- TXT
-
PDF
(PDF provides a complete and accurate display of this text.)
Tip
?
Calendar No. 120
114th Congress } { Report
SENATE
1st Session } { 114-66
======================================================================
DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE AND JUSTICE, AND SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2016
_______
June 16, 2015.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Shelby, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany H.R. 2578]
The Committee on Appropriations, to which was referred the
bill (H.R. 2578) making appropriations for the Departments of
Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes,
reports the same to the Senate with an amendment, and
recommends that the bill as amended do pass.
Total obligational authority, fiscal year 2016
Total of bill as reported to the Senate\1\.............. $62,267,000,000
Amount of 2015 appropriations........................... 61,073,092,000
Amount of 2016 budget estimate.......................... 65,768,653,000
Amount of House allowance............................... 62,473,836,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2015 appropriations................................. +1,193,908,000
2016 budget estimate................................ -3,501,653,000
House allowance..................................... +206,836,000
\1\This level does not include -$10,880,000,000 in adjustments that the
Congressional Budget Office [CBO] scores to the bill. With these
scorekeeping adjustments, the bill totals $51,068,000,000 in
discretionary budget authority.
CONTENTS
----------
Page
Purpose of the Bill.............................................. 3
Summary of the Bill.............................................. 3
Fighting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse................................. 4
Reprogrammings, Reorganizations, and Relocations................. 6
Congressional Budget Justifications.............................. 7
Reporting Requirements........................................... 8
Reductions-in-Force.............................................. 8
Appropriations Liaisons.......................................... 8
Title I: Department of Commerce.................................. 9
Title II: Department of Justice.................................. 50
Title III: Science............................................... 93
Office of Science and Technology Policy...................... 93
National Aeronautics and Space Administration................ 94
National Science Foundation.................................. 108
Title IV: Related Agencies....................................... 117
Commission on Civil Rights................................... 117
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission...................... 118
International Trade Commission............................... 119
Legal Services Corporation................................... 119
Marine Mammal Commission..................................... 120
State Justice Institute...................................... 121
Title V: General Provisions...................................... 122
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 125
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c) Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 129
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 129
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 131
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................ 132
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 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 International Trade Commission [ITC],
the Legal Services Corporation [LSC], the Marine Mammal
Commission, and the State Justice Institute [SJI].
Summary of the Bill
The total amount of discretionary budget authority
recommended by the Committee for fiscal year 2016 is
$51,068,000,000, which is $965,000,000 above the fiscal year
2015 enacted level, and $984,653,000 below the budget request.
When adjusting for spending with comparable scorekeeping
adjustments, the funding provided in this bill is actually
$3,501,653,000 below the request level.
The Committee's recommendation is consistent with the
allocation for the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related
Agencies appropriations bill. The Committee has made difficult
but necessary decisions to craft a bill that meets strict
fiscal limitations. Within these boundaries, the Committee has
achieved a careful balance between the competing priorities of
law enforcement, national security, economic development,
scientific research, and space exploration. As a result, this
bill represents responsible spending at a time when America is
living within a constrained budget.
The Committee recognizes that the administration's budget
requests for large programmatic increases, coupled with costly
new initiatives, would continue to add financial pressure on
existing core programs and operations throughout the bill. This
is especially true for the Department of Commerce, which is
responsible for a variety of activities critical to our
Nation's economic and scientific well-being, and also manages
expensive, high-risk activities, including the build-up to the
2020 Decennial Census and efforts to launch the next generation
of weather satellites. Strict oversight and fiscal
responsibility are essential for the Department's success in
fiscal year 2016.
This Committee remains supportive of science and
innovation, and has worked to maintain a healthy funding level
for the National Science Foundation while preserving a balanced
and productive space program within the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration [NASA]. Despite persistent concerns
about the administration's fiscal priorities within the
Nation's space program, the Committee sees great opportunity
for NASA to advance scientific knowledge and to boldly expand
human exploration. This bill makes it possible for NASA to
achieve efficient and cost-effective operations for the
agency's science and exploration missions, many of which will
reach critical stages of development during fiscal year 2016.
The constantly changing landscape of criminal activity at
home and abroad tests the Department of Justice's ability to
deal with emerging threats. The Committee believes that our
Federal law enforcement agencies must work together--
particularly in tough budget environments--to focus limited
resources in a manner that safeguards taxpayer dollars while
preserving public safety.
While funding for the Department of Justice is one of the
Federal Government's highest priorities, the Committee is
concerned that even in the midst of the current fiscal climate,
the administration has proposed new grant programs and
initiatives that would further stretch the Department's
spending. The Committee believes that funding new initiatives
will come at a cost to the Department of Justice's core
functions, particularly when funding for existing and effective
grant programs is already in jeopardy.
This bill follows the Concurrent Budget Resolution for
fiscal year 2016 by providing $2,602,000,000 through the Crime
Victims Fund [CVF], which is $241,000,000 above the fiscal year
2015 enacted level and $1,602,000,000 above the request. The
Committee notes that this amount represents a 349-percent
increase compared to the fiscal year 2014 level, and is
$70,000,000 above the $2,532,000,000 3-year average of deposits
in the CVF.
Given the significant increase in CVF spending and the
Committee's concern for fiscal oversight, this bill uses
$379,000,000 from the CVF for victim-related discretionary
grants in the Department of Justice's State and local accounts.
The Committee has previously avoided requests to fund victim-
related discretionary grants out of this fund due to the low
caps on CVF spending in prior fiscal years. However, current
fiscal constraints, coupled with increased spending out of the
CVF, makes supporting important victim programs with
discretionary funding no longer tenable. As a result, overall
funding for these entire grant programs, which are widely
supported by many members of the Committee, remains close to
the fiscal year 2015 enacted levels.
Fighting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
The departments, agencies, boards, 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, 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 and includes
provisions to improve travel reporting.
The Committee has also reduced official reception and
representation funds by 25 percent since fiscal year 2011.
Modest representation funds are included for agency executives
to provide necessary courtesies to our diplomatic partners and
hold events to honor fallen officers, or to mark historic
occasions such as space exploration missions or stunning
discoveries. However, savings can and should be achieved by
reducing the costs of executive meetings, receptions,
ceremonies, and conferences, and purchasing fewer promotional
items such as t-shirts, hats, mugs, key chains, and other
similar items.
The Committee is concerned about the millions of taxpayer
dollars spent on wasteful printing practices each year and the
lack of clear printing policies within each of the agencies.
While progress has been made to better utilize the cloud and
digitalize records, little progress has been made to reform in-
house printing practices. The Committee directs each agency to
work with Office of Management and Budget to reduce printing
and reproduction by 34 percent and report to the Committee
within 60 days after enactment of this Act on what steps have
been taken to reduce printing volume and costs. The report
should specifically identify how much money each agency will be
saving.
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 has continued six
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
Departments of Commerce and Justice, NASA, NSF, and the Legal
Services Corporation to conduct reviews of grant and contract
funds to ensure funds are being spent appropriately.
Third, the bill requires each department, agency, board,
and commission funded in this act to report spending on large
conferences, with costs in excess of $100,000 each, to the
Inspectors General for audit.
Fourth, the bill prohibits each department, agency, board,
and commission funded in this act from awarding grants and
cooperative agreements to tax cheats and felons.
Fifth, 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.
Finally, the Committee intends to continue to work with the
Government Accountability Office [GAO] to review selected
large-scale acquisition and construction projects.
Specifically, the Committee directs ongoing GAO reviews of
large NASA projects and separate reviews of the James Webb
Space Telescope, with reports to the Committee on a biannual
basis. Agencies shall provide access to all necessary data, as
determined by the GAO, in order for the reviews to be completed
and provided in a timely manner to the Committee. 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.
Reprogrammings, Reorganizations, and Relocations
Section 505 contained in the ``General Provisions'' of
title V provides procedures for the reprogramming of funds. To
reprogram is to change the use of funds from the specific
purposes provided for in the act and the accompanying report
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 act, or
provided under previous appropriations acts that remain
available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2016, or
provided from any accounts in the Treasury available to the
agencies funded by this act. Section 505 requires that the
Committee on Appropriations be notified by letter, at least 15
days prior to reprogramming of funds, whether permanent or
temporary, in excess of $500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is
less, between programs, projects or activities. This provision
is also applicable in cases where several activities are
involved with each receiving less than $500,000. 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. The Committee is concerned
that, in some instances, the departments or agencies funded
within this appropriations act are not adhering to the
Committee's reprogramming guidelines that are clearly set forth
in this report and in section 505 of the accompanying bill. 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.
The reprogramming process is based on comity between the
Appropriations Committee and the administration. The Commerce,
Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill
provides specific program guidance throughout this report and
tables accompanying the bill. The process is intended to
provide flexibility to meet changing circumstances and
emergency requirements of agencies, if there is agreement
between the executive branch and the Congress that such a
change is warranted. Reprogramming procedures provide a means
to agree on adjustments, if necessary, during a fiscal year,
and to ensure that the Committee is kept apprised of instances
where nonappropriated resources are used to meet program
requirements, such as fee collections and unobligated balances
that were not considered in the development of the
appropriations legislation.
In the absence of comity and respect for the prerogatives
of the Appropriations Committees and Congress in general, the
Committee will have no choice but to include specific program
limitations and details legislatively. Under these
circumstances, programs, projects, and activities become
absolutes and the executive branch shall lose the ability to
propose changes in the use of appropriated funds through the
reprogramming process between programs, projects, and
activities without seeking some form of legislative action.
The Committee expects each executive branch department and
agency to manage its programs, projects and activities within
the levels appropriated. 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
2017 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
2016 and 2017. 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, staffing and function
change proposed in the fiscal year 2017 budget, particularly
within the departmental operations and management accounts.
The Committee is concerned that many of the budget
submissions are inadequate and necessitate multiple requests
for additional information. At times, conflicting information
is provided in justifications and other budget briefing
documents in particular related to cybersecurity. This process
is inefficient and unnecessarily delays access to information
that is fundamental to the work of the Committee. The Committee
expects that the fiscal year 2017 submissions will include
sufficient detail to justify all programs, projects, and
activities contained in each department, agency, or commission
budget request. Budget justifications are prepared not for the
use of the agencies but are the primary tool of the Committee
to evaluate the resource requirements and proposals requested
by the administration.
Reporting Requirements
The Committee is frustrated by the inability of departments
and agencies funded in this bill to complete and submit
congressionally mandated reports on time. Reports are
frequently submitted late, incomplete, or not at all. The
Committee directs the departments and agencies funded in this
bill to submit reports by their deadlines 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 reporting
requirements from previous Appropriations bills may no longer
be necessary for Committee 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 be
limited to reports required under Appropriations bills, and
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 [RIF] to notify the Committee in writing 30 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.
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
The Committee recommends a total of $8,531,113,000 for the
Department of Commerce [DOC]. The recommendation is $10,194,000
above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $1,327,787,000
below the budget request.
The Department of Commerce 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.
Strict oversight of the Department's activities is a top
priority for the Committee, as reflected in this act. This
includes managing costs for the 2020 Decennial Census; ensuring
that flagship weather satellites stay on budget and on
schedule; prioritizing high-impact research and development for
our Nation's cybersecurity standards; and safeguarding
protections for intellectual property to spur innovation and
entrepreneurship.
As head of the Department, the Secretary of Commerce
oversees these important activities but is also responsible for
managing the overall operations and addressing existing and
emerging management challenges within DOC. The Committee views
the Secretary as a partner in implementing the direction
provided in this act and the accompanying report in order to
provide strong and necessary oversight and hold the Department
and its bureaus accountable for results.
Spending Plans.--Under section 534 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
programs, projects, and activities 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 a detailed
accounting of each bureau's spending, including reimbursable,
fee-funded, or Working Capital Fund spending, particularly with
regard to specific programs, projects, and activities described
in the bill and accompanying report. The Department shall
continue to work with the Committees on Appropriations to
ensure that its spending plans provide adequate information for
continued oversight of the Department.
International Trade Administration
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $472,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 506,750,000
House allowance......................................... 467,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 473,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $473,000,000 for
the International Trade Administration [ITA]. The
recommendation is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and $33,750,000 below the budget request.
Offsetting Fee Collections.--ITA shall identify and include
an accurate assessment of expected fee collections and
corresponding expenditures in the fiscal year 2016 spending
plan and in the fiscal year 2017 budget request.
Trade Enforcement.--The Committee provides up to
$10,000,000 for the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center
[ITEC]. Given the experience and depth of knowledge of ITA's
Enforcement and Compliance business unit, the Committee
believes ITEC should be directed from within ITA with USTR
providing advisory assistance. In addition, not later than 60
days following enactment of this act, the Department shall
provide a report to Congress regarding ITEC that shall include:
the type of trade violations pursued; available remedies for
each violation; and the role each agency plays in the trade
enforcement process through ITEC. The Department is further
directed to provide a detailed funding profile for ITEC as part
of its fiscal year 2016 spending plan.
New Shipper Fraud Enforcement.--The Committee provides the
full request for ITA's Enforcement and Compliance unit to
combat fraudulent and evasive practices by dishonest new
shippers seeking to avoid antidumping and countervailing duty
[AD/CVD] rates.
U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service.--The U.S. and Foreign
Commercial Service [US&FCS;] provides significant value to U.S.
businesses looking to expand overseas export opportunities.
Given the export potential of emerging and developing economies
in Asia and other foreign markets, expanding market access and
export opportunities is critical for economic growth in the
United States. Therefore, the Committee directs ITA to fund
US&FCS;, and its core mission of export promotion, at the
highest possible level in fiscal year 2016, and at no less than
the amount provided in fiscal year 2015.
Sub-Saharan Africa.--In addition to offering unique export
opportunities for U.S. businesses, increased trade activities
in developing markets can help promote stability, security, and
economic growth overseas that benefit U.S. security interests.
While the Committee supports trade promotion activities in
emerging markets, these activities should not be prioritized
over trade promotion in developing markets, particularly those
in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Committee encourages ITA to
maintain, and when feasible, expand Foreign Commercial Service
officers and support staff in developing markets overseas.
SelectUSA.--Up to $10,000,000 is provided for SelectUSA,
except that none of the funds provided may be used to
facilitate foreign direct investment in the United States
unless a protocol to ensure that SelectUSA activities do not
encourage such investments in the United States by state-owned
entities is delivered to the Committee within 30 days of
enactment of this act.
China Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Activities.--The
Committee provides no less than $16,400,000 for China AD/CVD
enforcement and compliance activities.
Duty Evasion and Circumvention.--The partnership between
ITA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection is critical for AD/
CVD enforcement. The Committee encourages ITA, working through
its U.S. Customs and Border Protection Liaison Unit, to
increase efforts and advance methods to better investigate
foreign imports suspected of evading or circumventing AD/CVD
orders, including but not limited to lightweight thermal paper
imports. In instances where an AD/CVD order exists, ITA shall
share with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection information
or product obtained under an Administrative Protective Order,
as necessary, that relates to circumvention or evasion of AD/
CVD orders. If ITA believes there are statutory limitations to
sharing this information or product with the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection, ITA shall report to the Committee within 90
days after enactment of this act as to the specific
impediments.
Domestic Trade Coordination.--The Committee recognizes the
important role that State and local governments play in
promoting exports and urges ITA and the Trade Promotion
Coordinating Committee [TPCC] to support the application of
best practices between Federal, State, and local governments in
promoting exports. In recent years, the Committee has
encouraged the TPCC to collaborate with State resource partners
to identify ways to reduce overlap and improve coordination
between Federal and State agencies, which could include
establishment of a working group including regionally equitable
and diverse representatives of State international trade
resource centers and Federal agencies involved in export
promotion. The Committee directs the TPCC to update the
Committee on its progress in improving coordination of Federal,
State, and local government export promotion services not later
than 90 days after enactment of this act.
Survey of International Air Travelers.--Within funds
provided, ITA is encouraged to increase the sample size for the
Survey for International Air Travelers.
Office of the United States Trade Representative
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $54,250,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 56,268,000
House allowance......................................... 54,250,000
Committee recommendation................................ 54,250,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $54,250,000 for the
Office of the United States Trade Representative [USTR]. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and is $2,018,000 below the budget request. USTR is responsible
for developing and leading international negotiations for the
United States 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.
Increasing Efficiency.--The Committee notes that the
Administration has again proposed to consolidate business and
trade-related agencies, including USTR, with certain bureaus in
the Department. To help advance these efforts and reduce
fragmentation, the bill consolidates USTR into the Department.
Not later than 180 days after enactment of this act, the
Committee directs the Department to provide a plan to Congress
that would allow the United States Trade Representative to
continue functioning as the chief trade negotiator for the
United States following USTR's consolidation into the
Department.
Healthcare Trade.--The Committee notes the growing
importance of the broad healthcare industry to U.S. jobs,
exports, and the economy. The Committee also recognizes the
unique challenges facing this industry from foreign trade
barriers and the challenges facing USTR in trying to expand
access to life-saving U.S. products and services through trade
agreements. The Committee supports the efforts of USTR to
improve its management of these issues through the creation of
a dedicated healthcare position at USTR to coordinate with its
various functional and regional offices.
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 House and Senate Committees on Appropriations
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.
Bureau of Industry and Security
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $102,500,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 115,086,000
House allowance......................................... 110,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 106,500,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $106,500,000 for
the Bureau of Industry and Security [BIS]. The recommendation
is $4,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$8,586,000 below the budget request.
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 the President's export control reform initiative. The
Export Enforcement Division detects, prevents, investigates,
and assists in the sanctioning of illegal exports of such
items.
Export Control Reform.--The Committee supports BIS's work
on export control reform and directs the Bureau to continue its
exporter outreach program to educate companies of all sizes on
the new regulatory requirements resulting from export control
reform. In this effort, BIS 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. BIS is further directed to keep the
Committee apprised of these important outreach initiatives.
Economic Development Administration
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $250,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 273,028,000
House allowance......................................... 250,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 250,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $250,000,000 for
the Economic Development Administration [EDA]. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and $23,028,000 below the budget request.
EDA provides grants to local governments and nonprofit
agencies for public works, planning, and other projects
designed to facilitate economic development. Funding amounts
for the two appropriations accounts under this heading are
displayed below.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $213,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 227,500,000
House allowance......................................... 213,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 213,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $213,000,000 for
Economic Development Assistance Programs. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $14,500,000
below the budget request. Funding amounts provided by the
Committee strongly support EDA's core programs, particularly
Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance. EDA is
directed 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. Any deviation of funds shall be
subject to the procedures set forth in section 505 of this act:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Works............................................ 100,000
Economic Adjustment Assistance.......................... 48,000
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms................... 12,500
Regional Innovation Program............................. 10,000
Partnership Planning.................................... 30,000
Technical Assistance.................................... 11,000
Research and Evaluation................................. 1,500
---------------
Total............................................. 213,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economic Adjustment Assistance.--Within the amounts
provided for Economic Adjustment Assistance, the Committee
provides up to $10,000,000 for EDA to support activities to
spur regional innovation through grants as authorized by the
Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 and provides
up to $2,000,000 for innovative energy efficiency grants.
Additionally, $3,000,000 shall be for grants made to States
within the Appalachian Regional Commission (40 U.S.C. 14101 et
seq.) and $3,000,000 shall be for grants made available to the
Delta Regional Authority [DRA] (7 U.S.C. 2009aa et seq.). The
Committee supports EDA's past collaborations with the DRA and
encourages EDA to seek further opportunities to leverage and
partner with DRA to better assist distressed communities,
create jobs, and improve lives in the eight-State Delta region.
Regional Innovation Program.--The Committee provides
$10,000,000 to EDA for grants under the Regional Innovation
Program [RIP] as authorized under the Revitalize American
Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-235).
RIP awards competitive grants to regional entities in support
of innovation and entrepreneurship. EDA shall continue to
ensure that RIP awards go to multiple grantees in multiple and
diverse geographic areas.
In addition, the Committee directs EDA to invest in
university-based, high-tech business incubators to encourage
entrepreneurship and promote technology commercialization
through business startups. EDA should prioritize funds for
incubator projects where a State has made significant financial
commitment to establishing an incubator program.
Furthermore, within funds provided for RIP, $2,000,000
shall be for cluster grants to support nonprofit, job-creating,
revolving, equity-based seed capital funds.
Job Losses From Nuclear Power Plant Closures.--The
Committee notes that recent closures of nuclear power plants
throughout the United States have had a negative impact on the
economic foundations of surrounding communities, and there is
potential for additional plant closures in coming years.
Research shows that the long-term economic impacts and job
losses from nuclear power plant closures are substantial and
difficult to address. The Committee encourages EDA to help
identify and develop best practices to assist communities
affected by nuclear power plant closures, including the
coordination of economic development efforts across multiple
States or Economic Development Districts.
Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership Program
[IMCP].--The Committee notes that no funding has been requested
and no funding is provided for the Investing in Manufacturing
Communities Partnership Program [IMCP] for fiscal year 2016.
The Committee remains concerned with the underlying premise of
IMCP and the potential for negative impacts on communities not
designated under the IMCP program. The Committee is still
awaiting the report mandated in fiscal year 2015, in which the
Department was directed to provide a plan to better utilize
existing programs to assist various types of distressed
communities across the country using a bottom-up, demand-driven
approach to manufacturing investment. The Department is
directed to deliver this report to the Committee without delay.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $37,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 45,528,000
House allowance......................................... 37,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 37,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $37,000,000 for
salaries and expenses. The recommendation is the same as the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $8,528,000 below the budget
request.
Minority Business Development Agency
MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $30,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 30,016,000
House allowance......................................... 32,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 30,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $30,000,000 for the
Minority Business Development Agency [MBDA]. The recommendation
is equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and is $16,000
below the budget request. MBDA is the only Federal agency
dedicated to promoting the growth of minority-owned firms and
assists small, medium, and large minority business enterprises
increase revenues and create jobs.
Economic and Statistical Analysis
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $100,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 113,849,000
House allowance......................................... 100,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 100,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $100,000,000 for
Economic and Statistical Analysis [ESA]. The recommendation is
the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $13,849,000
below the budget request. ESA conducts research to provide a
better understanding of the U.S. economy, which helps
Government make more informed policy decisions. Within the
amounts provided, the Committee directs the agency to complete
the scheduled move of its headquarters in fiscal year 2016.
Bureau of the Census
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,088,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,499,974,000
House allowance......................................... 991,700,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,128,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,128,000,000 for
the Census Bureau. The recommendation is $40,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $371,974,000 below the
budget request.
The Committee approves the proposed realignment of Census
programs found within the fiscal year 2016 budget request.
Beginning with fiscal year 2016, the account structure will
consist of the Current Surveys and Programs account and the
Periodic Censuses and Programs account.
CURRENT SURVEYS AND PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $248,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 277,873,000
House allowance......................................... 261,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 266,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $266,000,000 for
current surveys and programs. The recommendation is $18,000,000
above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $11,873,000 below
the budget request. 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
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $840,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,222,101,000
House allowance......................................... 730,700,000
Committee recommendation................................ 862,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $862,000,000 for
periodic censuses and programs. The recommendation is
$22,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$360,101,000 below the budget request.
This account provides for the constitutionally mandated
Decennial Census as well as other cyclical programs.
Additionally, individual surveys are conducted for other
Federal agencies on a reimbursable basis.
Oversight of Periodic Census Programs.--The Committee's
recommendation provides $1,551,000 for the Office of Inspector
General [OIG] to continue oversight and audits of periodic
censuses and to provide the Bureau and Congress with
independent recommendations for improving operations, which
will be useful for oversight of the 2020 Decennial Census. The
Committee directs the Bureau to incorporate the OIG's
recommendations as it transitions into the 2020 Decennial
Census.
Monthly Status Reports.--The Census Bureau is directed to
continue its dashboard monthly status reports to the Committee
as it transitions into preparations for the 2020 Decennial
Census.
2020 Decennial Census.--Controlling costs for the 2020
Decennial Census remains a top oversight concern for the
Committee. The Bureau shall continue to bring down the cost of
the 2020 Decennial Census to a level less than the 2010 Census
with the goal of spending less than the 2000 Census, not
adjusting for inflation. The Committee notes that the amount of
funding provided in this bill for the 2020 Census is 34 percent
above the amount that was appropriated in fiscal year 2006 for
the 2010 Census. Such a comparison does not take into
consideration the Bureau's conscientious decision to conduct
early planning and testing activities well ahead of the 2020
Census compared to when such activities began for the 2010
Census. However, the contrast illustrates how mindful the
Committee is of the Bureau's budget profiles, and expects that
the increased spending for testing early in this cycle result
in significant cost savings over the entire course of the 2020
Census. The Census Bureau is directed to prioritize spending
for activities that have the greatest potential to reduce cost
and risk for the 2020 Census.
Administrative Records.--The Census Bureau plans to save
money during the 2020 Decennial Census cycle by using existing
records and data to reduce unnecessary and costly duplication
and to conduct more efficient non-response follow up. The
Bureau is directed to work with Federal, State, tribal, local,
and other partners to obtain the necessary records. The Bureau
shall report to the Committee and to the OIG within 90 days of
enactment of this act on its current access and any additional
administrative records necessary for the effective execution of
the 2020 Census.
Census Enterprise Data Collection and Processing.--The
Committee recognizes the Bureau's need to develop a more
efficient and secure data processing system well in advance of
the 2020 Census through the Census Enterprise Data Collection
and Processing [CEDCaP] initiative. This initiative will create
a single enterprise data system that can be scaled up for the
Decennial Census and scaled down during years that require less
data processing capacity while lowering the cost of
maintaining, operating, and securing current systems.
The Committee directs the Census Bureau to ensure that cost
estimates and implementation timelines are maintained and that
the new system is fully secured against cyber attacks and
intrusions before it becomes operational. The Bureau is
directed to cooperate with the OIG on all oversight activities
for this system and shall brief the Committee on the
development and implementation schedule for CEDCaP not less
than 60 days after enactment of this act.
American Community Survey [ACS].--The Committee supports
the ACS and directs the Bureau to continue using the ACS as a
testbed for innovative survey and data processing techniques
that will help to save money and reduce risk during the 2020
Census cycle. The Committee also notes that ACS is often the
primary or only source of data available to States, localities,
and Federal agencies that need adequate information on a wide
range of topics, including the needs of veterans, retirees, and
families with school-age children in order to reliably serve
those constituents. ACS is especially important to Americans
who live in small towns and rural areas, as this survey
provides the only reliable and consistent source of information
about these communities. Additionally, the Committee directs
the Census Bureau to again provide an updated report to the
Committee not later than 120 days after enactment of this act
on efforts to evaluate and, where possible, to reduce questions
included in the ACS, and the steps being taken by the ombudsman
or ``respondent advocate'' position established by the Census
Bureau in fiscal year 2013 to ensure that the ACS is conducted
as efficiently and unobtrusively as possible.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $38,200,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 49,232,000
House allowance......................................... 35,200,000
Committee recommendation................................ 38,200,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $38,200,000 for the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
[NTIA] salaries and expenses. The recommendation is the same as
the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $11,032,000 below the
budget request.
The Committee retains language from previous years allowing
the Secretary of Commerce 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, 2016, detailing the collection of reimbursements from other
agencies.
Broadband.--The Committee's recommendation does not include
any funding to make new broadband grant awards. However, the
Committee supports the continued monitoring of existing
broadband grants for financial oversight and accountability
purposes, and directs NTIA to ensure that funds are used
appropriately by recipients.
The Committee directs the NTIA to continue assisting States
and localities that have received broadband grant awards,
including those for which the performance period has ended but
whose grants have not been cancelled, that improve public
safety networks. The Committee notes that doing so would
prevent undue burden on State and local governments working in
good faith in the public interest and would maximize pervious
Federal investments in public safety infrastructure. The
Committee intends to continue to explore further legislative
action to assist the Administration in achieving these worthy
goals.
Spectrum Management.--The Committee directs NTIA to
continue to evaluate options for repurposing spectrum for
broadband in support of the President's goal of making 500 MHz
of spectrum available for wireless broadband use. NTIA shall
also provide the Committee with quarterly updates on making 500
MHz of spectrum available for commercial mobile use, including
the strategy for freeing up additional spectrum from Federal
agencies.
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
[ICANN].--The Committee remains concerned that the Department
of Commerce, through NTIA, has not been a strong advocate for
American companies and consumers and urges greater
participation and advocacy within the Governmental Advisory
Committee [GAC] and any other mechanisms within ICANN in which
NTIA is a participant. The Committee strongly encourages NTIA
to be an active supporter of the interests of the Nation within
ICANN and to ensure that the principles of accountability,
transparency, security, and stability of the Internet are
maintained for consumers, businesses, and Government.
Internet Governance.--The Committee understands NTIA's
plans to transition the agency's technical stewardship of the
Internet Assigned Numbers Authority [IANA] and that NTIA is
currently awaiting the delivery of a transition plan that it
can evaluate. The current IANA contract expires at the end of
September 2015, and at this time, NTIA is preparing to evaluate
its option to extend that contract. This is being done with the
expectation that a transition plan will not be put forward
early enough to fully evaluate before the expiration of the
current IANA contract. The Committee continues to be concerned
about this process and supports the continued stewardship role
of the United States over the domain name system in order to
ensure the security of the .gov and .mil domains and to protect
the freedom of speech and expression internationally. The
Committee directs NTIA to continue quarterly reports to the
Committee on all aspects of the transition process, and further
directs NTIA to inform the Committee and the Senate Committee
on Commerce, Science and Transportation, not less than 45 days
in advance of any decision with respect to a successor
contract.
FirstNet.--The Committee is supportive of FirstNet's
funding agreement with the Department of Commerce's Inspector
General for the purposes of oversight and accountability of
FirstNet through the end of fiscal year 2016. The Committee
also continues to encourage FirstNet to consider using
deployable technologies in locations and circumstances where
they are more cost effective than alternative technologies.
PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES, PLANNING, AND CONSTRUCTION
The Committee provides bill language allowing the NTIA to
continue oversight and administration of previously awarded
grants. NTIA shall not use unobligated balances to award new
grants.
United States Patent and Trademark Office
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $3,458,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 3,272,000,000
House allowance......................................... 3,272,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,272,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $3,272,000,000 for
the United States Patent and Trademark Office [USPTO], which is
$186,000,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal
to the budget request, to be derived from offsetting fee
collections.
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.
Patent Fee Collections.--The Committee is concerned that
patent fee collections have fallen significantly below
projected amounts in recent years, while spending at USPTO
continues to increase. The Committee appreciates that USPTO has
fee reserve and operating reserve accounts to accommodate
increased spending in fiscal year 2016, and additionally
appreciates that low collections may stem from efficiencies
gained by reducing application appeals or from external factors
beyond the agency's control. However, the Committee remains
concerned that the agency has not articulated a long-term plan
for significantly reducing its costs and expenditures if patent
fee collections remain low. Therefore, USPTO is directed to
include such a plan in its fiscal year 2017 budget request.
Budget Execution.--The Committee continues to allow USPTO
full access to patent and trademark fees and provides language
allowing USPTO to retain any revenue in excess of appropriated
levels.
Transfer to Office of Inspector General.--The Committee
provides $2,000,000 for the Office of Inspector General [OIG]
to continue oversight and audits of USPTO operations and budget
transparency, and USPTO is directed to work with the Department
of Commerce 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 2016. Any deviations from the funding
distribution provided for, including carryover balances, are
subject to the standard reprogramming procedures set forth in
section 505 of this act. USPTO is directed to provide, as part
of the spending plan required in section 534 of this act, all
carryover balances from previous fiscal years, and a
description of any changes to the patent or trademark fee
structure. Any changes from the spending plan shall also be
subject to section 505 of this act. USPTO is directed to submit
all reprogramming requests, spending plans, and budget
justifications to the Committee through the Department of
Commerce.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $863,900,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,119,661,000
House allowance......................................... 855,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 893,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $893,000,000 for
the National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST]. The
recommendation is $29,100,000 above the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and $226,661,000 below the budget request. Up to
$9,000,000 may be transferred from the Scientific and Technical
Research and Services 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.
A description of each NIST account and the corresponding
Committee recommendation follows in the subsequent three
headings.
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $675,500,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 754,661,000
House allowance......................................... 675,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 684,700,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $684,700,000 for
NIST research and services. The recommendation is $9,200,000
above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $69,961,000 below
the budget request. The Committee requests a detailed spending
plan for NIST's highest priority laboratory programs describing
resources used for each program, project, or activity.
Cybersecurity.--The Committee supports the administration's
request for cybersecurity activities within NIST, which
includes: $15,000,000 for the National Cybersecurity Center of
Excellence [NCCoE]; $16,500,000 for the National Strategy for
Trusted Identities in Cyberspace [NSTIC], including further
pilots; and $4,400,000 for the National Initiative for
Cybersecurity Education in order to address the need for a
well-trained cybersecurity workforce. In addition, the
Committee provides no less than $72,700,000 for cybersecurity
research and development, an increase of $7,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 level for cryptographic standards.
National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.--The Committee
is encouraged by the work conducted to date by the NCCoE and
the growing partnerships it is developing with private
industry. The NCCoE is quickly becoming a premiere partnership
through which the Federal Government, industry, and academia
collaborate to solve daunting cybersecurity challenges. The
Committee recommends that NIST continue to work in concert with
its public, State, and county partners to encourage co-location
of companies involved in NCCoE activities, which will encourage
further innovation by leveraging the development of new
applications, business use cases, and technology transfer among
all stakeholders.
In addition, the Committee directs NIST to integrate the
NSTIC program into the umbrella of the NCCoE. The Committee
feels strongly that housing NSTIC under the NCCoE will allow
NIST to leverage existing programmatic assets, ensuring that
each program's objectives are accomplished.
Retail Sector Cybersecurity.--The Committee commends the
NCCoE's move to create a specific initiative on cybersecurity
tools to protect the retail sector and its customers. The
Nation's retail sector is increasingly vulnerable to and
targeted by cyber attacks that seek both private customer data
and valuable intellectual property. These intrusions threaten
the growing e-commerce marketplace. Therefore, the Committee
encourages the NCCoE to continue working to address this
critical issue and expeditiously build use cases and tools in
partnership with retailers and universities that have
experience in this area.
Cybersecurity Research and Grants.--The Committee
encourages DOC to fund multidisciplinary programs of study and
research that focus on tackling cybersecurity issues on a
global scale. When establishing criteria for external grant
funding, consideration should only be given to institutions of
higher education, including community colleges, designated by
the National Security Agency as Centers of Academic Excellence
for Information Assurance Education and Centers for Academic
Excellence for Information Assurance Research.
Centers of Excellence.--The Committee encourages NIST to
propose funding to create an appropriate number of new centers
of excellence in future fiscal years, including in such fields
as regenerative medicine and advanced photonics.
Disaster Resilient Buildings.--The Committee provides the
full requested amount for Disaster Resilient Buildings and
Infrastructure, of which up to $5,000,000 shall be distributed
through competitive external awards to academic institutions to
support the evaluation of potential technologies and
architectural design criteria to aid the overall effort for
science-based building codes to improve disaster resilience.
Sports Safety Standards.--The Committee encourages NIST to
investigate the development of new and better standards for
testing sports equipment that is supported through independent
research, governance, and industrial independence. Testing
should replicate on-field impacts to produce data for ``worst-
practical-impact'' conditions that can be incorporated into
better standards. Such standards will lead to research and
development of new safety equipment and state-of-the-art gear
that significantly reduce athletic injuries.
Urban Dome Program.--The Committee notes the value of
NIST's Urban Dome program and the importance of accurate
measurement science for environmental monitoring and human
health, as more than half the world's population is living in
urban areas, and this concentration is expected to intensify
over the coming decades. The Committee has included an
additional $2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 amount for the
Office of Special Programs to maintain and expand the number of
urban dome locations in fiscal year 2016.
In fiscal year 2015, the Committee directed NIST to submit
a plan within 60 days of enactment on the Urban Dome program,
including: anticipated outcomes, inclusion of additional U.S.
cities, ways the United States can enlist the support of
international partners for comparable efforts in other
countries, and any plan for transitioning research to
operations. NIST is directed to submit this report as
expeditiously as possible.
Management Fees.--The Committee is concerned by recent news
reports suggesting that certain Federal grant and cooperative
agreement recipients have used management fees inappropriately
by spending federally awarded funds on, for example, lobbying,
alcohol, and entertainment. NIST is directed to ensure that all
funding recipients understand and are in compliance with Office
of Management and Budget guidance on appropriate uses of such
funds.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $138,100,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 306,000,000
House allowance......................................... 130,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 145,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $145,000,000 for
Industrial Technology Services. The recommendation is
$6,900,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$161,000,000 below the budget request. Supporting the Nation's
manufacturers, especially small businesses, is critical to
keeping America innovative in a global marketplace. The
Committee's recommendation provides $130,000,000 for the
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program and
$15,000,000 for the Advanced Manufacturing Consortia [AMTech].
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program
[MEP].--The Committee recommends $130,000,000 for MEP. The
Committee supports MEP's focus on strengthening the existing
network of MEP centers and providing additional support to
centers based on the documented performance of the center's
activities and the manufacturing capacity of the area served by
the center.
MEP Cost Share.--The Committee is aware of concerns
regarding the MEP's current cost-share structure. This matter
is currently being considered by the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation. Not later than 45 days after
enactment of this act, NIST is directed to provide a report to
the Committee and to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation, detailing quantifiable metrics on total MEP
center funding, including a breakdown of the type of
contribution source across centers that have transitioned from
the 50 percent Federal, 50 percent non-Federal cost-share to a
lower cost-share held by the Federal Government.
Metals-Based Additive Manufacturing.--Within funding
amounts provided for AMTech, the Committee provides up to
$5,000,000 for competitive external grants for academic
institutions to support research, development, and workforce
training to overcome barriers to high-volume additive
manufacturing of metals. While the Committee is aware of recent
breakthroughs in metals-based additive manufacturing, major
technical barriers still exist to dramatically improving build
rates that would enable commercial markets to benefit from
high-volume, metals-based additive manufacturing.
In addition, NIST is encouraged to support partnerships and
research opportunities with academic institutions in the
advanced manufacturing of plastics and polymers and to explore
ways to further reduce inefficiencies in the polymer
manufacturing and extrusion process.
National Network for Manufacturing Innovation.--The
Committee provides up to $5,000,000 within AMTech to fund
NIST's coordination role for existing NNMI institutes, as
authorized by the Revitalize American Manufacturing and
Innovation Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-235), including those
led by the Department of Defense and Department of Energy.
However, no funds are provided for the Department to establish
any NIST-led NNMI institutes in fiscal year 2016.
CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $50,300,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 59,000,000
House allowance......................................... 50,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 63,300,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $63,300,000 for
construction of research facilities. The recommendation is
$13,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$4,300,000 above the budget request.
Building 245.--The Committee is disappointed that despite
clear need and consistent urging from the Committee, no funding
was requested to begin renovating Building 245, a 53-year-old
radiation physics research laboratory that does not currently
meet NIST's research needs or safety requirements. NIST shall
spend no less than $13,000,000 to begin design and renovation
of Building 245 in fiscal year 2016. NIST shall use a design/
build contract to ensure the fastest possible start to the
project, and is also directed to request sufficient
construction funds for Building 245 in the fiscal year 2017
budget request.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $5,440,973,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 5,974,689,000
House allowance......................................... 5,169,261,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,381,567,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $5,381,567,000 for
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]. The
recommendation is $59,406,000 below the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and $593,122,000 below the budget request.
OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $3,202,398,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 3,413,360,000
House allowance......................................... 3,149,877,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,242,723,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $3,242,723,000 for
NOAA's operations, research, and facilities. The recommendation
is $40,325,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$170,637,000 below the budget request.
NOAA NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $497,370,000 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........... 149,000
Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts........... 25,000
Integrated Ocean Observing System--Regional 29,500
Observations......................................
----------------
Total, Navigation, Observations and Positioning.. 203,500
================
Coastal Science and Assessment:
Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and 72,600
Restoration.......................................
Competitive External Research...................... 9,000
----------------
Total, Coastal Science and Assessment............ 81,600
================
Ocean and Coastal Management and Services:
Coastal Zone Management and Services............... 39,570
Coastal Management Grants.......................... 75,000
Coral Reef Program................................. 26,000
National Estuarine Research Reserve System......... 23,000
National Marine Sanctuaries........................ 48,700
----------------
Total, Ocean and Coastal Management and Services. 212,270
================
GRAND TOTAL NOS.................................. 497,370
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navigation, Observations and Positioning.--The Committee
supports the administration's request for activities under
Navigation, Observations and Positioning, including the full
operational funding for NOAA's Navigation Response Teams. In
addition, not more than 5 percent of the funds available for
the Hydrographic Surveys and Contracts program may be used for
administrative expenses within NOAA.
Not later than 270 days after enactment of this act, NOAA
shall provide a report to the Committee containing full cost
estimates for accomplishing the hydrographic, shoreline,
geodetic, and tidal surveys in the territories of the United
States that are located in the Arctic Ocean, as described in
the February 15, 2013, edition of NOAA's Arctic Nautical
Charting Plan. Such a report shall include corresponding
timelines for completing all initial surveys and a recommended
long-term schedule for conducting periodic survey updates. NOAA
is further directed to report within 45 days of enactment of
this act on hydrographic activities planned for fiscal year
2016, including: vessels to be utilized, areas to be surveyed,
and remaining gaps in the arctic region.
The Committee provides $6,000,000 within Navigation,
Observations and Positioning to continue the competitive
Geospatial Modeling Grants Program of which all funding shall
be distributed externally.
The Committee provides $5,500,000 for the Physical
Oceanographic Real-Time System [PORTS]. The Committee believes
these operations, which exist as a partnership between NOAA and
local port authorities, provide valuable information for safe
vessel navigation and data for weather and coastal monitoring.
The Committee encourages NOAA to request funding that reflects
the program's full costs, including operations and maintenance
as authorized by Hydrographic Services Improvement Act (Public
Law 110-386) in future budget submissions.
The Committee supports the requested level and intended use
of funds for Hydrographic Research and Technology Development.
The Committee provides an additional $2,000,000 for NOAA to
designate joint ocean and coastal mapping centers in other
areas of the country to be co-located with an institution of
higher education as authorized by the Omnibus Public Land
Management Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-11). The Committee
emphasizes that additional funding is provided for the
designation of other joint ocean and coastal mapping centers
and therefore should not affect current operations of any
existing center.
Integrated Ocean Observing System [IOOS].--The Committee
supports NOAA's request for the Integrated Ocean Observing
System [IOOS] and for IOOS Regional Observations. Furthermore,
the Committee encourages NOS to work more collaboratively with
the National Weather Service [NWS] to prioritize buoy
management, observations, and repair.
For fiscal year 2016, the Committee supports NOAA's
Alliance for Coastal Technologies [ACT] given the program's
valuable expertise in marine sensor technology development. The
Committee directs NOAA to maintain full funding for ACT within
the National Ocean Service.
Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and Restoration.--
Within the funds provided for Coastal Science, Assessment,
Response and Restoration, $2,000,000 shall be for operations
and staffing of the Gulf of Mexico Disaster Response Center
[DRC]. The DRC shall continue to serve as the Gulf Coast hub
for NOAA's emergency preparedness, response, and recovery
operations.
Marine Debris.--The Committee supports the requested level
for NOAA's Marine Debris Program. In addition to the ongoing
efforts to fully address marine debris created by the 2011
Japanese tsunami in the Pacific, consideration should be given
to marine debris projects in urban communities that include the
removal of abandoned vessels and pilings that harm the
ecosystem and hinder recreational fishing.
Coastal Management Grants.--The Committee provides a total
of $75,000,000 for Coastal Management Grants. This includes
$70,000,000 for Coastal Zone Management Grants and $5,000,000
for Regional Coastal Resilience Grants [RCRG]. Within funding
for RCRG, NOAA is encouraged to prioritize projects that are
coordinated with resilience efforts of State, Federal, tribal
partners, non-governmental organizations, and academia.
However, NOAA may only award these funds to coastal State
projects that have the expressed written support of the State's
Governor.
Resource Management in the Pacific.--The Committee notes
recent executive actions to expand the Federal role in Pacific
resource management, including the expansion of the Pacific
Remote Island Marine National Monument and the designation of a
new National Estuarine Research Reserve System [NERRS] site in
Hawai'i. However, to advance U.S. interests in the Pacific
meaningfully, these administrative actions should be balanced
with available funding and resources. Within 120 days of
enactment of this act, NOAA is directed to provide a report
detailing enforcement, research, and management requirements--
along with estimated costs--for these new and proposed
expansions to Federal jurisdiction, so that the Committee may
properly assess their costs and benefits.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System.--The Committee
provides $23,000,000 for the National Estuarine Research
Reserve System [NERRS], which is $1,700,000 above the
President's request and the same as the fiscal year 2015
enacted level. NERRS sites provide mixed-use areas that are
protected for long-term research, monitoring, education, and
coastal stewardship. The program is a positive example of State
and Federal partnership. However, the Committee is concerned
that with an additional site being added to the system, NOAA
has failed to request the funding needed to sufficiently
maintain the program. The Committee directs NOAA to work with
NERRS sites and with State and local partners to develop a
strategic plan for NERRS and its resource needs. The plan
should also describe how NERRS fits into NOAA's science and
resilience mission.
NOAA NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $830,572,000 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 Committee
adopts the revised budget structure proposed in the budget
request, except that the Committee rejects NMFS's proposal to
consolidate Atlantic Salmon and Pacific Salmon into a single
Project, Program, or Activity line.
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.... 110,246
Species Recovery Grants........................... 6,000
Atlantic Salmon................................... 6,163
Pacific Salmon.................................... 60,000
-----------------
Total, Protected Resources Science and 182,409
Management.....................................
=================
Fisheries Science and Management:
Fisheries and Ecosystem Science Programs and 134,489
Services.........................................
Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys and 163,271
Assessments......................................
Observers and Training............................ 43,655
Fisheries Management Programs and Services........ 114,545
Aquaculture....................................... 7,000
Salmon Management Activities...................... 30,200
Regional Councils and Fisheries Commissions....... 33,470
Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants.............. 3,000
-----------------
Total, Fisheries Science and Management......... 529,630
=================
Enforcement:
Enforcement....................................... 67,049
-----------------
Total, Enforcement.............................. 67,049
=================
Habitat Conservation and Restoration:
Habitat Management and Restoration................ 51,484
-----------------
Total, Habitat Conservation and Restoration..... 51,484
=================
GRAND TOTAL NMFS................................ 830,572
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marine Mammal Protection.--The Committee supports NMFS's
mission under this activity to monitor, protect, and recover
at-risk marine mammal species who were listed under the
Endangered Species Act in 2005, but whose populations continue
to decline. The Committee encourages NMFS to utilize funding
for the protection and recovery of marine mammal species at
risk due to factors such as limited prey species, water-borne
toxin accumulation, and vessel and sound impacts.
Species Recovery Grants.--The Committee provides $6,000,000
for species recovery grants. NOAA is encouraged to seek
efficiencies by aligning the program with the applicable Take
Reduction Plans, as it currently does with the Community Based
Restoration Program and Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund,
with the objective of meeting management needs and measuring
efficacy of regulatory actions taken to achieve species
recovery.
Prescott Grants.--The Committee rejects the
administration's proposal to reduce funding for the John H.
Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program and
provides funding equal to the 2015 enacted amount for Prescott
grants within the Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, and Other
Species account.
Atlantic Salmon.--NOAA has identified major threats to
Atlantic salmon, including interrelated effects of freshwater
salmon habitat loss, lost prey buffering, and marine derived
nutrients from declines of co-evolved diadromous species.
Within the funds provided, the Committee directs NOAA to enable
a broader use of funds for restoration of diadromous species
and habitats that support salmon recovery by providing
ecological functions critical to the Atlantic salmon life
cycle. The Committee further directs NOAA to ensure that
adequate resources continue to be provided for State agencies
to effectively implement the recovery strategy.
Pacific Salmon.--The Committee is concerned that NMFS is
not allocating sufficient resources to the West Coast Region to
fulfill the agency's full range of Pacific salmon recovery and
management requirements in a timely manner. The requirements
affect not only the well-being of the species but also
important natural resource management decisions in the region
such as water allocations. The Committee directs NOAA to
provide the funding necessary to support Pacific salmon
research and management activities carried out by the West
Coast Region, including, but not limited to: Endangered Species
Act compliance, reviews and permitting; operational decision
support; revisions of Pacific salmon biological opinions;
drought mitigation; drought barriers; real-time monitoring;
adaptive management programs; and passive integrated
transponder tagging programs.
Promote and Develop Fisheries Products and Research Funding
Transfer.--The bill maintains the provision restricting the use
of the Promote and Develop Fisheries Products and Research
funds transferred from the Department of Agriculture to NOAA in
a way that better meets the intended purpose of the transfer
mandated by the Saltonstall-Kennedy Act. None of the funds may
be used for internal NOAA or Department of Commerce management
but rather funds may only be used for activities that directly
help U.S. fisheries and fishery communities. Specifically,
these funds may only be used for: cooperative research; annual
stock assessments; efforts to improve data collection,
including catch monitoring and reporting for commercial,
charter, and recreational fisheries; interjurisdictional
fisheries grants; and Fisheries Information Networks.
As part of the fiscal year 2016 spending plan, NOAA shall
include a clear accounting of how the Promote and Develop
transfer funds will be allocated based on the funding criteria
described in this bill.
The Committee further directs that not less than 10 percent
of the total amount of the transferred funds shall be provided
for the competitive Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant program. NOAA
shall consult with each Regional Fishery Management Council and
the Marine Fisheries Commissions to identify regional funding
priorities. Prior to the expenditure of any of these funds,
NOAA shall provide the Committee with a detailed spending plan
describing which fisheries activities will be funded in each of
the regions and how the plan incorporates regional priorities.
Red Snapper Stock Assessments.--Within the amount provided
for Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and Assessments, the
Committee provides an increase of $5,000,000 for the
development and implementation of agency-independent and
alternative approaches to research and stock assessments of
reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. The Committee is disappointed
that NOAA has failed to implement procedures to adequately
measure red snapper stocks in the northern Gulf--particularly
in areas with physical structures such as offshore oil rigs and
artificial reefs. NOAA is directed to begin incorporating
fishery data collected on artificial reefs, offshore oil
platforms, and any other offshore fixed energy exploration
infrastructure directly into the agency's stock assessments for
reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Furthermore, not later than 60
days following enactment of this act, NOAA shall provide a
report to the Committee detailing how new technologies and
alternative approaches will be used to accurately assess fish
populations surrounding such structures and how these data will
be used for fishery management decisions in fiscal year 2016.
In addition, if an increase is made to the acceptable
biological catch for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico as a
result of the direction provided in this report for stock
assessments, the Committee urges NOAA to consider allocating
not less than 80 percent of any total above the historical high
of 10 million pounds of quota to the recreational sector. While
all sectors have faced challenges in the gulf red snapper
fishery, the private boat recreational sector has been
especially impacted.
Ecosystem Imbalance.--NOAA shall take into consideration
any imbalance in the ecosystem that may be occurring between
larger red snapper and other fish species before accepting
amendments to existing regulations or implementing new
regulations that directly affect red snapper quotas in the Gulf
of Mexico.
Epipelagic Apex Predators.--The Committee acknowledges
growing evidence that yellowfin tuna and other epipelagic apex
predators are aggregating at offshore oil platforms in a
similar manner to their more traditional aggregation points.
These offshore platforms may alter yellowfin or other
epipelagic apex predator movements, diet, diseases, growth, age
at maturity, and spawning. However, NOAA lacks fundamental data
on how this new association may impact these important species.
Within funding provided, NOAA shall examine the impact of
offshore oil platforms on the biology of highly migratory
species such as yellowfin tuna.
Marine Recreational Information Program.--The Committee
remains concerned about the accuracy, reliability, and
timeliness of recreational fisheries data collected and
analyzed by NOAA's fisheries science centers. The Committee
notes that, on one side of the recreational fishing management
equation, NMFS is taking steps to more accurately estimate the
amount of fish caught through improvements to the Marine
Recreational Information Program [MRIP]. However, this raises
serious concerns for the Committee regarding the second half of
the equation: if NMFS moves forward to improve estimations of
total recreational catch without also significantly improving
methods to estimate fish populations, including reef fish in
the Gulf of Mexico, the results will be skewed--leading to even
more harmful management decisions. Therefore, no funding is
provided to implement the May 5, 2015, MRIP report titled
``Transition Plan for the Fishing Effort Survey'' until NMFS
stock assessments are sufficiently advanced, including fully
accounting for Gulf of Mexico reef fish inhabiting areas of
artificial reefs and fixed offshore energy infrastructure. NMFS
shall continue the development process and public outreach
regarding MRIP's transition plan.
Salmon Management Activities.--Within the amount provided
for Salmon Management activities, the Committee recommends
$10,900,000 to enable States and tribal communities to
implement necessary Pacific Salmon Treaty agreements. The
Committee fully supports all other aspects of the budget
request for Salmon Management activities that are essential to
meeting these treaty obligations. The Committee also provides
additional funding above the request to be used for the
operation and maintenance of Mitchell Act hatcheries. The
Committee also encourages NOAA to consider funding for
activities to modernize and expand salmonid research, testing,
and monitoring through use of genetic stock identification
management techniques that improve the protection of federally
protected and managed salmonids, including the use of near
real-time data to minimize closures of commercial fisheries.
Baseline Data for Gulf of Mexico.--The Committee directs
NOAA to continue supporting baseline research for fisheries
health in the Gulf of Mexico, including studies of pelagic
species. NOAA is encouraged to increase and continue
collaborations in the gulf to establish an integrated and
comprehensive ecosystem-level fisheries monitoring enterprise
and sentinel species program.
Charter Vessels.--To help improve the quality and abundance
of fishery data used for stock assessments, the Committee
continues to encourage NOAA to expand the agency's activities
in chartering commercial fishing vessels to serve as research
and fishery survey vessels. Increasing these charter
opportunities will enlarge the geographically diverse data
collection for broad fish populations and enhance numerous
ocean research programs. Other parts of NOAA, including the
National Ocean Service and the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research line offices, are encouraged to charter
commercial fishing vessels, when applicable, to augment ongoing
survey and research activities.
American Lobster.--The southern New England stock of
American lobster continues to decline and is under increasing
stress. Although the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission
exercises primary regulatory responsibility for this fishery,
portions of six out of seven management areas are in Federal
waters. NMFS implements complementary regulations for the
fishery in these areas, but a lack of data about the condition
of this fishery still exists. To improve coordination and
consistency, the Committee again directs NMFS to engage the
industry in conducting surveys and research that complement
activities undertaken by the States. NOAA has not yet submitted
the progress report on this issue as directed by this Committee
in fiscal year 2015, and is therefore directed to submit this
report within 45 days of enactment of this act.
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 supports the requested amount for
Reducing Bycatch, of which NMFS is directed to make $2,500,000
available for competitive grants to non-Federal researchers
working with U.S. fishermen on the development of improved
fishing practices and innovative gear technologies.
At-Sea Monitoring.--The Committee recognizes NMFS's
responsibility to satisfy the observer coverage standards of
the Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology [SBRM], but is
very concerned by the impacts of NMFS's decision to fund such
activities by decreasing funding for at-sea monitoring in
fiscal year 2015. NMFS's decision came as a surprise to
fishermen and communities and will negatively disrupt the
Northeast groundfish fishery in the middle of the season.
Therefore, NMFS shall work with the New England Fishery
Management Council to find a resolution to the disruption
caused by this funding decision. The Committee reminds NMFS
that future direction from this Committee and Congress should
be treated as a priority and followed accordingly.
Observers and Training.--Since fiscal year 2012, the
Committee has directed NMFS to provide adequate funding for at-
sea and dockside monitoring for all fisheries with approved
catch share management plans, including those catch share
management plans that impose observer coverage for new or
expanded fishing opportunities. The Committee is aware that
implementation of some management programs continues to present
substantial financial challenges to the participants as well as
to the economic sustainability of fisheries and fishing
communities. Given these ongoing problems, the Committee
encourages NMFS to continue working with regional fishery
programs to identify adequate support for at-sea and dockside
monitoring for fisheries with approved catch share management
plans. Recognizing the financial challenges facing
participants, including those in the Northeast Multispecies
fishery sector management program, the Committee also directs
NMFS to work with the regional fishery programs on a transition
plan to an at-sea and dockside monitoring program that is more
cost effective, accurate, and commensurate with the ex-vessel
value, including through the implementation of newer and more
feasible monitoring regimens such as electronic monitoring
capabilities.
Electronic Monitoring and Reporting.--Within Fisheries
Ecosystem Science Programs and Services, the Committee provides
NMFS's full request for Electronic Monitoring and Electronic
Reporting [EM/ER] to support the development, testing, and
installation of EM/ER technologies across the country. The
Committee recognizes that advancements in EM/ER have the
potential to cut costs and improve data collection for most
U.S. fisheries. Within the funds provided for these activities,
not less than $3,000,000 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 electronic
reporting and monitoring programs, NOAA shall consult directly
with industry and work through the Fishery Management Councils
(established under sections 1851 and 1852 of title 16) 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
2016 with the charter for-hire recreational fishery in the Gulf
of Mexico; the Northeast Multispecies/groundfish fishery fleet,
including small vessels within that 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. The Committee is aware that the New
England Fishery Management Council has been working with NMFS
to begin the transition to electronic monitoring systems. NMFS
is directed to begin implementing these systems not later than
May 1, 2016, which marks the start of the next fishing year.
With respect to the ongoing evaluation of EM/ER technology
on small fixed-gear boats, NMFS is directed to prioritize
activities in fiscal year 2016 that utilize currently available
technologies that contribute in the near term to improved
fisheries management, including but not limited to catch or
discard data.
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated [IUU] Fishing.--The
Committee provides the requested increase of $3,000,000 under
Enforcement and Surveillance to combat IUU fishing. NOAA is
encouraged to continue strengthening its efforts to detect and
deter illegally harvested and improperly-documented seafood,
including working with other U.S., international, and foreign
agencies to ensure fair competition for our country's domestic
fishermen and safety for American consumers.
Marine Aquaculture.--In accordance with NOAA's goal of
prioritizing aquaculture research in an effort to bolster the
United States aquaculture industry, increase seafood supply and
security, and avoid the risk of losing U.S. investors to
countries that have recognized aquaculture's critical
contributions, NOAA is encouraged to ensure that its
aquaculture-focused resources, including those at Fisheries
Science Centers, have the directive and ability to prioritize
aquaculture research and related activities that promote a
strong and viable aquaculture industry.
Oyster Aquaculture.--Within the increased funds provided
for NMFS Aquaculture, the Committee provides not less than
$1,000,000 to support ongoing research in off-bottom oyster
production in coastal areas, particularly those new to this
method of production, including the Gulf of Mexico, and
encourages NMFS to dedicate resources for further research in
oyster genetics, disease, and economic modeling.
Oyster Reef Restoration.--The Committee continues to
encourage NOAA to work with its State and non-Federal partners
to consider supporting oyster shell recycling programs as part
of the agency's competitive external funding opportunities for
habitat restoration projects.
Cooperative Research.--At a time when fishing opportunities
are constrained by uncertainty in stock assessment 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 encourages NMFS
to continue to prioritize long-time series surveys that are
conducted cooperatively with industry and States. Furthermore,
NOAA is encouraged to continue funding to support cooperative
fisheries datasets, particularly in regions with inadequate
coverage or those that complement and augment data provided by
existing NOAA surveys. In particular, priority should be
established for time series data that: incorporate cooperative
research with commercial fishermen; are developed by Sea Grant
universities; or are produced in cooperation with State and
local management agencies. In addition, the Northeast Fisheries
Science Center is directed to work collaboratively with the
fishing industry to update the Northeast Cooperative Research
Strategic Plan, including: the identification of science
priorities; a process for greater involvement of fishermen in
data collection; and better communication of how the results of
cooperative fisheries research are used.
Horseshoe Crab Survey.--The Committee is concerned that
horseshoe crab surveys along the Atlantic Coast have not been
adequately conducted in recent years due to lack of funding.
Horseshoe crabs are critical to the ecology and economy of the
Mid-Atlantic coastal region. They are a significant commercial
bait fishery, provide a vital food source for migratory shore
birds, and their unique blood (hemolymph) is used by the
biomedical industry to test for bacterial contamination. The
Committee encourages NMFS to use funding within the amount
provided for expanding annual stock assessments to help restore
this important survey for the Mid-Atlantic horseshoe crab
population.
Seafood Reporting.--The United States leads the world in
responsibly managed fisheries and aquaculture, and the
Committee supports NOAA's activities to inform consumers about
our Nation's sustainable fisheries through the agency's
FishWatch program. However, the Committee is concerned that the
exclusive use or recognition of third-party certifications for
seafood sustainability by the Department could have unintended
consequences for various domestic fisheries. The Committee
acknowledges that some U.S. fisheries voluntarily utilize
third-party seafood sustainability certification schemes, but
believes it is not the Department's role to adopt such
certification schemes when doing so could result in the
Department arbitrarily influencing the U.S. domestic seafood
market. The Committee believes support for third-party
certifications is best presented in non-governmental forums.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Department not to adopt,
use, or promote any third-party certification scheme for
seafood sustainability, but to instead continue providing
consumers with independent and accountable information
generated from within the Department.
Habitat Conservation and Restoration.--Within the amount
provided, NOAA is encouraged to include funding for the multi-
year Habitat Blueprint Focus Area partnership agreements
developed under the Habitat Blueprint initiative. The Committee
encourages NOAA to include a broader, ecosystem-based
management philosophy; expand criteria to include recreational
species, managed commercial species, and forage species; and
prioritize proposals that engage local communities. NOAA shall
also continue to emphasize the value of partnerships when
evaluating grant applications, and shall seek to maximize
external funding for public-private partnerships, including
those that prioritize direct community involvement and
stewardship of local projects that support a range of benefits
to coastal watershed communities. Furthermore, NOAA is
encouraged to explore the establishment of a dedicated research
and infrastructure program tasked with tackling urban coastal
sustainability issues in communities with recent historical
changes in coastal and offshore ecosystems.
NOAA is encouraged to give priority to habitat restoration
grants for river basins that are critical to the restoration of
priority fisheries, especially restoration projects that
support multistakeholder agreements, including settlements of
litigation and conflict over water management, and particularly
involving the settlement of tribal water rights. Furthermore,
NOAA is encouraged to work with local communities and tribal
governments so they can engage in collaborative management and
restoration of fisheries.
NOAA OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
The Committee's recommendation provides $436,042,000 for
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research [OAR]. OAR programs provide
the environmental research and technology needed to improve
NOAA weather services, 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.
Committee recommendations are displayed in the following
table:
OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Climate Research:
Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.......... 60,000
Regional Climate Data and Information............ 38,000
Climate Competitive Research..................... 55,000
------------------
Total, Climate Research........................ 153,000
==================
Weather and Air Chemistry Research Programs:
Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.......... 70,000
U.S. Weather Research Program.................... 8,000
Tornado Severe Storm Research/Phased Array Radar. 13,158
------------------
Total, Weather and Air Chemistry Research...... 91,158
==================
Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Research:
Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.......... 32,000
National Sea Grant College Program............... 62,800
Marine Aquaculture Research...................... 10,000
Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring...... 41,596
Integrated Ocean Acidification................... 11,000
Ocean Exploration................................ 22,344
------------------
Total, Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Research. 179,740
==================
High Performance Computing Initiatives............... 12,144
==================
GRAND TOTAL OAR................................ 436,042
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.--The Committee
recognizes the significant roles Laboratories and Cooperative
Institutes play in fulfilling the mission requirements of NOAA.
In order to strengthen the state of science within NOAA's
mission scope and create advantages in new scientific
knowledge, NOAA must continue to support new technologies and
improved services for coastal communities and the Nation.
Therefore, the Committee provides $2,000,000 above the budget
request for research activities involving watershed impacts on
marine ecosystems, remote sensing, and long-term monitoring of
oil spill impacts on marine ecosystem health, including in the
northern Gulf of Mexico. The Committee also encourages NOAA to
consider how additional cooperative institutes could strengthen
NOAA's ability to improve coastal sustainability and resilience
and better prepare coastal communities to make smart land-use
decisions.
Climate Research.--The Committee provides the requested
level for supporting and expanding the National Integrated
Drought Information System, including the Regional Drought
Early Warning Information System.
Multi-Function Phased Array Radar.--The Committee provides
OAR's full request for the Multi-Function Phased Array Radar
[MPAR] and recognizes the importance of the program in
developing and implementing the next generation weather and
aircraft radar surveillance network. The Committee believes
that consolidation of planning, research, and development
strategies is necessary for the future success of the MPAR
program and remains concerned with the uncertainty pertaining
to cost sharing between the FAA and NOAA. The Committee directs
NOAA to maintain its leadership role for MPAR research and
development and to establish an interagency committee,
including the FAA and other stakeholders, to formulate key
requirements for a comprehensive development and acquisition
strategy. Not later than 45 days after enactment of this act,
NOAA shall provide a plan detailing how such key requirements
would be achieved.
Vortex-Southeast [Vortex-SE].--The southeastern United
States commonly experiences devastating tornadoes under
variables and conditions that differ considerably from the
Midwest where conditions for tornado research have historically
been focused. Within funds provided for Weather and Air
Chemistry Research Programs, up to $5,000,000 is provided for
OAR to collaborate with the National Science Foundation's
Vortex-SE initiative to better understand how environmental
factors that are characteristic of the southeast United States
affect the formation, intensity, and storm path of tornadoes
for this region.
Infrasonic Weather Monitoring Research.--Within funds
provided for the U.S. Weather Research Program, the Committee
provides up to $500,000 to support external research
opportunities with academic institutions in infrasonic
monitoring methods of violent weather. The Committee believes
that advanced infrasound signal processing methodologies and
studies, deployed through a network of infrasound arrays to
detect tornadoes and hurricanes, have the potential to improve
forecast accuracy.
National Sea Grant College Program.--The Committee rejects
NOAA's requested decrease to the National Sea Grant Program
base and elimination of STEM-related education activities
within the program. Within funds provided, NOAA is encouraged
to leverage resources and pursue partnerships with Sea Grant
universities and other Federal agencies to carry out aquatic
animal health monitoring and research. This effort contributes
to Sea Grant's and NOAA's broader mission of providing services
to enhance coastal community resilience. Further, NOAA is
directed to continue its partnership with academic programs
that provide legal expertise related to the missions of the
program and NOAA.
Fisheries-Related Research.--The Committee remains
concerned about the negative impacts of the short recreational
fishing season for red snapper in Gulf of Mexico. Additional
data sources and assessment approaches would be beneficial and
should be pursued by entities other than NOAA's regulating line
office, NMFS. Therefore, the Committee provides up to
$5,000,000 within Sea Grant to research and develop alternative
approaches to data collection and analysis, including a tagging
pilot program focused on the recreational fishing sector.
Reward tagging studies are commonly used to estimate fishing
mortality of exploited stocks, are based in sound peer-reviewed
science, and are straight-forward and easily understood by the
general public. Furthermore, the Committee believes the tagging
data will provide valuable independent estimates of
recreational fishing mortality for comparison with NMFS stock
assessments.
Aquaculture Research.--The Committee provides $10,000,000
for marine aquaculture research. NOAA is directed to support
marine aquaculture research and development in partnership with
universities. Similar research efforts have led to beneficial
outcomes such as the development and commercialization of new
technologies to meet the domestic demand for warm water marine
seafood, including finfish, shrimp, and oysters.
Ocean Exploration.--The Committee directs NOAA to use a
portion of the funding provided for Ocean Exploration to make
competitive external awards to institutions that have partnered
with OAR's Ocean Exploration program in the past. This includes
those institutions with ocean-going assets, such as Autonomous
Underwater Vehicles, to support new exploration missions,
expeditions, and deep-sea research in the Gulf of Mexico.
Furthermore, NOAA is encouraged 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. Another primary focus should
be the continued exploration of the U.S. Exclusive Economic
Zones. As in the past, the program shall use ships and other
ocean-going assets operated by academic and non-governmental
institutions, provided that any data acquired are open-sourced.
NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $977,032,000 for
the National Weather Service [NWS]. NWS programs provide timely
and accurate meteorologic, hydrologic, and oceanographic
warnings and forecasts to ensure the safety of the population,
mitigate property losses, 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 though 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.......................................... 206,376
Central Processing.................................... 92,871
Analyze, Forecast, and Support........................ 495,845
Dissemination......................................... 46,743
Science and Technology Integration.................... 135,197
-----------------
GRAND TOTAL NWS................................. 977,032
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information Technology Officers.--While the Committee
supports cost-savings and steps to improve efficiency, NWS's
proposal to consolidate Information Technology Officer
positions at the agency's regional weather forecast offices
comes before a comprehensive review of NWS operations has been
completed, and any move to consolidate these positions at this
time would be premature. The Committee is pleased that NWS has
awarded a contract for a comprehensive, third-party review of
its long-term operations and workforce needs, and looks forward
to the results of this assessment. If such a proposal is made
in any future reprogramming or budget submission, NWS is
directed to detail how such a consolidation would streamline
system configurations, shore up existing cybersecurity
vulnerabilities, contribute to the expedited rollout of the
Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System, and achieve
cost savings while resulting in no degradation of service to
NWS or its State, local, and Federal partners.
National Data Buoy Center [NDBC].--The Committee provides
sufficient funding to maintain, at a minimum, NDBC operations
at 80 percent data availability. The Committee encourages NOAA
to provide adequate funding to support maintenance and service
of the Tropical Atmosphere/Ocean Array [TAO] and Deep Ocean
Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis [DART] array across the
equatorial Pacific. In addition, not later than 180 days after
enactment of this act, NOAA shall provide a report to the
Committee detailing the resources necessary to properly
maintain and operate the coastal weather buoy system in areas
off Alaska and in the Arctic Ocean. The report shall include
the identification of gaps in Arctic weather and sea ice
observing networks in U.S. territories of the Arctic Ocean. The
Committee directs NOAA to include a schedule to restore
existing data buoy operability and its strategy to minimize
outages in the future as part of the agency's spending plan.
National Water Center.--The Committee provides no less than
$14,500,000 for operations and staffing of the newly opened
National Water Center [NWC]. The NWC will serve as the first
ever clearinghouse for research and operational forecasting of
all water-related issues facing our Nation, including: severe
floods, storm surge, drought, and water quality, among others.
Given the importance of the NWC to better protect lives and
property of our Nation's citizens, NOAA is directed to expedite
staffing and operations at the Center to achieve full operating
capability as soon as possible. The Committee directs NOAA to
provide a report no less than 45 days after enactment of this
act with a staffing plan that includes an update on commitments
from partner agencies and a timeline for accomplishing
operational readiness in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016.
National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program [NTHMP].--The
Committee rejects NOAA's proposal to terminate funding for
tsunami preparedness within the NTHMP, and instead instructs
the Agency to maintain funding at the fiscal year 2015 level
and to strengthen the NTHMP in accordance with the 2011
evaluation by the National Academy of Sciences.
Report on Accuracy of Weather and Water Forecasts for
Alaska.--Not later than 270 days after enactment of this act,
NWS shall report to the Committee on the accuracy of weather
and water forecasts for Alaska and U.S. territories in the
Arctic region. The report shall include a comparison of the
accuracy of weather and water forecasts for Alaska and the U.S.
Arctic with the accuracy of weather and water forecasts for the
contiguous 48 States of the United States, the root cause for
any disparity, and what resources would be required to reduce
such disparity. In addition, the report shall describe current
limitations in delivering forecasts and information to support
safe marine transportation and operations in the Arctic Ocean.
COASTAL Act Implementation.--Within funding provided for
Science and Technology Integration, the Committee provides no
less than $5,000,000 for the continued development and
implementation of the COASTAL Act (Public Law 112-141), which
was included in the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization
Act of 2012. The Committee supports NOAA's work to assist
homeowners impacted by destructive winds and storm surges
associated with hurricanes and super-storms. The Committee
directs NOAA to continue to leverage existing Federal assets,
expertise, and partnerships in carrying out COASTAL Act
activities. Furthermore, NOAA is directed to provide the
Committee updates every 6 months on progress made and
challenges related to implementation as well as any proposed
solutions.
National Mesonet Program.--The Committee provides
$16,000,000 for the continuation and expansion of the National
Mesonet Program and is encouraged by the Administration's
request to fund the program. Funds should be made available
through a competitive weather data procurement that sustains
coverage of areas currently included within the national
mesonet, as well as an expansion of coverage in high risk
areas. NOAA is also encouraged to add new observations such as
coastal observations, boundary layer data, and total lightning
data. NOAA should require that awardees provide mesonet data in
formats that can be integrated by NWS for use in forecasts and
severe weather alerts. NOAA should also encourage efforts to
demonstrate the validity of mesonet observation data in
increasing severe weather warning times and to demonstrate the
economic benefit of Mesonet observations for various key
sectors, such as commercial aviation and electric grid
management. Of the funds provided, up to $500,000 may be used
for Meterological Assimilation Data Ingest System [MADIS]
activities, including transitioning MADIS from research to
operations and enabling the distribution of Mesonet data
through the Advanced Weather Interaction Processing System
[AWIPS]. Up to $500,000 may be used for costs associated with
the National Mesonet Program Office. The Committee views the
national mesonet as an important component of any effort to
effectively develop a ``Weather-Ready Nation'' and expects that
future NOAA budget requests will continue to reflect it as a
priority.
NWS Office Relocations.--The Committee encourages NWS to
co-locate its local or regional facilities with universities,
including land-grant research universities, particularly in
States with emergency management offices that have forecast
capabilities for atmospheric events and that place priority on
developing more accurate and timely warnings and forecasts of
high impact weather events. NWS should utilize funding provided
for planning, design, and long-term co-location lease
agreements wherever it is feasible. Furthermore, priority shall
be given to areas most impacted by recent extreme weather
events where current leases may be expiring.
NOAA NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $189,086,000 for
National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service
[NESDIS] operations. NESDIS programs operate environmental
polar-orbiting and geostationary 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........ 102,000
Product Development, Readiness & Application...... 26,000
Commercial Remote Sensing Licensing & Enforcement. 1,000
Office of Space Commercialization................. 600
Group on Earth Observations [GEO]................. 500
-----------------
Total, Environmental Satellite Observing Systems 130,100
=================
National Environmental Information Office............. 58,986
-----------------
GRAND TOTAL NESDIS.............................. 189,086
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Environmental Information Office.--The Committee
recommends $58,986,000 for the National Environmental
Information Office [NEIO], which is a new office that
consolidates several programs that were previously funded
separately. While the Committee supports the updated budget
structure for NESDIS, it is essential to ensure that key
programs continue to receive adequate funding. Specifically,
the Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2015
enacted levels of $6,000,000 for the Regional Climate Services,
$3,650,000 for Regional Climate Centers, and $4,567,000 for
Coastal Data Development. Within NEIO, the Committee encourages
NOAA to fully support critical international partnerships,
including the Global Climate Observing System.
NOAA-WIDE PROGRAM SUPPORT
The Committee's recommendation provides $460,285,000 for
NOAA-wide program support. These programs provide for overall
NOAA management, including staffing of the Under Secretary's
office and services to NOAA and DOC field offices through the
regional Administrative Support Centers. These programs also
support NOAA's Education Office consistent with the
recommendations of the Joint Ocean Commission. The facilities
subactivity provides for repair and maintenance to existing
facilities, facilities planning and design, and environmental
compliance. The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations
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.
Committee recommendations are displayed in the following
table:
PROGRAM SUPPORT OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Services:
Under Secretary and Associate Offices Base........ 27,000
Facilities........................................ 23,000
NOAA Wide Corporate Services and Agency Management 115,000
DOC Accounting System............................. 6,223
IT Security....................................... 8,300
DOC Working Capital Fund.......................... 43,000
-----------------
Total, Corporate Services....................... 222,523
=================
NOAA Education Program................................ 26,631
=================
Marine and Aircraft Operations........................ 211,131
=================
GRAND TOTAL, PROGRAM SUPPORT.................... 460,285
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Services.--Within the increased funds provided
for Corporate Services, NOAA is directed to focus on restoring
the functionality of its Workforce Management Office and
Acquisition and Grant Services.
Education.--Within the funds provided for NOAA's Education
Program, $5,000,000 is for competitive educational grants,
which includes continued support for Environmental Literacy
Grants and for improving geographic literacy; $14,431,000 is
for the Educational Partnership Program with minority-serving
institutions; and $7,200,000 is for Bay-Watershed Education and
Training regional programs, which was touted by the Department
of Education as a model program for how Federal and State
agencies should collaborate on STEM education. Within funding
for competitive educational grants, NOAA is encouraged to
support not-for-profit facilities that promote educational,
career, and private-sector opportunities in the field of ocean
sciences.
A full description of the Committee's assessment and
direction regarding the administration's Co-STEM consolidation
proposal is found in the Office of Science Technology and
Policy portion of this report. For NOAA's part, the Committee
continues to encourage efforts to streamline STEM education
programs across NOAA line offices that make sense and supports
the internal consolidation of NOAA education programs. However,
the Committee does not support the elimination of NOAA's
Teacher at Sea program or the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship
Program.
Outstanding Loan Balances.--The Committee encourages NOAA
and its respective line offices to work with communities and
businesses, on a case-by-case basis, to resolve outstanding
balances in a manner that considers the borrower's current
financial ability but remains fair to American taxpayers.
Management Fees.--The Committee is concerned by recent news
reports suggesting that certain Federal grant and cooperative
agreement recipients have used management fees inappropriately
by spending federally awarded funds on, for example, lobbying,
alcohol, and entertainment. NOAA is directed to ensure that all
funding recipients understand and are in compliance with Office
of Management and Budget guidance on appropriate uses of such
funds.
Budget Justification Overhaul.--The Committee has included
language directing NOAA to improve its Congressional Budget
Submission for the past 5 years to no avail. The product
remains difficult to use, and it is clear that there has been
no concerted effort to make improvements. The amount and
quality of information provided on programs and activities
varies widely from one Line Office section to another with
rigid adherence to an arbitrary format at the cost of common
sense. Therefore, the Committee directs NOAA to undertake a
thorough review and overhaul of its budget justification
documents to ensure that the information provided to the
Committee is comprehensive, succinct, and consistent. Not later
than 90 days after enactment of this act, NOAA shall report to
the Committee on the status of the justification review and
overhaul so that the Committee may provide feedback.
Marine and Aviation Operations.--Any decisions related to
laying up any vessels, grounding any aircraft, or
decommissioning any capital asset are subject to the standard
reprogramming procedures set forth in section 505 of this act.
Any changes from the spending plan shall also be subject to
section 505 of this act. NOAA shall continue to provide the
Committee with a monthly operational status of the fleet and
aircraft. NOAA is further directed to provide the Committee
with updated long-term management and acquisition plans for the
fleet and aircraft within 60 days of enactment of this act.
NOAA PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION, AND CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $2,179,225,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,498,679,000
House allowance......................................... 1,960,034,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,079,494,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $2,079,494,000 for
NOAA's procurement, acquisition, and construction. The
recommendation is $99,731,000 below the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and $419,185,000 below the budget request.
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.. 1,700
Marine Sanctuaries Construction/Acquisition....... 2,000
-----------------
Total National Ocean Service--PAC............... 3,700
=================
Ocean and Atmospheric Research:
Research Super Computing.......................... 20,079
=================
National Weather Service:
Observations...................................... 16,720
Central Processing................................ 64,261
Dissemination..................................... 45,684
WFO Construction.................................. 8,650
-----------------
Total, National Weather Service--PAC............ 135,315
=================
National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information
Services:
Geostationary Systems [GOES-R].................... 871,791
Joint Polar Satellite System [JPSS]............... 808,966
Polar Follow-on................................... 135,000
SIDAR............................................. 500
DSCOVR............................................ 3,200
Jason-3........................................... 7,458
COSMIC-2.......................................... 10,100
Satellite Ground Services......................... 50,000
System Architecture and Advanced Planning......... 3,929
Projects, Planning, and Analysis.................. 25,228
Satellite CDA Facility............................ 2,228
-----------------
Total, NESDIS--PAC.............................. 1,918,400
=================
Program Support:
Construction...................................... 1,000
Vessel Equip. and Tech Refresh.................... 11,700
-----------------
New Vessel Construction........................... 2,300
-----------------
Total, Program Support--PAC..................... 15,000
=================
Unobligated balances from prior years................. 13,000
-----------------
GRAND TOTAL, PAC................................ 2,079,494
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Estuarine Research Reserve Construction.--The
Committee remains concerned about the increased costs and lack
of transparency associated with certain third-party green
building rating systems. The use of certain green building
standards can arbitrarily discriminate against domestic
building materials such as wood that could be locally sourced,
thereby increasing costs to taxpayers without significant
benefits in energy and water savings. The Committee again
directs NOAA to use funding provided for National Estuarine
Research Reserve Construction subject only to green building
rating systems or standards that are voluntary consensus
standards; have achieved American National Standard Institute
[ANSI] Designation; or were developed by an ANSI Audited
Designator, and take into consideration the environmental and
economic benefits of building materials through lifecycle
analysis. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this act,
NOAA shall notify the Committee on any new, existing, or
planned construction projects at NERRS sites that receive
accreditation for energy savings from a third-party green
building rating system.
Weather Satellites.--The Committee provides full funding
for the continued procurement and acquisition of the Joint
Polar Satellite System [JPSS] and the Geostationary Operational
Environmental Satellite R-series [GOES-R], NOAA's flagship
weather satellite programs. NOAA is directed to prioritize
satellite programs directly related to weather forecasting and
that result in the greatest reduction of risk to lives and
property. Keeping JPSS and GOES-R programs on-budget and on-
schedule is critical, as is maintaining their respective cost
controls, particularly when NOAA's satellite missions continue
to dominate the agency's annual budget requirements. The
Committee reiterates its previous direction to NOAA to find
savings from operating expenses and to reduce duplicative
Government overhead shared with the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration [NASA].
Polar Follow-On.--The Committee provides $135,000,000 for
the newly proposed Polar Follow-On mission. Ensuring a risk-
averse and robust continuation of polar orbiting weather
satellites is essential to avoid gaps in the data that is
required for accurate weather forecasting. The Committee
directs NOAA to have an Independent Cost Estimate [ICE]
conducted for the Polar Follow-on program. Not later than 180
days following enactment of this act, NOAA shall provide
detailed results from the ICE analysis to the Committee,
including a comparison to the agency's internal estimate of the
program's life-cycle cost.
COSMIC-2.--The Committee provides $10,100,000 for the
Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and
Climate 2 [COSMIC-2] program, an increase of $3,300,000 over
the fiscal year 2015 enacted level, for the ground reception
and processing of Global Navigation Satellite System Radio
Occultation [GNSS RO] satellite data, which will augment
current data used for global weather forecasts and studies.
However, no funding is provided for the procurement of a second
set of radio occultation [RO] sensors that NOAA proposes to
launch into polar orbit in 2019. The Committee notes that the
U.S. Air Force--NOAA's partner on COSMIC-2--has not committed
to providing launch services for a polar constellation of RO
sensors. Furthermore, NOAA has not yet identified any other
launch provider for this proposed polar constellation. The
Committee encourages NOAA to explore all options for obtaining
polar GNSS RO data, including through commercial data
purchases.
Space Weather Follow-On.--The Committee acknowledges the
need to continue collecting space weather data in order to
forecast and mitigate damage from solar geomagnetic storms. A
coherent space weather architecture is necessary to predict and
mitigate damage from threats to communications and electrical
infrastructure. The Committee notes that the Administration's
request designates NOAA as the agency responsible for procuring
and issuing alerts based on such data. While NASA's
heliophysics program has historically provided data in this
domain, NASA's program is designed for research rather than
operational requirements and has limited ability to forecast
space weather events. Therefore, not later than 120 days after
enactment of this act, NOAA is directed to submit a report to
the Committee detailing: space weather data needs for
operational forecasting, various options for attaining such
data, cost estimates for those options, and corresponding
timelines. The report shall also analyze the potential impact
of a space weather data gap after 2019.
NOAA Satellite Reporting.--The Committee directs NOAA to
provide quarterly programmatic and procurement status reports
of all satellites actively flying and under development unless
any reprogramming, system failure, or other extraordinary
circumstance warrants an immediate update. As part of the
agency's quarterly satellite briefing, NOAA shall include
updates on preparations and enhancements neccessary to
accommodate an increased volume of satellite data and shall
compare initial cost estimates to actual expenditures.
New Vessel Construction.--The Committee notes that despite
repeated requests, the administration has failed to deliver a
fleet recapitalization plan for NOAA showing a strategic
timeline of when current ships should be retired and new vessel
construction is needed. While the Committee supports an effort
to modernize NOAA's aging fleet, the Committee does not fully
fund the agency's fiscal year 2016 request to construct a new
ocean-going survey vessel at this time. Instead, the Committee
provides $2,300,000 to: support the NOAA and U.S. Navy program
management team, fund the work necessary for preliminary design
contracts, and maintain the project management support that is
needed for a construction award for an ocean-going survey
vessel. The Committee urges the administration to provide the
Congress with an updated fleet management plan immediately.
Furthermore, NOAA is directed to work with the U.S. Navy to
explore options for new vessel construction in future fiscal
years, including a schedule for meeting the requirements of the
forthcoming fleet management plan and investigating more
flexible financing mechanisms that will allow NOAA to
distribute the costs of vessel construction across multiple
years.
PACIFIC COASTAL SALMON RECOVERY FUND
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $65,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 58,000,000
House allowance......................................... 65,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 65,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $65,000,000 for the
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund. The recommendation is the
same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $7,000,000 above
the budget estimate. Funds are 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.
FISHERMEN'S CONTINGENCY FUND
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $350,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 350,000
House allowance......................................... 350,000
Committee recommendation................................ 350,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $350,000 for the
Fishermen's Contingency Fund. The recommendation is the same as
the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and the President's request.
FISHERIES FINANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2015.................................... -$6,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... -6,000,000
House allowance......................................... -6,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ -6,000,000
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
$100,000,000, which is the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and budget request.
OTHER
Departmental Management
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $56,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 71,095,000
House allowance......................................... 50,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 56,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $56,000,000 for
Departmental Management Salaries and Expenses. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and $15,095,000 below the budget request.
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.
Not less than 90 days after enactment of this act, the
Department shall submit to the Committee a report detailing
actions taken to cut costs and a detailed account of funds
saved by such actions across the Department's bureaus.
BusinessUSA.--The Committee provides funding up to the
amount provided in fiscal year 2015 for BusinessUSA. However,
the Committee clarifies that BusinessUSA is an online tool and
shared inter-agency call center designed to facilitate
information sharing, improve services to the public, and reduce
interagency redundancies. Funds provided shall not be used to
expand staffing or open any offices.
Business Application Solutions.--The Committee was
supportive of previous funding requests for the Business
Application Solutions [BAS] modernization project to
consolidate and upgrade the systems used to manage finances,
acquisitions, properties, and reporting requirements for the
Department of Commerce. However, the Committee was disappointed
to learn that two attempts to pilot a new system within the
Department failed to move forward--particularly since the
Department required an emergency reprogramming in fiscal year
2014 to allow NOAA to implement the new BAS system. Within 45
days of enactment of this act, the Committee directs the
Department to provide a report detailing how previously
appropriated funds for BAS were spent, including reprogrammed
funds, in addition to specific steps the Department and the
Office of Management and Budget are taking to expeditiously
transition to a new system. Furthermore, the Department will
keep the Committee apprised of any progress or setbacks as they
occur until the new system is fully operational.
Small Business Innovation Research.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the Small Business Innovation
Research [SBIR] program and its previous success in
facilitating commercial successes from federally funded
research and development projects. The SBIR program encourages
small domestic businesses to engage in Federal research and
development and creates jobs in the smallest firms. The
Committee therefore directs the Department of Commerce to place
an increased focus on awarding SBIR grants to firms with fewer
than 50 people.
Unobligated Balances.--The Committee remains concerned
about the amount of unobligated funding within the Department
of Commerce. The Department is directed to report all
unobligated balances to the Committee on a quarterly basis
following enactment of this act. Furthermore, the Department
shall inform the Committee in writing of the specific steps
taken to address the Inspector General's report of June 2013
regarding poor oversight and accounting of unobligated
balances.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $30,596,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 35,190,000
House allowance......................................... 32,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 30,596,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $30,596,000 for the
Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The recommendation is equal
to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $4,594,000 below the
budget request.
In addition to funds provided under this heading, the
Committee has recommended transfers to the OIG: $2,000,000 from
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; $1,302,000 from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and $1,551,000
from the Census Bureau for oversight and audits of those
activities. The Committee directs the OIG to continue strict
oversight activities for satellite procurements, cybersecurity,
and the decennial census.
Working Capital Fund Audits.--The Committee continues to
direct the OIG to audit all of the working capital funds within
the Department to evaluate the Department's budgetary controls
over all funds. The OIG shall assess: the controls in place to
develop reimbursement formulas; the relationship of
reimbursements to client services; the appropriateness of the
level of fund balances; and compliance with appropriations law
and direction. As part of this assessment, the Inspector
General shall pay particular attention to the increasing
amounts of funding needed to support the Department's Office of
General Counsel, including the justification and metrics for
how such funding is being levied against each agency and,
reciprocally, how the agencies account for the services they
receive from the Office of General Counsel.
Audits and Investigations.--The OIG serves a critical
oversight role at the Department. The Committee believes that
robust investigations and audits are essential to routing out
waste, fraud and abuse, but that limiting inquiries only to
individuals in the Department does not necessarily lead to
comprehensive findings and recommendations. The Committee
directs the OIG to modify its policies and procedures to ensure
that investigations or reports include interviews with all
parties to the project or program in question, including, but
not limited to, contractors responsible for projects under
review. The Committee cautions the OIG against issuing
preliminary findings prior to interviewing a majority of the
entities involved with the program or project under
investigation, unless the OIG believes the findings are time
sensitive or additional interviews are immaterial.
General Provisions--Department of Commerce
Section 101 makes Commerce Department 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 salaries and expenses
available for the hire of passenger motor vehicles, and for
services, uniforms, and allowances as authorized by law.
Section 103 provides the authority to transfer funds
between Department of Commerce accounts. The provision makes
transfers subject to the Committee's standard reprogramming
procedures.
Section 104 extends congressional notification requirements
for the NOAA satellite programs.
Section 105 provides authority for the Secretary of
Commerce to furnish certain services within the Herbert C.
Hoover Building.
Section 106 clarifies that grant recipients under the
Department of Commerce may continue to deter child pornography,
copyright infringement, or any other unlawful activity over
their networks.
Section 107 provides NOAA the authority to share resources
with entities outside the agency.
Section 108 specifies that none of the funds made available
by this act, or any other appropriations act, can be used by
the Department of Commerce to enforce or carry out activities
under the Foreign Trade Zone regulation for uniform treatment
(15 CFR 400.43).
Section 109 specifies that no funds made available by this
act, or any other appropriations act, may be used by the
Secretary of Commerce to manage fisheries in the Gulf of
Mexico, unless such management activities are in accordance
with the State seaward boundaries set by this act for the
purposes of fisheries management in the Gulf of Mexico.
Section 110 requires that, before charging for
congressional reports, the National Technical Information
Service [NTIS] advise the public of free ways to receive or
access these reports. For those reports that cannot be found
free of charge or when a customer requires a mailed, hard copy,
NTIS may only charge a de minimus copying and mailing fee. The
Committee is concerned about outrageous fees the National
Technical Information Service charges the public for hard
copies of congressional reports and documents available for
free online.
Section 111 allows NOAA to be reimbursed by Federal and
non-Federal entities for performing certain activities.
The Committee remains concerned that agreements for
offsetting collections provided for under this section could
result in a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a
conflict of interest, for the Department. The Department is
directed to exercise caution and consider any unintended
consequences that could result from such agreements, including,
but not limited to, augmentation of appropriations, initiation
of new programs not authorized by this act or any other act of
Congress, and liabilities extending beyond the period of any
such agreement. The Department shall provide to the Committee
monthly updates on all offsetting fee collections, including
each entity participating in the agreement, as well as the
terms of and specific activities funded by the agreement.
Additionally, estimates of anticipated fee collections shall be
included in the Department's annual spend plans. To further
ensure the Committee maintains sufficient oversight for
activities carried out under this section, language is included
specifying that any offsetting collection would require the
consent of each party subject to the agreement and all
offsetting collections shall be subject to procedures set forth
by section 505 of this act.
Section 112 allows the Secretary of Commerce to waive the
bond requirement for research vessel repair and construction
contracts that would align Commerce's authorities with those of
other Federal agencies and address difficulties NOAA has
experienced in obtaining competitive bids for ship repairs.
Prior to exercising waiver authority under section 112 of
this act, the Secretary of Commerce shall promulgate
regulations specifying criteria under which waiver authority
may be used, including the types of contracts eligible for
consideration, surety alternatives, and acceptable risk
profiles in order to protect the taxpayer and ensure that NOAA
maximizes cost-savings. The Department is directed to notify
the Committee not less than 15 days prior to any waiver issued
under this section. In addition, the Department shall, not
later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this act,
prepare a report including the actual costs of repairing,
rehabilitating, and replacing vessels in fiscal years 2012,
2013, 2014, 2015, and annually thereafter, including an
indication of those vessels for which NOAA waived the Miller
Act.
Section 113 provides authority for the programs of the
Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census to enter into
cooperative agreements in order to assist in improving
statistical methodology and research.
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
The Committee recommends a total of $27,827,770,000 for the
Department of Justice [DOJ]. The recommendation is $797,612,000
above the fiscal year 2015 funding level and $1,412,710,000
below the budget request. The Committee's recommendation
emphasizes key priorities regarding funding for the
Department's critical ongoing missions and activities to
protect the safety, security, and rights of our citizens.
Human Trafficking.--The combat against human and sex
trafficking, including the apprehension of perpetrators who use
online classified Web sites to facilitate the sexual
exploitation of children, crosses many jurisdictions within the
Department. The Committee's recommendation provides no less
than the fiscal year 2015 enacted level for the Human
Trafficking Prosecution Unit [HTPU] in the Civil Rights
Division to fight human trafficking and slavery. The Committee
encourages the HTPU and the Anti-Trafficking Coordination Teams
to continue working with victim service providers and non-
governmental organizations to ensure victim needs are
prioritized as part of the overall strategy to combat human
trafficking, forced labor, and slavery in the United States.
The HTPU is directed to report to the Committee not later
than 120 days following enactment of this act on: (1) the total
number of human trafficking cases it pursued within the last 3
years for prosecution, disaggregated by type of trafficking,
and including instances in which an online classified Web site
is determined to be the conduit for exploiting trafficked
persons, especially minors, and the actions being taken to shut
down these sites; (2) the number of Assistant U.S. Attorneys
who received training on human trafficking within the last 3
years; and (3) the number of Assistant U.S. Attorneys who
received training on restitution for human trafficking victims
within the last 3 years.
The Committee directs the Executive Office for U.S.
Attorneys [EOUSA], in consultation with the U.S. Attorneys, to
designate a point of contact in each U.S. Attorney's office who
shall serve as the coordinator for all activities within that
office concerning human trafficking and slavery matters covered
by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Designating a point
of contact improves communication and coordination within each
jurisdiction, including with victim service organizations, in
order to better serve the victims of human trafficking, forced
labor, and slavery. The Committee also directs the 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 Department of Justice when
their criminal case is closed.
The FBI also plays a critical role in investigating
criminal organizations trafficking individuals within the
United States. The Committee encourages the Federal Bureau of
Investigation [FBI] to work with appropriate non-governmental
organizations and victim service providers to improve the
training of FBI agents in the field to assist in the
identification of human trafficking victims and provide
appropriate referrals to victim service organizations. The
Committee also encourages the FBI to seek: (1) Continued
Presence [CP] for potential trafficking victims as soon as
possible to assist in the prosecution of traffickers and aid in
victim recovery, and (2) assistance for local and State law
enforcement to understand the requirements of CP and promptly
respond to any State or local requests by law enforcement for
CP for potential victims of human trafficking.
Intellectual Property Rights [IPR] Enforcement.--The
Committee expects IPR enforcement to remain a priority for both
the Criminal Division [CRM] and FBI. The international theft of
intellectual property is responsible for the loss of hundreds
of billions of dollars annually and reduces the incentive for
innovation and creativity within the U.S. economy. The
Committee directs the CRM and FBI to maintain dedicated
positions to combat intellectual property crimes and fund IPR
efforts at no less than fiscal year 2015 enacted levels. In
addition, the FBI shall provide quarterly updates to the
Committee detailing the activities of its dedicated agents
investigating IPR cases.
Heroin Working Group.--The problem of heroin use and
overdoses in the United States shows no signs of abating
anytime soon. According to the Drug Enforcement
Administration's May 2015 National Heroin Threat Assessment,
heroin seizures in the United States rose 81 percent from 2010
to 2014, from 6,032 pounds to 11,054 pounds, with the average
size of a heroin seizure more than doubling, from 1.8 pounds to
3.8 pounds during this same time period.
As part of the explanatory statement accompanying Public
Law 113-235, the Committee directed the Department of Justice
to convene a multi-agency working group to develop a
coordinated response to help our communities grappling with the
growing scourge of heroin. While the Committee was disappointed
to learn that this group had yet to convene prior to the
subcommittee's hearing on the Department's law enforcement
agencies' budgets on March 12, 2015, it was pleased to hear
that this working group held a kick-off meeting on April 28,
2015. The Committee directs the Department to submit the
complete and final recommendations of the multi-disciplinary
working group not later than 45 days after enactment of this
act.
Bakken Oil Region.--The Committee directs the Department of
Justice to report within 90 days of enactment of this act on
the Department's continued presence and ongoing resource
requirements in the Bakken oil region, including both law
enforcement and prosecutorial components. The Department shall
also include an updated analysis of crime trends in the region
in its report.
Sole Sourcing of Equipment and Scientific Instruments.--The
Committee urges the Department to employ full and open
competition in any effort to procure or upgrade law enforcement
equipment to include scientific instruments and specialized
communication equipment, including radios. Requests for
proposals should not include technical specifications or
requirements for proprietary designs or features that restrict
competition and may not meet the latest technological advances
available. The Committee believes that multiple vendors ensure
the best environment for competition that will ultimately best
serve the needs of the Department's law enforcement agencies.
Cybersecurity.--Over the past year, the United States has
witnessed serious data breaches in the private sector,
including cyber intrusions at some of the Nation's largest
companies and financial institutions. These breaches have
exposed personal data and financial information of millions of
Americans, leaving individuals and businesses alike feeling
vulnerable and violated. Other attacks, like the recent effort
in April 2015 by Russia to hack White House emails, pose
serious national security threats. The Department has several
offices with cybersecurity responsibilities, including those
within the FBI, the National Security Division, the Criminal
Division, and U.S. Attorneys Offices [USAO]. At a minimum, the
Committee directs the Department to maintain its cybersecurity
posture at no less than the fiscal year 2015 level to defend
and respond to current and emerging attacks that threaten its
own infrastructure and activities. In other cases, such as with
the USAO and the FBI, the Committee has specific direction to
increase cyber-related investigations and to prosecute more
cybercrimes. Throughout this title, the Committee's
recommendation for cybersecurity-related activities for the
department totals $754,881,000 for fiscal year 2016, which is
an increase of $72,155,000, or 11 percent, above the fiscal
year 2015 level.
Strengthening Police-Community Relations.--Recent events in
communities across the Nation have illustrated the important
need for lasting collaborative relationships between local
police and the public. To assist with strengthening this
relationship, the Committee has dedicated resources totaling
$98,254,370 across a variety of program areas. Strong
partnerships between the police and the communities they
protect reduce crime, ensure that citizens' civil rights are
protected, and improve officer safety.
The Committee has provided set-asides within the Byrne-JAG
program of $20,000,000 for body-worn cameras for police
officers with the expectation that funding will go to
jurisdictions whose officers have been trained in using this
technology and have privacy and data retention policies already
in place; $5,000,000 within the Smart Policing program to study
the effectiveness of body cameras; and $15,000,000 for Byrne
Criminal Justice Innovation, a community-oriented program that
uses research and collaboration to reduce crime and restore
vitality in troubled neighborhoods. A funding level of
$22,000,000 is provided for the Justice Reinvestment
Initiative, a data-driven approach to improving public safety
in communities.
Within the COPS Office, the Committee is setting aside
$10,000,000 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.
Another $10,000,000 is set aside for Community Policing
Development [CPD] within the COPS Office. CPD funds are used to
advance community policing in law enforcement agencies through
training and technical assistance, demonstration projects,
development of innovative policing strategies, and best
practices that are national in scope. The Committee further
directs that CPD provide up to $5,000,000 within this program
for diversity and inclusion training to organizations with
experience in training law enforcement personnel. The goal of
this training is to improve community policing and create
partnerships between police officers and the citizens they
protect.
The Committee is providing funding for departmental
agencies that assist with training State and local law
enforcement officers and help with mediating conflicts in
communities. The Community Relations Service is fully funded by
the Committee at their request level of $14,446,000, which will
allow for the hiring of 10 Conciliation Specialists to deploy
to areas across the United States to mediate, train and
facilitate discussion between police departments and
communities where tensions exist. The Committee is fully
funding the FBI's request of $1,808,370 for the National
Academy, a professional development course for State, local and
international law enforcement leaders that serves to improve
the administration of justice and raise law enforcement
standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide. This funding
will allow approximately 900 police officers to attend the
National Academy to receive world class training on leadership
and specific courses on use of force and factors which lead to
racial bias.
Federal Water Usage Violations.--The Committee is aware
that the Department of Justice receives notifications from the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [USACE] regarding violations of
Federal water contracts involving the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa
[ACT] river basin. How the Department responds to these
notifications and subsequently enforces the law remains
unclear. The Committee directs the Department to provide a
report within 60 days of enactment of this act that includes:
an audit of the contract violation notifications DOJ has
received from USACE regarding the ACT river basin for the past
10 years; a record of how DOJ has handled these notifications
in the past; and a comprehensive plan for how DOJ intends to
enforce the law and respond to these contract violations now
and in the future.
Gang Violence.--The Committee recognizes the challenges
posed by the increasing number of gang members and the violent
crimes they commit in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
The Committee understands that combating these gangs, continued
and increased cooperation between Federal, State, and local law
enforcement is required as well as support, coordination, and
expertise from the Federal level. The Committee acknowledges
the work currently being undertaken to fight gangs by the FBI
Violent Safe Streets Task Forces, the Drug Enforcement
Administration [DEA], the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement
and Coordination Center [GangTECC], the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives [ATF], the U.S. Marshals
Service [USMS], Bureau of Prisons [BOP], the U.S. Attorneys
Offices [USAO], and other Federal agencies. The Committee urges
these agencies to intensify current efforts, including
supporting and prosecuting cases under the Racketeer Influenced
and Corrupt Organizations Act [RICO], while enhancing
coordination across the Federal Government and with State and
local law enforcement in order to maximize the impact of
limited personnel resources. The Committee's recommendation
includes $5,000,000 for the USMS for gang enforcement efforts
within the Regional Fugitive Task Forces and $8,500,000 for the
Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction Program within the Office
of Justice Programs aimed at reducing gang violence.
Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty Reform.--The Committee
maintains support for the Department's reform to the Mutual
Legal Assistance Treaty [MLAT] process. The Department is
directed to submit a detailed spending plan to the Committee
including personnel hires and technology upgrades to improve
the MLAT process within 45 days of enactment of this act.
Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence.--The
Committee maintains its direction that the National Institute
of Standards and Technology [NIST] and the Department of
Justice continue to collaborate on a Scientific Working Group
[SWG] for digital evidence under the new NIST-run Organization
for Scientific Area Committees. The Committee expects that
members and expertise developed by the Justice-led digital
evidence SWG continue to transition to the NIST-supported SWG
and that NIST will continue to operate all SWGs in a consensus-
driven manner that places value on input from a wide range of
practitioners.
Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act.--The Committee
fully supports the goals of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil
Rights Crime Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-344) to investigate
and prosecute previously unresolved civil rights era ``cold
case'' murders suspected of having been racially motivated,
through a partnership among the Civil Rights Division [CRT],
the FBI, and the Community Relations Service [CRS], as well as
with State and local grant resources. To continue supporting
Emmett Till activities, the Committee urges the Department to:
use such sums as may be necessary from within the budget base
for the CRT's Cold Case Initiative; for the FBI to pursue
Emmett Till Act cold cases; and for the CRS to partner with law
enforcement agencies and communities to help resolve conflicts
resulting from the investigation of unsolved civil rights era
cases. Additionally, the Committee directs the National
Institute of Justice, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the
Office for Victims of Crime to continue providing grants for
cold case DNA investigations to aid State and local law
enforcement agencies in their investigation and prosecution of
unsolved civil rights cold cases.
Working Capital Fund [WCF].--The Committee expects the
Department to execute funding to the fullest extent possible
without any carryover balances. The Committee directs DOJ to
continue to use the WCF only as a repository for reimbursable
funds from components and to obligate and execute that funding
expeditiously. The DOJ shall provide a report to the Committee
within 45 days after enactment of this act regarding balances
in the WCF including carryover funds, the intended uses of
those funds, and a spending plan. The spending plan shall
include collections and obligations for both reimbursable and
appropriated funding. The Department is further directed to
provide quarterly updates on the WCF to the Committee.
Spending Plan.--In compliance with section 534 of this act,
the Committee directs the Department of Justice to submit a
spending plan, signed by the Attorney General, within 45 days
of enactment of this act.
General Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $111,500,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 119,437,000
House allowance......................................... 95,540,000
Committee recommendation................................ 109,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $109,000,000 for
General Administration salaries and expenses. The
recommendation is $2,500,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and $10,437,000 below the budget request.
The General Administration 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;
the immediate Office of the Deputy Attorney General; the
immediate Office of the Associate Attorney General; Office of
Legal Policy; Office of Public Affairs; Office of Legislative
Affairs; Office of Professional Responsibility; Office of
Intergovernmental and Public Liaison; and the Justice
Management Division.
Wildlife Trafficking.--The Committee notes the increase in
the illegal trade in rhinoceros horns, elephant ivory, and
illegally harvested timber, along with the large sums of money
that these products command on the black market. There are
indisputable linkages between these activities and the
financing of armed insurgencies and groups that threaten the
stability and development of African countries and pose a
threat to U.S. security interests. The Committee directs the
Attorney General to report on the specific steps being taken by
the Department to further address wildlife trafficking and the
illegal natural resources trade, as specifically outlined in
Senate Report 113-181.
Office of Tribal Justice [OTJ] and Coordination on Tribal
Land.--The Committee supports the OTJ's request to add one
attorney position to help meet the responsibilities of
assisting with issues in Indian Country. As the Department of
Justice and Bureau of Indian Affairs [BIA] are responsible for
supporting the tribal justice system, including tribal
detention centers, the Committee strongly encourages OTJ to
continue to focus on efforts with BIA to ensure that tribes are
receiving sufficient resources to operate detention centers.
Office of Legislative Affairs.--While the Committee
primarily communicates with the Department through the Justice
Management Division, it reserves the right to call upon any
individual or organization within its jurisdiction for requests
for information, including the Department's Office of
Legislative Affairs [OLA]. The Committee notes that recent
responses from OLA have been neither helpful nor timely, with
some answers left completely void of any meaningful information
whatsoever. The Committee has received similar feedback from
other Senate offices about OLA's performance, leading the
Committee to question the efficacy of fully funding OLA's
budget. The Committee reminds DOJ that requests from the
Congress to OLA should be treated as a priority for the
Department and responded to both courteously and expeditiously.
JUSTICE INFORMATION SHARING TECHNOLOGY
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $25,842,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 37,440,000
House allowance......................................... 25,842,000
Committee recommendation................................ 25,842,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $25,842,000 for
Justice Information Sharing Technology [JIST]. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and $11,598,000 below the budget request.
Cybersecurity.--The Committee's recommendation provides no
less than $5,030,000 for cybersecurity so DOJ may continue to
proactively defend against and respond to current and emerging
cybersecurity threats and attacks against DOJ's network
infrastructure.
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND APPEALS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $351,072,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 488,381,000
House allowance......................................... 426,791,000
Committee recommendation................................ 411,072,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $411,072,000 for
Administrative Review and Appeals, of which $4,000,000 is a
transfer from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[USCIS] Immigration Examiners Fee Account. The recommendation
is $60,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$77,309,000 below the budget request.
This account funds the Executive Office for Immigration
Review [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. This account also funds the Office of the Pardon
Attorney, which receives, investigates, and considers petitions
for all forms of executive clemency.
EOIR represents the Department's frontline presence with
respect to the application of immigration law. EOIR receives
cases directly from Department of Homeland Security [DHS]
enforcement personnel, in which the Federal Government is
seeking the removal of immigrants who are in the United States
without lawful status or who have committed some act, typically
a criminal offense, that renders them removable. EOIR's
immigration court caseload continues to increase as a result of
heightened border enforcement efforts.
The number of cases pending adjudication rose from
approximately 229,000 at the end of fiscal year 2009 to 418,861
at the end of fiscal year 2014. By the beginning of the third
quarter of fiscal year 2015, the number of cases pending
adjudication had risen to over 440,000. Additionally, the BIA
receives more than 30,000 appeals per year, an extremely large
volume for an appellate court. Court dockets are scheduled
unacceptably far into the future, with most courts backlogged
by at least 1 to 2 years, and some up to 5 years. Such
extensive delays result in the lengthy postponement of
warranted deportations of those who have no claim for relief.
At the same time, legitimate asylum seekers face significant
challenges while waiting for their cases to be heard.
Given these increasing caseload demands, the Committee's
recommendation includes a programmatic increase of $60,000,000
to add 55 new Immigration Judge Teams. This increase will allow
EOIR to better coordinate with DHS enforcement efforts and to
help adjudicate the rapidly growing caseload. While the need to
expand our immigration courts is clear, the Committee remains
seriously concerned with operational inefficiencies and
management deficiencies that have yet to fully be addressed by
EOIR's headquarters, especially when considering the latency of
hiring new judge teams. The Committee directs EOIR to provide
the Committee with monthly reports on the status of the on-
going judge hiring process that shall include: the current
total number of immigration judges broken out by standard full-
time judges, judges recalled from retirement, non-judges
serving in temporary judge roles and judges in other employment
statuses; the target number of new judge hires based on current
available appropriations; the number of new judges currently
being hired broken out by individuals being processed for
employment, participating in training, and undergoing any other
pre-employment activities; the target dates for when new judges
will start working full-time; and the current running average
time it takes to hire a new immigration judge. The Committee
also is disappointed in EOIR's ability to efficiently use its
technology and staffing resources and expects EOIR to better
utilize limited funding to address the voluminous pending
caseload.
Training for Immigration Judges.--The Committee directs
that EOIR's training for immigration judges should address how
to adjudicate children's cases, including forms of relief for
children, how to elicit information from children, the impact
of trauma on children, and other relevant child development
issues.
Legal Orientation Program [LOP].--The Committee's
recommendation maintains the fiscal year 2015 base funding for
LOP, pursuant to the Trafficking Victims Protection
Reauthorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-457), for
custodians of unaccompanied, undocumented children to address
the custodian's responsibility for the child's appearance at
all immigration proceedings, and to protect the child from
mistreatment, exploitation, and trafficking.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $88,577,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 93,709,000
House allowance......................................... 93,709,000
Committee recommendation................................ 89,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $89,000,000 for the
Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The recommendation is
$423,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$4,709,000 below the budget request.
This account finances the activities of the OIG, including
audits, inspections, investigations, and other reviews of
programs and operations of the Department of Justice 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.
Right to Access.--The Committee retains bill language
providing the Inspector General access to documents and other
materials at the Department of Justice, which may be necessary
in the normal conduct of the Inspector General's duties. The
Committee asks the Inspector General to report on the
effectiveness of this provision within 180 days of enactment of
this act.
Oversight of Crime Victims Fund Grants.--Section 510 of
this act provides $10,000,000 for the OIG to continue its
expanded audit functions of the Crime Victims Fund [CVF].
Recent adjustments to the CVF have dramatically increased
allowable spending out of the fund by 349 percent from fiscal
years 2014 to 2016. The Committee is concerned that the
Department has not done enough to proportionately adjust its
grant monitoring activities to reflect these significant CVF
changes in order to avoid waste, fraud and abuse. The
Committee's direction in fiscal year 2016 to use a portion of
the CVF funding on existing victim programs, which have current
accountability metrics, will help with the Department's grant
oversight. However, the Committee directs the OIG to continue
to increase its audit of CVF awards and assist the Department
to ensure these important funds are used appropriately and
effectively.
United States Parole Commission
salaries and expenses
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $13,308,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 13,547,000
House allowance......................................... 13,308,000
Committee recommendation................................ 13,308,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $13,308,000 for the
United States Parole Commission. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $239,000 below the
budget request.
Legal Activities
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, GENERAL LEGAL ACTIVITIES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $885,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,037,386,000
House allowance......................................... 882,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 885,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $885,000,000 for
General Legal Activities salaries and expenses. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and $152,386,000 below the budget request.
This appropriation funds the establishment of litigation
policy, conduct of litigation, and various other legal
responsibilities through the Office of the Solicitor General,
the Tax Division, the Criminal Division [CRM], the Civil
Division [CIV], the Environmental and Natural Resources
Division, the Civil Rights Division [CRT], the Office of Legal
Counsel, and INTERPOL Washington.
INTERPOL Washington.--From within funds provided for
General Legal Activities, the Committee directs the Department
to provide $32,000,000 for INTERPOL Washington, equal to the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level. The Committee has provided no-
year authority in the amount of $685,000 to ensure sufficient
resources are available for INTERPOL Washington's dues payments
and help the Department better manage fluctuations in currency
exchange rates. INTERPOL Washington's command center [IOCC]
operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,
responding to requests for international criminal investigative
and humanitarian assistance from more than 18,000 U.S. law
enforcement agencies and their counterparts in 189 other
INTERPOL-member countries. INTERPOL Washington's responsibility
to respond to increasing foreign and domestic requests places
additional operational demands on the resources of this
organization.
Civil Rights.--The Committee provides a total of
$158,000,000 to the CRT, equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level, to continue its 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 the CRT to increase efforts to investigate and
address violations of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized
Persons Act in State and local prisons and jails. The Committee
directs the CRT to use such sums as necessary from amounts
appropriated in fiscal year 2016 to address such issues in
State and local prisons and jails.
Human Rights Crimes.--The Committee remains concerned by
the large number of suspected human rights violators from
foreign countries who have found safe haven in the United
States and directs the CRM to continue its efforts to
investigate and prosecute serious human rights crimes,
including genocide, torture, use or recruitment of child
soldiers, and war crimes. For this purpose, the Committee's
recommendation supports continued funding for the CRM to
investigate and prosecute individuals who violate Federal laws
regarding serious human rights abuses.
International Training.--The Committee remains concerned
about the instability of budget and staffing challenges faced
by the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance
and Training [OPDAT] and International Criminal Investigative
Training Assistance Program [ICITAP] programs under the current
funding structure provided via the Department of State. While
the Committee encourages the Departments of Justice and State
to maintain open communications regarding programmatic and
resource needs to truly execute their missions, OPDAT and
ICITAP should ideally receive a transfer of funds from State
within 90 days of enactment of this act. Should an immediate
source of funding be needed ahead of a completed transfer of
funds, the Committee suggests that the Department of Justice
notify the Committee as soon as possible.
THE NATIONAL CHILDHOOD VACCINE INJURY ACT
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $7,833,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 9,358,000
House allowance......................................... 8,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,358,000
The Committee's recommendation provides a reimbursement of
$9,358,000 for legal costs. The recommendation is $1,525,000
above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and is equal to the
budget request.
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, 2015.................................... $162,246,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 164,977,000
House allowance......................................... 162,246,000
Committee recommendation................................ 162,246,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $162,246,000 for
the Antitrust Division. The recommendation is equal to the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $2,731,000 below the budget
request. This appropriation is offset by $124,000,000 in pre-
merger filing fee collections, resulting in a direct
appropriation of $38,246,000.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,960,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,032,216,000
House allowance......................................... 1,995,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,973,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,973,000,000 for
the Executive Office for United States Attorneys [EOUSA] and
the 94 U.S. Attorneys [USAs] offices. The recommendation is
$13,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$59,216,000 below the budget request.
As in past years, the Committee directs the USAs to focus
their efforts on those crimes where the unique resources,
expertise, or jurisdiction of the Federal Government can be
most effective.
Adam Walsh Act Implementation.--The Committee expects the
EOUSA to continue to focus on investigations and prosecutions
related to the sexual exploitation of children, as authorized
by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006
(Public Law 109-248), and as part of Project Safe Childhood.
The recommendation fully funds the budget request of
$44,339,000 for this purpose in fiscal year 2016.
Combating Financial and Mortgage Fraud.--The Committee's
recommendation fully funds the request of $346,579,000, to hold
accountable criminals who perpetrate financial and mortgage
fraud, deter future perpetrators of fraud, and recover monies
stolen from U.S. taxpayers. The USAs conduct criminal
investigations and prosecutions of mortgage and financial
fraud, predatory lending, financial fraud, and market
manipulation matters.
Civil Rights Prosecutions.--The Committee's recommendation
provides the requested amount of $35,982,000 for increased
civil rights enforcement that will advance both criminal and
civil litigations. The new positions associated with this
funding are expected to augment current activities in the Civil
Rights Division, which would expand the capacity to pursue more
sex and labor trafficking cases.
Cybercrime.--As national and international cyber threats
become increasingly sophisticated, our Federal prosecutors must
become better versed in digital forensic evidence. The
Committee's recommendation supports the requested amount of
$55,110,000 for cybercrime activities, which will increase the
investigation and prosecution of cyberattacks and cyber
intrusions, and provide the training on cybercrime and digital
evidence needed for USAs to be able to analyze and present
digital evidence across all types of criminal cases.
National Advocacy Center.--While the Committee remains
disappointed that a change in circumstances resulted in Project
Palmetto not becoming a reality as envisioned, it commends the
two parties for coming to a mutually amicable resolution. The
Committee is also aware of the need to address outstanding
administrative adjustment issues related to Palmetto and
encourages the parties to quickly conclude those discussions.
UNITED STATES TRUSTEE SYSTEM FUND
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $225,908,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 228,107,000
House allowance......................................... 225,908,000
Committee recommendation................................ 225,908,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $225,908,000 for
the U.S. Trustee System Fund. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $2,199,000 below the
budget request. The appropriation is offset by $162,000,000 in
fee collections.
The U.S. Trustee Program, 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. In fiscal year 2016, the U.S. Trustee Program
will participate in an estimated 750,000 business and consumer
bankruptcy case filings.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, FOREIGN CLAIMS SETTLEMENT COMMISSION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $2,326,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,374,000
House allowance......................................... 2,326,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,374,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $2,374,000 for the
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The recommendation is
$48,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal to
the budget request.
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, 2015.................................... $270,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 270,000,000
House allowance......................................... 270,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 270,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $270,000,000 for
fees and expenses of witnesses. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and the budget request.
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
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $12,250,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 14,446,000
House Allowance......................................... 13,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,446,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $14,446,000 for the
Community Relations Service [CRS]. The recommendation is
$2,196,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal
to the budget request.
The Community Relations Service, established by title X of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, provides assistance to
communities and persons in the prevention and resolution of
disagreements arising from discriminatory practices.
Hate Crimes Prevention.--Within the funds provided, the
Committee provides $2,500,000 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 the CRS's mandate, requiring
that it 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, 2015.................................... $20,514,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 20,514,000
House allowance.........................................................
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 2015 enacted level and equal to the budget
request.
The AFF provides funds for qualifying expenses of Federal
law enforcement agencies and their State or local partners.
Funds for these activities are provided from receipts deposited
into the AFF resulting from the seizure and liquidation of
assets. Expenses related to the management and disposal of
assets are also provided from the AFF by a permanent,
indefinite appropriation.
United States Marshals Service
Appropriations, 2015...................................\1\$2,800,107,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,699,995,000
House Allowance......................................... 2,289,081,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,659,214,000
\1\In addition to $1,700,107,000 in direct appropriations, this account
was provided $1,100,000,000 from the Department's Assets Forfeiture Fund
for a total operating amount of $2,800,107,000.
The Committee's recommendation provides a total of
$2,659,214,000 for the United States Marshals Service [USMS].
The recommendation is $140,893,000 below the fiscal year 2015
enacted level including offsetting funds from other accounts,
and is $40,781,000 below the budget request.
salaries and expenses
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,195,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,230,581,000
House allowance......................................... 1,220,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,195,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,195,000,000 for
USMS salaries and expenses. The recommendation is equal to the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $35,581,000 below the budget
request. The core missions of the USMS include the apprehension
of fugitives; protection of the Federal judiciary and
witnesses; execution of warrants and court orders; and the
custody and transportation of unsentenced prisoners.
Regional Fugitive Task Forces.--The Committee strongly
supports the USMS's Regional Fugitive Task Forces [RFTFs], an
effective partnership with other Federal, State and local law
enforcement agencies to apprehend violent fugitives, but the
program has not added a new RFTF since 2008. The Committee
directs the USMS to provide a report detailing the initial and
out-year costs and resource needs, including space
requirements, to stand up a new RFTF as well as available
locations for an expansion not later than 90 days after
enactment of this act.
Gang Enforcement.--The Committee recognizes the need to
reduce gang crime by apprehending violent fugitives. Within the
amount provided in the budget request, the USMS shall dedicate
no less than $5,000,000 to operate anti-gang investigative
units within the RFTFs, including supporting the supervisory,
operational, equipment, and training needs of these units, in
order to target gangs of national significance.
Sex Offender Apprehension.--The Adam Walsh Child Protection
and Safety Act of 2006 [AWA] (Public Law 109-248) gives the
USMS the authority to apprehend convicted sex offenders who
fail to register as fugitives. The act also directs the USMS to
assist jurisdictions in locating and apprehending these
individuals.
The USMS currently has on board 160 Deputy Marshals to
assist States in locating and apprehending sex offenders who
violate sex offender registration requirements. However, the
USMS estimates it needs a dedicated force of at least 500
Deputy Marshals to expand AWA enforcement activities in
districts across the country. The Committee's recommendation
provides not less than $56,103,000 to continue AWA enforcement.
CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $9,800,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 15,000,000
House allowance......................................... 11,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,800,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $9,800,000 for
construction in space controlled, occupied, or utilized by the
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 equal to the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $5,200,000 below the budget
request.
FEDERAL PRISONER DETENTION
Appropriations, 2015...................................\1\$1,595,307,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,454,414,000
House allowance......................................... 1,058,081,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,454,414,000
\1\In addition to $495,307,000 in direct appropriations, this account
was provided $1,100,000,000 from the Department's Assets Forfeiture Fund
for a total operating amount of $1,595,307,000.
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,454,414,000 for
Federal Prisoner Detention [FPD]. The recommendation is
$140,893,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level including
offsetting funds from other accounts and is equal to the budget
request.
The Committee expects the USMS to anticipate the true
funding needs for this account in order to avoid funding
shortfalls and the need for emergency reprogrammings to avert
deficiencies. The Committee directs the USMS to report to the
Committee on a quarterly basis the current number of
individuals in the detention system, the projected number of
individuals, and the associated annualized costs.
National Security Division
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $93,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 96,596,000
House allowance......................................... 95,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 93,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $93,000,000 for the
National Security Division [NSD]. The recommendation is equal
to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $3,596,000 below the
budget request.
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 the U.S. Attorneys. Its primary
function is to prevent acts of terrorism and espionage from
being perpetrated in the United States by foreign powers.
Combating Cyber Threats to National Security.--The
Committee's recommendation provides not less than $29,675,000
for cybersecurity activities within the NSD for investigative,
prosecutorial, intelligence collection, and oversight abilities
that support the Intelligence Community in identifying and
disrupting cyber threats to national security.
Interagency Law Enforcement
INTERAGENCY CRIME AND DRUG ENFORCEMENT
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $507,194,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 519,301,000
House allowance......................................... 510,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 507,194,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $507,194,000 for
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $12,107,000
below the budget request.
The Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement account funds
the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces [OCDETF],
which is the centerpiece of the Department's drug enforcement
and counternarcotics efforts. The mission of the OCDETF 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.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $8,326,569,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 8,414,625,000
House allowance......................................... 8,489,786,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,433,492,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $8,433,492,000 for
the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] salaries and
expenses. The recommendation is $106,923,000 above the fiscal
year 2015 enacted level and $18,867,000 above the budget
request.
Criminal Justice Information Services [CJIS].--The
Committee recommends the full funding request for CJIS
including fee collections. The recommendation maintains the
substantial improvements to the National Instant Criminal
Background Check System [NICS] made in recent fiscal years that
have increased the capacity of the existing NICS system to
perform background checks on prospective firearms buyers.
Next Generation Cyber Initiative.--The FBI remains the only
agency with the statutory authority, expertise, and ability to
combine counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal
investigatory resources to neutralize, mitigate, and disrupt
illegal computer-supported operations domestically. The
Committee recommends continued funding for the Next Generation
Cyber Initiative and supports the fiscal year 2016 increase of
$10,300,000. The FBI has made significant efforts in recent
years to strengthen its cyber capabilities with an emphasis on
better preventing attacks before they occur while protecting
privacy, confidentiality, and civil liberties. Additional
funding in fiscal year 2016 will improve the collection and
analysis of cyber data obtained by the FBI and the National
Cyber Investigative Join Task Force [NCIJTF], while improving
the information conduit to existing field operations and
personnel to improve the quality of and speed with which data
is collected.
Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center [TEDAC].--
TEDAC is designated by the U.S. Government as the single
strategic level Improvised Explosive Devices [IED] exploitation
center and repository, administered by the FBI, working closely
with all of the Federal departments and agencies involved in
the counter IED arena through the Joint Program Office for
Countering Improvised Explosive Devices. The Committee views
TEDAC as a critical resource in combating the global threat
posed by terrorist use of explosives and in sharing IED threat
information and intelligence. As such, the Committee's
recommendation restores the full $25,000,000 of operational
funding to TEDAC, which the administration proposed to
partially cut by $9,500,000 in fiscal year 2016. This funding
will continue to strengthen the role of TEDAC as the U.S.
Government's strategic-level improvised explosive device
exploitation center and provide the resources necessary to
staff the new facility as it comes online.
Hazardous Devices School [HDS].--HDS is the sole U.S.
Government entity for accrediting and certifying U.S. public
safety bomb squads and bomb technicians. With the IED threat
rising in frequency and sophistication both domestically and
abroad, expanding and refining HDS facilities, staff, and
training is critical to keep pace with these emerging threats.
The Committee is aware that the FBI and the Department of the
Army are undergoing a staffing transition at HDS to maintain
the instruction and operations at the school, while providing
an opportunity for HDS to function more effectively and
efficiently. In order to ensure sufficient staffing levels, the
Committee recommendation reinstates the $3,000,000 for the HDS
staffing operations, which was eliminated in the
administration's fiscal year 2016 request. The Committee also
provides: $700,000 for collocating the FBI's Weapons of Mass
Destruction Directorate training at HDS; $3,000,000 for
training vehicles and render safe equipment; $500,000 for
project management; and $1,700,000 to support Joint Duty
Assignments with Department of Defense active duty instructors
to ensure a TEDAC and HDS complementary and integrated whole-
of-government approach to countering the IED threat.
FBI Headquarters Consolidation.--The Committee expects the
FBI and the General Services Administration [GSA] to continue
to coordinate closely to move forward in a timely and
transparent way with the full consolidation of FBI
Headquarters. Consolidation is critical to making more
efficient an FBI workforce that is currently dispersed between
the J. Edgar Hoover building and approximately 20 leased
offices in the National Capital region. In addition to
achieving full consolidation, the new FBI Headquarters facility
must provide the operational work environment that is necessary
for the FBI to be successful in performing its national
security, intelligence, and criminal investigative missions.
The Committee strongly encourages the FBI, GSA and the
Administration to use all available financing authorities and
options, including public-private partnerships, to ensure the
goals of full consolidation and a work environment that is
consistent with FBI operational requirements are achieved.
Human Rights Violations.--The Committee directs the FBI to
continue its efforts to investigate and support the DOJ's
criminal prosecution of serious human rights crimes committed
by foreign nationals, including genocide, torture, use or
recruitment of child soldiers, and war crimes. The Committee's
recommendation continues funding this effort at the fiscal year
2015 enacted level.
Innocent Images National Initiative [IINI].--The
Committee's recommendation provides the $74,829,000 requested
funding for the Innocent Images National Initiative, which
allows the FBI to target and investigate sexual predators on
the Internet. This funding will address the critical
requirements for Federal law enforcement in targeting child
sexual exploitation and child victimization. The Committee
trusts that the budget request is sufficient to cover the
current Innocent Images caseload. Should the threat of child
predators on the Internet increase, however, the Committee
expects that future budget requests for the FBI will include
adequate resources dedicated to investigate those who prey on
children online.
Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory.--The FBI's Regional
Computer Forensics Laboratory [RCFL] provides law enforcement
with valuable forensics expertise and training opportunities
devoted to the examination of digital evidence in support of
criminal investigations, including terrorism, child
pornography, and Internet fraud. Currently, 15 regional offices
are located irregularly throughout the United States, each
serving various geographic sizes of law enforcement
populations. The Committee notes that the southeastern region
of the United States is particularly void of a RCFL presence,
requiring law enforcement in that area to travel greater
distance to receive assistance. The Committee directs the
RCFL's National Program Office, which is charged with
facilitating the creation of new RCFL facilities, to report to
the Committee within 120 days of enactment of this act with a
recommendation for locating a RCFL in the southeastern United
States that takes into consideration regional law enforcement
agency relationships and leverages existing Federal facilities
and expertise.
Training State and Local Law Enforcement.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of strengthening the trust between
law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve,
particularly in light of recent events around the country. In
its longstanding commitment to training and supporting State
and local law enforcement, the FBI can play an important part
in the Federal Government's efforts to help improve community
and police relations. The Committee encourages the FBI to
incorporate the relevant recommendations contained in the
Interim Report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century
Policing into its instruction for State and local law
enforcement.
CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $110,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 68,982,000
House allowance......................................... 57,982,000
Committee recommendation................................ 108,982,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $108,982,000 for
FBI construction. The recommendation is $1,018,000 below the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $40,000,000 above the budget
request. Of the amount provided, $32,000,000 is for the
operations and maintenance for Terrorist Explosive Device
Analytical Center [TEDAC] operations facilities, transfer,
build-out, and related costs, and $8,000,000 is provided for
explosive range improvements and expansion for TEDAC and the
Hazardous Devices School facility.
Drug Enforcement Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $2,400,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,463,123,000
House allowance......................................... 2,422,459,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,404,834,000
The Committee's recommendation provides total resources of
$2,404,834,000 for the Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA],
of which $371,514,000 is derived from the DEA's Drug Diversion
Control Fee Account. The recommendation is $4,834,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $58,289,000 below the budget
request.
The DEA's mission is 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,
manufacturing, 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.
Diversion Control Program.--Full funding of $371,514,000 is
provided for the Diversion Control Program, which is an
increase of $4,834,000 from the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
for expanded forensic support of diversion cases and is fully
offset with fee collections.
Drug Diversion at Veterans Health Administration
Facilities.--The Committee is alarmed by the rates of
prescription drug opioid abuse and related overdoses among
veterans, as well as allegations of diversion of prescription
opioids from Veterans Health Administration [VHA] facilities
into the illicit drug market. The notion that VHA facilities
are a source for the unauthorized distribution and use of
opioids is extremely concerning. The Committee urges the DEA to
maintain open communication with the VHA and treat
investigations of drug diversion in VHA facilities as a
priority.
DEA shall report to the Committee within 90 days after the
enactment of this act on its drug diversion investigations
involving VHA facilities and to report on the status of
investigations on a quarterly basis thereafter. The initial
report shall include: the number of ongoing DEA drug diversion
investigations into VHA facilities, the number of DEA drug
diversion investigations into VHA facilities concluded in the
prior year, an analysis of trends in DEA and VHA drug diversion
investigations over the past 10 years, the number of
investigations that resulted in indictments, a review of
factors that may be leading to drug diversion including VHA
prescription drug prescribing practices, and recommendations or
best practices to prevent drug diversion from VHA facilities.
Prescription Drug Abuse.--The Committee believes that
prescription drug abuse continues to remain an urgent public
health crisis. Of particular concern is the link between
prescription opioid abuse and its connection to heroin use. The
Committee urges the DEA to continue to combat prescription drug
abuse and heroin use by fully utilizing all available
resources, including the Diversion Control Program, and by
facilitating inter-agency and inter-department cooperation.
Locum Tenens Physicians.--The Committee urges the DEA, in
conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs, to resolve
any alleged regulatory issues concerning prescription
privileges for locum tenens professionals to ensure veterans
have access to needed high-quality local VA healthcare.
Sensitive Investigative Units.--The Committee applauds the
Drug Enforcement Administration's work with Afghan vetted
units. To protect U.S. interests in counternarcotics
investigations and ensure they result in convictions and
sentencing in Afghanistan, the Committee strongly encourages
the DEA to continue supporting vetted units in Afghanistan to
the greatest extent practicable.
The Committee directs the DEA to submit a report providing
an assessment of the effectiveness of its Sensitive
Investigative Units, which shall include an analysis of the
costs and benefits of continued expansion in Central America
and West Africa, not later than 90 days after enactment of this
act.
Cooperation with State and Local Forensic Crime Laboratory
Community.--The Committee is aware of the important work that
State and local forensic crime laboratories are doing to
identify and combat the proliferation of new varieties of
synthetic drugs known as ``Spice.'' These herbal mixtures
typically contain chemical additives which are Schedule I
controlled substances, but manufacturers are increasingly
working to avoid legal restrictions by using substitute
chemicals in their products. These evasion tactics require
constant and vigilant cooperation between State and local
forensic crime laboratories and the DEA in the effort to
recognize, analyze and control the growing use of synthetic, or
designer, cannabinoid compounds. The Committee encourages the
DEA to collaborate and share any available resources with State
and local forensic crime laboratories in these important
efforts.
National Drug Threat Assessment.--The Committee recognizes
the need for strategies to limit the facilitation of illicit
narcotics such as heroin and encourages the DEA to continue
with their efforts to provide a National Drug Threat
Assessment. The DEA should coordinate with the Office of
National Drug Control Policy in order to work with the most
current and reliable information. The National Drug Threat
Assessment and other illegal narcotics information should be
shared with State and local law enforcement agencies to meet
the needs of individual communities.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,201,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,261,158,000
House allowance......................................... 1,240,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,201,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,201,000,000 for
the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives [ATF].
The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and $60,158,000 below the budget request.
The ATF reduces the criminal use of firearms and illegal
firearms trafficking, and assists other Federal, State, and
local law enforcement agencies in reducing crime and violence.
The ATF investigates bombing and arson incidents and assists
with improving public safety by reducing the criminal misuse of
and trafficking in explosives, combating acts of arson and
arson-for-profit schemes, and removing safety hazards caused by
improper and unsafe storage of explosive materials.
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 the National Integrated Ballistics
Information Network [NIBIN]. This will enable the 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 Firearms Intelligence
Groups for investigations and document successful prosecutions
as a result of NIBIN.
United States Bomb Data Center.--The Committee is
encouraged by ATF's recent announcement that it is permanently
moving the U.S. Bomb Data Center [USBDC] to the National Center
for Explosives Training and Research, which will effectively
combine the three components of explosives research, training,
and information sharing in one location. DOJ has designated the
Bomb Arson Tracking System [BATS] repository maintained at the
USBDC as the sole repository for explosives incidents, and has
directed all DOJ components to use this system to document
explosives-related incidents. The Committee believes that the
USBDC will be more productive with regular input and analysis
from multiple agencies. The Committee encourages ATF to work
with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security's Office
of Bombing Prevention to make space available for any analysts
or agents from those agencies who may be assigned to the USBDC
to increase Federal collaboration on bomb information.
United States-Mexico Firearms Trafficking.--The Committee
continues to support the ATF's efforts to combat weapon
trafficking on the border. The ATF shall continue to provide
the Committee with annual data on the total number of firearms
recovered by the Government of Mexico, and of those, the number
for which an ATF trace is attempted, the number successfully
traced, and the number determined to have originated in the
United States prior to being recovered in Mexico.
National Center for Explosives Training and Research
[NCETR].--ATF has increased the number of staff and course
offerings at NCETR, including restarting the advanced fire
investigation training course and providing additional advanced
explosives disposal techniques courses for public safety bomb
technicians, which the Committee directs ATF to maintain in
fiscal year 2016. Given that NCETR serves as the Bureau's
Center of Excellence for arson and explosives training and
expertise, the Committee directs ATF and the Department to
provide a report not later than 120 days after enactment of
this act detailing plans for the future to enhance both
staffing levels and course availability, including collocating
the Bureau's canine training operations for explosives and
accelerant detection at NCETR.
Federal Prison System
The Committee's recommendation provides a total of
$6,956,700,000 for the Federal Prison System, or the Bureau of
Prisons [BOP]. The recommendation is $33,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $390,722,000 below the
budget request.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $6,815,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 7,204,158,000
House allowance......................................... 6,948,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,848,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $6,848,000,000 for
BOP salaries and expenses. The recommendation is $33,000,000
above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $356,158,000 below
the budget request.
Increasing Unit Officer Staff at High Security
Institutions.--While overall overcrowding at Federal prisons
has decreased and is expected to fall to 15 percent in 2016,
medium and high security facilities have remained consistently
overcrowded, creating unsafe environments for correctional
officers and other BOP staff. The Committee supports the Bureau
of Prison's fiscal year 2016 request for an additional
$32,000,000 to add one additional correctional officer for each
housing unit at high security institutions. This increase in
resources will allow all BOP high security institutions to have
at least two correctional officers on duty in each housing unit
for all three shifts.
Alleviating Overcrowding at High Security Facilities.--The
overcrowding rate at high-security prisons continues to remain
high at 52 percent with no indication of decreasing until new
facilities are fully opened. The Committee supports BOP's
efforts to alleviate overcrowding at high-security facilities
through the process of opening additional prisons. The
Committee expects the BOP to adhere to the activation schedule
included in the BOP's budget submission regarding these prison
facilities, including the new U.S. Penitentiary in Thomson,
Illinois. The BOP shall notify the Committee of any deviations
from this schedule.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Pilot Expansion.--The
Committee supports the request of an additional $1,000,000 for
the Bureau of Prisons to increase the number of inmates
participating in the medication-assisted treatment pilot
program for individuals with heroin and opioid addiction. This
voluntary pilot program will expand the number of inmates in
the pilot from 10 to 200. The science supporting the use of
medication as a critical component of opioid addiction,
including heroin, treatment is clear in that it saves lives.
International Prisoner Transfer Program.--The Committee is
interested in the Department's effective use and administration
of the International Prisoner Transfer Program, which permits
certain foreign national inmates from treaty nations to serve
the remainder of their sentences in their home countries. While
the BOP has made efforts to improve its utilization of this
program after a 2011 review by the DOJ Office of the Inspector
General, the Committee is disappointed that the program remains
significantly underused. Increasing the number of foreign
national inmates transferred out of BOP facilities to their
home countries could result in considerable cost savings.
The BOP, in coordination with the Criminal Division, is
directed to submit a report to the Committee not later than 90
days after enactment of this act detailing how the
International Prisoner Transfer Program is currently being
administered, including: methods for educating eligible foreign
national inmates about the program, the estimated number of
currently eligible foreign national inmates compared to the
number of applicants, the process for approving transfers, the
number of prisoner transfers in the previous 5 fiscal years,
the corresponding countries to which prisoners were
transferred, and the long-run cost savings this program has
achieved for BOP along with projected cost savings if the
program were operating at full capacity.
Contraband Cell Phones and Communication Devices.--The
Committee remains concerned about the use of contraband cell
phones in facilities administered by, or under contract with,
BOP. The Bureau should ensure that criminal networks will no
longer be controlled by incarcerated individuals who use these
illicit devices to direct network activities beyond the prison
walls. The Committee requests that the BOP submit a report not
later than 180 days after the enactment of this act detailing
methods and procedures on how BOP can achieve a total
communications blackout between incarcerated and free members
of criminal networks.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $106,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 140,564,000
House allowance......................................... 230,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 106,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $106,000,000 for
the construction, modernization, maintenance, and repair of
prison and detention facilities housing Federal prisoners. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and $34,564,000 below the budget request.
The Committee includes bill language in Title V--General
Provisions stipulating that no BOP resources may be used for
facilities to house detainees from the United States Naval
Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Reporting.--The Committee believes that the consideration
of any new facility or facility expansion should be based upon
a long-term strategic plan which incorporates a robust capital
planning process including leading capital planning practices
as outlined in OMB and GAO guidance. The Committee directs the
BOP to continue providing quarterly reports to the Committee on
the progress of its efforts, including funding for new prison
construction if merited in future requests.
The Committee also directs the BOP to continue providing
the Committee with the most recent monthly status of
construction report, and to notify the Committee of any
deviations from the construction and activation schedule
identified in that report, including detailed explanations of
the causes of delays and actions proposed to address them.
FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
(LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES)
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $2,700,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,700,000
House allowance......................................... 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
2015 enacted level and the budget request.
State and Local Law Enforcement Activities
In total, the Committee recommends $2,292,800,000 for State
and local law enforcement and crime prevention grant programs,
including: $1,841,800,000 in discretionary appropriations,
$72,000,000 in mandatory appropriations, and $379,000,000
derived from funds provided under section 510 of this act. The
total is $36,000,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and $206,100,000 below the budget estimate.
Management and Administration Expenses.--The Department
shall, in preparing its fiscal year 2016 spending plan, assess
management and administration [M&A;] expenses compared to
program funding. The Committee directs the Department to ensure
that its assessment methodology is equitable and, for programs
funded through the Crime Victims Fund, 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 in order to
maximize the amount of funding that can be used for grants or
training and technical assistance. The Committee reiterates the
direction provided in Public Law 113-76 that the Department
shall detail, as part of its budget submission for fiscal year
2017 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.
Prudence in Budget Proposals for Grant Programs.--Many of
the initiatives proposed by the Department come at the expense
of effective existing grant programs which currently serve our
communities, including State and local law enforcement, well.
Such proposals put the Committee in an untenable position in a
fiscal environment of limited funding resources. As virtually
all of the new programs proposed for funding have never been
authorized or previously vetted by Congress, the Committee is
left to choose between well-established grant programs and new
ideas which are untested. The Committee reminds the Department
to work more closely with the appropriate congressional
committees to seriously consider the modification or omission
of existing outdated programs before new proposals and
initiatives are unveiled.
Grant Funding Set-Asides.--The Committee notes the
significant number of reductions in grant funding allowable for
various purposes, including training, technical assistance,
research, evaluation and statistics activities with set-asides
ranging anywhere from 2 percent to 10 percent of total grant
funding provided. To that end, 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 within the Office of Justice Programs, the Office on
Violence Against Women, and the Community Oriented Policing
Services. 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, High Poverty Areas.--The Committee
is concerned about the needs of rural, high poverty 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 use of grant funding. The Committee reminds the
Department to keep the unique needs of rural, high poverty
communities in mind when making grant awards through the
numerous programs funded under this act.
Performance Partnership Pilots.--The bill includes language
permitting OJP to participate, with other Federal agencies, in
the Performance Partnership Pilot program authorized in
division H of Public Law 113-76 and division G of Public Law
113-235. Performance Partnership Pilots take an evidence-based
approach to better serve disconnected youth in our communities.
The Committee supports innovative efforts to coordinate
programs across the Federal Government that serve these young
people. Nonetheless, the Department must remain accountable for
the proper use and effectiveness of its grant funds. The
proposal for these pilots states that outcome-focused criteria
will be used as part of the evaluation process. In addition,
jurisdictions receiving funding will be held accountable to a
set of cross-agency, data-driven outcomes and interventions
will be measured and rigorously evaluated using real-time
performance and outcome data.
The Department's Office of Inspector General should
continue to coordinate with the Inspectors General of other
participating departments and agencies to ensure timely audits
and oversight of these funds.
One-Year Prison Rape Elimination Act [PREA] Exemption.--The
Committee has included bill language providing a 1-year
exemption from the penalties required under the PREA for the
OVW's Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors [STOP]
Grants.
Trauma-Informed Training.--The Committee encourages the
Department's grant making agencies to focus on efforts to
provide specialized trauma-informed training in responding to,
and investigating, sexual assault, including forensic
interviewing and evidence-gathering techniques and trauma-
informed investigative skills. The goal is to increase the
capacity of law enforcement agencies whose officers may come
into contact with survivors of sexual assault, including
survivors of sexual assault on college campuses, and to help
ensure law enforcement resources are made available in an
appropriate and timely manner.
Submission of Officer Training Information.--The Committee
directs the Department to devise a plan to assist State and
local law enforcement agencies to improve training in use of
force, identifying racial and ethnic bias, and conflict
resolution, throughout the course of officers' careers. As
identified in the final report of the President's Task Force on
21st Century Policing, the Committee urges the Department to
administer the development of Field Training Program policies
and look for ways to partner with national law enforcement
organizations to promote consistent standards for high quality
training and assessment. This partnership should result in the
Department providing best practices, model policies, and a
training toolkit for local law enforcement as well as free or
reduced-cost courses for law enforcement agencies. The
Department is directed to submit this plan within 45 days of
enactment of this act.
The Committee further directs the Department to require law
enforcement agencies to submit information on training on use
of force, racial and ethnic bias, de-escalation of conflict,
and constructive engagement with the public that officers have
received as part of the grant application submission for Byrne-
JAG and COPS Hiring programs. This information will help both
the Committee and Department assess the true level of training
provided in the field, along with gaps in training that the
Federal government may be able to fill.
Improved Data Collection.--The Committee is concerned about
insufficient and incomplete crime and arrest data submitted by
States and law enforcement agencies to the FBI's Criminal
Justice Information Services Division [CJIS]. Since 1930,
participating local, county, State, tribal, and Federal law
enforcement agencies have voluntarily provided the FBI with a
reliable set of crime statistics through the Uniform Crime
Reporting [UCR] Program. The FBI's CJIS, which administers the
UCR program, periodically releases these crime statistics to
the public, which helps local law enforcement and governments
assess crime trends. While some UCR data is required to be
submitted as part of the process to receive Byrne-JAG funding
under 42 U.S.C. 3755, and further incorporated into guidelines
issued by OJP to States, the submission of more detailed
National Incident-Based Reporting System [NIBRS] data is
currently voluntary. NIBRS captures detailed crime incident
data like arrests and officer-involved shootings, information
that is critical in aiding State and local law enforcement
agencies as they work to keep our communities safe. Although
submissions have steadily grown, NIBRS data is still not
entered frequently enough to make generalizations about crime
in the United States; therefore, the Committee urges law
enforcement agencies receiving Byrne-JAG and COPS Hiring awards
to submit NIBRS data to CJIS in a timely manner.
As IT costs can be a barrier for agencies to transmit NIBRS
data, the Committee directs the Department to derive a plan of
action for helping law enforcement agencies submit NIBRS data
to CJIS. The plan should include reasonable cost estimates for
setting up IT systems to connect to CJIS as well as a timetable
for getting law enforcement to submit this critical data.
Should the Department need immediate resources to implement
full participation of States' submission of NIBRS data, the
Committee suggests the Department provide a reprogramming
request. The Department is directed to submit this plan within
45 days of enactment of this act.
Office on Violence Against Women
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $430,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 473,500,000
House allowance......................................... 501,050,000
Committee recommendation................................ \1\479,000,000
\1\Of the $479,000,000 provided in this heading, $234,000,000 is
provided in direct appropriations and $245,000,000 is derived by
transfer from amounts available for obligation in this Act from the Fund
established by section 1402 of chapter XIV of title II of Public Law 98-
473 (42 U.S.C. 10601), notwithstanding section 1402(d) of such act of
1984.
The Committee's recommendation provides $479,000,000 for
OVW grants. The recommendation is $49,000,000 above the fiscal
year 2015 enacted level, and $5,500,000 above the budget
request. Resources are provided to the OVW above the budget
request 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, LGBT
victims, college students, youths, and public housing
residents.
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............................................ 215,000
Transitional Housing Assistance........................ 30,000
National Institute of Justice Research and Evaluation 3,000
on Violence Against Women.............................
Consolidated Youth Oriented Program.................... 11,000
Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies.................... 51,000
Homicide Reduction Initiative...................... (4,000)
Sexual Assault Victims Services........................ 35,000
Rural Domestic Violence Assistance Grants.............. 35,000
Violence on College Campuses........................... 20,000
Civil Legal Assistance................................. 45,000
Elder Abuse Grant Program.............................. 5,000
Family Civil Justice................................... 16,000
Education and Training for Disabled Female Victims..... 6,000
National Center on Workplace Responses................. 500
Research--Violence Against Indian Women................ 1,000
Sex Assault in Indian Country Clearinghouse............ 500
Tribal Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction. 5,000
----------------
Total............................................ 479,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOP Grants.--Within the discretionary budget authority
appropriated, $215,000,000 is for formula grants to the States.
This is $22,000,000 above the budget request and $20,000,000
above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. The recommendation
supports increasing access to comprehensive legal services for
victims, providing short-term housing assistance and support
services for domestic violence victims, and education and
training to end violence against and abuse of women with
disabilities.
Sexual Assault Services Act [SASA].--The Committee's
recommendation provides $35,000,000, which is $8,000,000 above
the budget request and $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015
enacted level, to directly fund the needs of sexual assault
victims.
As part of VAWA 2005 and reauthorized by VAWA 2013, the
Sexual Assault Services Program addresses considerable gaps in
services to sexual assault victims. The Committee supports a
dedicated stream of funding to provide a broad range of
services to male, female, and child sexual assault victims and
their families through the well-established and well-regarded
system of community-based rape crisis centers throughout the
United States, and maintains its strong commitment to ensuring
that these rape crisis centers have access to technical
assistance, training, and support.
Grants to Encourage Arrests.--The Committee urges the
Office on Violence Against Women to prioritize funding within
the Grants to Encourage Arrests Program to support Family
Justice Center models that are community-based, co-located
multi-agency collaborations that provide integrated services to
both domestic violence and child abuse victims.
Office of Justice Programs
The Office of Justice Programs [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, the 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. The Committee directs the
OJP to submit a quarterly report on grant programs that have
not received a sufficient number of qualified applicants.
Gang Prevention Grants and Crime Rates.--The Committee
remains concerned about gang activity and violent crime
throughout the country, noting that Federal partnership with
law enforcement is essential--not only in our largest cities,
but also in suburban and rural jurisdictions, where gang
activity and violent crime rates can exceed national averages.
To strengthen Federal partnership across all jurisdictions, the
Committee directs the OJP to review the criteria by which the
OJP awards discretionary grants relating to gang violence and
prevention under the State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance
and Juvenile Justice Programs on a per capita basis of
applicant cities and jurisdictions where gang activity and
violent crime rates exceed national averages. The Committee
encourages the OJP to report on the relative success rate of
awards granted to applicant cities and jurisdictions with
disproportionately high gang and violent crime activity,
including the murder rates of those cities and jurisdictions.
The report should also consider the relative success rate of
applicant cities and jurisdictions that have an established
gang commission or community planning body, have completed the
Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention [OJJDP] gang
assessment, and have consulted with or received technical
assistance from the OJJDP National Gang Center regarding gang
initiatives in the community.
Legal Training.--Training of State and local prosecutors
and defense attorneys is essential to the functioning of the
criminal justice system and ensuring justice is served. The
Committee encourages OJP to explore funding options, including
Byrne-JAG, that support training for prosecutors and defense
attorneys that provide a hands-on approach to topics such as
criminal process, trial advocacy, ethics, and evidence.
RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND STATISTICS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $111,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 151,900,000
House allowance.........................................................
Committee recommendation................................ 117,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $117,000,000 for
the Research, Evaluation and Statistics account. The
recommendation is $6,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and $34,900,000 below the budget request.
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......................... 41,000
National Institute of Justice........................ 36,000
Regional Info Sharing Activities..................... 35,000
Forensic Initiative.................................. 5,000
Transfer to NIST................................. (4,000)
------------------
Total.......................................... 117,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 and the
Bureau of Justice Statistics [BJS], respectively, for approval
by the Committee prior to the obligation of any such funds.
National Institute of Justice [NIJ].--The Committee's
recommendation provides $36,000,000 for the NIJ, in addition to
$4,000,000 transferred from the OVW for research and evaluation
on violence against women and Indian women. The NIJ's mission
is to advance scientific research, development, and evaluation
to advance the administration of justice and public safety.
Forensic Initiative.--The Committee provides $5,000,000 for
a forensic initiative, of which $4,000,000 is provided by
transfer to the National Institute of Standards and Technology
[NIST] to support Scientific Working Groups. The Department of
Justice shall coordinate its forensic initiative activities
with NIST.
Building Digital Forensics Capabilities.--The Committee
continues to stress the importance of training and equipping
State and local law enforcement with the tools and expertise
needed to investigate and prosecute electronic crime. As
smartphones and the Internet have become fundamental parts of
daily life, these technologies have also become a fundamental
part of criminal acts and enterprises, from drug deals and
murder hits ordered by text to ATM heists via laptops, to child
pornography Web sites.
Given that more than 95 percent of all criminal cases are
investigated and prosecuted at the State and local levels, the
Committee remains concerned that the ability of State and local
law enforcement to investigate and effectively prosecute cases
involving digital evidence- and computer-based crimes will
diminish without the Department's support of training and
research. The Committee encourages the Department to prioritize
State and local assistance for computer forensics tool
development and digital evidence training for investigations
surrounding drug, violent, and financial crimes, and crimes
against children.
Regional Information Sharing Activities.--The Committee
recommends $35,000,000, an increase of $10,000,000 above the
budget request and $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015
enacted level, to support activities that enable the sharing of
nationwide criminal intelligence and other resources with
State, local, and other law enforcement agencies and
organizations. Such activities should address critical and
chronic criminal threats, including gangs, terrorism,
narcotics, weapons and officer safety or ``event
deconfliction,'' and should reflect regional as well as
national threat priorities. In addition, funds shall be
available to support local-to-local law enforcement data and
information sharing efforts focused on solving routine crimes
by sharing law enforcement information not categorized as
criminal intelligence. All activities shall be consistent with
national information-sharing standards and requirements as
determined by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $1,241,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 1,142,300,000
House allowance......................................... 1,141,900,000
Committee recommendation................................\1\1,102,000,000
\1\Of the $1,102,000,000 provided for State and local law enforcement
assistance grants, $93,000,000 is provided under section 510 of this
act.
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,102,000,000 for
State and local law enforcement assistance. The recommendation
is $139,000,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level, and
$40,300,000 below the budget request.
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............. 382,000
VALOR Initiative................................. (15,000)
Smart Policing................................... (10,000)
Smart Prosecution................................ (2,500)
Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program........ (15,000)
Body-Worn Cameras................................ (20,000)
NamUS............................................ (2,400)
State Criminal Alien Assistance Program.............. 75,000
Victims of Trafficking Grants........................ [50,000]
Drug Courts.......................................... 41,000
Mentally Ill Offender Courts......................... 10,000
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment................ 12,000
Capital Litigation/Wrongful Prosecution Review....... 4,000
Economic, High-Tech, and Cybercrime Prevention....... 13,000
IP Enforcement................................... (2,500)
John R. Justice Grant Program........................ 3,000
Adam Walsh Act Implementation........................ 20,000
Children Exposed to Violence Initiative.............. [16,000]
Bulletproof Vests Partnership........................ 22,500
Transfer to NIST/OLES............................ (1,500)
National Sex Offender Public Web site................ 1,000
Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction................. 8,500
National Instant Criminal Background Check System 55,000
[NICS] Initiative...................................
NICS Improvements................................ (12,000)
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science...................... 15,000
DNA Initiative....................................... 125,000
Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grants.................. (117,000)
Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing (4,000)
Grants..........................................
Sex Assault Exam Kits............................ (4,000)
Community-Based Sexual Assault Response Reform....... 41,000
Court-Appointed Special Advocates [CASA]............. [12,000]
Second Chance Act.................................... 68,000
Smart Probation.................................. (6,000)
Children of Incarcerated Parents Demo Grants..... (5,000)
Pay for Success.................................. (7,500)
Veterans Treatment Courts............................ 5,000
Prescription Drug Monitoring......................... 7,000
Justice Reinvestment Initiative...................... 22,000
Project HOPE......................................... 4,000
Vision 21............................................ [15,000]
Comprehensive School Safety Program.................. 75,000
------------------
Total.......................................... \1\1,102,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Of the $1,102,000,000 provided for State and local law enforcement
assistance grants, $93,000,000 is provided under section 510 of this
act, and the applicable Committee recommendations are denoted in
brackets.
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.--
The Committee recommends $382,000,000 for Edward Byrne Memorial
Justice Assistance Grants [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 with
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.
Training for Forensic Services.--The Committee is
interested in solution-based approaches to train local law
enforcement officers and utilize available technology to reduce
court backlogs and prosecutions. To the extent appropriate, OJP
should explore ways to provide resources for multi-
jurisdictional forensic service providers, in collaboration
with universities, to provide access to forensic expertise,
assistance, and continuing education to law enforcement
agencies. The Committee encourages OJP to remind awardees that
these objectives could be met through the Byrne-JAG program.
VALOR Initiative.--The Committee's recommendation fully
funds the budget request of $15,000,000 within Byrne-JAG for
the Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement Officer
Resilience and Survivability Initiative [VALOR]. This is a
national training initiative that promotes a culture of safety
within Federal, State, local, and tribal law enforcement
agencies by training officers to respond to and react better in
deadly situations, such as ambush attacks, while on duty. The
Committee expects Federal law enforcement agencies to continue
and expand on efforts to provide local police with information
as to whether or not 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.
National Instant Criminal Background Check System [NICS]
Initiative Grants.--The Committee recommends funding the
program at $55,000,000, equal to the budget request, 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.
Grants to Combat Human Trafficking.--Trafficking victims
are subjected to physical, mental, and sexual abuse and need
various types of assistance to begin healing and recovery,
including counseling, housing, medical care, support groups,
and legal assistance. The Committee's recommendation provides
$50,000,000 from funds provided under section 510 of this act
for services and task force activities for U.S. citizens,
permanent residents, and foreign nationals who are victims of
trafficking, including not less than $15,000,000 for victim
services for foreign national victims of trafficking. The OJP
shall consult with stakeholder groups in determining the
overall allocation of Victims of Trafficking funding and shall
provide to the Committee a plan for the use of these funds as
part of the Department's fiscal year 2016 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 VAWA 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.
Funding to assist State and local law enforcement in
strengthening and expanding the investigation and prosecution
of human trafficking and training law enforcement personnel on
the identification of trafficking victims was authorized under
VAWA 2013. The Committee recommends that funds be made
available for human trafficking task forces, particularly those
that combat the sex trafficking of minors in High Intensity
Child Prostitution areas identified by the FBI. Trafficking
task forces can also use funding for innovative technological
instruments to assist in the rescue of trafficking victims.
Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program.--Persistent
crime and public safety problems, especially gang activity and
youth violence, cannot be addressed solely by law enforcement.
These issues require a comprehensive interagency approach that
enables law enforcement, educators, social services agencies,
and community organizations to address both public safety
problems and their underlying causes.
The Committee provides $15,000,000 within Byrne-JAG to
support the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program, which
provides demonstration grants in communities to support
innovative, evidence-based approaches to fighting crime and
improving public safety, as well as addressing its underlying
problems. The OJP will coordinate with the Department of
Housing and Urban Development and other agencies to promote
interagency collaboration and enable a wide range of new and
existing partners to further stabilize neighborhoods that face
the most severe violence and crime. This program builds upon
the approach of supporting communities with strategies that
combine law enforcement, community policing, prevention,
intervention, treatment, and neighborhood restoration.
Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction.--Violent crime and
homicide continue to exact a heavy toll on victims, families,
and neighborhoods. The Committee's recommendation provides
$8,500,000, which is $3,500,000 above both the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and the budget request, for competitive grants
aimed at reducing homicides and gun-related violent crime in
communities overwhelmed by gangs of national significance and
illegally purchased and trafficked guns. Popularly known as the
Project Safe Neighborhoods model, this funding shall be used to
hire new Federal and State prosecutors, support investigators,
provide investigative and litigation training, deter juvenile
gun crime, and develop and promote community outreach efforts,
as well as to support other gun and gang violence reduction
strategies.
Veterans Treatment Courts.--The Committee urges the
Department to work in conjunction with the Department of
Veterans Affairs to provide grant support for collaborative,
rehabilitative approaches for continuing judicial supervision
of offenders who are veterans. The Committee recommends not
less than $5,000,000 for Veterans Treatment Courts and urges
the Department to strengthen funding for existing Veterans
Treatment Courts with successful track records to promote best
practices.
Bulletproof Vests.--Within the $22,500,000 provided for
bulletproof vests, $1,500,000 is to be transferred directly to
the NIST Office of Law Enforcement Standards [OLES] to continue
supporting ballistic- and stab-resistant material compliance
testing programs. The Committee expects the BJA to continue
strengthening internal controls to manage the Bulletproof Vest
Partnership 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.
Second Chance Act/Offender Reentry Programs.--The
recommendation provides $68,000,000 for Second Chance Act [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 safe and successful
reentry back to their communities of adults released from
prisons and jails. The SCA supports activities such as
employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, housing,
mentoring, family programming, and victim support. SCA grants
will also support demonstration projects designed to test the
impact of new strategies and frameworks. Within the amount
provided, the Committee's recommendation makes targeted
investments in initiatives requested by the administration to
test and replicate new models of improving criminal justice
efficiencies and recidivism outcomes.
The Department is directed to submit as part of its
spending plan for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance a
strategy for the use of all funds appropriated for Second
Chance Act programs, including new initiatives requested by the
Department that are funded in this recommendation. It is
expected that such a strategy will designate funds for proven,
evidence-based programs that will further the goal of
maximizing public safety, as well as for promising new
approaches and projects.
Criminal Justice Reform and Recidivism Reduction.--The
Committee provides $22,000,000 for a justice reinvestment
initiative, which expands OJP's investment in data-driven
approaches to improve public safety, drive down corrections and
related criminal justice spending, and reinvest savings in
effective strategies that can reduce crime and recidivism and
strengthen neighborhoods. The Committee supports the OJP's
steps to make justice reinvestment a national model for much-
needed criminal justice reform. Funds may be used to provide
technical assistance and competitive financial support to
States, counties, cities, and tribes that are either currently
engaged in justice reinvestment activities or are preparing to
undertake such work.
Coverdell National Forensic Science Grant Program.--The
Committee rejects the budget request to eliminate the Coverdell
National Forensic Science Grant Program and provides
$15,000,000 to continue assistance of forensic sciences.
DNA Backlog and Crime Lab Improvements.--The Committee is
once again extremely disappointed that the Department's budget
request slashes funding by $20,000,000 for critical grant
programs to help State and local agencies address their
backlogs and test forensic evidence. The Committee continues
its strong support for DNA backlog and crime lab improvements
by recommending $125,000,000 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 funds provided, $117,000,000 is for Debbie
Smith DNA Backlog Reduction grants, $4,000,000 is for Kirk
Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing grants, and $4,000,000
is for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners grants.
From within the funding provided for Debbie Smith DNA
Backlog Reduction grants, the Committee expects the Department
to prioritize reducing rape kit backlogs, given that it is the
primary reason why the Committee continues to provide robust
funding for these grants. The Committee directs the Department
to provide not less than 75 percent of the total grant amounts
for direct testing activities to reduce the backlog. The
Committee further directs DOJ to provide at least 5 percent of
funds to law enforcement agencies to conduct audits of their
backlogged rape kits and to prioritize testing in those cases
in which the statute of limitations will soon expire, as
authorized by the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting
Act of 2013 (Public Law 113-4).
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 to the
Committee as part of its spending plan for State and Local Law
Enforcement Activities a plan with respect to funds
appropriated for DNA-related and forensic programs, including
the alignment of appropriated funds with the authorized
purposes of the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program.
Reducing the Rape Kit Backlog.--The Committee's
recommendation includes $41,000,000 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. The NIJ shall provide competitively
awarded grants with a comprehensive community-based approach to
addressing the resolution of cases in the backlog. The
Committee directs the NIJ to provide a report not later than 90
days after enactment of this act on its progress in developing
a strategy and model to serve as best practices for discovering
and testing kits, training law enforcement, and supporting
victims throughout the process as required by Public Law 113-
235.
Comprehensive School Safety.--The Committee's
recommendation includes $75,000,000 to continue a competitive
grant program as part of the comprehensive school safety
initiative started in fiscal year 2014. The NIJ shall provide
competitively awarded grants with strong research and
evaluation components to local school districts and State
educational agencies to support the implementation of school
safety interventions under the existing construct. The
Committee directs the NIJ to provide a report not later than 90
days after enactment of this act, on its progress on continued
development of a strategy and model for comprehensive school
safety.
Economic, High-Tech, and Cybercrime Prevention.--The
Committee recommends $13,000,000 to assist State and local law
enforcement agencies in the prevention, investigation, and
prosecution of economic, high-tech, and Internet crimes. Given
the importance of protecting our Nation's new technologies,
ideas, and products, the Committee includes the request of
$2,500,000 for competitive grants that help State and local law
enforcement tackle intellectual property [IP] thefts, such as
counterfeiting and piracy.
Flexible Tribal Assistance.--The Committee recommends
funding tribal grant programs by permitting 7 percent of
discretionary grant and reimbursement program funds made
available to the OJP to be used for tribal criminal justice
assistance, and continues to strongly support efforts to help
tribes improve the capacity of their criminal justice systems.
The OJP is expected to consult closely with tribal stakeholders
in determining how tribal assistance funds will be awarded for
detention facilities, courts, alcohol and substance abuse
programs, civil and criminal legal assistance, and other
priorities. The Committee directs the OJP to submit, as part of
the Department's spending plan for fiscal year 2016, a plan for
the use of these funds that has been informed by such
consultation. The Committee notes that the bill includes
additional grant funding for tribal law enforcement programs
through COPS and OVW.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.--The Committee
directs the Bureau of Justice Assistance to assess the impact
of establishing threshold enrollment and utilization rates for
the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and, where enrollment
and utilization rates are below 100 percent, assess the
feasibility of requiring benchmarks for improvements in
enrollment and utilization as grant eligibility criteria. The
Committee directs the Department to report, not later than 180
days after enactment of this act, on this assessment, including
the potential of prioritizing funding based on the goal of
optimizing prescriber and dispenser enrollment and utilization
rates for Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs by prescribers
and dispensers as a ratio compared to the potential universe of
prescribers and dispensers and controlled substance prescribing
rates, respectively.
Vision 21: Transforming Victim Services.--The Committee's
recommendation provides $15,000,000 under section 510 of this
act for Vision 21. The Committee directs the Department to
submit as part of its spending plan for State and Local Law
Enforcement Activities a plan for the use of all funding
administered by the Office for Victims of Crime [OVC] for
Vision 21.
The Committee supports Vision 21's goals of funding
initiatives that will address the need for more data-driven
research and evaluation on victimization and services; holistic
legal assistance for crime victims; resources to reach tribal
and rural victims in areas where service providers do not
exist; support of national emergency hotlines, online, and
other programs that serve American crime victims at the
national and international level; and capacity building to
provide technology- and evidence-based training and technical
assistance.
JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $251,500,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 339,400,000
House allowance......................................... 186,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ \1\294,500,000
\1\Of the $294,500,000 provided for juvenile justice programs grants,
$41,000,000 is provided under section 510 of this act.
The Committee's recommendation provides $294,500,000 for
juvenile justice programs. The recommendation is $43,000,000
above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $44,900,000 below
the budget request.
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 to prevent juvenile delinquency and ensure
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's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part B--State Formula.................................. 65,500
Emergency Planning--Juvenile Detention Facilities.. (500)
Youth Mentoring Grants................................. 75,000
Title V--Delinquency Prevention........................ 40,000
Tribal Youth....................................... (10,000)
Gang and Youth Violence Education and Prevention... (5,000)
Victims of Child Abuse (VOCA).......................... [20,000]
Community-Based Violence Prevention.................... [18,000]
Missing & Exploited Children Programs.................. 68,000
Child Abuse Training for Judicial Personnel............ [3,000]
Children of Incarcerated Parents Web Portal............ 500
Girls in the Justice System............................ 2,000
Juvenile Indigent Defense.............................. 2,500
----------------
Total............................................ \1\294,500,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Of the $294,500,000 provided for juvenile justice programs grants,
$41,000,000 is provided under section 510 of this act, and the
applicable Committee recommendations are denoted in brackets.
Any deviation from the above plan is subject to the
reprogramming requirements of section 505 of this act.
Part B: State Formula Grants.--The Committee provides
$65,500,000 for grants to implement comprehensive State
juvenile justice plans, including community-based prevention
and intervention programs and activities for juvenile
offenders. This amount is $10,000,000 above the fiscal year
2015 enacted level and $4,500,000 below the budget request.
Within the amount provided, the Committee recommends
$500,000 for competitive demonstration grants for State, local,
and tribal juvenile justice detention facilities and systems to
meet the needs of children and adolescents housed in detention
facilities in preparation for, during, and after a disaster, as
detailed in the 2011 emergency planning guidance issued by the
OJJDP.
The Committee directs the OJP to submit as part of its
spending plan for State and Local Law Enforcement Activities a
plan for the administration of Part B State Formula Grants. The
Committee expects this plan to include details pertaining to
the formulas utilized in awarding grants under this heading.
The Committee urges DOJ to encourage title II grant
recipients to coordinate with their State education agencies to
support continuity of education opportunities for adjudicated
youth.
Youth Mentoring Grants.--To support the critical work of
national, regional, and local organizations in nurturing and
mentoring at-risk children and youths, the Committee recommends
$75,000,000 for competitive, peer-reviewed youth mentoring
grants. Within 45 days of enactment of this act, the OJP is
directed to provide a report and spend plan to the Committee
detailing the criteria and methodology that will be used to
award these grants, as well as an explanation of any deviations
from the criteria and Committee directions used in fiscal year
2015. 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.
Victims of Child Abuse Act.--The Committee's recommendation
provides $20,000,000 under section 510 of this act for the
various programs authorized under the Victims of Child Abuse
Act [VOCA] (Public Law 101-647) and directs the OJJDP to ensure
that not less than 90 percent of the grants awarded are for the
purposes of developing and maintaining child advocacy centers,
including training and accreditation. Within the funds
provided, $5,000,000 shall be for Regional Children's Advocacy
Centers [RCACs] Programs. The RCACs were established to provide
information, consultation, training, and technical assistance
to communities, and to help establish child-focused programs
that facilitate and support coordination among agencies
responding to child abuse.
Missing and Exploited Children Programs.--The OJP works
with law enforcement agencies to find missing children and to
target and prosecute predatory child molesters and those who
traffic in child pornography. The Committee recommends
$68,000,000 for Missing and Exploited Children Programs and
expects the Department to allocate no less than the current
funding level for task force grants, training and technical
assistance, research and statistics, and administrative costs
for the Internet Crimes Against Children [ICAC] program. The
Committee directs the OJP to provide a spending plan for the
use of these funds as part of the Department's spending plan
for fiscal year 2016.
The Committee supports efforts across the country to train
child protection professionals, beginning with undergraduate
and graduate curricula and following up with ongoing training
for professionals in the field, including the development of
State forensic interviewing courses. The Committee directs the
OJJDP to provide training and technical assistance to improve
forensic interview training for investigation and prosecution
professionals, evidence-based community prevention programs for
child protection professionals, and undergraduate and graduate
curricula on the maltreatment and exploitation of children.
Child Abuse Training for Judicial Personnel and
Practitioners.--The Committee recognizes the effectiveness of
child abuse training programs for judicial personnel and
practitioners and provides $3,000,000 for grants to improve the
judicial system's handling of child abuse and neglect cases,
enhance parental involvement, reduce the cost and population of
foster care, and increase positive outcomes of child abuse
victims.
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS BENEFITS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $87,300,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 88,300,000
House allowance......................................... 88,300,000
Committee recommendation................................ 88,300,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $88,300,000 for
public safety officers benefits. The recommendation is
$1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and equal
to the budget estimate. 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, $72,000,000 is for death benefits for survivors, an
amount estimated by the Congressional Budget Office and
considered mandatory for scorekeeping purposes.
The Committee also recommends $16,300,000, 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
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $208,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 303,500,000
House allowance......................................... 251,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 212,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $212,000,000 for
community oriented policing services. The recommendation is
$4,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$91,500,000 below the budget request.
Local law enforcement is not only essential to ensuring the
safety of the public but also plays a critical role in
preventing and responding to terrorist threats. Since its
creation, the Community Oriented Policing Services [COPS]
Office has assisted State and local law enforcement agencies by
providing grants, training, and technical assistance that not
only ensure public safety from traditional crime, but also
better enable law enforcement officers to address the growing
threat from terrorist organizations.
The Committee's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Methamphetamine Lab Cleanup (Transfer to DEA).......... 11,000
COPS Hiring Grants..................................... 187,000
Transfer to Tribal Resources Grant Program......... (30,000)
Community Policing Development/Training and (10,000)
Technical Assistance..............................
Collaborative Reform Model......................... (10,000)
Anti-Meth Task Forces.................................. 7,000
Anti-Heroin Task Forces................................ 7,000
----------------
Total............................................ 212,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any deviations from the above plan are subject to the
reprogramming requirements of section 505.
COPS Hiring Program.--The Committee recommends $187,000,000
for COPS Hiring grants to help State, local, or tribal law
enforcement agencies to create and preserve police officer
positions and to increase community policing capacity and crime
prevention efforts. As in the request, the grants will have an
award cap of $125,000 and require grantees to provide a 25
percent local match.
Community Policing Development--Training and Technical
Assistance.--The Committee's recommendation provides
$10,000,000 within the COPS Hiring Program to provide Training
and Technical Assistance to assist agencies with developing
innovative community policing strategies through applied
research and evaluation initiatives. Of these funds, the COPS
Office is directed to provide up to $5,000,000 within this
program for diversity and inclusion training to organizations
with experience in training law enforcement personnel. The goal
of this training is to improve community policing and create
partnerships between police officers and the citizens they
protect.
Methamphetamine Hot Spots.--The Committee's recommendation
includes a $11,000,000 transfer to reimburse the DEA for
assistance to State and local law enforcement for proper
removal and disposal of hazardous materials at clandestine
methamphetamine labs, and to initiate container programs. This
is the level the DEA estimates will be sufficient in fiscal
year 2016 to operate the full cleanup program for States to
transition to container program cleanups, and to cover the
costs of smaller methamphetamine cleanups in States where the
problem is intermittent.
Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces.--The Committee's
recommendation provides $7,000,000 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 has repeatedly
expressed its concern over the dramatic rise of heroin abuse
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 program within the
COPS Office in fiscal year 2015. Despite the plea for
additional resources from law enforcement as well as the
interest of the Committee, the Department eliminated this
program as part of the fiscal year 2016 budget request. The
Committee provides $7,000,000 for the COPS Office to make
competitive grants to law enforcement agencies in States with
high per capita levels of primary treatment admissions for both
heroin 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. Priority shall be given
to those drug task forces, managed and operated by the State,
serving a majority of counties in the State.
School Resource Officers.--The placement of law enforcement
officers in schools carries a risk that these officers will
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 pipeline wastes community resources and can lead
to academic failure and greater recidivism rates for these
students. The Committee directs that the COPS Office continue
to utilize requirements and procedures regarding a written
memorandum of understanding and proper training for any COPS
Hiring Grant funds used to hire school-based law enforcement
officers.
General Provisions--Department of Justice
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.
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 5
percent between appropriations, but limits to 10 percent the
amount that can be transferred into any one appropriation.
Section 206 authorizes the Attorney General to terminate a
personnel management demonstration project.
Section 207 limits the placement of maximum or high
security prisoners to appropriately secure facilities.
Section 208 restricts Federal prisoner access to certain
amenities.
Section 209 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 210 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 211 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 212 prohibits U.S. Attorneys from simultaneously
holding multiple jobs outside of the scope of a U.S. Attorney's
professional duties.
Section 213 permits up to 3 percent of grant and
reimbursement program funds made available to the Office of
Justice Programs to be used for training and technical
assistance, 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, and
permits up to 7 percent of discretionary grant and
reimbursement program funds made available to OJP to be used
for tribal criminal justice assistance. The Committee continues
to strongly support efforts to help tribes improve the capacity
of their criminal justice systems.
Section 214 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.
Section 215 waives the requirement that the Attorney
General reserve certain funds from amounts provided for
offender incarceration.
Section 216 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 217 requires the Department to provide documents to
the Inspector General that are necessary as part of audits and
investigations.
Section 218 exempts the penalties required by the Prison
Rape Elimination Act on certain grant programs for 1 year.
Section 219 permits the Department of Justice to
participate in Performance Partnership Pilot collaboration
programs.
TITLE III
SCIENCE
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $5,555,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 5,566,000
House Allowance......................................... 5,555,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,555,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $5,555,000 for the
Office of Science and Technology Policy. The recommendation is
the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $11,000
below the budget request.
The Office of Science and Technology Policy [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,
analysis, 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 the 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.
Open Access to Federal Research.--The Committee has
received reports by OSTP on the progress of all Federal
agencies in developing and implementing policies to increase
public access to federally funded scientific research. To date,
OSTP and OMB have given approval to 14 departments and
agencies' public access plans, with 13 of the 14 currently
publically available and another to be made available in the
near future. The Committee is pleased by the progress being
made, but had previously instructed OSTP in fiscal year 2015 to
have all relevant departments and agencies' plans approved by
the end of calendar year 2014 with implementation occurring by
early calendar year 2015. Unfortunately, six departments and
agencies have yet to have their plans receive final approval in
order to move toward implementation. OSTP is directed to
continue providing quarterly reports to the Committee in order
to keep Congress apprised of the remaining progress that needs
to be made in making federally funded research accessible to
the public as expeditiously as possible.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Education.--Within the fiscal year 2016 budget request, the
administration has again proposed a government-wide
consolidation of STEM education programs.
The Committee continues to support effective mission-
oriented STEM education programs at NASA, NOAA, and NIST within
this bill, and encourages OSTP to work with non-Federal
education and outreach communities to present a proposal that
supports efficiencies while garnering wider support. In seeking
efficiencies for STEM programs, OSTP and its partners should be
mindful of ensuring that scientists supported by the Federal
Government are not absolved of responsibility to educate and
train the next generation. OSTP should also take care to
preserve effective training and education programs designed to
directly fulfill the unique STEM-related mission needs of the
agencies administering them.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $18,010,200,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 18,529,100,000
House allowance......................................... 18,529,100,000
Committee recommendation................................ 18,289,500,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $18,289,500,000 for
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA]. The
recommendation is $279,300,000 above the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and $239,600,000 below the budget request.
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 leader in world aviation and
as the pre-eminent space-faring nation. It is NASA's mission
to: advance the human and robotic exploration, use and
development of space; advance and communicate scientific
knowledge and understanding of the Earth, the solar system, and
the universe; and research, develop, verify, and transfer
advanced aeronautics and space technologies.
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 and protecting our planet. The Committee
expects NASA to continue making progress on the recommendations
of National Academies' decadal surveys, now and in the future.
The Committee believes this bill represents a solid path
forward for human spaceflight that reaches beyond low-Earth
orbit with affordable crew and launch vehicles; invests in the
burgeoning domestic launch industry that is bringing cargo, and
eventually crew, to the International Space Station [ISS]; and
supports NASA science and technology programs. These elements
should be viewed as complementary pieces of a balanced whole.
NASA utilizes a broad variety of launch vehicles, from
suborbital to heavy configurations, in order to successfully
execute its missions. The Committee encourages NASA to choose
those launch vehicles that prioritize their manifests such that
NASA has a high confidence level that missions can be reliably
launched on schedule. NASA is directed to continue providing
the Committee with a quarterly launch schedule, by mission,
that describes 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.
The Committee is supportive of NASA's STEM education
efforts that provide hands-on learning experiences at NASA
centers for middle, high school, and college students,
including space launch activities. These types of programs
allow students to experience the full range of STEM related
skills involved in designing, testing, and launching vehicles
and payloads to deepen their interest in science and
engineering fields.
The Committee is counting on NASA to maintain focus on
improving oversight and accountability throughout the agency.
NASA's acquisition management continues to be on the Government
Accountability Office's [GAO] ``high risk'' list. The Committee
notes that NASA is making progress in strengthening financial
management. GAO's most recent assessment of NASA's large-scale
projects found the agency's cost and schedule performance on
major projects has improved since GAO's first assessment in
2009. The average cost overrun is down from 4 percent to 3
percent, while average launch delays are down from 4 months to
under 3 months. NASA is directed to cooperate fully and to
provide timely program analysis, evaluation data, and relevant
information to the GAO so that GAO can report to Congress
shortly after the annual budget submission of the President and
semiannually thereafter on the status of large-scale NASA
programs, projects, and activities based on its review of this
information.
In addition, NASA is directed to include in its budget
justification the reserve assumed by NASA to be necessary
within the amount proposed for each directorate, theme,
program, project, and activity, or, if the proposed funding
level for a directorate, theme, program, project, or activity
is based on confidence level budgeting, the confidence level
assumed in the proposed funding level.
This bill makes tough choices in order to afford a balanced
space program. To do that, the Committee was informed by the
priorities of the Senate as well as the administration.
However, the Committee does not always agree with the
administration. The Committee grants NASA flexibility to craft
spending plans that manage funds appropriately and, where
necessary, address funding shortfalls that were not foreseen by
the Congress or the agency prior to passage of annual
appropriations. However, that latitude should not be viewed as
a license to disregard the Congress' direction about where
limited resources should be spent. The Federal funding
priorities for NASA set forth in this bill should not be
interpreted as a suggestion from the Committee; rather they
should be interpreted like any other statutory requirement
levied upon NASA. The Committee objects to NASA's efforts in
recent fiscal years to redirect funding away from priorities
clearly set by the Congress in law. NASA's continued use of
section 505 of this bill in this manner will result in limited
funding flexibility in the future.
The Committee has chosen to articulate the funding levels
of programs, where appropriate, in the form of tables and, if
necessary, supplemented with explanatory report language.
SCIENCE
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $5,244,700,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 5,288,600,000
House allowance......................................... 5,237,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,295,000,000
The Committee provides $5,295,000,000 for Science, which is
$50,300,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$6,400,000 above the budget request. The Science account
encompasses: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Astrophysics,
the James Webb Space Telescope, Heliophysics, and Education.
This funding seeks to answer fundamental questions concerning
the ways in which Earth's climate 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 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 decadal surveys in Earth Science,
Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics, including
recommendations for large, flagship projects and small and
medium sized missions.
SCIENCE
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earth Science.......................................... 1,931,600
Planetary Science...................................... 1,321,000
Astrophysics........................................... 730,600
James Webb Space Telescope............................. 620,000
Heliophysics........................................... 649,800
Education.............................................. 42,000
----------------
Total, Science................................... 5,295,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earth Science.--The recommendation includes $1,931,600,000
for Earth Science, including $100,000,000 to continue
formulation and development of Landsat-9 as a copy of Landsat-
8. The Committee has not provided funding for an additional
free flying thermal infrared instrument ahead of Landsat-9.
Rather, NASA is directed to maintain a target launch date for
Landsat-9 of 2020 so that the risk of losing the 16-day revisit
cycle is minimized by having Landsat-9 on orbit before Landsat-
7 fails. The recommendation also includes $75,000,000 for the
Pre-Aerosol, Clouds, and Ocean Ecosystem [PACE] mission. The
Committee expects NASA to clarify the proposed cost baseline
for PACE, including the treatment of science operations and the
science definition team's instrument recommendations.
Planetary Science.--The Committee supports Planetary
Science at $1,321,000,000, including the request level of
$228,000,000 for the Mars 2020 Rover, $50,000,000 for Near
Earth Object Observations within Planetary Science Research,
and $189,700,000 for the Origins Spectral Interpretation
Resource Identification and Security-Regolith Explorer. The
recommendation also includes $7,000,000 for New Frontiers
Future Missions, which is $5,000,000 above the request, to
enable NASA to accelerate the next New Frontiers Announcement
of Opportunity to a date before February 1, 2016. The Committee
welcomes the rendezvous of New Horizons with Pluto scheduled
for July 14, 2015, and encourages NASA to continue the momentum
generated by this mission to carry over for future research on
the outer planets, including Uranus. The Committee supports
Advanced Sterling Radioisotope Generator research and
development to enable planetary and other science research.
Europa.--A mission to Europa represents one of the highest
large mission priorities of the Planetary Science Decadal
Survey, and NASA announced in May 2015 the selection of nine
scientific instruments that will enable this mission. As one of
these top priorities, Europa also presents NASA with an
opportunity to capitalize on investments it has made in
producing a heavy lift launch vehicle capability. The Committee
believes that any ongoing planning for a Europa mission should
seek to maximize the scientific return for this mission and
also utilize the capabilities of NASA's own heavy lift launch
vehicle. The Committee directs NASA, in setting the baseline
Europa mission highlighted in the decadal survey, to use the
Space Launch System as the launch vehicle.
Astrophysics.--Within funds provided to advance scientific
knowledge of the origins of the universe, the Committee
provides $98,300,000 for the Hubble Space Telescope and
$85,200,000 for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy [SOFIA], and $90,000,000 for the Wide-Field Infrared
Survey Telescope [WFIRST].
Hubble Space Telescope.--2015 marked the 25th Anniversary
of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope. Hubble has made
more than 1,200,000 observations and has rewritten the
astronomy textbooks, from revealing the age of the universe to
discovering that the universe is expanding spurred on by dark
energy. Astronomers using Hubble data have published more than
12,800 scientific papers, including research that led to a
Nobel Prize in Physics. Hubble's incredible scientific
productivity would not have been possible without five repair
missions that gave Hubble a new contact lens and, ultimately,
new gyroscopes and more powerful instruments. Hubble's
productivity will live on well beyond the telescope because of
its well-managed archives containing more than 100 terabytes of
data are free and available to the world on the Internet so
researchers, teachers, and students around the world can access
its observations, along with those of other telescopes
including Spitzer and NASA's next generation of telescopes,
such as the James Webb Space Telescope.
SOFIA.--The Committee includes the full budget request for
SOFIA, a program that had been previously proposed for
cancellation in fiscal year 2015 after operations began in May
2014. The Committee understands NASA is now proposing a Senior
Review panel evaluation of the program's scientific
productivity in 2016, 3 years ahead of schedule. Typically, a
NASA program is given 4 to 5 years to prove the merit of its
science before undergoing a Senior Review. Therefore, the
Committee directs that any early Senior Review of SOFIA shall
only be for the purposes of allowing SOFIA to undergo such a
review in preparation for future evaluation and that the
results of this review shall not be used to justify early
cancellation.
WFIRST Science Mission.--The Committee has provided funding
for completion of pre-formulation and initiation of formulation
of the WFIRST mission using the Astrophysics Focused Telescope
Assets, with the goal of completing Key Decision Point-A no
later than January 15, 2016. The Committee has accelerated this
key mission recommended by the decadal survey and expects it to
achieve overlap and scientific synergy with Hubble and the
James Webb Space Telescope, including linking science
operations and the science archive.
James Webb Space Telescope.--The Committee maintains strong
support for the completion of the James Webb Space Telescope
[JWST], and provides $620,000,000, the same as the budget
request. JWST has reached a level of development where 100
percent of the telescope's mass is now beyond Key Decision
Point-C, a milestone that indicates that significant progress
has been made towards its 2018 launch date. The bill maintains
an overall development cost ceiling for JWST at $8,000,000,000,
and the Committee intends to hold NASA and its contractors to
that commitment. The Committee expects to be kept fully
informed on issues relating to program and risk management,
achievement of cost and schedule goals, and the program's
technical status. The Committee appreciates GAO's continuing
work to monitor JWST progress, costs, and schedule.
Explorers.--Small- and medium-sized Explorer missions have
been recognized by decadal surveys as missions that meet
multiple goals of providing frequent flight opportunities;
allowing students and Principal Investigators to gain hands on
flight experience; responding rapidly to new developments in
science; providing pathfinders for larger missions; and
providing value when comparing science productivity to cost.
The Committee continues its strong support of Astrophysics and
Heliophysics Explorers and expects NASA to provide adequate
resources within the amount provided to increase frequency of
Explorer Announcements of Opportunity [AO]. Explorer AOs should
occur at least every 3 years, and NASA's goal should be to
increase the frequency to every 2 years.
Solar Probe Plus.--The Committee provides $230,400,000 for
the Solar Probe Plus mission, the same as the budget request.
The Committee strongly affirms its multiyear commitment to a
2018 launch for the solar probe plus mission and fully expects
that all future NASA budget submissions will adhere to a
funding profile that guarantees a 2018 launch.
Science Mission Directorate, Education.--Within
Astrophysics, the request includes $20,000,000 for education
funding within the Science Mission Directorate [SMD], which is
$22,000,000 below the fiscal year 2015 level. For fiscal year
2016, the Committee provides no less than $42,000,000 for
education as reflected in a more transparent single line within
the SMD funding chart. This includes the $20,000,000 education
funding included in the budget submission within the
Astrophysics program. However, the Committee supports the
recommendation that the Astrophysics program administer this
SMD-wide education funding. The Committee encourages NASA to
prioritize funding for on-going education efforts linked
directly to its science missions and to encourage SMD-funded
investigators to be directly involved in outreach and education
efforts. The Committee notes that the $42,000,000 is well below
the authorized mandate that 1 percent of all NASA science funds
are allocated to education-related efforts. Thus, this amount
does not represent a cumulative total of all on-going and
longstanding education activities that will be conducted
throughout SMD in fiscal year 2016.
AERONAUTICS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $651,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 571,400,000
House allowance......................................... 600,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 524,700,000
The Committee provides $524,700,000 for Aeronautics, which
is $126,300,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$46,700,000 below the budget request. The Aeronautics account
funds research in key areas related to the development of
advanced aircraft technologies and systems, including those
related to aircraft safety, environmental compatibility and
fuel efficiency, and research that supports the Next Generation
Air Transportation System in partnership with the Joint
Planning and Development Office.
The Committee recommendation supports the fiscal year 2015
enacted level for the Advanced Composites Project within the
Advanced Air Vehicles Program.
Unmanned Aerial Systems.--The Committee notes that
integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems [UAS] into the National
Airspace System [NAS] remains a national priority with the
potential to increase public safety and bring economic benefits
to a wide range of industries. The Federal Aviation
Administration [FAA] has designated six sites it will use to
conduct research into safety standards and technology necessary
to safely integrate UAS into the NAS. NASA Aeronautics research
plays a critical role in the NAS, contributing capabilities
that reduce technical barriers related to safety and
operational challenges. The Committee supports UAS and its
related activities, including the UAS traffic management
program, as a key component to the NAS. NASA is directed to
coordinate its UAS activities with FAA and to utilize the six
FAA test sites to the greatest extent possible to ensure the
safest and most efficient integration of these platforms into
the NAS. As this effort moves forward, the Committee directs
NASA, in cooperation with the FAA, to provide the Committee
with a coordinated research plan for UAS integration, including
testing, analysis and assessments.
SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $596,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 724,800,000
House allowance......................................... 625,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 600,000,000
The Committee provides $600,000,000 for Space Technology,
which is $4,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and $124,800,000 below the budget request. The Space Technology
Program funds basic research that can advance multi-purpose
technologies to enable new approaches to NASA's current
missions. It includes NASA's Small Business Innovative Research
[SBIR] and Small Business Technology Transfer [STTR] programs.
Satellite Servicing/RESTORE-L.--The Committee recommends
$150,000,000 for satellite servicing to continue the pathfinder
mission [RESTORE-L] to refuel Landsat-7 or another U.S.
Government-owned satellite in low-Earth orbit no later than
2019. The Committee has chosen to fund Satellite Servicing's
RESTORE-L mission within Space Technology. Pathfinder
technologies were funded and proven on the International Space
Station. The Committee recommendation includes funding for a
full-scale, standalone demonstration which will benefit
multiple NASA mission directorates and, therefore, is more
appropriately funded within Space Technology. The mission shall
be co-managed and led by the Science Mission Directorate.
In allocating funding for RESTORE-L, NASA shall not include
amounts carried over from previous fiscal years. The Committee
has also included bill language for this initiative so it
continues in a timely fashion and to avoid lingering drains on
satellite servicing funds that have been diverted to other
purposes in earlier years. Celebrations of the 25th anniversary
of the Hubble Space Telescope demonstrated the value of repair,
upgrades, and life extension for productive but expensive
Government-owned space assets. Given constraints imposed by the
Budget Control Act, satellite servicing offers a unique and
valuable means to stagger the capital requirements for new
satellites by significantly extending the useful life of
existing ones. The funds set aside for the RESTORE-L Pathfinder
mission should lead to the immediate funding of efforts to
formulate a rapid mission, done in partnership with and
overseen by NASA's existing satellite servicing expertise. The
Administrator shall furnish the Committee with a written
schedule to accomplish the execution of RESTORE-L not later
than 30 days after the enactment of this act.
Small Business Innovation Research [SBIR].--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the SBIR program and its previous
success in commercialization of results from federally funded
research and development projects. The SBIR program encourages
domestic small businesses to engage in Federal research and
development, and creates jobs. The Committee therefore directs
NASA to place an increased focus on awarding SBIR awards to
firms with fewer than 50 employees.
Flight Opportunities.--Within the funds provided for
Crosscutting Space Technology Development, the Committee
provides $20,000,000 for Flight Opportunities. The Committee
notes that NASA initiated a program during fiscal year 2015 to
promote the development of nano-launch orbital capabilities
within Flight Opportunities, and directs NASA to further pursue
the design and development of an affordable system that can
carry nanosatellites to low-Earth orbit from within the funds
provided.
EXPLORATION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $4,356,700,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 4,504,400,000
House allowance......................................... 4,759,300,000
Committee recommendation................................\1\3,831,200,000
\1\For fiscal year 2016, the Exploration account does not include funds
for Commercial Crew, which are now located under ISS Crew and Cargo
transportation in the Space Operations account.
The Committee provides $3,831,200,000 for Exploration,
which is $525,500,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and $673,200,000 below the budget request. 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 low-Earth orbit and throughout the solar system. The
Committee believes the Nation deserves a safe and robust human
spaceflight program to explore beyond low-Earth orbit.
EXPLORATION
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Space Launch System.................................... 1,900,000
Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle....................... 1,200,000
Exploration Ground Systems............................. 410,000
Exploration Research and Development................... 321,200
----------------
TOTAL............................................ 3,831,200
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Space Launch System [SLS], Orion multi-purpose crew
vehicle [Orion], and Exploration ground systems are all
critical to the timely and successful initial launch of
Exploration Mission-1 [EM-1]. To date, both SLS and Exploration
ground systems have completed Key Decision Point-C reviews, and
Orion is expected to complete its review in the third quarter
of 2015. Once that point is reached, NASA intends to develop an
integrated schedule by the end of calendar year 2015 that will
solidify the schedule for EM-1, and provide the necessary
guidance to ensure EM-1 is launched as early in 2018 as
possible.
The Committee continues to be disappointed that the funding
requested by NASA for SLS and Orion once again bears little
relation to necessary funding levels or to amounts provided in
previous years. The lack of support for these programs
indicates that NASA is allowing an artificially low development
funding profile and inefficient decision processes to create
unnecessary risks to the EM-1 schedule. The Committee has
repeatedly been compelled to provide appropriate funding to
keep the human exploration program from incurring costly
setbacks and to maintain development schedules. Continued
insufficient funding proposals from NASA for all aspects of
related to EM-1 and its crewed follow on test flight will only
lead to cost escalation and unnecessary schedule delays that
will then have to be addressed in future budget years.
Space Launch System.--The Committee reiterates its
unwavering support of the Space Launch System [SLS] and the
ability for SLS to open the human exploration of space to a
wide range of missions. SLS is the heavy lift launch vehicle
that will allow NASA to enable humans to explore space beyond
low-Earth orbit. Its ability to be configured for lifting as
much as 130 metric tons also enables a broad range of both
human and scientific missions. From the goal of landing humans
on Mars, to robotically visiting Europa and other celestial
bodies, no other currently available or planned launch vehicle
possesses the versatility that SLS will have to accomplish such
a diverse range of NASA missions.
SLS has successfully passed its Key Decision Point-C [KDP-
C] milestone and the program is diligently working towards its
first flight in 2018. While KDP-C defines a readiness date of
November 2018, the current progress of SLS will result in the
vehicle being delivered ahead of its planned schedule.
The Committee finds that the budgetary resources provided
for SLS in the fiscal year 2016 budget request are insufficient
and do not take into account the current management schedule
for flight readiness, nor does the funding level present a path
forward beyond EM-1. In February 2015, the U.S. Government
Accountability Office [GAO] reported that NASA's cost estimates
for both SLS and Orion do not extend beyond the first flight of
the combined system. GAO further reported that NASA's budget
estimates do not include the development costs for upper-stage
development for SLS or production costs for the second test
flight scheduled for 2021. GAO also stated that NASA's funding
requests do not meet SLS program requirements. While the
Committee has chosen to correct the funding shortfalls in
fiscal year 2016, NASA is directed to address these issues
identified by GAO in future budget submissions.
The Committee is concerned that NASA will attempt to take
the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage [ICPS] that will be used
for EM-1 and create a human rated variant. In doing so, NASA
would spend $150,000,000 to develop a human rated engine that
would be used only once, before being replaced by the
Exploration Upper Stage [EUS]. Such planning wastes valuable
time and funding resources that should be used for developing
the EUS from the beginning so that it will be available for all
crewed SLS missions.
To ensure proper funding, the Committee provides
$1,900,000,000 in fiscal year 2016 for SLS, with no less than
$100,000,000 provided for the direct development of the EUS to
be used for EM-2. This funding level is necessary in order for
the SLS to continue its progress towards a successful EM-1
launch as early as possible in 2018, to facilitate development
of essential EUS propulsion hardware, and to begin the
procurement process of long lead items for a crewed launch in
2021.
Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle [Orion].--Orion is the
Nation's next human exploration vehicle designed to carry
astronauts to deep space destinations, provide emergency abort
capability, sustain the crew, and provide a safe return to
Earth. In December 2014, Orion completed a successful test
flight that proved its development was on schedule and that the
vehicle is capable of performing in the space and reentry
environments it will encounter on deep space missions. Orion is
an essential component of NASA's human exploration goals that
extend beyond low-Earth orbit.
However, in the same report by GAO that cited issues with
funding levels for SLS, GAO also concluded that NASA is not
budgeting for the production, operations, and sustainment costs
associated with Orion beyond this first successful test flight.
GAO has found that technical risks and budgetary uncertainty
threaten Orion's future success. Moreover, current NASA plans
lack sufficient requests for funding needed to build and test
systems essential for crew such as environmental control, life
support, and critical displays. The Committee looks forward to
a successful result for Orion's KDP-C review and consistent
with previous appropriations acts, has provided $1,200,000,000
for Orion which is $103,700,000 above the fiscal year 2016
request to continue its progress toward a successful EM-1
flight as early in 2018 as possible.
Joint Confidence Level [JCL].--To ensure that NASA follows
its own guidance and does not require SLS and Orion to incur a
higher risk profile than other major missions, the bill directs
NASA to formulate a reliable and realistic JCL. In doing so,
NASA shall provide the Committee with an annual budget profile
based upon NASA's own 70 percent JCL standard which is to be
submitted concurrently with the annual budget submission. Any
JCL that is less than 70 percent shall be justified and
documented, and NASA shall still provide the Committee with the
full cost estimates that would be needed to achieve a 70
percent JCL.
Testing Infrastructure.--The Committee encourages NASA to
develop plans to fully utilize NASA-owned rocket testing
infrastructure for commercially developed launch vehicles to
ensure that these vehicles are not only tested in the same
manner as Government-developed launch vehicles but at the same
facilities to ensure consistency in testing across all
potential vehicles.
Advanced Exploration Systems.--Within Exploration Research
and Development, the Committee recommends the request level for
Advanced Exploration Systems. The Committee encourages NASA to
continue to develop and test technology for supporting human
spaceflight, including habitat systems such as the Exploration
Augmentation Module.
SPACE OPERATIONS
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $3,827,800,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 4,005,200,000
House allowance......................................... 3,957,300,000
Committee recommendation................................\1\4,756,400,000
\1\For fiscal year 2016, the ISS Crew and Cargo transportation activity
includes funds for Commercial Crew, which had previously been provided
under the Exploration account.
The Committee provides $4,756,400,000 for Space Operations,
which is $928,600,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and $751,200,000 above the budget request. The Space Operations
account funds the International Space Station [ISS], and the
supporting functions required to conduct operations in space.
The ISS is a complex of research laboratories in low-Earth
orbit in which American, Russian, Canadian, European, and
Japanese astronauts are conducting unique scientific and
technological investigations in a microgravity environment.
Beginning in fiscal year 2016, the Committee has chosen to
fund all activities related to the ISS within the same account
to consolidate funding required for the supply and operation of
this national asset and to allow the ISS to be managed as a
whole program, within the budgetary resources provided. This
realignment and unification of ISS activities will allow NASA's
programs associated with operating the ISS, developing crew
capabilities, and supporting human activity in low-Earth orbit,
to be analyzed and evaluated in its entirety. This budgetary
adjustment will only affect the structure of ISS-related
funding and will not alter the many aspects of the ISS program,
or its management structures that are currently in place within
Human Exploration and Operations.
International Space Station [ISS].--The Committee provides
$3,951,600,000 for the ISS Program, which is comprised of: ISS
Operations; ISS Research; and ISS Crew and Cargo Services.
This Committee has consistently supported the construction
and operation of the ISS on the premise that it would support
world-class science conducted by the United States, as well as
our international partners. The Committee encourages NASA to
work with its international partners to support the ISS through
2024, to maintain a high level of safety, and maximize the
return of scientific research. In addition, the Committee
considers astronaut safety its highest priority and NASA must
ensure that safety standards for transportation are not
compromised as NASA begins to replace its reliance on existing
Russian capabilities with purchasing services from domestic
crew transportation providers.
ISS Crew and Cargo Transportation.--The Committee
recommends $2,505,500,000 for ISS cargo resupply and crew
transportation, including $900,000,000 for development
milestone payments to U.S.-based ISS Crew providers, which had
previously been accounted for within the Exploration account.
The Committee notes that the initial rounds of development
funding for ISS Crew capabilities represented a $1,900,000,000
investment prior to awarding another $6,800,000,000 in
potential payments for two ISS Crew providers to finish
development of their vehicles and conduct initial flights. At
the end of this final round of vehicle development and testing
of this capability, NASA will have paid a total of
$8,700,000,000 to conduct a competition between several
companies. This substantial investment from the Federal
Government comes prior to NASA purchasing future crew services
for the ISS from these domestic providers.
It is incumbent that these funds are regularly reviewed
given the significant sums being invested by NASA. To date,
milestones intended to show progress in the development of the
ISS Crew capability have already begun to be delayed. More
technically challenging milestone completion dates are about to
be reached or may be potentially postponed further. It is the
intent of the Committee to continue to closely monitor and
review progress of the ISS Crew capability through the
quarterly reports that are provided by NASA.
Furthermore, NASA issued a notice of intent on February 6,
2015, to purchase another six seats from the Russians during
the 2018-2019 time period. While NASA appears to be protecting
its access to ISS, the Committee notes NASA has consistently
stated that domestically launched crew transportation
capabilities will be ready during this time period so that the
United States can end our reliance on such vehicles.
Particularly concerning is that the notice of intent
specifically states that ``NASA needs to secure crew
transportation with a known reliable provider to ensure a
continued U.S. presence aboard the ISS.'' Such statements are
deeply concerning and indicate that even NASA, which has
continual insight and oversight of the ISS crew program, does
not have confidence that even with significant financial and
technical support, the availability of a reliable domestic ISS
crew capability by 2017 is guaranteed.
The Committee has provided the requested amount for ISS
Cargo in anticipation that during fiscal year 2016, the
companies contracted to provide cargo services will be capable
of delivering cargo to, and returning it from, the ISS,
consistent with current agreements.
21st Century Launch Complex Program.--The Committee
provides $30,300,000 for the 21st Century Space Launch Complex,
which is $7,000,000 above the request. The Committee is
concerned about the ability of commercial space launch
providers to plan for the future, given the preponderance of
funding that is dedicated from the 21st Century Space Launch
Complex to the facilities at Kennedy Space Center. The
program's authorized purposes include projects at all NASA-
owned launch facilities. The Committee directs that any new
Commercial Space Flight infrastructure investment proposals for
the 21st Century Space Launch Complex program take into account
the cargo mission needs also demonstrated at the Wallops Flight
Facility [WFF], which is expected to complete repairs on the
launch pad and return to flight in fiscal year 2016. There are
now growing capacity issues at WFF that, if not resolved, could
soon prevent the center from taking on small and large missions
due to limitations associated with facilities related to
spacecraft processing and fueling. Therefore, the Committee
provides the increased funding to fill maintenance gaps at the
WFF launch complex, and further directs NASA to take into
consideration the full potential of all NASA-owned launch
complexes.
Space Communications.--The Committee recognizes and
appreciates the complexities involved in sustaining NASA's Near
Earth, Space, and Deep Space communications networks and
infrastructure that support NASA's scientific and exploration
activities. The Committee directs NASA to develop a plan,
budget, and timeline for sustainment of the existing network
and infrastructure upgrades within 180 days of enactment of
this act.
EDUCATION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $119,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 88,900,000
House allowance......................................... 119,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 108,000,000
The Committee provides $108,000,000 for Education, which is
$11,000,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$19,100,000 above the budget request. The Education account
funds science, technology, engineering, and mathematics [STEM]
education activities to educate and inspire our next generation
of explorers and innovators.
EDUCATION
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NASA Space Grant........................................ 40,000
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.. 18,000
Minority University Research and Education Program...... 30,000
STEM Education and Accountability Projects.............. 20,000
---------------
TOTAL............................................... 108,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Space Grant.--The Committee provides $40,000,000 for Space
Grant, and directs NASA to support an extension of the current
Space Grant program, and to allocate the entire funding amount
for consortia-led institutions in all 52 participating
jurisdictions according to the percentage allocation provided
to States in the current 5-year grant award.
The Committee is supportive of independent evaluations to
assess effectiveness of NASA programs, but cautions that NASA
should not use the evaluation process to preemptively interrupt
ongoing activities.
STEM Education and Accountability Program.--The Committee
provides up to $10,000,000 for the Competitive Program for
Science, Museums, Planetariums and NASA Visitors Centers within
the STEM Education and Accountability Program [SEAP]. This
competitive grant program creates interactive exhibits,
professional development activities, and community-based
programs to engage students, teachers, and the public in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $2,758,900,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 2,843,100,000
House allowance......................................... 2,768,600,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,784,000,000
The Committee provides $2,784,000,000 for Safety, Security,
and Mission Services, which is $25,100,000 above the fiscal
year 2015 enacted level and $59,100,000 below the budget
request. The Safety, Security, and Mission Services account
funds agency management, including 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.
Independent Verification and Validation [IV&V;] Program.--
Within the amounts provided for cross-agency support, the
Committee recommends $39,100,000 for NASA's IV&V; Program.
Cybersecurity.--The Committee's recommendation includes the
full request for the Agency Information Technology [IT]
Services to support shifting NASA's IT model to one that
enhances cybersecurity with strong governance and strong
information security practices.
National Center for Critical Information Processing and
Storage.--The National Center for Critical Information
Processing and Storage [NCCIPS], that is managed by NASA, was
established to consolidate efforts across Federal agencies to
store and secure data. NCCPS is designed to be a shared
service, multi-tenant Federal data facility and is currently
utilized by NASA, the Department of Homeland Security and the
U.S. Navy. The Committee encourages NASA to make agencies aware
of NCCIPS capabilities in order to help the Federal Government
reduce IT costs and more rapidly achieve IT modernization. The
Committee urges NASA to offer NCCIPS to other agencies in order
to take full financial advantage of this secure data facility,
to help the Federal Government reduce IT costs, and to more
rapidly achieve IT modernization.
Management Fees.--The Committee is concerned by recent news
reports suggesting that certain Federal grant and cooperative
agreement recipients have used management fees inappropriately
by spending federally awarded funds on, for example, lobbying,
alcohol, and entertainment. NASA is directed to ensure that all
funding recipients understand and are in compliance with Office
of Management and Budget guidance on appropriate uses of such
funds.
CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $419,100,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 465,300,000
House allowance......................................... 425,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 352,800,000
The Committee provides $352,800,000 for Construction and
Environmental Compliance and Restoration, which is $66,300,000
below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $112,500,000 below
the budget request. The Construction and Environmental
Compliance and Remediation account provides for design and
execution of programmatic, discrete and minor revitalization,
construction of facilities projects, facility demolition
projects, and environmental compliance and remediation
activities.
In order to maintain continuity within the projects for
major construction, NASA shall prioritize available funding
towards repairs, minor revitalization, and activities that have
initiated demolition, site preparation, or construction
activities during previous fiscal years, followed by projects
that were deferred in previous budget requests and have since
been requested again for funding in the fiscal year 2016
request.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $37,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 37,400,000
House allowance......................................... 37,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 37,400,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $37,400,000 for the
Office of Inspector General [OIG], which is $400,000 above the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and the same as the budget
request. The Office is responsible for promoting efficiency and
preventing and detecting crime, fraud, waste, and
mismanagement.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
The Committee includes bill language regarding the
availability of funds for certain prizes and for Shuttle
program closeout activities. In conjunction with the closeout
activities, NASA shall provide a report, not later than 45 days
from enactment of this act, which includes a timeline that has
been coordinated with the Defense Contract Audit Authority to
conclude these activities as expeditiously as possible.
The Committee also includes bill language regarding
transfers of funds between accounts and the NASA spending plan
for fiscal year 2016.
National Science Foundation
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $7,344,205,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 7,723,550,000
House allowance......................................... 7,394,205,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,343,775,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $7,343,775,000 for
the National Science Foundation [NSF]. The recommendation is
$430,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and
$379,775,000 below the budget request.
The National Science Foundation 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. The Foundation also supports unique domestic and
international large-scale research facilities.
RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $5,933,645,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 6,186,300,000
House allowance......................................... 5,983,645,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,933,645,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $5,933,645,000. The
recommendation is the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and $252,655,000 below the budget request.
The Research and Related Activities [R&RA;] appropriation
funds scientific discovery, trains a dynamic workforce, and
supports broadly accessible state-of-the-art tools and
facilities. Research activities will contribute to the
achievement of these outcomes through expansion of the
knowledge base; integration of research and education;
stimulation of knowledge transfer between academia and the
public and private sectors; and international activities, and
will bring the perspectives of many disciplines to bear on
complex problems important to the Nation. The Foundation'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; Office of
Cyberinfrastructure; Office of International Science and
Engineering; Office of Polar Programs; Integrative Activities;
and the U.S. Arctic Research Commission.
The Committee's fiscal year 2016 recommendation renews its
support for Federal long-term basic research that has the
potential to be transformative to our economy and our way of
life in the context of a stagnant Federal budget.
Scientific Facilities and Instrumentation.--A critical
component of the Nation's scientific enterprise is the
infrastructure that supports researchers in discovery science.
Investments to advance the frontiers of research and education
in science and engineering are critical to the Nation's
innovation enterprise. The Committee encourages the National
Science Foundation to fully fund its U.S. scientific research
facilities and instruments to adequately support scientists and
students engaged in ground-breaking research to maximize
sustained investments in research.
Astronomy.--U.S.-based astronomy facilities continue to
make groundbreaking discoveries and maintain excellent world-
class scientific research even as operating budgets have been
continually constrained. This area of research is particularly
important because NSF's network of observatories and its
individual investigators are significant resources to all
astronomers, including those from U.S. colleges and
universities that do not have dedicated observatories. The
Committee encourages NSF to sustain support for the programs
and scientific facilities funded by the Astronomical Sciences
division, including the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
NSF is also directed to report to the Committee no later than 1
year after enactment of this act on a 5-year transition plan
for the continued use of existing solar observatories.
Additionally, NSF is expected to request sufficient funding to
maintain operations at both new and existing observatories as
additional facilities come online in future years.
Super Computing Planning.--The National Research Council
[NRC] is in the process of finalizing their report on advanced
computing infrastructure. This report may be instructive in
identifying priorities and approaches that NSF can take to
modernize its high-performance computing infrastructure and
associated software and applications in order to support
scientific research and education. The Committee requests that
NSF, upon reception of the NRC final report, provide the
Committee with a response to the report and any plans to
incorporate the recommendations into its approach for
supercomputing over the next decade.
Advanced Manufacturing.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of domestic biomanufacturing to the U.S. economy and
the considerable investments made by U.S. competitors in this
field. As part of its Advanced Manufacturing initiative, the
Committee encourages NSF to include not less than $15,000,000
for research in biomanufacturing to maintain and advance the
U.S. global competitiveness in this area.
Biennial Report by National Science Foundation on Arctic
Research.--The National Science Foundation chairs the Arctic
Research Commission [ARC] that is charged with submitting a
biennial report to the Congress with recommendations of the
Commission with respect to Federal activities in the Arctic.
The Committee directs the ARC to have the biennial report
provided to Congress explain in greater detail the ongoing
Arctic activities and associated funding of each agency
represented on the Interagency Arctic Research Policy
Commission.
Industrial Innovation and Partnerships [IIP].--Demand for
steel in the United States has led to this country becoming the
number one net importer of steel. The Committee remains
concerned about the U.S. industry's manufacturing ability to
meet our Nation's steel needs and supports the National Science
Foundation's Industrial Innovation and Partnerships [IIP]
program's continued research into the steel industry and its
capabilities.
Mathematical Sciences Institutes.-- The Committee
recognizes the importance of the NSF Mathematical Sciences
Institutes across the country, which provide important basic
research across multiple fields.
Technology Transfer.--The Committee urges the NSF, within
current authority, to allow public and private nonprofit
technology transfer organizations that facilitate or accelerate
commercialization of technologies developed by one or more
institutions of higher education to apply as principal
investigators for grants that are focused on commercialization
of technology.
Vortex-SE.--The Committee understands that NSF and NOAA
will conduct a week-long Vortex-SE Science Workshop in 2015
addressing the questions of tornadic activity as it pertains to
the southeastern United States. As part of this workshop, a
timeline for submission of potential designs and science plans
will be developed to enable this important research campaign to
proceed. The workshop will also develop preliminary science
questions, identify emerging beneficial technologies, and
initiate calls for smaller field programs and research that
will inform the larger Vortex-SE campaign. The Committee
expects to be updated, within 90 days of completion of the
workshop, the progress made, and the preliminary research
opportunities that will be pursued as the total program takes
shape. As part of Vortex-SE, the Committee directs NSF to look
beyond the traditional research disciplines and programs
utilized in previous Vortex programs and to include and utilize
the collaborative opportunities of the Prediction of and
Resilience against Extreme Events [PREEVENTS] program 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. NSF shall
also continue its coordinated efforts with NOAA to ensure that
NSF's funded research complements work funded through NOAA.
Cybersecurity.--The Committee's recommendation includes the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level of $159,000,000 for
cybersecurity research, including support for core computer
science research at academic institutions. The discovery and
innovation in cybersecurity supported by NSF will form the
intellectual foundations for practical applications that make
our information networks safer, more secure, and better able to
predict, resist, repel, and recover from cyber attacks.
Innovation Corps.--The Committee supports the NSF's request
to increase funding for the Innovation Corps [I-Corps] program
to build on the initial successes of its innovative public-
private partnership model. However, the Committee is concerned
that of the over 577 I-Corps team, site, and node awards to
date, only six have been made to HBCUs. Failing to include
HBCUs does little to connect minority-serving institutions to
local innovation ecosystems that create new economic
opportunities in all communities. The Committee directs NSF to
make awards to public and private HBCUs and to find ways to
encourage greater HBCU participation and success within the I-
Corps program.
HBCUs Excellence in Research.--HBCUs often lack the human
capital and research infrastructure to effectively compete for
Federal research funding. Currently, a very small number of
HBCU research universities have achieved only modest success in
winning Federal research dollars.
With the Committee's urging, NSF has developed some
research experience programs through its Education and Human
Resources directorate. However, NSF's primary research
directorates have a far more anemic track record in this area,
and the Committee believes this must change in order to
maximize America's economic competitiveness. In fiscal year
2015, the Committee directed NSF to convene a high-level panel
to devise a comprehensive strategy to accelerate significant
competitive opportunities for HBCUs, enabling them to tap NSF's
core research directorates rather than its education and human
resources program base. A report on this strategy, which should
include measurable milestones, shall be submitted to the
Committee and made publicly available on its Web site not later
than 120 days after enactment of this act. Additionally, in
fiscal year 2016, NSF shall initiate a pilot program setting
aside up to $10,000,000 for research investment at both public
and private HBCUs. If recommended by the Excellence in Research
panel's report, the Committee expects funding for this program
to be included in NSF's fiscal year 2017 budget request.
Science, Engineering, and Education for Sustainability
[SEES].--The Committee recognizes that the Science,
Engineering, and Education for Sustainability [SEES] program is
scheduled to sunset in fiscal year 2017, but encourages NSF to
continue hazards and disaster research through activities
associated with the Risk and Resiliency program and to continue
research on sustainable chemistry, engineering, and materials
within existing program areas.
Experimental Program To Stimulate Competitive Research
[EPSCoR].--Within the amount provided, the Committee provides
$159,690,000 for EPSCoR, an amount equal to the fiscal year
2015 enacted level.
Dyslexia.--The Committee encourages NSF to continue funding
meritorious research on dyslexia and other learning
disabilities through the Research on Disabilities Education
program under the Education and Human Resources Directorate.
Dyslexia related research grants are expected to fully meet
NSF's merit review standards and should have a goal of
practical application.
Ocean Science Infrastructure.--The Committee supports NSF's
plan and design for the fleet renewal of Regional Class
Research Vessels [RCRV] and funds the continuance of this
activity at not less than the fiscal year 2015 enacted level.
The Committee directs NSF to diligently work towards submitting
an RCRV proposal for consideration as a candidate for inclusion
in a future budget request.
Icebreakers.--The Committee supports the interagency
process to develop requirements for a new polar-class
icebreaker, recognizing the strategic importance of Arctic
operations to our Nation's future security and prosperity and
the critical support that such a vessel will provide to NSF's
research and logistics in Antarctica. NSF is encouraged to work
with its interagency partners to support this effort.
MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $200,760,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 200,310,000
House allowance......................................... 200,030,000
Committee recommendation................................ 200,310,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $200,310,000 for
Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction. The
recommendation is $450,000 below the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and equal to the budget request.
The Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction
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 will push the
boundaries of technology and offer significant expansion of
opportunities for the science and engineering community.
Preliminary design and development activities, on-going
operations, and maintenance costs of the facilities are
provided through the Research and Related Activities
appropriation account.
The Committee's recommendation includes funding at the
requested level: the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope; the
National Ecological Observatory Network; and the Large Synoptic
Survey Telescope.
EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $866,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 962,570,000
House allowance......................................... 866,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 866,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $866,000,000 for
this account. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year
2015 enacted level and $96,570,000 below the budget request.
The Education and Human Resources appropriation supports a
comprehensive set of programs across all levels of education in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics [STEM]. The
appropriation supports activities that unite school districts
with institutions of higher learning to improve precollege
education. Other precollege 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.
Committee on STEM Education.--The Committee believes that
NSF is well suited to handle undergraduate and graduate
fellowships, internships, and specific grants similar to NSF's
current mission and, if there are general needs across
Government, that NSF could similarly serve as a clearinghouse
for such students. The Committee requests that NSF continue to
work with OSTP on refining a plan for ways NSF could implement
a broader program for graduate and undergraduate programs
across the entire Federal Government, and to identify which
programs across Government could benefit from such a program.
Advanced Technological Education.--The Committee provides
funding for Advanced Technological Education at not less than
the fiscal year 2015 enacted level.
Robert Noyce Scholarship Program.--The Committee provides
the budget request level of $60,890,000 for the Robert Noyce
Scholarship program. This program helps fill the critical need
for STEM teachers in elementary and secondary schools by
funding scholarships, stipends, and programmatic support to
recruit and prepare STEM majors and professionals to become K-
12 teachers. Scholarship and stipend recipients are required to
complete 2 years of teaching in a high-need school district for
each year of support.
CyberCorps: Scholarships for Service.--The CyberCorps:
Scholarships for Service program helps the Federal Government
respond to threats to our information technology infrastructure
by providing scholarships to train cybersecurity professionals.
In return, scholarship recipients agree to serve in a Federal
Government agency building the Government's capacity to
understand, respond to, and prevent cyber threats. More than
2,359 students have completed the program, which was initiated
in fiscal year 2001, and over 93 percent of students have been
placed, serving more than 140 Federal agencies. The Committee
provides the requested amount of $45,000,000 for the Federal
Cyber Service: Scholarships for Service program, of which not
less than $5,000,000 should be used to continue work with
community colleges that have been designated as a Center of
Academic Excellence in Information Assurance 2-Year Education
[CAE2Y] by the National Security Agency and the Department of
Homeland Security.
Informal Science Education.--The Committee maintains its
strong support for NSF's informal science education program and
supports the requested levels of $60,000,000 for Advancing
Informal STEM Learning and $51,880,000 for STEM+C Partnerships.
The Committee encourages the NSF to coordinate and provide
necessary support for investments in both in and out-of-school
time STEM education programs across Federal agencies, including
support for extracurricular STEM programs.
Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal
Settings.--As part of the research funded through the DRL, the
Committee recognizes the importance of out-of-school time STEM
mentor-led engagement programs, including STEM networks,
festivals, and competitions. Such programs are highly effective
in filling the higher education STEM pipeline. The Committee
urges NSF to focus on populations underrepresented in the STEM
fields and encourages NSF to fund out-of-school time STEM
engagement program activities.
Division on Human Resource Development.--The Committee
continues its longstanding support for existing initiatives to
broaden participation in STEM fields and recognizes these
programs have various purposes and engage students in a
different manner. The Committee notes that support for these
programs has stagnated within NSF in spite of increases to the
overall NSF budget. The Committee recommends $32,000,000 for
the Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCUs]
Undergraduate Program, $8,000,000 for the Alliance for Graduate
Education and the Professoriate, $46,000,000 for the Louis
Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, $13,500,000 for
the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program, and $24,000,000
for Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology.
In proposal selection, the Committee encourages NSF to give
priority to grant proposals that have demonstrated maturity,
including previous partnerships with other Federal agencies.
Life STEM.--The Committee believes that without targeted
interventions at an early age, it will become increasingly
difficult to guarantee a stable pipeline of minority applicants
who can become candidates for degrees in STEM-related fields.
NSF, with its longstanding efforts to examine the means to
address STEM-related challenges through use of innovative
intervention, has the ability to best create a pipeline for
life and bioscience careers for minorities beginning in
elementary school.
For this reason, the Committee directs NSF to use up to
$7,000,000 within existing programs targeting broadening
participation, particularly at HBCUs, to create effective
models of intervention to nurture students from elementary
school through undergraduate studies with an emphasis on life
sciences. NSF shall update the report previously provided to
the Committee not later than 180 days from enactment of this
act for these activities on the prospects for creating a
mechanism for evaluating effective models of creating or
retaining pipelines that would increase the numbers of
underrepresented minorities in advanced science fields
targeting minority serving institutions with an emphasis on
life and biosciences, including medicine, that partner with
elementary, middle and high schools near their institutions.
Transformative Learning Initiative.--The Committee is aware
of concerns from the business community that recent college
graduates are often poorly prepared for the workforce, and
specifically lack necessary critical thinking, reasoning, and
problem solving skills. While this problem does not have a
single source or solution, research suggests that teaching
methods to increase the chances for students to experience a
``transformative learning experience'' can both improve subject
knowledge and boost the critical thinking skills needed in
today's workplace.
The Committee also notes that NSF has not yet submitted a
report on this topic as directed in the fiscal year 2015 bill.
Within 45 days of enactment, NSF is directed to report to the
Committee on a description of the agency's existing research on
transformative learning and professional development
approaches, particularly within respect to undergraduate
programs at urban universities and HCBUs. If NSF is not
currently conducting any transformative learning research or
education initiatives, then, as part of the report, NSF shall
provide the Committee with a recommendation on establishing
such an initiative, including scope and cost.
Hispanic-Serving Institutions [HSI] Program.--Investment in
STEM education is vital for American economic competitiveness,
and Hispanic Americans are underrepresented in science and
engineering disciplines. The Committee provides $5,000,000 as
authorized under 42 U.S.C. 1862o-12 for NSF to implement a
Hispanic-Serving Institutions [HSI] Program that is designed to
increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of
Hispanic students pursuing associate or baccalaureate degrees
in STEM fields.
AGENCY OPERATIONS AND AWARD MANAGEMENT
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $325,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 354,840,000
House allowance......................................... 325,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 325,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $325,000,000. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and $29,840,000 below the budget request.
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 the National Science Foundation's research and
education activities.
The Committee reiterates its direction to NSF to find
savings from operating expenses and future headquarters
planning.
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
reports are affected.
The Committee is concerned by recent news reports
suggesting that certain NSF grant and cooperative agreement
recipients have used management fees inappropriately by
spending federally awarded funds on, for example, lobbying,
alcohol, and entertainment. NSF is directed to ensure that all
funding recipients understand and are in compliance with Office
of Management and Budget guidance on appropriate uses of such
funds.
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $4,370,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 4,370,000
House allowance......................................... 4,370,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,370,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $4,370,000. The
recommendation is the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and equal to the budget request.
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, 2015.................................... $14,430,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 15,160,000
House allowance......................................... 15,160,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,450,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $14,450,000. The
recommendation is $20,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and $710,000 below the budget request.
The Office of Inspector General appropriation provides
audit and investigation functions to identify and correct
deficiencies that could lead to instances of fraud, waste, or
mismanagement.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION
The bill includes one administrative provision to allow
limited transfers of funds among accounts.
TITLE IV
RELATED AGENCIES
Commission on Civil Rights
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $9,200,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 9,413,000
House allowance......................................... 9,200,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,200,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $9,200,000 for the
salaries and expenses of the Commission on Civil Rights. The
recommendation is the same as the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and $213,000 below the budget request.
State Advisory Committees [SAC].--The Committee is in
agreement with the Commission on the extension of State
Advisory Committee charters from 2 to 4 years in length. The
SACs represent the eyes and ears on the ground for the
Commission in their respective States. By increasing the length
of a SAC's charter, each SAC will have more time to conduct
their work instead of having to regularly spend time preparing
to have their charters renewed by the Commission.
GAO findings.--The Committee has become increasingly
concerned with the Commission's ability to conduct its mission.
A February 2015 GAO report titled, ``U.S. Commission on Civil
Rights: Management Improvements Are Needed to Better Achieve
Its Mission'', cited workforce planning and external
communications as areas that must be addressed by the
Commission. In particular, GAO cited the imbalance in funding
provided for special assistants and the use of Commission
letterhead by individual Commissioners for correspondence that
was incorrectly interpreted as official communication.
Use of Letterhead.--On multiple occasions the Commission
has had to clarify, including in a letter to this Committee,
that letters using Commission letterhead by individual
Commissioners did not constitute the opinion of the Commission.
In order to eliminate the confusion caused by the use of
Commission letterhead, the Commission is directed to use
letterhead only for items that reflect the views of the
Commission. Individual Commissioners are not precluded from
expressing their own opinions, but shall not use official
letterhead as part of their communications, and if writing in
their role as a Commissioner, shall clearly state that their
opinion is their own and not that of the Commission.
Workforce.--The Commission has proposed that special
assistants assigned to work for individual Commissioners could
be made available for other work at the Commission, but such a
practice does not address the workforce issues identified by
GAO. The Commission has staffing needs that require specialized
education and skills that could not be replaced by part time
use of special assistants. The use of special assistants would
create additional challenges by blurring the lines between the
confidential role they provide in assisting Commissioners and
working on activities where the views of the Commissioner and
special assistant are in conflict with the tasks to which they
are asked to contribute. Inserting potential conflict could
politicize what should be the nonpartisan execution of
informing the Congress, Federal agencies, and the public on
civil rights policy.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $364,500,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 373,112,000
House allowance......................................... 364,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 364,500,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $364,500,000 for
EEOC salaries and expenses. This recommendation is the same as
the fiscal year 2015 enacted level and $8,612,000 below the
request.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] is the
leading Federal agency dedicated to eradicating employment
discrimination in both the public and private sectors on the
basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion,
pregnancy, age, disability, and family medical history or
genetic information. The EEOC serves both U.S. public and
private workplaces by helping provide a fair and inclusive
workplace, which engenders employee satisfaction and
commitment, and enhances employee retention, productivity, and
profitability.
This funding will support the EEOC's obligations to
investigate and prosecute charges of employment discrimination.
The Committee notes that the EEOC has also undertaken reforms
that should enable it to reduce its pending inventory of public
and private sector charges and help prevent employment
discrimination.
Implementing Efficiencies and Cost Savings.--The EEOC
should continue its efforts to leverage technology to increase
productivity and streamline customer service. The Committee
expects the EEOC to provide the Committee with an update to the
Action Council Transformation Digital pilot program that was
initiated in May of 2015 as well as a review of other
activities proposed to be conducted by the Commission that will
increase efficiencies and generate cost savings, which in turn
may improve services provided to the public.
Inventory Backlog reduction.--The EEOC has a private sector
inventory of over 75,000 cases and a Federal sector hearing
inventory over 17,000. Using appropriated funds for activities
that do not directly resolve this backlog of existing and
incoming claims denies cases with complainants the opportunity
of a timely resolution. EEOC's own budget submission states
that justice delayed is justice denied. Therefore, the
Committee directs the EEOC to prioritize its staffing and
resources towards reducing the number of current and
outstanding unresolved private sector pending charges and
public sector hearings.
Public Comment on EEOC Guidance.--The Committee is
concerned that as the EEOC conducts its business in protecting
against employment discrimination, its guidance proposals 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.
State and Local Enforcement Assistance.--The Committee
recommends up to $29,500,000 to assist State and local
enforcement agencies. This will ensure that EEOC provides
adequate resources to its State partners.
International Trade Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $84,500,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 131,500,000
House allowance......................................... 86,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 84,500,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $84,500,000. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2015 enacted level
and is $47,000,000 below the budget request.
The International Trade Commission [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 United States
international trade policy.
Lease Expiration.--No funding is provided for ITC to
renovate and lease new office space in fiscal year 2016. The
Committee notes that ITC has proposed to sign a new 15-year
lease in order to achieve a 25 percent reduction in space, but
that the best-case scenario involves no savings until year 13
of the 15-year lease. Furthermore, the Committee understands
that the least expensive option over the proposed 15-year lease
term is for ITC to remain in its current location without
reducing its footprint. The Committee directs ITC to submit a
list of alternative proposals, including cost breakdowns by
year, no later than 90 days after enactment of this act.
Legal Services Corporation
PAYMENT TO THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $375,000,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 452,000,000
House allowance......................................... 300,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 385,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $385,000,000 for
payment to the Legal Services Corporation [LSC]. The
recommendation is $10,000,000 above the fiscal year 2015
enacted level and $67,000,000 below the budget request.
The Committee's recommendation provides $353,000,000 for
basic field programs, to be used for competitively awarded
grants and contracts; $18,500,000 for management and
administration; $4,000,000 for client self-help and information
technology; $4,500,000 for the Office of the Inspector General
[OIG]; $1,000,000 for loan repayment assistance; and $4,000,000
for the LSC's Pro Bono Innovation Fund.
Governance and Management.--The LSC must continue its
governance and management improvement efforts in order to
further restore the credibility of the organization and direct
additional funds into legal aid, where they are desperately
needed. The Committee expects the Inspector General of the LSC
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.
Pro Bono Innovation Fund.--The Committee's recommendation
provides full funding of $4,000,000 to continue the Pro Bono
Innovation Fund. This fund will support innovative projects
that promote and enhance pro bono initiatives throughout the
Nation, as well as leverage Federal dollars to increase free
legal aid for low-income Americans by engaging private
attorneys.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION--LEGAL SERVICE 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 illegal aliens; (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.
Marine Mammal Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $3,340,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 3,431,000
House allowance......................................... 3,340,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,431,000
The Committee recommendation provides $3,431,000. The
recommendation is $91,000 above the fiscal year 2015 enacted
level and is the same as the budget request.
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. The Commission provides precise, up-to-date scientific
information to Congress on issues related to the safety of
marine mammals.
State Justice Institute
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2015.................................... $5,121,000
Budget estimate, 2016................................... 5,121,000
House allowance......................................... 5,121,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,121,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $5,121,000 for the
State Justice Institute. The recommendation is the same as the
fiscal year 2015 enacted level and the budget request.
The Institute was created in 1984 to further the
development and adoption of improved judicial administration in
State courts.
TITLE V
GENERAL PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)
The Committee recommends the following general provisions
for the departments, agencies and commissions funded in the
accompanying act. Similar provisions were included in the
fiscal year 2015 act.
Section 501 prohibits the use of appropriations for certain
publicity and propaganda purposes.
Section 502 prohibits any appropriations contained in this
act 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 act
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 act 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 Appropriations Committees regarding unobligated
balances.
Section 508 requires agencies and departments funded in
this act 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.
Section 511 prohibits the use of Department of Justice
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 provides that funding for E-government
initiatives are subject to reprogramming guidelines established
by this act.
Section 514 requires the Inspectors General of the
Departments of Commerce and Justice, the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, and
the Legal Services Corporation to conduct reviews of activities
funded in this act; prohibits the use of funds for certain
banquets and conferences; and requires certifications regarding
conflicts of interest.
Section 515 prohibits funds for information technology
acquisitions unless the acquiring department or agency has
assessed the supply chain risk of the technology.
Section 516 prohibits the use of funds to support or
justify the use of torture.
Section 517 limits funds pertaining to certain activities
related to the export of firearms.
Section 518 limits funds to process permits to import
certain products.
Section 519 prohibits funds for activities that seek to
include certain language in new trade agreements.
Section 520 prohibits funds to authorize a national
security letter in contravention of the statutes authorizing
the FBI to issue national security letters.
Section 521 requires notification to the Committees in the
event of cost overruns.
Section 522 authorizes funds appropriated for intelligence
activities for the Department of Justice during fiscal year
2016 until the enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2016.
Section 523 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 524 specifies rescissions of prior appropriations.
Section 525 prohibits the use of funds to purchase first
class or premium airline travel in contravention of current
regulations and improves reporting.
Section 526 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.
Section 527 prohibits the use of funds in a manner that is
inconsistent with the principal negotiating objective of the
United States with respect to trade remedy laws.
Section 528 prohibits the use of funds in this act for the
transfer or release of certain individuals detained at Naval
Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to or within the United States,
its territories or possessions.
Section 529 prohibits the use of funds in this act to
construct, acquire, or modify any facility in the United
States, its territories, or possessions to house certain
individuals who, as of June 24, 2009, were located at Naval
Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the purposes of detention or
imprisonment in the custody or control of the Department of
Defense.
Section 530 requires, when practicable, the use of ``Energy
Star'' or ``Federal Energy Management Program'' designated
light bulbs.
Section 531 requires agencies funded in this act to report
on undisbursed balances.
Section 532 prohibits funds made available by this act from
being used to deny the importation of certain shotgun models.
Section 533 prohibits the use of funds to establish or
maintain a computer network that does not block pornography,
except for law enforcement purposes.
Section 534 requires the Department of Commerce, the
Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration and the National Science Foundation to submit
spending plans to the House and Senate Appropriations
Committees within 45 days of enactment of this act.
Section 535 requires agencies to report conference spending
to the Inspectors General.
Section 536 prohibits the use of funds to implement the
Arms Trade Treaty until the Senate approves a resolution of
ratification for the Treaty.
Section 537 requires all departments and agencies funded
within this act to link all contracts that provide award fees
to successful acquisition outcomes.
Section 538 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.
Section 539 prohibits funds made available by this act from
being used for contract, memorandum of understanding,
cooperative agreement, grant, or loan activities if the
proposed recipient has been convicted of a felony criminal
violation.
Section 540 prohibits funds made available by this act from
being used for contract, memorandum of understanding,
cooperative agreement, grant, or loan activities if the
proposed recipient has unpaid Federal tax liabilities.
Section 541 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 542 prohibits the Department of Justice from
preventing certain States from implementing State laws
regarding the use of medical marijuana.
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 2016, either in whole or in part, and therefore fall under
this rule:
APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW--FISCAL YEAR 2016
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last year of
Agency/program authorization
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Commerce:
International Trade Administration:
Export Promotion................................ 1996
Bureau of Industry and Security:
Export Administration........................... 2001
Economic Development Administration:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2008
Economic Development Assistance Programs:
Public Works and Economic Development....... 2008
Trade Adjustment Assistance................. 2015
Bureau of the Census:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2014
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 1993
National Institute of Standards and Technology:
Scientific and Technical Research and Services.. 2013
Industrial Technology Services.................. 2013
Construction of Research Facilities............. 2013
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:
Operations, Research, and Facilities:
National Ocean Service:
Coral Reef Conservation................. 2009
Hydrographic Services................... 2007
Coastal Zone Management................. 1999
Marine Protection, Research, 2005
Preservation & Sanctuaries.............
National Marine Fisheries Service:
Endangered Species Act Amendment........ 1992
Marine Mammal Protection................ 1999
NOAA Marine Fisheries Program........... 2000
Interjurisdictional Fisheries........... 2012
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 2012
and Management.........................
Estuary Restoration..................... 2012
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research:
National Sea Grant College Program...... 2008
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction:
National Ocean Service:
Marine Protection, Research, 2005
Preservation & Sanctuaries.............
Department of Justice:
General Administration:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
Justice Information Sharing Technology.......... 2009
Administrative Review & Appeals:
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 Authority. 2009
U.S. Marshals Service............................... 2009
Salaries and Expenses........................... N/A
Federal Prison Detention........................ N/A
Construction.................................... N/A
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........................... N/A
Construction.................................... N/A
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........................... N/A
Buildings and Facilities........................ N/A
Office on Violence Against Women Programs:
National Institute of Justice Research and N/A
Evaluation on Violence Against Women...........
Consolidated Youth Oriented Program............. N/A
Homicide Reduction Initiative............... N/A
Research--Violence Against Indian Women......... 2015
Sexual Assault in Indian Country Clearinghouse.. N/A
Office of Justice Programs:
Research, Evaluation, and Statistics:
National Institute of Justice............... 1995
Bureau of Justice Statistics................ 1995
Regional Information Sharing Activities..... 2003
Forensic Sciences........................... N/A
Forensic Science Advisory Committee..... N/A
State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance:
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants........ 2012
Body-Worn Camera Partnership................ N/A
VALOR Initiative............................ N/A
Smart Policing.............................. N/A
Smart Prosecution........................... N/A
John R. Justice Grant Program................... 2014
Byrne Competitive Grants........................ N/A
Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program....... N/A
Adam Walsh Act.................................. 2009
Children Exposed to Violence Initiative......... N/A
State Criminal Alien Assistance Program......... 2011
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment........... 2000
Mentally Ill Offender Act....................... 2014
Drug Courts..................................... 2008
Capital Litigation (and Wrongful Prosecution 2009
review)........................................
Economic, High Tech and Cybercrime Prevention... N/A
Second Chance Act/Offender Reentry.............. 2010
Smart Probation............................. N/A
Children of Incarcerated Parents Demo Grants N/A
Pay for Success (Discretionary)............. N/A
Pay for Success (Permanent Supportive N/A
Housing Model).............................
Coverdell Forensic Science Grants............... 2009
Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction............ N/A
Bulletproof Vests............................... 2012
NIST/OLES Transfer.......................... N/A
National Sex Offender Website................... N/A
National Instant Criminal Background Check N/A
System (NICS)..................................
Criminal Records Upgrade (NCHIP)................ 2007
DNA Initiative:
Post-Conviction DNA Testing................. N/A
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.............. N/A; 2009
Veterans Treatment Courts Program............... N/A
Rape Kit Backlog................................ N/A
Justice Reinvestment Initiative................. N/A
Project HOPE Opportunity Probation with N/A
Enforcement....................................
Vision 21....................................... N/A
Comprehensive School Safety Initiative.......... N/A
Juvenile Justice Programs:
Part B--State Formula........................... 2007
Emergency Planning in Juvenile Justice N/A
Facilities.................................
Part G--Youth Mentoring......................... N/A; 2007
Title V--Local Delinquency Prevention Incentive 2008
Grants.........................................
Tribal Youth................................ N/A
Gang/Youth Violence Education and Prevention N/A
Victims of Child Abuse Act...................... 2005
Community-Based Violence Prevention Initiatives. N/A
Training for Judicial Personnel................. N/A
Missing and Exploited Children Programs......... 2004; 2018;
2018
Competitive Grants for Girls in the Justice N/A
System.........................................
Children of Incarcerated Parents Web Portal..... N/A
COPS Programs:
COPS Hiring Program............................. 2009
Transfer to DEA for Methamphetamine Clean-Up.... N/A
Comprehensive School Safety Program............. N/A
Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces................ N/A
Anti-Heroin Task Forces......................... N/A
National Aeronautics and Space Administration:
Science............................................. 2013
Aeronautics......................................... 2013
Exploration......................................... 2013
Space Operations.................................... 2013
Education........................................... 2013
Safety, Security and Mission Services............... 2013; N/A
Construction and Environmental Compliance and 2013
Restoration........................................
Office of the Inspector General..................... 2013
National Science Foundation............................. 2013
Related Agencies:
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2000
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\NOAA authorizations are spread across over 60 separate statutory
authorities. In many cases, the authorizations do not match exactly to
specific programs.
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on June 11, 2015,
the Committee ordered favorably reported a bill (H.R. 2578)
making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and
Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes, provided,
that the bill be subject to further amendment and that the bill
be consistent with its budget allocation, by a recorded vote of
27-3, a quorum being present. The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chairman Cochran Mrs. Murray
Mr. McConnell Mr. Reed
Mr. Shelby Mr. Tester
Mr. Alexander
Ms. Collins
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Graham
Mr. Kirk
Mr. Blunt
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Boozman
Mrs. Capito
Mr. Cassidy
Mr. Lankford
Mr. Daines
Ms. Mikulski
Mr. Leahy
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Udall
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Merkley
Mr. Coons
Mr. Schatz
Ms. Baldwin
Mr. Murphy
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, the following changes in
existing law proposed to be made by this bill are shown as
follows: existing law to be omitted is enclosed in black
brackets; new matter is printed in italics; and existing law in
which no change is proposed is shown in roman.
TRADE ACT OF 1974, PUBLIC LAW 93-617
TITLE I--NEGOTIATING AND OTHER AUTHORITY
CHAPTER 4--OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
SEC. 141. OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
(a) There is established within the [Executive Office of
the President] Department of Commerce the Office of the United
States Trade Representative (hereinafter in this section
referred to as the ``Office'').
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 bill allocation bill
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of amounts in the bill with the subcommittee
allocation for 2016: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,
Science, and Related Agencies:
Mandatory........................................... 319 319 320 \1\320
Discretionary....................................... 51,068 51,068 62,387 \1\62,377
Security........................................ 5,068 5,068 NA NA
Nonsecurity..................................... 46,000 46,000 NA NA
Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on ............ ............ ............ ............
Terrorism..........................................
Projections of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2016................................................ ............ ............ ............ \2\40,864
2017................................................ ............ ............ ............ 13,303
2018................................................ ............ ............ ............ 3,474
2019................................................ ............ ............ ............ -120
2020 and future years............................... ............ ............ ............ 4,755
Financial assistance to State and local governments forP NA -8,277 NA 364
2016...................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
\2\Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority.
NA: Not applicable.
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2016
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation compared with (+
or -)
Item 2015 Budget estimate House allowance Committee --------------------------------------------------
appropriation recommendation 2015
appropriation Budget estimate House allowance
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade
Administration
Operations and administration.... 472,000 506,750 467,000 473,000 +1,000 -33,750 +6,000
Offsetting fee collections....... -10,000 -10,000 -10,000 -10,000 ............... ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct appropriation....... 462,000 496,750 457,000 463,000 +1,000 -33,750 +6,000
Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative
Salaries and expenses............ 54,250 56,268 54,250 54,250 ............... -2,018 ...............
Bureau of Industry and Security
Operations and administration.... 66,500 79,086 74,000 70,500 +4,000 -8,586 -3,500
Defense function............. 36,000 36,000 36,000 36,000 ............... ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Bureau of Industry 102,500 115,086 110,000 106,500 +4,000 -8,586 -3,500
and Security..............
======================================================================================================================
Economic Development
Administration
Economic development assistance 213,000 227,500 213,000 213,000 ............... -14,500 ...............
programs........................
Salaries and expenses............ 37,000 45,528 37,000 37,000 ............... -8,528 ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Economic Development 250,000 273,028 250,000 250,000 ............... -23,028 ...............
Administration............
======================================================================================================================
Minority Business Development
Agency
Minority business development.... 30,000 30,016 32,000 30,000 ............... -16 -2,000
Economic and Statistical Analysis
Salaries and expenses............ 100,000 113,849 100,000 100,000 ............... -13,849 ...............
Bureau of the Census
Salaries and expenses............ 248,000 ............... ............... ............... -248,000 ............... ...............
Current surveys and programs..... ............... 277,873 261,000 266,000 +266,000 -11,873 +5,000
Periodic censuses and programs 840,000 ............... ............... ............... -840,000 ............... ...............
(old structure).................
Periodic censuses and programs ............... 1,222,101 730,700 862,000 +862,000 -360,101 +131,300
(new structure).................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Bureau of the Census 1,088,000 1,499,974 991,700 1,128,000 +40,000 -371,974 +136,300
======================================================================================================================
National Telecommunications and
Information Administration
Salaries and expenses............ 38,200 49,232 35,200 38,200 ............... -11,032 +3,000
United States Patent and
Trademark Office
Salaries and expenses, current 3,458,000 3,272,000 3,272,000 3,272,000 -186,000 ............... ...............
year fee funding................
Offsetting fee collections....... -3,458,000 -3,272,000 -3,272,000 -3,272,000 +186,000 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, United States Patent ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ...............
and Trademark Office......
======================================================================================================================
National Institute of Standards
and Technology
Scientific and technical research 675,500 754,661 675,000 684,700 +9,200 -69,961 +9,700
and services....................
Industrial technology services... 138,100 306,000 130,000 145,000 +6,900 -161,000 +15,000
Manufacturing extension (130,000) (141,000) (130,000) (130,000) ............... (-11,000) ...............
partnerships................
Advanced manufacturing (8,100) (15,000) ............... (15,000) (+6,900) ............... (+15,000)
technology consortia........
Manufacturing innovation ............... (150,000) ............... ............... ............... (-150,000) ...............
institutes coordination.....
Construction of research 50,300 59,000 50,000 63,300 +13,000 +4,300 +13,300
facilities......................
Working Capital Fund (by (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) (2,000) ............... ............... ...............
transfer).......................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Institute 863,900 1,119,661 855,000 893,000 +29,100 -226,661 +38,000
of Standards and
Technology................
======================================================================================================================
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Operations, research, and 3,202,398 3,413,360 3,149,877 3,242,723 +40,325 -170,637 +92,846
facilities......................
(By transfer)................ (116,000) (130,164) (130,164) (130,164) (+14,164) ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 3,202,398 3,413,360 3,149,877 3,242,723 +40,325 -170,637 +92,846
Procurement, acquisition and 2,179,225 2,498,679 1,960,034 2,079,494 -99,731 -419,185 +119,460
construction....................
Pacific coastal salmon recovery.. 65,000 58,000 65,000 65,000 ............... +7,000 ...............
Fishermen's Contingency Fund..... 350 350 350 350 ............... ............... ...............
Fisheries Finance Program Account -6,000 -6,000 -6,000 -6,000 ............... ............... ...............
Pacific groundfish fishing ............... 10,300 ............... ............... ............... -10,300 ...............
capacity reduction loan.........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Oceanic and 5,440,973 5,974,689 5,169,261 5,381,567 -59,406 -593,122 +212,306
Atmospheric Administration
======================================================================================================================
Departmental Management
Salaries and expenses............ 56,000 71,095 50,000 56,000 ............... -15,095 +6,000
Renovation and modernization..... 4,500 24,062 3,989 ............... -4,500 -24,062 -3,989
Office of Inspector General...... 30,596 35,190 32,000 30,596 ............... -4,594 -1,404
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Departmental 91,096 130,347 85,989 86,596 -4,500 -43,751 +607
Management................
======================================================================================================================
Total, title I, Department 8,520,919 9,858,900 8,140,400 8,531,113 +10,194 -1,327,787 +390,713
of Commerce...............
(By transfer).......... 118,000 132,164 132,164 132,164 +14,164 ............... ...............
======================================================================================================================
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
General Administration
Salaries and expenses............ 111,500 119,437 95,540 109,000 -2,500 -10,437 +13,460
Justice information sharing 25,842 37,440 25,842 25,842 ............... -11,598 ...............
technology......................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, General 137,342 156,877 121,382 134,842 -2,500 -22,035 +13,460
Administration............
======================================================================================================================
Administrative review and appeals 351,072 488,381 426,791 411,072 +60,000 -77,309 -15,719
Transfer from immigration -4,000 -4,000 -4,000 -4,000 ............... ............... ...............
examinations fee account....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct appropriation..... 347,072 484,381 422,791 407,072 +60,000 -77,309 -15,719
Office of Inspector General...... 88,577 93,709 93,709 89,000 +423 -4,709 -4,709
United States Parole Commission
Salaries and expenses............ 13,308 13,547 13,308 13,308 ............... -239 ...............
Legal Activities
Salaries and expenses, general 885,000 1,037,386 882,000 885,000 ............... -152,386 +3,000
legal activities................
Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust 7,833 9,358 8,000 9,358 +1,525 ............... +1,358
Fund............................
Salaries and expenses, Antitrust 162,246 164,977 162,246 162,246 ............... -2,731 ...............
Division........................
Offsetting fee collections-- -100,000 -124,000 -124,000 -124,000 -24,000 ............... ...............
current year................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct appropriation..... 62,246 40,977 38,246 38,246 -24,000 -2,731 ...............
Salaries and expenses, United 1,960,000 2,032,216 1,995,000 1,973,000 +13,000 -59,216 -22,000
States Attorneys................
United States Trustee System Fund 225,908 228,107 225,908 225,908 ............... -2,199 ...............
Offsetting fee collections... -225,908 -162,000 -162,000 -162,000 +63,908 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Direct appropriation..... ............... 66,107 63,908 63,908 +63,908 -2,199 ...............
Salaries and expenses, Foreign 2,326 2,374 2,326 2,374 +48 ............... +48
Claims Settlement Commission....
Fees and expenses of witnesses... 270,000 270,000 270,000 270,000 ............... ............... ...............
Salaries and expenses, Community 12,250 14,446 13,000 14,446 +2,196 ............... +1,446
Relations Service...............
Assets Forfeiture Fund........... 20,514 20,514 ............... 20,514 ............... ............... +20,514
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Legal Activities.... 3,220,169 3,493,378 3,272,480 3,276,846 +56,677 -216,532 +4,366
======================================================================================================================
United States Marshals Service
Salaries and expenses............ 1,195,000 1,230,581 1,220,000 1,195,000 ............... -35,581 -25,000
Construction..................... 9,800 15,000 11,000 9,800 ............... -5,200 -1,200
Federal prisoner detention....... 495,307 1,454,414 1,058,081 1,454,414 +959,107 ............... +396,333
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, United States 1,700,107 2,699,995 2,289,081 2,659,214 +959,107 -40,781 +370,133
Marshals Service..........
National Security Division
Salaries and expenses............ 93,000 96,596 95,000 93,000 ............... -3,596 -2,000
Interagency Law Enforcement
Interagency crime and drug 507,194 519,301 510,000 507,194 ............... -12,107 -2,806
enforcement.....................
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Salaries and expenses............ 3,378,089 3,413,813 3,444,306 3,421,468 +43,379 +7,655 -22,838
Counterintelligence and 4,948,480 5,000,812 5,045,480 5,012,024 +63,544 +11,212 -33,456
national security...........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 8,326,569 8,414,625 8,489,786 8,433,492 +106,923 +18,867 -56,294
Construction..................... 110,000 68,982 57,982 108,982 -1,018 +40,000 +51,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Bureau of 8,436,569 8,483,607 8,547,768 8,542,474 +105,905 +58,867 -5,294
Investigation.............
======================================================================================================================
Drug Enforcement Administration
Salaries and expenses............ 2,400,000 2,463,123 2,422,459 2,404,834 +4,834 -58,289 -17,625
Diversion control fund....... -366,680 -371,514 -371,514 -371,514 -4,834 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Drug Enforcement 2,033,320 2,091,609 2,050,945 2,033,320 ............... -58,289 -17,625
Administration............
======================================================================================================================
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives
Salaries and expenses............ 1,201,000 1,261,158 1,240,000 1,201,000 ............... -60,158 -39,000
Federal Prison System
Salaries and expenses............ 6,815,000 7,204,158 6,948,500 6,848,000 +33,000 -356,158 -100,500
Buildings and facilities......... 106,000 140,564 230,000 106,000 ............... -34,564 -124,000
Limitation on administrative 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 ............... ............... ...............
expenses, Federal Prison
Industries, Incorpo-Prated......
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Prison 6,923,700 7,347,422 7,181,200 6,956,700 +33,000 -390,722 -224,500
System....................
======================================================================================================================
State and Local Law Enforcement
Activities
Office on Violence Against Women:
Prevention and prosecution 430,000 473,500 501,050 234,000 -196,000 -239,500 -267,050
programs....................
Office of Justice Programs:
Research, evaluation and 111,000 151,900 ............... 117,000 +6,000 -34,900 +117,000
statistics..................
State and local law 1,241,000 1,142,300 1,141,900 1,009,000 -232,000 -133,300 -132,900
enforcement assistance......
Juvenile justice programs.... 251,500 339,400 186,500 253,500 +2,000 -85,900 +67,000
Public safety officer
benefits:
Death benefits........... 71,000 72,000 72,000 72,000 +1,000 ............... ...............
Disability and education 16,300 16,300 16,300 16,300 ............... ............... ...............
benefits................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal............... 87,300 88,300 88,300 88,300 +1,000 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office of 1,690,800 1,721,900 1,416,700 1,467,800 -223,000 -254,100 +51,100
Justice Programs......
======================================================================================================================
Community Oriented Policing
Services:
COPS programs................ 208,000 303,500 251,500 212,000 +4,000 -91,500 -39,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, State and Local Law 2,328,800 2,498,900 2,169,250 1,913,800 -415,000 -585,100 -255,450
Enforcement Activities....
======================================================================================================================
Total, title II, Department 27,030,158 29,240,480 28,006,914 27,827,770 +797,612 -1,412,710 -179,144
of Justice................
======================================================================================================================
TITLE III--SCIENCE
Office of Science and Technology 5,555 5,566 5,555 5,555 ............... -11 ...............
Policy..........................
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration
Science.......................... 5,244,700 5,288,600 5,237,500 5,295,000 +50,300 +6,400 +57,500
Aeronautics...................... 651,000 571,400 600,000 524,700 -126,300 -46,700 -75,300
Space technology................. 596,000 724,800 625,000 600,000 +4,000 -124,800 -25,000
Exploration...................... 4,356,700 4,504,400 4,759,300 3,831,200 -525,500 -673,200 -928,100
Space operations................. 3,827,800 4,005,200 3,957,300 4,756,400 +928,600 +751,200 +799,100
Education........................ 119,000 88,900 119,000 108,000 -11,000 +19,100 -11,000
Safety, security and mission 2,758,900 2,843,100 2,768,600 2,784,000 +25,100 -59,100 +15,400
services........................
Construction and environmental 419,100 465,300 425,000 352,800 -66,300 -112,500 -72,200
compliance and restoration......
Office of Inspector General...... 37,000 37,400 37,400 37,400 +400 ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Aeronautics 18,010,200 18,529,100 18,529,100 18,289,500 +279,300 -239,600 -239,600
and Space Administration..
======================================================================================================================
National Science Foundation
Research and related activities.. 5,866,125 6,118,780 5,916,125 5,866,125 ............... -252,655 -50,000
Defense function............. 67,520 67,520 67,520 67,520 ............... ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal................... 5,933,645 6,186,300 5,983,645 5,933,645 ............... -252,655 -50,000
Major research equipment and 200,760 200,310 200,030 200,310 -450 ............... +280
facilities construction.........
Education and human resources.... 866,000 962,570 866,000 866,000 ............... -96,570 ...............
Agency operations and award 325,000 354,840 325,000 325,000 ............... -29,840 ...............
management......................
Office of the National Science 4,370 4,370 4,370 4,370 ............... ............... ...............
Board...........................
Office of Inspector General...... 14,430 15,160 15,160 14,450 +20 -710 -710
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Science 7,344,205 7,723,550 7,394,205 7,343,775 -430 -379,775 -50,430
Foundation................
======================================================================================================================
Total, title III, Science.. 25,359,960 26,258,216 25,928,860 25,638,830 +278,870 -619,386 -290,030
======================================================================================================================
TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES
Commission on Civil Rights
Salaries and expenses............ 9,200 9,413 9,200 9,200 ............... -213 ...............
Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission
Salaries and expenses............ 364,500 373,112 364,500 364,500 ............... -8,612 ...............
International Trade Commission
Salaries and expenses............ 84,500 131,500 86,500 84,500 ............... -47,000 -2,000
Legal Services Corporation
Payment to the Legal Services 375,000 452,000 300,000 385,000 +10,000 -67,000 +85,000
Corporation.....................
Marine Mammal Commission
Salaries and expenses............ 3,340 3,431 3,340 3,431 +91 ............... +91
State Justice Institute
Salaries and expenses............ 5,121 5,121 5,121 5,121 ............... ............... ...............
======================================================================================================================
Total, title IV, Related 841,661 974,577 768,661 851,752 +10,091 -122,825 +83,091
Agencies..................
======================================================================================================================
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
DOC Departmental Management, -2,906 ............... ............... ............... +2,906 ............... ...............
Franchise Fund (rescission).....
DOC, National Technical ............... ............... -10,000 ............... ............... ............... +10,000
Information Service (rescission)
DOC, Economic development -5,000 ............... ............... ............... +5,000 ............... ...............
assistance programs (rescission)
DOJ, Working Capital Fund -99,000 -55,000 -100,000 -55,000 +44,000 ............... +45,000
(rescission)....................
DOJ, Tactical law enforcement -2,000 ............... ............... ............... +2,000 ............... ...............
wireless communications
(rescission)....................
DOJ, Detention trustee -23,000 ............... ............... ............... +23,000 ............... ...............
(rescission)....................
DOJ, Assets Forfeiture Fund -193,000 -304,000 ............... -362,945 -169,945 -58,945 -362,945
(rescission)....................
FBI, Salaries and expenses, ............... -49,000 -49,000 -32,456 -32,456 +16,544 +16,544
nondefense (rescission).........
FBI, Salaries and expenses, ............... -71,000 -71,000 -47,544 -47,544 +23,456 +23,456
defense (rescission)............
DOJ, Salaries and expenses, -10,000 ............... ............... ............... +10,000 ............... ...............
general legal activities
(rescission)....................
DOJ, Salaries and expenses, -6,000 ............... ............... ............... +6,000 ............... ...............
Antitrust Division (rescission).
DOJ, Salaries and expenses, U.S. -9,000 ............... ............... ............... +9,000 ............... ...............
Attorneys (rescission)..........
Federal prisoner detention -188,000 -69,500 -69,500 -69,500 +118,500 ............... ...............
(rescission)....................
DOJ, ATF, Salaries and expenses -3,200 ............... ............... ............... +3,200 ............... ...............
(rescission)....................
Violence against women prevention -16,000 -5,020 -15,000 -5,020 +10,980 ............... +9,980
and prosecution programs
(rescission)....................
Office of Justice programs -82,500 ............... -40,000 ............... +82,500 ............... +40,000
(rescission)....................
COPS (rescission)................ -40,000 -10,000 -20,000 -10,000 +30,000 ............... +10,000
======================================================================================================================
Total, title V, General -679,606 -563,520 -374,500 -582,465 +97,141 -18,945 -207,965
Provisions................
======================================================================================================================
Grand total................ 61,073,092 65,768,653 62,470,335 62,267,000 +1,193,908 -3,501,653 -203,335
Appropriations......... (61,752,698) (66,332,173) (62,844,835) (62,849,465) (+1,096,767) (-3,482,708) (+4,630)
Rescissions............ (-679,606) (-563,520) (-374,500) (-582,465) (+97,141) (-18,945) (-207,965)
(By transfer).............. 118,000 132,164 132,164 132,164 +14,164 ............... ...............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[all]
