Bipartisan Spending Bill Affects Funding for NASA, NSF, and Other Agencies

The Facts -

• The House passed a bipartisan spending package for science agencies.
• NASA's budget faces a 1.6% cut, while DOE's Office of Science increases by 1.9%.
• The NSF's budget is reduced by 3.4%, with STEM education cut by 20%.

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This week marks a significant moment in the U.S. legislative process as the House has passed a series of spending bills, which if approved by the Senate, could reshape the financial landscape for key science agencies. The proposal aims to avert major funding cuts while introducing some increases, a move that has scientists and policymakers closely watching the final outcome.

The recently passed bipartisan spending bills have charted a financial course that spares some science agencies from the steep cuts proposed in the president’s budget. While NASA, NSF, and USGS face reduced budgets compared to the fiscal year 2025, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science and NIST are set for slight financial boosts. NOAA, on the other hand, is slated to operate with relatively stable funding levels. Specific budgetary numbers can be accessed through FYI’s Budget Tracker .

In an effort to optimize resources, some programs will utilize prior year funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to surpass their basic appropriations. Additionally, the spending package mandates that agencies like the Commerce Department, NSF, NASA, and DOE maintain the indirect cost reimbursement rates established for fiscal year 2024. The bill acknowledges potential improvements in the reimbursement system and suggests further evaluation of the Financial Accountability in Research (FAIR) model .

Alongside budget allocations, the explanatory reports facilitate continued support for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs by NASA and DOE, notwithstanding the programs' lapse .

DOE Office of Science

The DOE's Office of Science is earmarked for a 1.9% rise to $8.4 billion, notably with a 7.7% uptick for the Advanced Scientific Computing Research division. Advanced computing, AI, and machine learning are expected to be focal areas, signaling a continuation of its leadership role in these fields. Although the report doesn't specifically address DOE's recent reorganization , funding continues along pre-reorganization lines.

Other funding alterations involve slight boosts for Basic Energy Sciences, Nuclear Physics, and Fusion Energy Science. Conversely, there are modest reductions for High Energy Physics and Biological and Environmental Research. The bill also outlines plans to develop facilities like a large-scale Fusion Prototypical Neutron Source. Notably, the contribution to the international ITER project is set at $171 million, reflecting strategic financial decisions amidst project delays.

DOE Applied Energy

Funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will be tapped for DOE offices, most prominently allocating $3.1 billion for advanced reactor projects and $1.15 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. The Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations receives no direct funding, shifting its project oversight role as per recent DOE structural changes.

For Fossil Energy, a $720 million budget represents a 16.8% cut, incorporating $140 million from previous allocations. This includes significant reductions in funding for methane and hydrogen technology.

National Science Foundation

NSF is facing a 3.4% decrease in its total budget, with specific constraints on cuts to research directorates. While STEM education funding is trimmed by 20%, it avoids the more drastic 75% reduction initially proposed. There is a marked increase in construction funding, aligning with infrastructure projects and the president’s budget proposal.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA's funding remains steady at $6.17 billion, with a structural shift moving weather research programs to the National Weather Service. This reorganization reflects efforts to align with the president’s budget, albeit maintaining critical research funding.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA’s budget shows a slight contraction of 1.6%, with priority shifts evident in funding tranches for specific scientific disciplines. Despite some program terminations, new opportunities within the Mars Future Missions program and a continued commitment to the International Space Station emphasize strategic redirection.

National Institute of Standards and Technology

With a modest 2.3% budget increase, NIST is positioned for targeted investments, particularly in construction and maintenance of research facilities. Efforts also focus on advancing AI research, benchmarking competitive global models.

Office of Science and Technology Policy

OSTP faces scrutiny over policy shifts, particularly relating to open access mandates and space superiority orders. Briefings have been requested on current and future plans to realign with federal strategic objectives.

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