Contributed by Josh Martin, GSA Science Policy Fellow

House of Representatives Action

On Wednesday, 24 July, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Department of the Interior Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This bill is just one part of the annual federal budget determination where 12 separate bills, each covering different pieces of the federal government, must be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act sets the budget for several agencies relevant to the geosciences, including:

  • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Budget cut by 5.5%, which follows a 3% cut from last year.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Budget reduced by 20%, with a notable 31% cut to the science and technology budget.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Budget reduced by 8.5%.

The bill passed by a vote of 210–205, largely along party lines with minimal cross-party support.

Senate Appropriations Committee Action

The following day, 25 July, the Senate Appropriations Committee voted on their version of the same funding package, proposing increases instead of cuts:

  • USGS: Budget increased by 1.7% with increase across all major mission areas, including:
    • 3.5% increase for natural hazards programs.
    • 4% increase for energy and minerals programs.
  • EPA: Budget increased by 1%.
  • BLM: Budget increased by 3.6%

The Senate’s version was passed by the committee with a 28–1 vote and will advance to the full Senate for consideration.

At the same meeting, the Senate Appropriations Committee also passed the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, impacting agencies such as:

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Budget increased by 6%.
  • National Science Foundation (NSF): Budget increased by 5%.
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Budget increased by 1.7%.
  • Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): Funding maintained at FY2024 levels.

Comparative Overview of House and Senate Versions

  • NOAA: Senate proposes a 6% increase; House proposes a 10% cut.
  • NSF: Senate proposes a 5% increase; House proposes a 2% increase.
  • NASA: Senate proposes a 1.7% increase; House proposes a 1.2% increase.
  • OSTP: Senate maintains funding; House proposes a 30% cut.
  • USGS: Senate proposes a 1.7% increase; House proposes a 5.5% cut.
  • EPA: Senate proposes a 1% increase; House proposes a 20% cut.

The FY2024 budget ends on 30 September, at which point a new budget will need to be signed into law, or Congress will need to agree to a stop-gap measure (known as a Continuing Resolution) in order to avoid a government shut-down. Should the current versions of these bills pass their respective chambers, the significant differences will need to be reconciled before the final bills can be signed into law. For more updates on GSA’s activity in Washington, D.C., or to read our position statements on important issues, please visit www.geosociety.org/policy.