Fattah Highlights Priorities in FY2015 CJS Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) and Related Agencies joined in approval of the FY2015 CJS Appropriations Bill, praising the bipartisan nature in the subcommittee's work and highlighting several of his own priorities.

The legislation is responsible for funding the Departments of Commerce and Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other related agencies. Following today's subcommittee consideration, the bill now moves to the full Appropriations Committee.

In his opening remarks at the bill's markup, Fattah thanked Chairman Frank Wolf (R-VA) for his friendship, leadership, and support: "This is my good friend's last year as chairman and I would like to say what an honor it has been to work with him.   Every year, he has kept me involved in the process at every stage, and I am proud of the many bipartisan achievements we've been able to achieve in the CJS bill."

Fattah said he was pleased with the bill's funding levels overall; in total, the bill contains $51.2 billion in net discretionary funding. Included in the bill are funding for key initiatives and priorities championed by Ranking Member Fattah, including neuroscience, youth mentoring, manufacturing, and space technology.

"This is a bill that makes a strong investment in our federal government—that both sides of the aisle can be proud of.  Further, the legislation preserves or increases spending levels in some of my top priorities, including neuroscience, youth mentoring, manufacturing, and space technology—areas that will strengthen America's competitive edge, grow our workforce, and expand our capacity for innovation and invention," Congressman Fattah said. "The legislation also provides more funding to neuroscience in the CJS bill than ever before—a huge step forward for our understanding of the human brain and the discovery of breakthrough treatments and cures."

Fattah priorities included in the FY2015 CJS bill include:

National Science Foundation:  $7.409 billion in overall funding, which is $237.3 million above FY 14 levels and $154.2 million above the budget request.

• Neuroscience: An increase is provided above FY 14 levels; NSF neuroscience received one of the largest percentage increases in the bill.
• NSF Advanced Manufacturing:  This program continues its funding above the enacted level.

Department of Commerce:  $8.35 billion overall, which is an increase of $171.1 million above FY 14 levels.

• Manufacturing Extension Partnership:  $130 million, which is $2 million above FY 14.
• Minority Business Development Agency:  Funding at $30 million, which is $2 million above FY 14 and $1.7 million above the request.
• Loan Guarantee Program for Innovative Technologies in Manufacturing:  $5 million, which is equal to FY 14 funding levels.
• NOAA Satellites:  The bill fully funds the Joint Polar Satellite System and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite programs.

Department of Justice:  $27.8 billion in overall funding, an increase of $382.8 million above FY 14.

• Justice Reinvestment Initiatives: Funded at $30 million, which is $2.5 million above FY 14.
• Youth Mentoring Programs: Funded at $90 million in FY 2015.
• Office on Violence Against Women: Funded at $425.5 million, an increase of $8.5 million above FY 14.
• Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG): Funded at $376 million, equal to the FY 14 level.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):  $17.9 billion in overall funding, which is $249.5 million above FY 14 levels and $435.4 million above the budget request.

• Commercial Crew: An increase is provided in FY 2015.
• Space Tech:  $620 million, $44 million above FY 14.
• James Webb Space Telescope: Funding is provided to keep the project on schedule.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah