Hollen
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Blue Catfish (Invasive Anne Arundel County, MD Maryland Department of 2,000,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Species) Mitigation. Natural Resources Hollen
(DNR).
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Animal Rescue Program.... Baltimore City, MD..... The National Aquarium. 725,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Hollen
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Chesapeake Global Dorchester County, MD.. University of Maryland 1,000,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Collaboratory. Center for Hollen
Environmental Science.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Thames River Marine New London, CT......... Connecticut College... 56,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Habitat Feasibility
Study.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Connecticut Shell Fairfield, CT.......... CORR--Collective 184,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Recycling and Shellfish Oyster Recycling &
Restoration Restoration
Collaborative. Foundation, Inc..
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Equipment Purchase for Groton, CT............. Inter District 765,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Marine Science Education. Committee for Project
Oceanology.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Oyster Reef Restoration Mobile, AL............. Alabama Wildlife 1,000,000 Britt
in Mobile Bay. Federation.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Severe Weather Prediction Mobile, AL............. The University of 2,000,000 Britt
Enhancement. South Alabama.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Study of Sediment Mobile, AL............. Alabama Port Authority 500,000 Britt, Tuberville
Management in Mobile
Harbor.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Real-time Southern Seattle, WA............ Maritime Blue......... 482,000 Cantwell
resident orca hydrophone
location tracking for
commercial mariners.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Titlow Lagoon Restoration Tacoma, WA............. Metropolitan Park 1,000,000 Cantwell
District of Tacoma.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Bluefin Tuna Research.... Ogunquit, ME........... The Bluefin 129,000 Collins
Collaborative.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ American Lobster Walpole, ME............ University of Maine... 1,000,000 Collins, King
Settlement Index
Expansion.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Gulf of Maine Ocean Walpole, ME............ University of Maine... 5,000,000 Collins, King
Observation System.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Freshkills Biological Richmond County, NY.... Fund for the City of 979,000 Gillibrand
Station--Research New York, Inc..
Station.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ The South Carolina Charleston, SC......... SC Department of 825,000 Graham
Department of Natural Natural Resources.
Resources.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ South Carolina Aquarium.. Charleston, SC......... South Carolina 441,000 Graham
Aquarium.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Invasive Species in Pearl City and County of Department of Land and 400,000 Hirono, Schatz
Harbor. Honolulu, HI. Natural Resources,
Division of Aquatic
Resources.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Wailoa Aquaculture Hawaii County, HI...... Department of Land and 775,000 Hirono, Schatz
Facility. Natural Resources,
Division of Aquatic
Resources.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Kauai Coral Recovery Kauai County, HI....... Department of Land and 500,000 Hirono, Schatz
Project. Natural Resources,
Division of Aquatic
Resources.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Restorative Aquaculture City and County of Hawaii Department of 500,000 Hirono, Schatz
Feasibility Study. Honolulu, HI. Agriculture.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Mississippi Oyster Gulf Coast, MS......... Mississippi Wildlife 1,000,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Restoration and Fisheries Parks
Workforce Program. Marine Foundation.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Geospatial Science for Hattiesburg, MS........ University of Southern 1,426,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Disaster and Emergency Mississippi.
Management (GeoDEM).
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Coastal Virginia Water- Statewide/multiple Middle Peninsula 802,000 Kaine, Warner
Level Monitoring Program. locations, VA. Planning District
Commission.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Massachusetts Office of Boston, MA............. American Association 375,000 Markey, Warren
Climate Science NOAA of State
Pilot. Climatologists.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Resilience in the Charles Boston, MA............. Charles River 500,000 Markey, Warren
River Watershed. Watershed Association.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Fishing for the Future: East Falmouth, MA...... Coonamessett Farm 1,875,000 Markey, Warren
Developing Resilient Foundation.
Fisheries for
Massachusetts.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Alaska Seafood Statewide, AK.......... Alaska Fisheries 2,000,000 Murkowski
Modernization Initiative. Development
Foundation.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Deploying Imaging Flow Statewide, AK.......... Alaska Ocean Observing 165,000 Murkowski
Cytobots for the System.
Detection of Harmful
Algal Blooms in Coastal
Alaska.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Capacity Building to Statewide, AK.......... Bering Sea Fishermen's 500,000 Murkowski
Support Cooperating Association.
Agency Status and
Consultation for Tribes
and Tribal Organizations
in Alaska.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Use of In-season Genetic Unalaska, AK........... Bristol Bay Science 3,500,000 Murkowski
Analysis to Reduce and Research
Bycatch of Western Institute.
Alaska Chum Salmon in
the Pollock Fishery.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Northern Bering Sea Statewide, AK.......... North Pacific Research 2,500,000 Murkowski
Integrated Ecosystem Board.
Research Program.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ PWSSC Oceanography Cordova, AK............ Prince William Sound 355,000 Murkowski
Profiler. Science Center.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Marine Workforce Programs Southeast, AK.......... Sealaska Heritage 500,000 Murkowski
for Alaska Youth. Institute.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Improving Salmon Counting Fairbanks, AK.......... University of Alaska 1,500,000 Murkowski
with Drone Maritime Fairbanks.
Lidar.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Growing a Flood Resilient Multiple, WA........... American Rivers....... 1,650,000 Murray
Washington State.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Integrated Solutions for San Juan County, WA.... The SeaDoc Society.... 850,000 Murray
Killer Whale Recovery.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Great Lakes Regional Washtenaw, MI.......... Great Lakes Commission 1,500,000 Peters
Coordination.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Salve Education, Newport, RI............ Salve Regina 1,200,000 Reed
Engagement, & University.
Aquaculture.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ URI Ocean Research....... Narragansett, RI....... University of Rhode 1,250,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Island.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ URI Healthy Waters Narragansett, RI....... University of Rhode 1,614,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Initiative. Island.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ An Operational System for Brookings, SD.......... South Dakota State 343,000 Rounds
Monitoring and University.
Forecasting Air Quality
from Wildfires.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Western Pacific Observer City and County of Pacific Islands 1,500,000 Schatz
Coverage. Honolulu, HI. Fisheries Science
Center.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Tsunami Outreach and Hawaii County, HI...... Pacific Tsunami Museum 400,000 Schatz
Education.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Pacific Islands Ocean and City and County of University of Hawaii.. 680,000 Schatz
Fisheries Education Honolulu, HI.
Needs Assessment.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Nature Your City Project. Bronx, NY.............. New York Botanical 500,000 Schumer
Garden.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Montana Regional Missoula, MT........... The University of 750,000 Sheehy
Incubator in Drought Montana--Montana
Resiliency. Mesonet.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Center for Precision Baltimore County, MD... University of 1,500,000 Van Hollen
Aquaculture. Maryland, Baltimore
County.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ State Drought Plan and Statewide, VT.......... American Association 375,000 Welch
Flood Data Gathering. of State
Climatologists.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Streamgages.............. Statewide, VT.......... Lamoille County 664,000 Welch
Regional Planning
Commission.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Marine Debris Removal.... Hancock, Harrison, Mississippi Commercial 300,000 Wicker
Jackson Counties, MS. Fisheries United.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Montgomery County Montgomery County, MD.. Montgomery County 70,000 Alsobrooks
Sheriff's Office Gun Sheriff's Office.
Violence Prevention.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Gun Violence Intervention Anne Arundel County, MD Anne Arundel County, 1,000,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Maryland. Hollen
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Behavioral Health Baltimore County, MD... Associated Catholic 431,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Services for Community Charities Inc.. Hollen
Violence Intervention
Network.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Expansion of Trauma and Baltimore City, MD..... Center for Hope, Inc.. 800,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Victim Services. Hollen
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Real Time Intelligence Montgomery County, MD.. Montgomery County 2,100,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Center. Police. Hollen
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... SAFE Center.............. Prince George's County, The University of 700,000 Alsobrooks, Van
MD. Maryland, College Hollen
Park.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Gun Violence and Juvenile Baltimore County, MD... Town of Bladensburg... 450,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Diversion Program. Hollen
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Child Advocacy Centers Statewide, WI.......... Children's Hospital 730,000 Baldwin
Services. and Health System,
Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Victim Advocacy Program.. Statewide, WI.......... Disability Rights 564,000 Baldwin
Wisconsin.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Community Domestic Abuse Milwaukee County, WI... Sojourner Family Peace 469,000 Baldwin
Advocacy Program. Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... In-Custody Biometrics Jefferson, CO.......... Jefferson County 570,000 Bennet
Monitoring. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Incident Management Alamosa, CO............ Adams State University 523,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Communications System.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Rural Human Trafficking Statewide, CO.......... Alliance to Lead 200,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Survivor Support. Impact in Global
Human Trafficking
(ALIGHT).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Youth Violence Prevention Adams, CO.............. Colorado Youth 450,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Advocate Programs,
Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Montezuma County Montezuma, CO.......... Town of Mancos........ 600,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Community Intervention
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Youth Diversion and Case Rio Blanco County, CO.. YouthZone............. 115,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Management Services.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Mass Casualty Training Bridgeport, CT......... Bullard-Havens 300,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Platform. Technical High School.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Domestic Violence New Haven, CT.......... Havenly............... 148,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Survivor Services
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Community Enrichment Waterbury, CT.......... Police Activity League 30,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Initiatives. of Waterbury.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Victim service staffing Hartford, CT........... Saint Francis Hospital 1,500,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
needs. and Medical Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Second Chance Re-Entry Hartford, CT........... Second Chance Re-entry 250,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Initiative. Initiative Program
(SCRIP).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Training West Haven, CT......... University of New 1,500,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Center. Haven.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Youth Violence Prevention Bridgeport, Hartford, Youth Advocate 1,500,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
and New Haven, CT. Programs, Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Rural Reentry Health Georgetown, DE......... La Red Health Center.. 1,000,000 Blunt Rochester
Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Statewide Reentry Program Statewide, DE.......... Wilmington HOPE 800,000 Blunt Rochester
Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Forensic Science Wilmington, DE......... Delaware Division of 700,000 Blunt Rochester, Coons
Equipment. Forensic Science.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Dover, DE.............. Delaware State 1,200,000 Blunt Rochester, Coons
Improvements. University.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Peaceful Families Program Jersey City, NJ........ City Of Jersey City... 800,000 Booker
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... District-Wide Security Essex, NJ.............. Essex County School of 750,000 Booker
Camera Upgrades. Technology.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Firearms Investigation Trenton, NJ............ New Jersey State 200,000 Booker
Unit Capacity Expansion. Police.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Communications Equipment East Rutherford, NJ.... Borough of East 150,000 Booker, Kim
Project. Rutherford.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Veterans Legal Services Little Rock, AR........ University of Arkansas 750,000 Boozman
Clinic. at Little Rock.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Public Marion and Winston 25th Judicial Circuit 155,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Counties, AL. District Attorney's
Upgrades. Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Campus Safety Madison County, AL..... Alabama A&M University 250,000 Britt
Improvements.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Statewide (partnerships Alabama Department of 750,000 Britt
Investigations in Madison, Jefferson, Forensic Sciences.
Enhancement. and St. Clair), AL.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Patrol/ Baldwin County, AL..... Baldwin County 396,000 Britt
Rescue Boat. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Public Bullock County, AL..... Bullock County 300,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Sheriff's Department.
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Public Houston County, AL..... City of Dothan........ 1,007,000 Britt
Safety Equipment
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Public Crenshaw County, AL.... City of Luverne Police 200,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Department.
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Public Shelby County, AL...... City of Montevallo.... 128,000 Britt
Safety Equipment
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Public Lamar County, AL....... Lamar County Sheriff's 250,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Office.
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Public Dale County, AL........ Level Plains Police 175,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Department.
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Public Elmore, Autauga, and Office of District 45,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Chilton Counties, AL. Attorney, 19th
Upgrades. Circuit.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Public Pickens County, AL..... Pickens County 135,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Sheriff's Office.
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Spokane Mobile Spokane, WA............ City of Spokane....... 1,250,000 Cantwell, Murray
Alternative Response
Teams.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... First Responder Radio Barbour County, WV..... Barbour County OEM/911 1,002,000 Capito
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Sheriff Fleet Upgrade.... Calhoun County, WV..... Calhoun County 140,000 Capito
Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Department Hurricane, WV.......... City of Hurricane 210,000 Capito
Equipment Upgrade Police Department.
Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Department Hurricane, WV.......... City of Hurricane 503,000 Capito
Technology & Equipment Police Department.
Upgrade Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Department Vehicle Kenova, WV............. City of Kenova Police 287,000 Capito
& Equipment Upgrade Department.
Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Department Milton, WV............. City of Milton Police 628,000 Capito
Equipment & Technology Department.
Upgrade Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Department Ripley, WV............. City of Ripley Police 340,000 Capito
Equipment & Technology Department.
Upgrade Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Department Wheeling, WV........... City of Wheeling 250,000 Capito
Neighborhood Resource Police Department.
Units.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Vehicle Hancock County, WV..... Hancock County 374,000 Capito
Upgrade. Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Radio Hancock County, WV..... Hancock County 600,000 Capito
Acquisition and Commission.
Deployment Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Next Generation 911 Wyoming County, WV..... Wyoming County 487,000 Capito
Center and Training Emergency Services/
Facility. 911.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Fairmont State Campus Fairmont, WV........... Fairmont State 643,000 Capito, Justice
Police Resource Upgrades. University.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Equipment Harrison County, WV.... Harrison County 263,000 Capito, Justice
Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment.. Jefferson County, WV... Jefferson County 120,000 Capito, Justice
Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Forensic Genomic Huntington, WV......... Marshall University... 2,500,000 Capito, Justice
Institute.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... WV Corrections Leadership Charleston, WV......... University of 1,922,000 Capito, Justice
Training. Charleston.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... West Liberty University West Liberty, WV....... West Liberty 463,000 Capito, Justice
Campus Police Upgrades. University.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... 22nd Judicial District Covington, LA.......... 22nd Judicial District 500,000 Cassidy
Comprehensive Mental Court Specialty
Health and Substance Courts.
Abuse Treatment
Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... East Baton Rouge Crime East Baton Rouge, LA... East Baton Rouge 1,250,000 Cassidy
Gun Intelligence Center District Attorney's
Program. Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Grant Parish Law Grant Parish, LA....... Grant Parish Sheriff's 300,000 Cassidy
Enforcement Service Office.
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Tensas Parish Police Tensas Parish, LA...... Tensas Parish Police 250,000 Cassidy
Department Security Jury.
Equipment Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Advanced Forensic Center Jefferson, Plaquemines, Jefferson Parish 1,395,000 Cassidy, Kennedy
Equipment Project. St. John, St. James, Coroner's Office.
Tangipahoa, St.
Benard, Ascension,
Assumption, Grant, St.
Charles, St. Helana,
Terrebonne, Lafourche,
E. Feliciana, LA.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Hancock County Public Hancock County, ME..... County of Hancock..... 2,300,000 Collins
Safety Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Farmington Police Farmington, ME......... Farmington Police 240,000 Collins
Department Public Safety Department.
Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Lewiston Police Lewiston, ME........... Lewiston Police 2,170,000 Collins
Department Public Safety Department.
Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Rumford Police Department Rumford, ME............ Rumford Police 1,000,000 Collins
Public Safety Equipment. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Somerset County Sheriff's Somerset County, ME.... Somerset County 294,000 Collins
Office Public Safety Sheriff's Office.
Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Wells Police Department Wells, ME.............. Wells Police 599,000 Collins
Emergency Response Department.
Vessel.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Waldo County Sheriff's Waldo County, ME....... Waldo County Sheriff's 688,000 Collins, King
Office Public Safety Office.
Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Emergency Milford, DE............ City of Milford Police 435,000 Coons
Rescue Vehicle. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Improvement of Legal Aid Wilmington, DE......... Community Legal Aid 400,000 Coons
Services. Society Inc., of
Delaware.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Safety Improvements at Dover, DE.............. Delaware Department of 350,000 Coons
Correctional Centers. Correction.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Defense Program Wilmington, DE......... Partners for Justice.. 197,000 Coons
Expansion.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Equipment and Dewey Beach, DE........ Town of Dewey Beach... 443,000 Coons
Technology.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Patrol Vehicle.... Viola, DE.............. Town of Viola......... 75,000 Coons
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Community Guardian: Ogden City, UT......... Ogden City Corporation 1,300,000 Curtis
Regional Response
Initiative Phase 2.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Behavioral Health Unit in Summit County, UT...... Summit County......... 2,750,000 Curtis
the Summit County Jail.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Defy Ventures Programming Chicago, IL............ Defy Ventures......... 271,000 Duckworth
Support.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... A Community School Urbana, IL............. Urbana School District 336,000 Duckworth
Project--A Partnership 116.
for Community Success to
Decrease Community
Violence.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Crisis Intervention Aurora, IL............. City of Aurora........ 128,000 Duckworth, Durbin
Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Violence Prevention Cook County, IL........ Youth Advocate 1,500,000 Duckworth, Durbin
Initiative. Programs, Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Chicago, IL............ City of Chicago, 500,000 Durbin
Chicago Police
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Technology Upgrades...... Freeport, IL........... City of Freeport...... 600,000 Durbin
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Kane County, IL........ Kane County Coroner's 1,000,000 Durbin
Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Violent Crime Data Chicago, IL............ Rush University System 1,665,000 Durbin
Sharing Initiative. for Health.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Reentry Initiative....... Chicago, IL............ Safer Foundation...... 650,000 Durbin
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Youth Mentoring Northern Illinois, IL.. Save One Life 250,000 Durbin
Initiative. Foundation.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Reentry Initiative....... Sangamon County, IL.... SING-Shifting Into New 300,000 Durbin
Gear Reentry Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police and Community Chicago, IL............ University of Chicago 600,000 Durbin
Violence Intervention Crime Lab.
Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Oak Park, IL........... Village of Oak Park... 185,000 Durbin
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Big Brothers Big Sisters Allegheny County, PA... Big Brothers Big 500,000 Fetterman
of Greater Pittsburgh Sisters of Greater
Youth Mentoring and Pittsburgh, Inc..
Violence Intervention in
Pittsburgh-Area Schools.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Dunmore Police Department Lackawanna County, PA.. Borough of Dunmore.... 288,000 Fetterman
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... City of Nanticoke Police Luzerne County, PA..... City of Nanticoke..... 298,000 Fetterman
SUV's and Body and Car
Cameras.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Body-Worn Camera & Dash- Snyder County, PA...... Middleburg Borough 120,000 Fetterman
Cam Technology Upgrades. Police Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Combatting Youth Philadelphia, PA....... The Exodus Road....... 350,000 Fetterman, PMcCormick
Exploitation Online
Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Public Safety Omaha, NE.............. City of Omaha......... 1,000,000 Fischer
Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Sheriff's Office Lancaster County, NE... Lancaster County...... 1,200,000 Fischer
Equipment & Body-Worn
Cameras.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Child Trafficking Omaha, NE.............. University of Nebraska 2,000,000 Fischer
Prevention Project. Board of Regents.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Equipment......... Douglas, AZ............ City of Douglas....... 627,000 Gallego, Kelly
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Vehicles.......... Nogales, AZ............ City of Nogales-- 481,000 Gallego, Kelly
Nogales Police
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Communications Williams, AZ........... City of Williams...... 462,000 Gallego, Kelly
Infrastructure Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Flagstaff, AZ.......... Coconino County 1,980,000 Gallego, Kelly
Communications. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... SWAT Team Response Parker, AZ............. La Paz County 579,000 Gallego, Kelly
Vehicle. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Training Facility Tucson, AZ............. Pima County Sheriff's 1,400,000 Gallego, Kelly
Upgrades. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Mobile Command Center.... Safford, AZ............ Safford Police 250,000 Gallego, Kelly
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Town of Wellton Police Wellton, AZ............ Town of Wellton Police 324,000 Gallego, Kelly
Vehicles. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Services to Survivors of New York, NY........... Safe Horizon, Inc..... 500,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Violence.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... City of Chester Police Chester, SC............ City of Chester....... 821,000 Graham
Department Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Irmo Public Safety Irmo, SC............... Town of Irmo.......... 396,000 Graham
Vehicles.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Town of Lexington Police Lexington, SC.......... Town of Lexington..... 203,000 Graham
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Town of McBee Policing McBee, SC.............. Town of McBee......... 250,000 Graham
Equipment and Technology.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Forensic Laboratory and Albuquerque, NM........ Albuquerque Police 908,000 Heinrich
Crime Scene Processing Department.
Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Forensic and Crime Scene Bernalillo County, NM.. Bernalillo County 1,050,000 Heinrich
Reconstruction Equipment. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Crime Forensic Equipment. Farmington, NM......... City of Farmington.... 629,000 Heinrich
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Evidence Processing Lab.. Las Cruces, NM......... City of Las Cruces.... 1,000,000 Heinrich
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Campus Lighting and Portales, NM........... Eastern New Mexico 533,000 Heinrich
Safety. University.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Crime Scene Gallup, NM............. Gallup Police 115,000 Heinrich
Reconstruction Equipment. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Youth Violence Prevention Albuquerque, NM........ New Mexicans to 350,000 Heinrich
Programs. Prevent Gun Violence.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Sexual Assault Helpline Albuquerque, NM........ New Mexico Coalition 1,668,000 Heinrich
and Workforce Trauma of Sexual Assault
Institute. Programs, Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... DNA Processing Laboratory Albuquerque, NM........ University of New 1,000,000 Heinrich, Lujan
Mexico, Office of the
Medical Investigator.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Vehicle Fleet Expansion.. Corinth, MS............ City of Corinth Police 483,000 Hyde-Smith
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Cybersecurity Equipment Gulfport, MS........... Institute for Marine 500,000 Hyde-Smith
and Data Management Mammal Studies, Inc..
Upgrade.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Forensic Science Starkville, MS......... Mississippi State 2,500,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Institute and Digital University.
Forensics Lab.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Juvenile Delinquency Camp Shelby, MS........ Mississippi Youth 500,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Prevention Initiative. Challenge Academy.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Training for Justice Statewide, MS.......... University of 838,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
System Professionals. Mississippi.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Vehicles and Mercer County, WV...... Mercer County 350,000 Justice
Equipment. Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Expanding Access to Statewide/multiple Children's Hospital of 750,000 Kaine, Warner
CHKD's Child Advocacy locations, VA. The King's Daughters
Center Services for (CHKD).
Youth Suffering from
Abuse and Neglect.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... FailSafe-ERA Restorative Statewide/multiple FailSafe-ERA.......... 460,000 Kaine, Warner
Reentry. locations, VA.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Advancing Victim Statewide/multiple George Mason 1,027,000 Kaine, Warner
Services: Domestic locations, VA. University.
Violence Response
Training.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... SVCC Rural Campus Safety Statewide/multiple Southside Virginia 1,017,000 Kaine, Warner
Initiative. locations, VA. Community College.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Drug Quality Control Monroe, LA............. University of 825,000 Kennedy
Laboratory. Louisiana Monroe.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Focus on Fentanyl Minneapolis, MN........ Hennepin County 610,000 Klobuchar, Smith
Education, Enforcement, Sheriff's Office.
Public Advocacy and
Warrant Execution
Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Fast Response Boat for Baudette, MN........... Lake of the Woods 1,000,000 Klobuchar, Smith
Search and Rescue. County.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Expansion of School-Based Albuquerque, NM........ City of Albuquerque... 1,035,000 Lujan
Violence Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Coalition to Stop Albuquerque, NM........ Coalition to Stop 93,000 Lujan
Violence Against Native Violence Against
Women. Native Women.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... San Juan County LEAD (Law San Juan County, NM.... San Juan County 250,000 Lujan
Enforcement Assisted Partnership.
Diversion).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Stopping Violence through Chelsea, MA............ Roca, Inc............. 1,664,000 Markey, Warren
Employment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Cybercrime Training Madisonville, KY....... City of Madisonville.. 2,500,000 McConnell
Facility Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Warren County, KY...... Warren County Fiscal 352,000 McConnell
Technology and Equipment. Court.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Allegheny County Police Allegheny County, PA... Allegheny County...... 1,000,000 McCormick
and Fire Training
Academy Public Safety
Equipment and Facility
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Johnstown Police Johnstown, PA.......... City of Johnstown..... 250,000 McCormick
Department Crisis
Intervention Team.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Youth Mentoring and Wichita, KS............ Big Brothers Big 1,000,000 Moran
Juvenile Delinquency Sisters of Kansas.
Prevention.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Southeast Kansas Regional Pittsburg, KS.......... Kansas Bureau of 8,000,000 Moran
Crime Center and Investigation.
Laboratory.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Radio Improvement Project Elyria, OH............. City of Elyria........ 500,000 Moreno
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Workforce Development for Cleveland, OH.......... Freedom a la Cart..... 400,000 Moreno
Survivors of Human
Trafficking Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Training and Technical Statewide, AK.......... Alaska Native Women's 1,000,000 Murkowski
Assistance for Alaska Resource Center.
Tribal Justice Systems.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Serving Victims in Alaska Statewide, AK.......... Alaska Network on 3,500,000 Murkowski
Domestic Violence and
Sexual Assault.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Emergency Services Valdez, AK............. City of Valdez........ 5,500,000 Murkowski
Infrastructure
Replacement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Next Generation 911 Unorganized Borough, AK State of Alaska, 1,000,000 Murkowski
Physical Addressing. Department of Public
Safety.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... TCC Region Mobile Sexual Statewide, AK.......... Tanana Chiefs 498,000 Murkowski
Assault Response Team Conference.
(SART) Pilot Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Services for Sexual Renton, WA............. King County Sexual 1,750,000 Murray
Assault Survivors. Assault Resource
Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Project Prevent School Fulton County, GA...... CHRIS 180, Inc........ 528,000 Ossoff
Violence.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Unidentified and Missing Fulton County, GA...... Fulton County Medical 362,000 Ossoff
Persons Forensic Genetic Examiner.
Genealogy Testing
Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Technology Upgrades for Cobb County, GA........ LiveSafe Resources, 116,000 Ossoff
Services to Survivors. Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Technology Investments... Cobb County, GA........ SafePath Children's 100,000 Ossoff
Advocacy Center, Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Forensic Interview Ware County, GA........ Satilla Health 92,000 Ossoff
Equipment. Foundation, Inc., d/b/
a Satilla Advocacy
Services.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Pre-Release Treatment for Cobb County, GA........ The Extension, Inc.... 787,000 Ossoff
Substance Abuse.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Services for Domestic DeKalb County, GA...... Women's Moving On, 372,000 Ossoff
Violence Survivors. Inc. d/b/a Women's
Resource Center to
End Domestic Violence.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Mental Health Crisis Co- Lowndes County, GA..... Behavioral Health 211,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Responder Program. Services of South
Georgia.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Opioid Detection System.. City of Fayetteville, City of Fayetteville.. 92,000 Ossoff, Warnock
GA.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Community-Based Crime Sumter County, GA...... Southwest Georgia 739,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Victim Services. Children's Alliance,
Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Campus Security City of Atlanta, GA.... Spelman College....... 272,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Improvements.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Crime Victims Initiative. City of Alameda, CA.... City of Alameda....... 900,000 Padilla, Schiff
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Kalamazoo Department of Kalamazoo, MI.......... City of Kalamazoo..... 490,000 Peters
Public Safety Patrol
Vehicles.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Officer Safety Equipment. Macomb, MI............. City of Warren Police 38,000 Peters
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Westland Police Wayne, MI.............. City of Westland...... 100,000 Peters
Technology Update.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Patrol Vehicles Houghton, MI........... County of Houghton.... 385,000 Peters
Replacement for an Aging
Fleet.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... CLEMIS Modernization and Oakland, MI............ Oakland County........ 1,000,000 Peters
Transformation Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Safety Oakland, MI............ Oakland County 26,000 Peters
Equipment. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... DNA Analysis Technology.. Van Buren, MI.......... Van Buren County...... 576,000 Peters
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Building Futures: Reentry Cranston, RI........... Building Futures...... 300,000 Reed
Pathways to Construction
Careers.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Day One Expanding Child Statewide, RI.......... Day One............... 470,000 Reed
Sexual Abuse Prevention
and Services.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Elizabeth Buffum Chace Warwick, RI............ Elizabeth Buffum Chace 660,000 Reed
Center Program Support. Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Johnson & Wales Providence, RI......... Johnson & Wales 115,000 Reed
University Police University.
Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Nonviolent Intervention Providence, RI......... Nonviolence Institute. 260,000 Reed
Services.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Handle with Care RI...... Cranston, RI........... Office of the Rhode 125,000 Reed
Island Attorney
General.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... West Warwick Cruiser West Warwick, RI....... West Warwick Police 100,000 Reed
Replacement. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Women's Resource Center Newport, RI............ Women's Resource 1,000,000 Reed
Services for Victims of Center.
Domestic Violence.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Justice Mobile........... Statewide, VT.......... Vermont Legal Aid..... 1,999,000 Sanders
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Chaminade University Honolulu, HI........... Chaminade University 1,000,000 Schatz
Justice Institute. of Honolulu.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Records Division Honolulu, HI........... Honolulu Police 520,000 Schatz
Digitization Project. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... San Francisco Police San Francisco, CA...... San Francisco Police 550,000 Schiff
Department--Crime Lab Department.
and Rapid DNA Unit.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... ICACCOPS & NH ICAC Portsmouth, NH......... City of Portsmouth.... 1,000,000 Shaheen
Enhanced Capacity
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Dispatch and LMR Upgrade. Newmarket, NH.......... Newmarket Police 353,000 Shaheen
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Newport Police Department Newport, NH............ Newport Police 132,000 Shaheen
Records/Dispatch Department.
Software.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Gallatin College Law Bozeman, MT............ Montana State 320,000 Sheehy
Enforcement Academy. University.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Children's Advocacy Roscommon, MI.......... Roscommon County...... 1,000,000 Slotkin
Center Building Campaign.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Body Worn Camera Program. Wayne County, MI....... Wayne County Sheriff's 700,000 Slotkin
Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Mayodan, NC............ Town of Mayodan....... 342,000 Tillis
Communication Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Emergency Communication Transylvania County, NC Transylvania County... 800,000 Tillis
Technology and Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Funding for Patrol Camden, AL............. Wilcox County 250,000 Tuberville
Vehicles to Support Law Sheriff's Office.
Enforcement in Wilcox
County.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Statewide Program Baltimore City, MD..... Boys & Girls Clubs of 2,000,000 Van Hollen
Expansion and Crime Metropolitan
Prevention Initiative. Baltimore.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Group Violence Reduction City of Baltimore, MD.. City of Baltimore..... 1,184,000 Van Hollen
Strategy Expansion.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Office Technology Baltimore City, MD..... Office of the States 775,000 Van Hollen
Modernization and Attorney for
Cybersecurity Baltimore City.
Enhancements.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Countywide Program Prince George's County, Prince George's County 1,000,000 Van Hollen
Expansion and Crime MD. Boys & Girls Club.
Prevention Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Youth Violence Prevention Baltimore County, MD... Youth Advocate 450,000 Van Hollen
Project. Programs, Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Rapid Rehousing & Abuser Anne Arundel County, MD YWCA of Annapolis and 697,000 Van Hollen
Intervention for Victims Anne Arundel County.
of Domestic Violence.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Family Violence Services Columbia County, GA.... Columbia County Board 325,000 Warnock
and Support Unit. of Commissioners.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Residential Housing for Chatham County, Bryan Tharros Place, Inc.... 357,000 Warnock
Human Trafficking County, Effingham
Survivors. County, Liberty
County, Glynn County,
Long County, GA.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Peer Recovery Coaches in Statewide, VT.......... Vermont Department of 1,187,000 Welch
Correctional Facilities. Corrections.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Patrol Vehicle........... North Providence, RI... Town of North 62,000 Whitehouse
Providence.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Equipment & Patrol Scituate, RI........... Town of Scituate 449,000 Whitehouse
Vehicles. Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... SMCSO Mobile Command St. Mary's County, MD.. St. Mary's County 800,000 Alsobrooks
Vehicle. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Digital Forensics Unit Charles County, MD..... Charles County 533,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Upgrades. Sheriff's Office. Hollen
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Enhancing Crime Lab Montgomery County, MD.. Montgomery County, 1,192,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Forensic Capabilities. Maryland Police Hollen
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Prince George's County, Town of Riverdale Park 179,000 Alsobrooks, Van
Communications MD. Hollen
Modernization Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Emergency Services Radio Ashland County, WI..... Ashland County........ 3,155,000 Baldwin
Infrastructure.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Radios..... Crawford County, WI.... Crawford County 744,000 Baldwin
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Sheriff's Office Mobile Fond du Lac County, WI. Fond du Lac County.... 1,300,000 Baldwin
Command Post.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Sheriff's Office Fentanyl Denver, CO............. City and County of 208,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Contraband Detection Denver.
Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Drug Testing Public Garfield, CO........... City of Rifle......... 401,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Safety Initiative.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Project.... Montezuma County, CO... Ute Mountain Ute Tribe 1,700,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Response Danbury, CT............ City of Danbury....... 300,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Enhancements.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Equipment Upgrades South Windsor, CT...... South Windsor Police 177,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Dispatch System Ledyard, CT............ Town of Ledyard....... 229,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Replacement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Equipment Upgrades Monroe, CT............. Town of Monroe........ 110,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Dispatch Call Handling Simsbury, CT........... Town of Simsbury...... 62,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Software and Upgrade.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... FIFA 2026 Public Safety Bergen County, NJ...... Bergen County 1,200,000 Booker, Kim
and Security Upgrades. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Radio Improvements....... Manville, NJ........... Borough of Manville... 231,000 Booker, Kim
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Intersection Surveillance Union City, NJ......... City of Union City.... 880,000 Booker, Kim
Upgrade Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Next Generation 9-1-1 East Windsor, NJ....... Township of East 300,000 Booker, Kim
Upgrades. Windsor.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Ridgefield Park, NJ.... Village of Ridgefield 1,496,000 Booker, Kim
Communications Equipment Park.
Modernization Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Arkansas Criminal Pulaski County, AR..... 6th Judicial District 5,500,000 Boozman
Intelligence Network. Prosecuting
Attorney's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Arkansas Internet Crimes Little Rock, AR........ Arkansas State Police. 500,000 Boozman
Against Children Task
Force Technology and
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment Bald Knob, AR.......... Bald Knob Police 325,000 Boozman
Upgrades. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Technology Batesville, AR......... Batesville Police 575,000 Boozman
and Equipment. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Technology Jonesboro, AR.......... City of Jonesboro..... 3,500,000 Boozman
and Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mobile Command/Response Cherokee County, AL.... Cherokee County 300,000 Britt
Vehicle. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mobile Command/Response Morgan County, AL...... City of Decatur....... 325,000 Britt
Vehicle and Public
Safety Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public Coffee County, AL...... City of Enterprise.... 500,000 Britt
Safety Equipment
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public Russell County, AL..... City of Phenix City... 350,000 Britt
Safety Equipment
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public Randolph County, AL.... City of Roanoke....... 100,000 Britt
Safety Equipment
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public Cleburne County, AL.... Cleburne County 435,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Sheriff's Department.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Patrol/ Etowah County, AL...... Etowah County 300,000 Britt
Rescue Boat. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public Calhoun County, AL..... Jacksonville Police 287,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Department.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public Lawrence County, AL.... Lawrence County 650,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Commission.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public Lowndes County, AL..... Lowndes County 275,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Sheriff's Department.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public St. Clair County, AL... Pell City Police 400,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Department.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public Geneva County, AL...... Slocomb Police 37,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Department.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public Morgan County, AL...... Somerville Police 110,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Department.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Public St. Clair County, AL... St. Clair County 250,000 Britt
Safety Equipment Sheriff's Office.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Multipurpose Response and DeKalb County, AL...... DeKalb County 354,000 Britt, Tuberville
Rescue Tactical Vehicle. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Officer Safety Camas, WA.............. City of Camas......... 70,000 Cantwell
Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Department Morgantown, WV......... City of Morgantown.... 525,000 Capito
Cruisers.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Department Nitro, WV.............. City of Nitro......... 642,000 Capito
Equipment Upgrade.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Department St Albans, WV.......... City of St Albans..... 123,000 Capito
Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Car Equipment Winfield, WV........... City of Winfield...... 61,000 Capito
Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Internet Crimes Against South Charleston, WV... West Virginia State 400,000 Capito
Children Technology Police.
Support Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Fire & Public Safety Charleston, WV......... City of Charleston, WV 250,000 Capito, Justice
Center Technology and
Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety and Oak Hill, WV........... City of Oak Hill...... 166,000 Capito, Justice
Services Technology
Expansion.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Nicholas County Sheriff Nicholas County, WV.... Nicholas County 179,000 Capito, Justice
Equipment Upgrades. Commission.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Real Time Intelligence Ruston, LA............. City of Ruston Police 1,500,000 Cassidy, Kennedy
Crime Center. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Department Safety West Monroe, LA........ West Monroe Police 794,000 Cassidy, Kennedy
Equipment. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Lincoln Police Department Lincoln, ME............ Lincoln Police 565,000 Collins
Public Safety Equipment. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Cornish Public Safety Cornish, ME............ Town of Cornish....... 218,000 Collins
Communications Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Veazie Police Department Veazie, ME............. Veazie Police 125,000 Collins
Public Safety Equipment. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Washington County Washington County, ME.. Washington County 187,000 Collins
Sheriff's Office Public Sheriff's Office.
Safety Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Kennebunk, ME.......... Town of Kennebunk..... 5,018,000 Collins, King
Communications Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Winthrop Public Safety Winthrop, ME........... Town of Winthrop...... 1,162,000 Collins, King
Communications Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Emergency Response and Wilmington, DE......... Wilmington Police 400,000 Coons
Rescue Vehicle. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Rapid DNA Instrument..... Carson City, NV........ Carson City Sheriff's 450,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... First Responder Ely, NV................ City of Ely........... 5,000,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
Communication Equipment
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Computer Aided Dispatch.. Lincoln County, NV..... Lincoln County 531,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Technology City of St. George, UT. City of St. George.... 1,134,000 Curtis
and Advance AI Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Springfield, IL........ City of Springfield... 750,000 Durbin
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Integrated Technology Bucks County, PA....... Warminster Township 735,000 Fetterman
Enhancement Program for Police Department.
the Warminster Township
Police Department in
Bucks County.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Emergency Radio Equipment Centre County, PA...... Centre County......... 1,000,000 Fetterman, PMcCormick
for Centre County First
Responders.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Scranton Police Scranton, PA........... City of Scranton...... 300,000 Fetterman, PMcCormick
Department Public Safety
Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Lehigh County Public Lehigh County, PA...... Lehigh County......... 500,000 Fetterman, PMcCormick
Safety Communications
Network Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Shippensburg Police Shippensburg Borough, Shippensburg Borough.. 298,000 Fetterman, PMcCormick
Department Public Safety PA.
Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA......... University of 300,000 Fetterman, PMcCormick
Police Department Pittsburgh.
Communications Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Southeast Communications Beatrice, NE........... City of Beatrice...... 782,000 Fischer
911 Center Equipment
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Sheriff's Office Douglas County, NE..... Douglas County 639,000 Fischer
Technology Systems Sheriff's Office.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Nebraska Online Child Lincoln, NE............ Nebraska State Patrol. 176,000 Fischer
Exploitation Prevention
Technology Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Communications Otoe County, NE........ Otoe County........... 2,700,000 Fischer
Modernization Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Multi-County Taylor, NE............. Region 26 Council..... 415,000 Fischer
Communications Center
Radio Update.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Emergency Radio System Thayer County, NE...... Thayer County......... 327,000 Fischer
Improvements.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Chester County (SC) Chester County, SC..... Chester County 880,000 Graham
Sheriff's Office. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... City of Myrtle Beach-- City of Myrtle Beach, City of Myrtle Beach.. 300,000 Graham
Police Equipment. SC.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Lancaster County Sheriff Lancaster, SC.......... Lancaster County 1,261,000 Graham
Office. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mobile Security Trailers. Dona Ana County, NM.... Dona Ana County 268,000 Heinrich
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Kihei Real-Time Crime Maui County, HI........ County of Maui........ 1,000,000 Hirono, Schatz
Center.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... West Maui Communications Maui County, HI........ Maui County........... 450,000 Hirono, Schatz
Alternate Route.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Technology Florence, MS........... City of Florence 500,000 Hyde-Smith
and Equipment Upgrades. Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Fleet Expansion.......... Leland, MS............. City of Leland........ 130,000 Hyde-Smith
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Sheriff's Office Greene County, MS...... Greene County 142,000 Hyde-Smith
Modernization Initiative. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Surveillance Enhancement Monroe County, MS...... Monroe County 69,000 Hyde-Smith
Project. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Mobile Data Moss Point, MS......... Moss Point Police 100,000 Hyde-Smith
Terminals. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment Simpson County, MS..... Simpson County 157,000 Hyde-Smith
Modernization Initiative. Sheriff's Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Real Time Crime Center... Meridian, MS........... City of Meridian...... 750,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Project.... Pearl River County, MS. Pearl River County.... 750,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Crime Prevention West Point, MS......... City of West Point.... 500,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Initiative.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... School Safety Upgrades... Clay County, WV........ Clay County Schools... 749,000 Justice
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Prince Edward County Prince Edward County, Prince Edward County.. 1,695,000 Kaine, Warner
Public Safety VA.
Interoperable Radio
System.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Department Mobile Loudoun County, VA..... Town of Leesburg...... 500,000 Kaine, Warner
Command Post.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Richlands Public Safety & Tazewell County, VA.... Town of Richlands..... 249,000 Kaine, Warner
Rescue Equipment
Acquisition for First
Responders.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Internet Crimes Against Baton Rouge, LA........ Louisiana Bureau of 675,000 Kennedy
Children Task Force Investigation.
Technology.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Radio Franklin, NJ........... Borough of Franklin... 216,000 Kim
Improvement Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... 911 Dispatch Center Linden, NJ............. City of Linden........ 1,075,000 Kim
Enhancement Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Joint Powers Command Blaine, MN............. City of Blaine........ 1,470,000 Klobuchar, Smith
Vehicle Replacement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Counties Records System St. Louis County, MN... St. Louis County...... 4,000,000 Klobuchar, Smith
Collaborative.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Vehicle Acquisition...... Bernalillo County, NM.. Bernalillo County 1,042,000 Lujan
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Real Time Crime Center - Albuquerque, NM........ City of Albuquerque... 1,069,000 Lujan
Law Enforcement
Technology.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Bethlehem Police Bethlehem, PA.......... Bethlehem Police 250,000 McCormick
Department Technology Department.
and Equipment Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... York County Law York County, PA........ LogosWorks Partners... 400,000 McCormick
Enforcement Multi-Office
Public Safety Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Emergency Services Wallowa County, OR..... Wallowa County 2,750,000 Merkley, Wyden
Communications. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Abilene, KS............ Abilene Police 104,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Hiawatha, KS........... Brown County Sheriff.. 177,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Cottonwood, KS......... Chase County Sheriff.. 362,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Girard, KS............. Crawford County 262,000 Moran
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Abilene, KS............ Dickinson County 750,000 Moran
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Hays, KS............... Ellis County Sheriff.. 327,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Elwood, KS............. Elwood Police 402,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Eureka, KS............. Greenwood County 637,000 Moran
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Sublette, KS........... Haskell County Sheriff 214,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Leawood, KS............ Leawood Police 43,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Lindsborg, KS.......... Lindsborg Police 78,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Oakley, KS............. Logan County Sheriff.. 24,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... McPherson, KS.......... McPherson County 138,000 Moran
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Paola, KS.............. Miami County Sheriff.. 547,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Beloit, KS............. Mitchell County 94,000 Moran
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Neodesha, KS........... Neodesha Police 75,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Norton, KS............. Norton City Police 63,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Osawatomie, KS......... Osawatomie Police 157,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Seneca, KS............. Seneca Police 536,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Smith Center, KS....... Smith County Sheriff.. 27,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... WaKeeney, KS........... Trego County Sheriff.. 52,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Camera and Public Alert Wyandotte County, KS... Unified Government of 225,000 Moran
System Upgrades. Wyandotte County.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Victoria, KS........... Victoria Police 78,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Wathena, KS............ Wathena Police 95,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Leoti, KS.............. Wichita County Sheriff 80,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Yates Center, KS....... Yates Center Police 146,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Sheriff's Coalition Marietta, OH........... Washington County 455,000 Moreno
Training Program. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Major County Regional Fairview, OK........... Major County Sheriff's 531,000 Mullin
Emergency Communications Office.
Tower Equipment
Replacement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Internet Crimes Against Oklahoma City, OK...... Oklahoma State Bureau 575,000 Mullin
Children Technology of Investigation.
Support.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Rapid DNA Program for McAlester, OK.......... Pittsburg County 500,000 Mullin
Investigations. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Enhancements for the Anchorage, AK.......... Anchorage Police 305,000 Murkowski
Internet Crimes Against Department.
Children Task Force.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Security System Upgrades. Bethel, AK............. City of Bethel........ 70,000 Murkowski
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Replace Radio Ketchikan, AK.......... City of Ketchikan..... 3,000,000 Murkowski
Communication System.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Investigative Technology City of Carrollton, GA. City of Carrollton 76,000 Ossoff
Upgrades. Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Radio Upgrades........... City of Conyers, GA.... City of Conyers Police 685,000 Ossoff
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Safer Vehicles and City of Riverdale, GA.. City of Riverdale..... 784,000 Ossoff
Equipment Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Safer Roads Initiative City of South Fulton, City of South Fulton 405,000 Ossoff
Vehicles. GA. Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Jail Staff Compliance Fulton County, GA...... Fulton County 526,000 Ossoff
System. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Helicopter Rescue Spalding County, GA.... Spalding County 175,000 Ossoff
Capability Upgrades. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Video Treutlen County, GA.... Treutlen County 249,000 Ossoff
Recording Systems. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Crime Prevention City of Norcross, GA... City of Norcross 450,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Coordination Center. Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Campus Gate and Locks Fulton County, GA...... Morehouse College..... 556,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Upgrade.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... New Police Vehicles...... Sumter County, GA...... Sumter County 503,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Radio Upgrades.... County of Sutter, CA... County of Sutter...... 1,500,000 Padilla
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Marquette Police Marquette, MI.......... City of Marquette..... 264,000 Peters
Department--Portable
Radio Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Cranston Police Cranston, RI........... City of Cranston 1,780,000 Reed
Communications. Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Central Falls Police Central Falls, RI...... City of Central Falls. 1,000,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Department Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Rhode Island State Police Statewide, RI.......... Rhode Island State 2,575,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Equipment and Vehicles. Police.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... North Kingstown Broadband North Kingstown, RI.... Town of North 625,000 Reed, Whitehouse
and Camera Systems. Kingstown.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... West Greenwich Public West Greenwich, RI..... West Greenwich Public 200,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Safety Dispatch Safety.
Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Jail Tech Upgrades....... Rapid City, SD......... Pennington County 3,920,000 Rounds
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Child Exploitation Statewide, SD.......... South Dakota Attorney 675,000 Rounds
Investigation Support General's Office.
Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Statewide, VT.......... State of Vermont 2,000,000 Sanders
Communications Equipment Department of Public
Upgrade. Safety.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mobile Command Vehicles Oakland, CA............ University of 2,050,000 Schiff
Acquisition. California System.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Coos County Sheriff Lancaster, NH.......... Coos County 175,000 Shaheen
Technology Enhancement. Administration.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Northern Border Dispatch Colebrook, NH.......... Northern Border 225,000 Shaheen
Border Security Dispatch.
Communication.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Gilford Police Department Gilford, NH............ Town of Gilford....... 273,000 Shaheen
(CAD/RMS) Replacement
and Upgrade Program.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Milford Area Regional Milford, NH............ Town of Milford....... 1,000,000 Shaheen
Record Management
Systems (RMS) and
Computer-Aided Dispatch
(CAD) System Upgrade.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Glacier County, MT..... Glacier County 420,000 Sheehy
Communications Equipment Sheriff's Office.
Upgrade.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Vehicles.......... Prairie County, MT..... Prairie County 140,000 Sheehy
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Vehicles.......... St. Ignatius, MT....... St. Ignatius Police 185,000 Sheehy
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Vehicles.......... Treasure County, MT.... Treasure County 92,000 Sheehy
Sheriff-Coroner's
Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Search and Rescue Treasure County, MT.... Treasure County 127,000 Sheehy
Equipment. Sheriff-Coroner's
Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Search and Rescue Yellowstone County, MT. Yellowstone County 100,000 Sheehy
Equipment. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Michigan ICAC Online Dimondale, MI.......... Michigan State Police. 675,000 Slotkin
Child Exploitation
Technology Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Saginaw Police Department Saginaw, MI............ Saginaw Police 215,000 Slotkin
Patrol Vehicles. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Real Time Intelligence Greensboro, NC......... City of Greensboro 820,000 Tillis
Upgrades. Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mobile Command Unit...... McDowell County, NC.... McDowell County 250,000 Tillis
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Interoperable Holly Springs, NC...... Town of Holly Springs. 1,074,000 Tillis
Communications Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Technology Mooresville, NC........ Town of Mooresville 1,478,000 Tillis
Improvement Project. Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Rapid DNA Instrumentation Union County, NC....... Union County Sheriff's 861,000 Tillis
for Investigations. Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Joint 911 Public Safety Anne Arundel County, MD Anne Arundel County, 3,500,000 Van Hollen
Center Technology. Maryland.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Computer Aided Dispatch Baltimore City, MD..... Baltimore Police 3,700,000 Van Hollen
Replacement. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Campus Public Safety Fannin County, Forsyth University of North 500,000 Warnock
Technology Improvements. County, Lumpkin Georgia.
County, Hall County,
GA.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Upgrades... Hartford, VT........... Town of Hartford 774,000 Welch
Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Enhancements Columbus, MS........... City of Columbus...... 1,000,000 Wicker
for the Northeast
Mississippi Area Crime
Center.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Equipment Humphreys County, MS... Humphreys County...... 460,000 Wicker
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... UMMC Campus Public Safety Jackson, MS............ University of 907,000 Wicker
Enhancements. Mississippi Medical
Center.
NASA-SSMS........................... Early STEM Learning Washington, DC......... National Children's 1,200,000 Alsobrooks, Kaine, Van
Initiatives. Museum. Hollen, PWarner
NASA-SSMS........................... Planetarium Equipment.... Allegany County, MD.... Frostburg State 2,808,000 Alsobrooks, PVan
University. Hollen
NASA-SSMS........................... Addressing Air Quality Baltimore County, MD... Goucher College....... 151,000 Alsobrooks, PVan
Research. Hollen
NASA-SSMS........................... Astrophysics and Data Avon, CT............... Talcott Mountain 1,700,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Science Education Science Center for
Destination. Student Involvement,
Inc..
NASA-SSMS........................... Instrumentation and Peoria, IL............. Bradley University.... 1,000,000 Durbin
equipment upgrades.
NASA-SSMS........................... Hawaii STEM Connections.. State-wide, HI......... University of Hawaii 1,324,000 Hirono
Space Flight
Laboratory.
NASA-SSMS........................... Improving Space Weather City and County of University of Hawaii.. 1,000,000 Hirono, Schatz
Forecasts. Honolulu, HI.
NASA-SSMS........................... Quantum and Space Brook Park, OH......... Ohio Aerospace 500,000 Husted
Technologies Education, Institute.
Research, and Training
Initiative.
NASA-SSMS........................... Demonstration of Starkville, MS......... Mississippi State 2,500,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Composite Manufacturing University.
for Blended Wing Body
Air Frame.
NASA-SSMS........................... Hypersonic Flight Wichita, KS............ Wichita State 10,000,000 Moran
Research. University.
NASA-SSMS........................... Paso Robles Spaceport County of San Luis Cal Poly Partners..... 1,000,000 Padilla, Schiff
Training and Research Obispo, CA.
Center.
NASA-SSMS........................... STEM Forward............. Howard County, MD...... Chinese American 1,046,000 Van Hollen
Parent Association of
Howard County.
NASA-SSMS........................... STEM to Space Initiative. Richmond County, GA.... Paine College......... 450,000 Warnock
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND
AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026
[In thousands of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee
recommendation
Item 2025 appropriation Committee compared with (+
recommendation or -) 2025
appropriation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Operations and administration....................... 573,000 605,000 +32,000
Operations and Administration (emergency)........... 50,000 .................. -50,000
Offsetting fee collections.......................... -12,000 -12,000 ..................
Direct appropriation.......................... 611,000 593,000 -18,000
Bureau of Industry and Security
Operations and administration....................... 22,183 41,869 +19,686
Operations and Administration (emergency)........... 20,000 .................. -20,000
CWC Enforcement (Defense)........................... 148,817 169,131 +20,314
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Bureau of Industry and Security........ 191,000 211,000 +20,000
===========================================================
Economic Development Administration
Economic Development Assistance Programs............ 370,000 360,000 -10,000
Economic Development Assistance Programs 30,000 .................. -30,000
(emergency)..................................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Economic Development Assistance 400,000 360,000 -40,000
Programs...................................
===========================================================
Salaries and expenses............................... 68,000 66,000 -2,000
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Economic Development Administration.... 468,000 426,000 -42,000
===========================================================
Minority Business Development Agency
Minority Business Development....................... 68,250 55,000 -13,250
Economic and Statistical Analysis
Salaries and expenses............................... 125,000 122,000 -3,000
Bureau of the Census
Current Surveys and Programs........................ 328,500 328,500 ..................
Periodic censuses and programs...................... 1,054,000 1,191,849 +137,849
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Bureau of the Census................... 1,382,500 1,520,349 +137,849
===========================================================
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Bureau of Labor Statistics (legislative proposal)... .................. .................. ..................
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration
Salaries and expenses............................... 57,000 55,000 -2,000
Facilities Management & Construction................ 2,000 2,000 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Telecommunications and 59,000 57,000 -2,000
Information Administration...................
===========================================================
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Salaries and expenses, current year fee funding..... 4,554,940 4,996,100 +441,160
Offsetting fee collections.......................... -4,554,940 -4,996,100 -441,160
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, United States Patent and Trademark .................. .................. ..................
Office.......................................
===========================================================
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Scientific and Technical Research and Services...... 857,159 1,006,628 +149,469
(transfer out).................................. (-9,000) (-9,000) ..................
Industrial Technology Services...................... 212,000 212,000 ..................
Manufacturing extension partnerships............ (175,000) (175,000) ..................
Manufacturing USA............................... (37,000) (37,000) ..................
Construction of Research Facilities................. 87,758 385,897 +298,139
Working Capital Fund (by transfer).................. (9,000) (9,000) ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Institute of Standards and 1,156,917 1,604,525 +447,608
Technology...................................
===========================================================
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Operations, Research, and Facilities................ 4,408,986 4,477,642 +68,656
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Operations, research and Facilities. 4,408,986 4,477,642 +68,656
===========================================================
(by transfer)................................. (347,000) (399,644) (+52,644)
Promote and Develop Fund (transfer out)....... (-347,000) (-399,644) (-52,644)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal.................................... 4,408,986 4,477,642 +68,656
===========================================================
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction........... 1,619,866 1,610,000 -9,866
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction 100,000 .................. -100,000
(emergency)....................................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Procurement Acquisition and 1,719,866 1,610,000 -109,866
Construction.................................
===========================================================
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery..................... 65,000 65,000 ..................
Fishermen's Contingency Fund........................ 349 349 ..................
Fisheries Disaster Assistance....................... 300 300 ..................
Fisheries Finance Program Account................... -12,000 -12,000 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 6,182,501 6,141,291 -41,210
Administration...............................
===========================================================
Departmental Management
Salaries and expenses............................... 94,500 94,500 ..................
Renovation and Modernization........................ 1,142 1,142 ..................
Office of Inspector General......................... 48,000 48,000 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Departmental Management................ 143,642 143,642 ..................
===========================================================
Total, title I, Department of Commerce........ 10,387,810 10,873,807 +485,997
===========================================================
Appropriations.............................. (10,187,810) (10,873,807) (+685,997)
Emergency appropriations.................... (200,000) .................. (-200,000)
(by transfer)....................................... 356,000 408,644 +52,644
(transfer out)...................................... -356,000 -408,644 -52,644
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Justice Operations Management Accountability
Salaries and expenses............................... 142,000 142,000 ..................
Justice Information Sharing Technology.............. 38,460 50,000 +11,540
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Justice Operations Management 180,460 192,000 +11,540
Accountability...............................
===========================================================
Executive Office for Immigration Review............. 844,000 804,000 -40,000
Transfer from immigration examinations fee -4,000 -10,000 -6,000
account........................................
Direct appropriation.......................... 840,000 794,000 -46,000
Office of Inspector General......................... 139,000 139,000 ..................
United States Parole Commission
Salaries and expenses............................... 14,000 13,500 -500
Legal Activities
Salaries and expenses, general legal activities..... 1,090,000 1,028,000 -62,000
Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund.............. 22,700 22,700 ..................
Salaries and expenses, Antitrust Division........... 233,000 310,000 +77,000
Offsetting fee collections--current year........ -304,000 -310,000 -6,000
Direct appropriation.......................... -71,000 .................. +71,000
Salaries and expenses, United States Attorneys...... 2,611,000 2,611,000 ..................
United States Trustee System Fund................... 245,000 220,000 -25,000
Offsetting fee collections...................... -245,000 -205,000 +40,000
Direct appropriation.......................... .................. 15,000 +15,000
Salaries and expenses, Foreign Claims Settlement 2,504 2,504 ..................
Commission.........................................
Fees and expenses of witnesses...................... 270,000 320,000 +50,000
Salaries and expenses, Community Relations Service.. 24,000 22,000 -2,000
Assets Forfeiture Fund.............................. 20,514 20,514 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Legal Activities....................... 3,969,718 4,041,718 +72,000
===========================================================
United States Marshals Service
Salaries and expenses............................... 1,529,000 1,712,000 +183,000
Salaries and expenses (emergency)............... 163,000 .................. -163,000
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Salaries and expenses............... 1,692,000 1,712,000 +20,000
===========================================================
Construction........................................ 15,000 12,000 -3,000
Federal Prisoner Detention.......................... 1,986,000 2,236,000 +250,000
Federal Prisoner Detention (emergency).......... 250,000 .................. -250,000
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Federal Prisoner Detention.......... 2,236,000 2,236,000 ..................
===========================================================
Total, United States Marshals Service....... 3,943,000 3,960,000 +17,000
===========================================================
National Security Division
Salaries and expenses............................... 128,000 122,000 -6,000
Interagency Law Enforcement
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement.............. 547,000 537,000 -10,000
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Salaries and expenses............................... 4,318,154 4,318,154 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Salaries and expenses............... 4,318,154 4,318,154 ..................
===========================================================
Counterintelligence and national security........... 6,325,559 6,325,559 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Salaries and expenses............... 10,643,713 10,643,713 ..................
===========================================================
Construction........................................ 30,000 15,000 -15,000
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Bureau of Investigation........ 10,673,713 10,658,713 -15,000
===========================================================
Drug Enforcement Administration
Salaries and expenses............................... 2,890,723 3,236,660 +345,937
Salaries and expenses (emergency)............... 328,000 .................. -328,000
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Salaries and expenses............... 3,218,723 3,236,660 +17,937
===========================================================
Diversion control fund........................ -651,723 -669,660 -17,937
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Drug Enforcement Administration........ 2,567,000 2,567,000 ..................
===========================================================
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Salaries and expenses............................... 1,625,000 1,625,000 ..................
Construction........................................ .................. .................. ..................
Total, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms 1,625,000 1,625,000 ..................
and Explosives...............................
===========================================================
Federal Prison System
Salaries and expenses............................... 8,392,588 8,392,588 ..................
Buildings and facilities............................ 179,762 179,762 ..................
Limitation on administrative expenses, Federal 2,700 2,700 ..................
Prison Industries, Incorporated....................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Prison System.................. 8,575,050 8,575,050 ..................
===========================================================
State and Local Law Enforcement Activities
Office on Violence Against Women:
Prevention and prosecution programs............. .................. .................. ..................
(by transfer)................................... (80,000) (80,000) ..................
Crime Victims Fund (transfer out)............... (-80,000) (-80,000) ..................
Violence Against Women Prevention & Prosecution 633,000 640,000 +7,000
Programs.......................................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal...................................... 633,000 640,000 +7,000
===========================================================
Office of Justice Programs:
Research, evaluation and statistics............. 65,000 60,000 -5,000
State and local law enforcement assistance...... 2,000,033 1,878,146 -121,887
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program .................. .................. ..................
(legislative proposal).............................
Juvenile justice programs....................... 375,000 380,000 +5,000
Public safety officer benefits:
Death benefits.................................. 240,000 202,000 -38,000
Disability and education benefits............... 34,800 34,800 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal...................................... 274,800 236,800 -38,000
===========================================================
Total, Office of Justice Programs............. 2,714,833 2,554,946 -159,887
===========================================================
Community Oriented Policing Services:
COPS programs................................... 417,169 500,167 +82,998
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, State and Local Law Enforcement 3,765,002 3,695,113 -69,889
Activities...................................
===========================================================
Total, title II, Department of Justice........ 36,966,943 36,920,094 -46,849
===========================================================
Appropriations.............................. (36,225,943) (36,920,094) (+694,151)
Emergency appropriations.................... (741,000) .................. (-741,000)
(by transfer)................................. 80,000 80,000 ..................
(transfer out)................................ -80,000 -80,000 ..................
TITLE III--SCIENCE
Office of Science and Technology Policy............. 7,965 7,965 ..................
National Space Council.............................. 1,965 1,965 ..................
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Science............................................. 7,334,200 7,300,000 -34,200
Aeronautics......................................... 935,000 950,000 +15,000
Space Technology.................................... 1,100,000 975,000 -125,000
Exploration......................................... 7,216,200 7,783,000 +566,800
Exploration (emergency)............................. 450,000 .................. -450,000
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Exploration......................... 7,666,200 7,783,000 +116,800
===========================================================
Space Operations.................................... 4,220,000 4,314,000 +94,000
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics 143,000 148,000 +5,000
Engagement.........................................
Safety, Security and Mission Services............... 3,092,327 3,107,079 +14,752
Construction and environmental compliance and 50,000 275,000 +225,000
restoration........................................
Construction and environmental compliance and 250,000 .................. -250,000
restoration (emergency)........................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Construction and environmental 300,000 275,000 -25,000
compliance and restoration...................
===========================================================
Office of Inspector General......................... 47,600 47,600 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Aeronautics and Space 24,838,327 24,899,679 +61,352
Administration...............................
===========================================================
National Science Foundation
Research and related activities..................... 7,067,190 7,067,190 ..................
Defense function.................................... 109,310 109,310 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal...................................... 7,176,500 7,176,500 ..................
===========================================================
Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction .................. 350,000 +350,000
Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction 234,000 .................. -234,000
(emergency)........................................
STEM Education...................................... 1,172,000 1,000,000 -172,000
Agency Operations and Award Management.............. 448,000 444,000 -4,000
Office of the National Science Board................ 5,090 5,090 ..................
Office of Inspector General......................... 24,410 24,410 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Science Foundation............ 9,060,000 9,000,000 -60,000
===========================================================
Total, Title III, Science..................... 33,908,257 33,909,609 +1,352
===========================================================
Appropriations.............................. (32,974,257) (33,909,609) (+935,352)
Emergency appropriations.................... (934,000) .................. (-934,000)
TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES
Commission on Civil Rights
Salaries and expenses............................... 14,350 14,350 ..................
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Salaries and expenses............................... 455,000 455,000 ..................
International Trade Commission
Salaries and expenses............................... 122,000 122,000 ..................
Legal Services Corporation
Payment to the Legal Services Corporation........... 560,000 566,000 +6,000
Marine Mammal Commission
Salaries and expenses............................... 4,500 4,500 ..................
Office of the US Trade Representative
Salaries and expenses............................... 59,000 65,000 +6,000
Trade Enforcement Trust Fund........................ 15,000 15,000 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office of the US Trade Representative.. 74,000 80,000 +6,000
===========================================================
State Justice Institute
Salaries and expenses............................... 7,640 7,640 ..................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, title IV, Related Agencies............. 1,237,490 1,249,490 +12,000
===========================================================
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Crime Victims Fund (transfer out) (Sec 510)......... (-10,000) (-10,000) ..................
Department of Justice OIG (by transfer)......... (10,000) (10,000) ..................
DOC, Economic Development Assistance Programs -30,000 -30,000 ..................
(rescission).......................................
DOC, Nonrecurring Expenses Fund (rescission)........ -9,560,000 .................. +9,560,000
DOJ, Working Capital Fund (rescission).............. -300,000 -100,000 +200,000
DOJ, Federal Prison System Buildings and Facilities .................. .................. ..................
(rescission).......................................
DOJ, Drug Enforcement Administration Salaries and .................. .................. ..................
Expenses (rescission)..............................
DOJ, Office of Justice Programs (rescission)........ -125,000 -125,000 ..................
DOJ, COPS Office (rescission)....................... -20,000 -20,000 ..................
DOJ, Violence Against Women Prevention and -15,000 -15,000 ..................
Prosecution Programs (rescission)..................
DOJ, Assets Forfeiture Fund (rescission)............ -250,000 .................. +250,000
HAVANA Act Payments (NDD)........................... .................. .................. ..................
HAVANA Act Payments (Def)........................... .................. .................. ..................
DOC, Census Working Capital Fund (rescission)....... .................. -15,000 -15,000
DOC, National Oceanic and Atmospheric .................. .................. ..................
Administration, Operations, Research, and
Facilities (rescission)............................
DOJ, FBI Construction............................... .................. .................. ..................
DOJ, ATF Salaries and Expenses (rescission)......... .................. .................. ..................
DOC, Working Capital Fund (rescission).............. .................. .................. ..................
Total, title V, General Provisions............ -10,300,000 -305,000 +9,995,000
===========================================================
OTHER APPROPRIATIONS
DIVISION A-FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT,
2025
(PL 118-158)
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Salaries and expenses (defense) Sec 155 (emergency). 9,906 .................. -9,906
Salaries and expenses (non-defence) Sec 155 6,762 .................. -6,762
(emergency)........................................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total Department of Justice................... 16,668 .................. -16,668
===========================================================
Total, Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 16,668 .................. -16,668
2025.........................................
===========================================================
(PL 118-158)
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economic Development Administration
Economic Development Assistance (EDA) Programs 1,510,000 .................. -1,510,000
(emergency)........................................
Operations, Research, and Facilities (emergency).... 244,000 .................. -244,000
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction 499,000 .................. -499,000
(emergency)........................................
Fisheries Disaster Assistance (emergency)........... 300,000 .................. -300,000
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Department of Commerce................. 2,553,000 .................. -2,553,000
===========================================================
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
United States Marshals Service--Salaries and 12,000 .................. -12,000
Expenses (emergency)...............................
Federal Prison System--Buildings and Facilities 64,796 .................. -64,796
(emergency)........................................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Department of Justice.................. 76,796 .................. -76,796
===========================================================
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Construction and environmental compliance and 740,200 .................. -740,200
restoration (emergency)............................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Aeronautics and Space 740,200 .................. -740,200
Administration...............................
===========================================================
Total, Disaster Relief Supplemental 3,369,996 .................. -3,369,996
Appropriations Act, 2025.....................
===========================================================
THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT, 2022
(P L 117-58)
DIVISION J--APPROPRIATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration
Digital Equity
Appropriations available from prior year (550,000) (550,000) ..................
advances (emergency)...........................
Legislative proposal (rescission)
Total, National Telecommunications and .................. .................. ..................
Information Admin............................
===========================================================
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Operations, Research, and Facilities
Appropriations available from prior year (515,583) (507,000) (-8,583)
advances (emergency)...........................
Legislative proposal (rescission)
Total, Operations, Research and Facilities.... .................. .................. ..................
===========================================================
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery
Appropriations available from prior year (34,400) (34,400) ..................
advances (emergency)...........................
Legislative proposal (rescission) .................. .................. ..................
Total, Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery........ .................. .................. ..................
===========================================================
Total, National Oceanic and Atmospheric .................. .................. ..................
Administration...............................
===========================================================
Total, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, .................. .................. ..................
2022.........................................
===========================================================
BIPARTISAN SAFER COMMUNITIES SUPPLEMENTAL
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2022
(P L 117-159)
DIVISION B--APPROPRIATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Office of Justice Programs
State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance
Appropriations available from prior year (280,000) (280,000) ..................
advances (emergency)...........................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, State and Local Law Enforcement .................. .................. ..................
Assistance...................................
===========================================================
Community Oriented Policing Services Programs (STOP
School Violence Act)
Appropriations available from prior year (20,000) (20,000) ..................
advances (emergency)...........................
-----------------------------------------------------------
Total, Community Oriented Policing Services... .................. .................. ..................
===========================================================
Total, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, 2022. .................. .................. ..................
===========================================================
Total, Other Appropriations................... 3,386,664 .................. -3,386,664
===========================================================
Grand total......................................... 75,587,164 82,648,000 +7,060,836
===========================================================
Appropriations.................................. (80,625,500) (82,953,000) (+2,327,500)
Rescissions..................................... (-10,300,000) (-305,000) (+9,995,000)
Emergency appropriations........................ (5,261,664) .................. (-5,261,664)
(by transfer)....................................... 446,000 498,644 +52,644
(transfer out)...................................... -446,000 -498,644 -52,644
-----------------------------------------------------------
Grand total excluding Other Appropriations.......... 72,200,500 82,648,000 +10,447,500
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