Department of Commerce Budget Advances in Senate

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) approved a $70.833 billion funding bill to support law enforcement, economic prosperity, scientific research, space exploration, and other national priorities. The FY2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which is $6.715 billion above the FY2019 enacted level, funds the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, and related agencies. 

• The bill includes $15.2 billion for the Department of Commerce, an increase of $3.79 billion above the FY2019 enacted level.  In addition to fully funding the 2020 Decennial Census, the Committee continues its strong support for economic development, strengthening trade enforcement, improving fisheries management, protecting intellectual property rights, and advancing severe weather forecasting. 
• $42.4 million for National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an increase of $2.9 million above the FY2019 enacted amount.  Funds are included to enhance the National Broadband Map, to help provide better broadband access for underserved communities which will allow wider national participation and economic growth, and allow NTIA to perform cutting-edge telecommunications research and engineering.
• $1.04 billion for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, $53 million above the FY2019 enacted level, to strengthen the U.S. cybersecurity posture through cutting-edge research and development, expand opportunities in the areas of advanced manufacturing, and continue promotion of the highest-quality standards to maintain fairness in the global marketplace.  Funding for NIST includes a $5.5 million increase for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, which is a private-public partnership present in all 50 states dedicated to serving small- and medium-sized manufacturers.
• $7.558 billion for the Bureau of the Census, $3.7 billion above the FY2019 enacted level.  In order for the Bureau to execute an accurate and efficient 2020 Census next year, the Committee provides $6.696 billion for the decennial census.  This amount includes the $2.5 billion that was agreed to as part of the recent 2019 Bipartisan Budget Agreement.