[Senate Report 118-62]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 132
118th Congress } { Report
SENATE
1st Session } { 118-62
======================================================================
DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE AND JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES
APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2024
_______
July 13, 2023.--Ordered to be printed
Mrs. Shaheen, from the Committee on Appropriations,
submitted the following
REPORT
[To accompany S. 2321]
The Committee on Appropriations reports an original bill
(S. 2321) making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce
and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, reports
favorably thereon without amendment and recommends that the
bill do pass.
Total obligational authority, fiscal year 2024
Total of bill as reported to the Senate................. $73,063,480,000
Amount of 2023 appropriations........................... 87,151,120,000
Amount of 2024 budget estimate.......................... 92,647,391,000
Bill as recommended to Senate compared to--
2023 appropriations................................. -14,087,640,000
2024 budget estimate................................ -19,583,911,000
CONTENTS
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Page
Purpose of the Bill.............................................. 4
Summary of the Bill.............................................. 4
Fighting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse................................. 6
Reprogrammings, Reorganizations, and Relocations................. 7
Congressional Budget Justifications.............................. 8
Reporting Requirements........................................... 8
Reductions-in-Force.............................................. 9
Appropriations Liaisons.......................................... 9
Title I: Department of Commerce.................................. 10
International Trade Administration........................... 10
Bureau of Industry and Security.............................. 12
Economic Development Administration.......................... 12
Minority Business Development Agency......................... 16
Economic and Statistical Analysis............................ 17
Bureau of the Census......................................... 17
National Telecommunications and Information Administration... 19
United States Patent and Trademark Office.................... 21
National Institute of Standards and Techology................ 22
Nation Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration................ 28
Department Management........................................ 65
General Provisions--Department of Commerce................... 68
Title II: Department of Justice.................................. 70
Office of Inspector General.................................. 86
United States Parole Commission.............................. 87
Legal Activites.............................................. 87
United States Marshals Service............................... 92
National Security Division................................... 93
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces................. 93
Federal Bureau of Investigation.............................. 94
Drug Enforcement Administration.............................. 98
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.......... 101
Federal Prison System........................................ 103
State and Local Law Enforcement Activities................... 109
Office on Violence Against Women............................. 113
Office of Justice Programs................................... 115
Community Oriented Policing Services......................... 136
General Provisions--Department of Justice.................... 142
Title III: Science............................................... 144
Office of Science and Technology Policy...................... 144
National Space Council....................................... 145
National Aeronautics and Space Administration................ 145
National Science Foundation.................................. 167
Title IV: Related Agencies....................................... 180
Commission on Civil Rights................................... 180
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission...................... 180
International Trade Commission............................... 181
Legal Services Corporation................................... 181
Marine Mammal Commission..................................... 182
Office of the United States Trade Representative............. 183
State Justice Institute...................................... 185
Title V: General Provisions...................................... 186
Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of
the
Senate......................................................... 190
Compliance With Paragraph 7(c) Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 192
Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of
the Senate..................................................... 193
Budgetary Impact of Bill......................................... 193
Disclosure of Congressionally Directed Spending Items............ 194
Comparative Statement of Budget Authority........................ 212
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 Space Council; 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 United
States International Trade Commission [ITC], the Legal Services
Corporation [LSC], the Marine Mammal Commission, the Office of
the United States Trade Representative [USTR], and the State
Justice Institute [SJI].
Summary of the Bill
The total amount of regular discretionary budget authority
recommended by the Committee for fiscal year 2024 is
$71,734,480,000, which is $12,106,356,000 below the fiscal year
2023 enacted level for regular discretionary amounts.
Additionally, the Committee makes available $1,200,000,000
through the Crime Victims Fund [CVF] for victim compensation
and victim services. This is equal to the President's Request.
While the Committee was pleased with the passage of the VOCA
Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 (Public Law
117-27), deposits into the CVF have only experienced a slight
increase. The Committee remains concerned about the health of
the CVF and its ability to continue to support compensation to
and services for survivors of crime in future years. Therefore,
the Committee directs the DOJ to continue to advise litigating
components of the availability of the CVF as a repository for
fines, fees, and other penalties.
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 established by the Fiscal Responsibility Act
of 2023 (Public Law 118-5). Within these boundaries, the
Committee has strived to achieve a careful balance between the
competing priorities of law enforcement, national security,
economic development, scientific research, and space
exploration, while having limited resources. As a result, this
bill represents responsible spending at a time when the United
States is living within a constrained Federal budget.
The DOC is charged with addressing and executing several
critical functions, which include ensuring the effective
operation of our Nation's world class weather satellites and
forecasting severe storms; enforcing trade laws to ensure
American businesses can compete on a level playing field;
collecting economic and population data; working with
distressed communities to spur economic development; and
properly managing our Nation's fisheries.
The Committee has made a concerted effort to spur U.S.
economic growth both domestically and abroad through targeted
investments in the Economic Development Administration [EDA]
and our Nation's trade agencies such as the USTR and the ITC,
as well as the International Trade Administration [ITA] and
Bureau of Industry and Security [BIS] within DOC. Together,
these agencies help businesses get started, compete
internationally, and grow.
Additionally, the changing landscape of criminal activity
and national security both at home and abroad continues to test
the DOJ's ability to deal with and adapt to emerging threats.
The Committee believes that our Federal law enforcement
agencies must work collaboratively to focus and streamline
limited resources in a manner that safeguards taxpayer dollars
while preserving public safety. The fiscal year 2024 bill
provides funding for grants to help State, local, and Tribal
law enforcement responsibly and safely protect our Nation's
communities, help survivors of domestic violence and sexual
assault, and respond to substance use disorder, including
opioids, and fentanyl, and drug trafficking. The Committee also
provides the necessary funding for the Bureau of Prisons to
continue implementation of criminal justice reforms and
programming created by the First Step Act (Public Law 115-391).
For the science agencies, the Committee provides targeted
investments to enable progress toward the goal of returning
Americans to the Moon and enhancing the United States'
leadership in space and science. Within NSF, NOAA, and the
National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST], the
Committee recommendation supports initiatives to enhance
American competitiveness through research in climate science
and resiliency, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and
other strategic fields. The bill also makes targeted
investments in NSF to continue its core research, develop the
scientific workforce, and fund programs in the Directorate of
Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships [TIP].
CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 Implementation.--The
Committee provides $10,988,805,000 in new funding to continue
implementing the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
(Public Law 117-167). The CHIPS and Science Act sets out an
ambitious goal of doubling funding for science and technology
programs by 2027 to help drive U.S. economic competitiveness.
Continuing these investments will allow the United States to
keep pace with China and other competitors in scientific
discoveries that can power the economy in fields like
artificial intelligence, quantum computing, microelectronics,
clean energy, and advanced communications.
The Committee provides $9,500,000,000 for NSF, including
$7,608,287,000 for NSF's research and related to implement the
CHIPS and Science Act, including significant support for the
TIP Directorate. The Committee provides $1,228,000,000 for
NSF's education and training programs to build tomorrow's
innovation workforce.
The Committee provides $1,488,805,000 for DOC programs
reauthorized or newly created by the CHIPS and Science Act.
This includes: $41,000,000 for the EDA Regional Technology and
Innovation Hub Program, to provide planning grants to create
geographically-distributed ``regional technology hubs,''
focusing on technology development, job creation, and expanding
U.S. innovation capacity; $175,000,000 for the NIST
Manufacturing Extension Program to improve competitiveness of
domestic manufacturers and strengthen domestic supply chains;
and $37,000,000 for the Manufacturing USA program.
Fighting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse
The departments, agencies, boards, offices, 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, offices, 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.
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 continues 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
DOC, DOJ, NASA, NSF, and LSC to conduct reviews of grant and
contract funds to ensure funds are being spent appropriately.
In addition, the Government Accountability Office [GAO] will
review a random sample of Congressionally Directed Spending
projects.
Third, 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.
The Committee also supports long-standing provisions that
were once solely included in this bill but have since become
government-wide provisions. These include requiring each
department, agency, board, and commission funded in this bill
to report spending on large conferences to the Inspectors
General for audit; requiring all departments and agencies
funded in this bill to provide full access to documents and
data for their respective Inspectors General to conduct
investigations and audits; and prohibiting funds from being
used for contracts, memoranda of understanding, cooperative
agreements, grants, or loan activities if the proposed
recipient has unpaid Federal tax liabilities or was convicted
of a felony criminal violation.
Finally, the Committee intends to continue to work with the
GAO to expand the review of selected large-scale acquisition
and construction projects. Specifically, the Committee directs
ongoing GAO reviews of large NASA projects, major research
equipment and facilities construction at the NSF, with reports
to the Committee on a semiannual basis. The Committee
recommendation includes funding for agencies' Offices of
Inspectors General to ensure strong accountability and
oversight of Federal programs in this bill.
Agencies shall provide access to all necessary data, as
determined by GAO, in order for these reviews to be completed
and provided to the Committee in a timely manner. 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 and has used information
in the reviews to develop this recommendation.
Federal Vehicle Fleet Management.--The General Services
Administration [GSA] issues guidance on Federal fleet
management, but the Federal vehicle fleet is decentralized,
with each agency maintaining flexibility to manage vehicle
utilization as appropriate. In order to provide better
transparency and accountability of funding for Federal
vehicles, the Committee directs agencies funded in this bill to
conduct an annual review of fleet utilization during the third
quarter of each fiscal year and provide their corresponding
Offices of Inspectors General [OIGs] with supporting
documentation on the method used for determining optimal fleet
inventories and justification for any deviation from GSA's
Federal Property Management Regulations. OIGs shall be
responsible for conducting annual audits of fleet management
practices and make the subsequent results for non-law
enforcement sensitive agencies publicly available.
Reducing Duplication and Improving Efficiencies.--The
Committee directs each agency funded in this bill to report to
the Committee, within 1 year of enactment of this act, on all
efforts made to address the duplication of Federal programs
identified by annual GAO reports along with identifying
substantive challenges and legal barriers to implementing GAO's
recommendations and suggested legislative recommendations that
could help the agency to further reduce duplication.
Reprogrammings, Reorganizations, and Relocations
Section 505, contained in the General Provisions of Title V
of the bill, provides procedures for the reprogramming of
funds. To reprogram is to change the use of funds from the
specific purposes provided for in the bill and the accompanying
explanatory statement 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 bill,
provided under previous appropriations acts that remain
available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal year 2024, or
provided from any accounts in the Treasury available to the
agencies funded by this bill. Section 505 requires that the
Committee 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. Section 505 of this act is
also applicable in cases where funding for an activity is
reduced by 10 percent. 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 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. 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
2025 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
2024 and 2025. 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, and staffing and function
change proposed in the fiscal year 2025 budget, particularly
within the departmental operations and management accounts.
The Committee expects that the fiscal year 2025 submissions
will include sufficient detail to justify all programs,
projects, and activities contained in each department, agency,
office, or commission budget request. Budget justifications are
prepared not for the use of the agencies but are the primary
tool the Committee uses to evaluate the resource requirements
and proposals requested by the administration.
Reporting Requirements
The Committee directs the departments and agencies funded
in this bill to submit reports by the deadlines detailed herein
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 enduring reporting
requirements from previous appropriations laws may no longer be
necessary for congressional 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 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 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 $11,143,322,000 for the
Department of Commerce [DOC]. The recommendation is $64,219,000
below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $1,217,357,000
below the budget request.
The DOC 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.
International Trade Administration
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $625,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 724,815,000
Committee recommendation................................ 637,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $637,000,000 for
the International Trade Administration [ITA]. The
recommendation is $12,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $87,815,000 below the budget request. The
discretionary appropriation is offset by $12,000,000 in fee
collections.
Offsetting Fee Collections.--ITA shall continue to identify
and include an accurate assessment of expected fee collections
and corresponding expenditures in both its fiscal year 2024
spending plan and in its fiscal year 2025 budget request.
Supply Chain Resilience.--Within the increase provided, the
Committee directs ITA to establish a supply chain resiliency
office within Industry & Analysis.
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement [USMCA]
Secretariat.--The Committee provides no less than the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level for ITA to continue to support the U.S.
Section of the Secretariat, authorized by the USMCA
Implementation Act (Public Law 116-113).
Section 232 Tariff Exclusions.--The Committee provides up
to the requested amount within Enforcement and Compliance
[E&C], to increase support for review of requests for exclusion
from steel and aluminum tariffs applied under section 232 of
the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. 1862). Within the
funding provided, the Committee expects ITA to adequately
resource its section 232 tariff exclusion work without
continuing to rely on additional resources or personnel from
E&C.
Trade Enforcement.--ITA is directed to submit an annual
report to the Committee providing the total number of open
antidumping and countervailing duty [AD/CVD] orders during the
fiscal year, including investigations and administrative
reviews, compared to the past three fiscal years, and the total
number of final determinations and final results in AD/CVD
proceedings remanded to the agency or subject to remand
proceedings during the relevant fiscal year by the U.S. Court
of International Trade.
The Committee also awaits ITA's report, consistent with the
directive contained in Division B of the joint explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 117-328, outlining ITA's
efforts to counteract the use of third countries for
transshipment by state-backed industries and producers to evade
U.S. AD/CVD laws.
Budget and Staffing Oversight.--The Committee directs ITA
to continue to brief the Committee no later than 30 days after
the end of each fiscal quarter on the previous quarter's
obligations, by object class; the planned obligations for the
current and ensuing fiscal quarters; and staffing levels within
Global Markets [GM] including a breakout of Foreign Service
Officers, Locally Engaged Staff, and U.S. field staff.
Increased International Commercial Engagement and Export
Promotion.--The Committee is concerned by the continuing
erosion of the U.S. share of the global export market and
believes that the Department must prioritize ITA's commercial
engagement efforts to level the international playing field for
U.S. exporters. In particular, the Committee remains concerned
that the Federal Government does not have adequate resourcing
in place to significantly increase exports to Africa, Latin
America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific region. The Committee
is pleased that the request articulates these same concerns and
proposes increased investment areas with a focus on increasing
U.S. export competitiveness and countering unfair trade
practices and economic coercion by China. Prior to obligating
funds to open any new international office and hire additional
staff, ITA shall provide the Committee with a detailed spending
plan, which shall include a staffing plan and a justification
for the establishment of any new office.
General Data Protection Regulation [GDPR].--The Committee
urges ITA to continue its efforts to educate small businesses
about the GDPR. The Committee is concerned that small
businesses may be unaware of compliance obligations as a result
of GDPR and could be vulnerable to fines and significant
financial risk. The Committee encourages ITA to work with
Federal, State, and local partners to raise awareness about
GDPR obligations on American small businesses.
Rural Export Assistance.--The Committee encourages the
Secretary to prioritize expanding international trade
opportunities for rural businesses and provides no less than
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level within GM to support
existing rural export centers that have a demonstrated record
of success.
Post-conflict Support for Ukraine.--Where practicable, the
Committee encourages ITA to engage in post-conflict
reconstruction planning for Ukraine, including the expansion of
U.S. activities to strengthen economic engagement with Ukraine.
Quad Strategic Partnership.--The Committee encourages ITA
to promote U.S. global leadership and strengthen the economic
ties with the Quad strategic partnership among the United
States, India, Japan, and Australia.
Outbound Investments.--The Committee supports ITA's efforts
to gather and analyze information regarding certain outbound
investments from the United States into critical sectors.
Bureau of Industry and Security
OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $191,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 222,416,000
Committee recommendation................................ 191,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $191,000,000 for
the Bureau of Industry and Security [BIS]. The recommendation
is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $31,416,000
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 export control reform. The Export Enforcement
Division detects, prevents, investigates, and assists in the
sanctioning of illegal exports of such items.
Export Control Regulatory Compliance Assistance.--The
Committee directs BIS to continue its exporter outreach program
to educate companies of all sizes on their obligations related
to export controls. 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, to ensure that small-
and medium-sized businesses have clear, easy-to-understand
information about complying with export control regulations.
Enforcement of Russia Export Controls.--The Committee
continues to support BIS's aggressive enforcement of Russian
and Belarussian export controls and other BIS efforts to
counter Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Committee
recommendation fully supports the efforts articulated in the
request to forcefully respond to Russia's aggression.
Economic Development Administration
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $498,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 804,009,000
Committee recommendation................................ 466,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $466,000,000 for
the Economic Development Administration [EDA]. The
recommendation is $32,000,000 below the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $338,009,000 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. The Committee
directs EDA to coordinate with regional development
organizations to support projects that will address some of the
pressing issues that challenge rural economic development,
including the opioid epidemic, inequities in broadband access,
and the need for innovation in legacy industries, including in
the use and value-added manufacturing of forest products.
Funding amounts for the two appropriations accounts under this
heading are displayed below.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $430,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 704,500,000
Committee recommendation................................ 396,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $396,000,000 for
Economic Development Assistance Programs. The recommendation is
$34,000,000 below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$308,500,000 below the budget request. The Committee directs
EDA 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, and any deviation 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............................................ 111,500
Economic Adjustment Assistance.......................... 39,500
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms................... 13,500
Regional Innovation Program............................. 50,000
Partnership Planning.................................... 36,000
Technical Assistance.................................... 14,000
Research and Evaluation................................. 2,000
Assistance to Energy Transition Communities............. 56,000
STEM Apprenticeships.................................... 2,500
Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs................. 41,000
Good Jobs Challenge..................................... 25,000
Assistance to Indigenous Communities.................... 5,000
---------------
Total............................................. 396,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outdoor Recreation Projects.--The Committee notes that
projects supporting outdoor recreation are a catalyst for
economic development and should be eligible for EDA funding.
EDA is encouraged to consider such projects when consistent
with a region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Economic Adjustment Assistance [EAA].--EAA is EDA's most
flexible economic development program, providing access to
appropriate funding for projects ranging from disaster recovery
to business accelerators and incubators. Within funding for
EAA, the Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023
enacted level to support EDA's collaborations with the Delta
Regional Authority, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and
the Northern Border Regional Commission to assist distressed
communities. Eligible activities for the Northern Border
Regional Commission collaboration shall contribute to the
recovery of forest-based economies and may include support for
forest-based businesses, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and
activities that assist in the recruitment and retention of
employees in rural communities within the territory.
Assistance to Manufacturing Communities and Distressed
Communities.--The Committee encourages EDA to invest in public-
private partnerships that target distressed areas seeking to
diversify their local workforce through advanced manufacturing
operations. When working with distressed communities, EDA shall
work in good faith to identify the best funding sources to meet
a community's needs and assist with the technical requirements
that must be included in each grant proposal. The Committee
reminds EDA that distressed communities most in need of funding
are often poorly positioned to produce a technical and
sophisticated proposal required for agency funding.
Regional Innovation Program [RIP].--The Committee rejects
the administration's proposed cut to RIP and provides
$50,000,000 to EDA for grants under RIP, also referred to as
Build to Scale [B2S]. Of the amount provided for RIP grants, no
less than $40,000,000 shall be for the i6 Challenge, also
referred to as the B2S Venture Challenge, and no less than
$8,000,000 shall be for Seed Fund Support, also referred to as
the B2S Capital Challenge. EDA shall continue to ensure that
RIP awards go to multiple grantees in multiple and diverse
geographic areas, including an increased focus on organizations
and States that have not previously received funding from the
program. Furthermore, within funds provided for RIP, EDA shall
award not less than 40 percent of grants to support rural
communities.
New Forest Products.--The Committee notes that many forest-
based economies have experienced disruption and decline in
recent years. EDA is encouraged to work, including through RIP,
with communities and regions that have been adversely impacted
by rapid changes in the timber and pulp marketplaces and to
support projects that help these communities develop related
industries, including commercialization of new forest products
using low-grade wood. This work may include the coordination of
economic development efforts across multiple States or Economic
Development Districts.
Aeronautics.--The Committee encourages EDA to consider
economic development opportunities in communities looking to
expand or bolster the presence of aeronautics-related
industries, which are a key driver of economic development in
communities across the Nation.
Assistance to Power Plant Closure Communities.--The
Committee notes that closures of energy plants throughout the
United States have had a significant effect on the economies of
the communities surrounding the plants due to job losses and
dramatic reductions to local tax bases. The Committee
appreciates the work EDA has undertaken in prior years to
assist communities impacted by recent or scheduled plant
closures and provides $56,000,000 for early-stage strategic
planning and economic development projects to assist these
communities. Of that amount, no less than $10,000,000 shall be
for assistance to nuclear power plant closure communities, no
less than $4,500,000 shall be for assistance to biomass power
plant closure communities, and no less than $41,500,000 shall
be for assistance to coal communities.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math [STEM]
Apprenticeships and Workforce Development.--The Committee notes
the recent growth of STEM-related industries across the
country. Given this trend, the Committee provides $2,500,000 to
create and expand STEM apprenticeship and other workforce
training models to help workers develop the skills necessary to
join this growing industry. Within the funds provided, the
Committee directs EDA to prioritize implementation grants, to
the extent practicable.
Rural Economic Development.--The Committee recognizes the
economic development challenges rural communities face and
encourages EDA, in coordination with regional development
organizations, including regional councils, to continue to
support projects that address these challenges, including
access to affordable, high-speed broadband.
Program Duplication.--EDA is directed to ensure, to the
greatest extent practicable, that its grant programs, including
the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program, avoid
duplication and overlap with any other Federal grant programs.
The Committee directs the Government Accountability Office
[GAO] to include EDA in its annual analysis of potentially
duplicative programs.
EDA Disaster Recovery Projects.--The Committee is committed
to ensuring Federal post-disaster economic recovery efforts are
executed efficiently and effectively. EDA plays an increasingly
important role in post-disaster economic recovery under the
National Disaster Recovery Framework. The Committee requests
that the GAO produce a report evaluating the extent to which
the roles and responsibilities of the agency's economic
recovery support function are articulated adequately, with
outcome-driven criteria by which the EDA measures its success
in carrying out its economic recovery responsibilities. The GAO
should evaluate EDA's criteria and suggest alternative criteria
as appropriate. The Committee welcomes recommendations on how
to improve economic recovery outcomes and better serve impacted
communities.
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
[EPSCoR] States and the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs
Program.--The Committee directs EDA, in accordance with section
10621 of Public Law 117-167, to ensure that at least one
eligible consortium so designated as a regional technology hub
is headquartered in a low population State that is eligible to
receive funding from the EPSCoR program of the National Science
Foundation, regardless of funding levels appropriated.
Economic Development Research.--The Committee recognizes
the importance of university-based research in investigating
the myriad economic development challenges facing many regions
in the United States, especially in places that have not
benefited from recent technological developments, places
transitioning from legacy industries, among others. The
Committee provides up to $2,000,000 to support Research and
Evaluation to better inform economic development decision-
making.
Assistance to Indigenous Communities.--The recommendation
provides $5,000,000 to provide resources to address the needs
of Indigenous communities that have historically suffered from
a lack of investment in core economic development needs.
Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience
[NATIVE] Act.--Of amounts provided for Technical Assistance, up
to $1,000,000 shall be available to provide technical
assistance to eligible entities, consistent with the NATIVE Act
(Public Law 114-221).
Partnership Planning and Technical Assistance.--The
Committee encourages the EDA to prioritize efforts to expand
Economic Development Districts to States that currently do not
have one.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $68,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 99,509,000
Committee recommendation................................ 70,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $70,000,000 for
salaries and expenses. The recommendation is $2,000,000 above
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $29,509,000 below the
budget request.
Minority Business Development Agency
MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $70,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 110,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 70,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $70,000,000 for the
Minority Business Development Agency [MBDA]. The recommendation
is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $40,000,000
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
in increasing revenues and creating jobs. The Committee notes
that fiscal year 2024 is the second full fiscal year following
the historic enactment of the MBDA Act, which was included as
part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law
117-58). Among other changes, this law authorized the creation
of rural business centers and created the Parren J. Mitchel
Entrepreneurship Education Grants Program to cultivate the next
generation of minority entrepreneurs on the campuses of
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority
Serving Institutions.
Hiring.--The Committee is concerned by MBDA's high vacancy
rate and directs the agency to expedite its efforts to fill all
outstanding vacancies.
Native Entities.--The Committee's recommendation provides
up to $5,000,000 for grants to American Indian, Alaska Native,
and Native Hawaiian entities qualified to provide business,
financing, and technical assistance services to Tribes.
Economic and Statistical Analysis
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $130,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 154,028,000
Committee recommendation................................ 130,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $130,000,000 for
Economic and Statistical Analysis [ESA]. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $24,028,000
below the budget request. ESA conducts research to provide a
better understanding of the U.S. economy, helping government
make more informed policy decisions.
Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account.--The Committee
recognizes the national economic importance of the outdoor
recreation industry. Not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted
amount is provided to continue implementing the Outdoor
Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016 (Public Law
114-249). The Committee directs the Department to continue
working with the outdoor recreation industry, nongovernmental
organizations, and other interested stakeholders to refine the
National-level statistics and to continue developing regional
statistics.
Commodity Checkoff Programs.--The Committee recognizes that
the Commerce Department's Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program is
an industry-led program funding the research and promotion of
concrete masonry products. The Committee encourages the
Department to maximize the effectiveness of its checkoff
programs by developing administrative remedies, where
practicable, to ensure program resources are fully utilized for
their intended purpose.
Distributional Measures of Growth.--The Committee's
recommendation supports ESA's efforts to improve and expand
distributional measures of growth. The Committee directs ESA to
further research methods that will allow a quarterly release
schedule with minimal lag.
Bureau of the Census
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $1,485,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 1,606,004,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,501,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,501,000,000 for
the Census Bureau. The recommendation is $16,000,000 above the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $105,004,000 below the
budget request.
CURRENT SURVEYS AND PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $330,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 375,673,000
Committee recommendation................................ 346,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $346,000,000 for
current surveys and programs. The recommendation is $16,000,000
above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $29,673,000 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.
High Frequency Data Program.--The Committee provides no
less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for the High
Frequency Data Program.
Population Estimate Challenge Program.--Within the increase
provided, the Committee provides $6,200,000 to support the
Population Estimates program and to improve the annual
estimates upon which communities across the country rely.
Puerto Rico Economic Program.--Within the increase
provided, the Committee provides up to $10,800,000 to establish
a new data program for Puerto Rico, including an annual Puerto
Rico Economic Survey and a monthly or quarterly economic
indicator collection for Puerto Rico. Such data products
already exist for States, and this initiative will close
longstanding gaps in the economic data available for Puerto
Rico.
PERIODIC CENSUSES AND PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $1,155,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 1,230,331,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,155,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,155,000,000 for
periodic censuses and programs. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $75,331,000 below the
budget request.
This account provides for the constitutionally mandated
Decennial Census as well as other cyclical programs.
Additionally, the Census Bureau conducts individual surveys for
other Federal agencies on a reimbursable basis.
Utilizing Libraries and Community Partners for Census
Surveys.--The Committee encourages the Census Bureau to
continue its partnership with public libraries and other
community technology centers to maximize the response to the
American Community Survey [ACS] and other surveys and
assessments as appropriate. The Bureau is encouraged to work
with libraries and library organizations, in coordination with
the Institute of Museum and Library Services, regarding
training for library staff and webinars or conference
presentations to library audiences about Census surveys and
assessments.
American Community Survey.--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 can
be used across the Bureau. The Committee notes that the ACS is
often the primary or only source of data available to State,
local, and Federal agencies that need adequate information on a
wide range of topics. These data are especially important to
small towns and rural areas across the country, and the Bureau
should ensure that rural areas are covered with the same
accuracy as urban areas to the maximum extent practicable. To
the greatest extent practicable, the ACS should reduce the
number of questions included in the survey and ensure steps are
being taken to conduct the ACS as efficiently and unobtrusively
as possible.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $62,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 117,277,000
Committee recommendation................................ 62,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $62,000,000 for the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
[NTIA]. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $55,277,000 below the budget request. As
proposed in the agency's budget justification, the
recommendation establishes a new Facilities Management and
Construction account within NTIA.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $62,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 109,665,000
Committee recommendation................................ 60,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $60,000,000 for
NTIA salaries and expenses. The recommendation is $2,000,000
below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $49,665,000 below
the budget request.
The Committee retains language from previous years allowing
the Secretary 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, 2024, detailing the collection of reimbursements from other
agencies.
Broadband Expansion.--Recognizing the vital role of high-
speed broadband Internet in the daily lives of the American
people, the Committee directs the NTIA to prioritize broadband
deployment to unserved and then underserved areas in accordance
with Public Law 117-58. The Committee further directs the NTIA
to coordinate with the Federal Communications Commission [FCC]
to maintain broadband coverage maps completed in accordance
with Public Law 116-130.
Broadband Investments under the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act [IIJA].--In Public Law 117-58, Congress made a
historic $65,000,000,000 investment in broadband
infrastructure, equity, and affordability with the goal of
connecting all Americans to high-speed, reliable, and
affordable Internet service. On June 30, 2023, the NTIA took an
important step toward realizing that goal by announcing
allocations for $42,450,000,000 through the Broadband Equity,
Access, and Deployment [BEAD] program. This funding will build
broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas
across the country.
As eligible entities develop and submit their initial
proposals to run their grant programs, the Committee emphasizes
the importance of timely technical assistance. Further, the
Committee directs NTIA to fully consider and account for each
eligible entity's unique challenges when evaluating proposals,
including by exercising authority under 47 U.S.C. 1702(f) to
ensure resilience of broadband infrastructure. The Committee
also emphasizes that funds dedicated to administer the BEAD
program shall be used to properly implement the Buy America and
Build America, Buy America standards, consistent with title IX
of division G of Public Law 117-58 and all other applicable
Federal laws.
Next Generation Broadband in Rural Areas.--The Committee
recognizes that access to broadband in all communities across
the Nation, including in rural areas, is essential for
improving economic growth, education, job creation, civic
engagement, public safety and health, global competitiveness,
and quality of life. NTIA is encouraged to coordinate with
other relevant Federal agencies to identify and pursue policies
that enable effective and efficient broadband deployment in
rural areas while advancing next-generation technologies, such
as 5G networks, and to avoid efforts that could duplicate
existing networks. In pursuing these goals, NTIA's broadband
programs shall not provide a scoring advantage based
specifically upon the form of organization or commercial status
of a broadband service provider, and NTIA should ensure States
using funding obtained through NTIA do not do so.
Supply Chain and Workforce.--In administering its broadband
programs, NTIA shall consider the effect of supply chain,
workforce shortages, and uniform guidance procurement
requirements, in addition to other known barriers such as
permit approvals, to determine whether providers can reasonably
meet deployment deadlines. If NTIA determines these factors
unduly impact project commitments or will deter program
participation, the agency may use its discretionary authority
to provide waivers of such requirements, in conjunction with
other relief as necessary.
Federal Spectrum Management.--The Committee directs NTIA to
continue to evaluate options for repurposing spectrum for
broadband in support of making 1500 megahertz [MHz] of spectrum
available for wireless broadband use. NTIA shall also provide
the Committee with annual updates on the progress in making
spectrum available for commercial mobile use, including the
strategy for freeing up additional spectrum from Federal
agencies in coordination with the ongoing efforts on the
National Spectrum Strategy.
Policy and Technical Training.--The Committee encourages
NTIA to work with the FCC and the Department of State to
provide support for activities provided under section 7 of
Public Law 98-549 and provides no less than the fiscal year
2023 enacted level for these activities. As part of these
activities, NTIA may provide assistance and guidance in policy
and technical training to impart best practices to information
technology professionals from developing countries.
Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.--The Committee notes
the historic investments Congress has made through the Tribal
Broadband Connectivity Program in the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260) and the IIJA. The
Committee directs NTIA to continue engaging with eligible
entities to ensure the full potential of these investments is
realized. The Committee also directs NTIA to accept
applications for the Tribal BroadbandConnectivity Program by
mail in addition to online.
Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth [OICG].--As part
of the Access Broadband Act, enacted into law as part of Public
Law 116-260, NTIA created the OICG to further the deployment
and use of broadband technology. As programs associated with
the BEAD program are implemented, NTIA shall coordinate with
other Federal agencies with broadband programs to improve
overall data collection, efficiently manage broadband
investments, identify funds used to upgrade systems versus new
systems, and unify metrics and measurements to accurately
represent the outcomes of BEAD and other Federal broadband
programs.
PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES, PLANNING, AND CONSTRUCTION
The Committee provides bill language allowing NTIA to
continue oversight and administration of previously awarded
grants. NTIA shall not use unobligated balances to award new
grants. The Committee requests a briefing on the need to
maintain this account.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2023....................................................
Budget estimate, 2024................................... $7,612,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,000,000
The recommendation includes $2,000,000 and establishes a
new account to support the restoration and modernization of
NTIA's facilities, including the telecommunication
infrastructure, roads, and grounds of NTIA's government-owned
facilities. This amount is $5,612,000 below the budget request.
United States Patent and Trademark Office
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $4,253,404,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 4,195,799,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,195,799,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $4,195,799,000 for
the United States Patent and Trademark Office [USPTO], which is
$57,605,000 below the fiscal year 2023 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.
Transfer to the OIG.--The Committee provides $2,450,000 for
the OIG to continue oversight and audits of USPTO operations
and budget transparency, and USPTO is directed to work with the
Department 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 2024.
Intellectual Property [IP] Attaches.--The Committee remains
concerned that USPTO's IP attaches may not have adequate access
to their foreign government counterparts and are not
consistently involved in embassy or consulate conversations
regarding intellectual property matters. The Secretary is
directed to work with USPTO, ITA, and the Department of State
to ensure that the attaches are appropriately utilized,
including in discussions and negotiations at the counselor rank
and above.
IP Theft.--The Committee remains concerned with the growing
theft of IP by and on behalf of foreign government actors,
especially by China, as made clear in the United States Trade
Representative's Section 301 report, ``Findings of the
Investigation into China's Acts, Policies, and Practices
Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and
Innovation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.'' The
Committee urges USPTO to work with all relevant agencies to
protect U.S. IP through education, outreach, foreign IP
attaches, and ongoing trade negotiations.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $1,627,285,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 1,631,968,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,447,805,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,447,805,000 for
the National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST]. The
recommendation is $179,480,000 below the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $184,163,000 below the budget request. Up to
$9,000,000 may be transferred from the Scientific and Technical
Research and Services [STRS] 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.
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $953,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 994,948,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,021,263,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,021,263,000 for
NIST STRS. The recommendation is $68,263,000 above the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level and $26,315,000 above the budget
request. The Committee directs NIST to provide a detailed
spending plan for NIST's highest priority laboratory programs
that describes resources used for each program, project, or
activity [PPA].
Quantum Information Science [QIS].--The Committee supports
NIST's research program in QIS, as authorized in section 201 of
the National Quantum Initiative Act (Public Law 115-368) and
provides up to the requested level for these activities. QIS
promises to yield revolutionary new approaches to computing,
sensing, and communication, among others.
Cybersecurity.--The Committee remains concerned about the
number of cyberattacks affecting the Nation and provides no
less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for cybersecurity
research, outreach, industry partnerships, and other activities
at NIST, including the National Cybersecurity Center of
Excellence [NCCoE]. Within the funds provided, the Committee
directs NIST to support National Initiative for Cybersecurity
Education [NICE] cooperative agreements with Regional Alliances
and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate for
cybersecurity education and workforce development as authorized
in section 9401 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116-
283).
In addition, the Committee encourages NIST to bolster the
technology foundations and put in place the practical steps
needed to ensure the security and integrity of the technology
supply chain, in partnership with the private sector, in
accordance with Executive Order 14028. NIST is also encouraged
to reduce the backlog at the Cryptographic Module Validation
Program.
Cybersecurity of Genomic Data.--The Committee provides no
less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for NIST and NCCoE
to continue the cybersecurity of genomic data use case. NIST
and NCCoE shall continue to partner with non-governmental
entities that have existing capability to research and develop
state-of-the-art cybersecurity technologies for the unique
needs of genomic and biomedical-based systems.
Artificial Intelligence [AI].--The Committee provides up to
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level to expand NIST's ongoing AI
research and measurement science efforts. The Committee directs
NIST to develop standards, metrics, and tools for government,
corporate, and academic uses of AI to train and test systems,
model AI behavior, and compare systems. The Committee directs
NIST to continue the multi-stakeholder process of developing a
framework for managing risks related to the reliability,
robustness, and trustworthiness of AI systems.
Within the funding provided, the Committee encourages NIST
to continue to improve and meet the growing demand for the
Facial Recognition Vendor Test. The Committee is aware that
this test is an important resource for government, commercial,
and academic developers to assess the quality of their facial
recognition technologies. As more companies and government
users invest in this technology, the test will continue to be a
critical step for responsible use. The Committee encourages
NIST to: expand testing to include a more diverse combination
of demographics and environmental settings in the test data,
develop educational material and work on image quality
standards for data collection, expand testing to improve
enhanced privacy technologies for better template protection,
and expand existing testing infrastructures in support of these
improvements and provides up to the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level for those purposes.
Forensic Sciences.--The Committee provides no less than the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level for forensic science research,
including level funding to support the Organization of
Scientific Area Committees and technical merit evaluations.
Circular Economy.--The Committee provides up to the
requested amount for circular economy related research. In
addition, the Committee provides no less than the fiscal year
2023 enacted level for competitive external grants for academic
institutions to investigate plastic and polymeric materials, as
well as novel methods to characterize both known and newly-
developed materials. Such investigations should address ways to
increase the strength of recycled plastics and better
understand mechanical properties including tensile stress,
compressive stress, thermal properties, and nanostructure of
polymeric materials that could serve as industry standards for
recycled plastic products.
Climate and Energy Measurement, Tools, and Testbeds.--The
Committee recognizes the important role that NIST laboratories
play to address climate change through climate measurements and
modeling of greenhouse gas emissions as well as research and
tools to build more resilient communities. The Committee
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
Climate and Energy Measurement, Tools, and Testbeds.
Forward-Looking Building Standards.--The Committee remains
concerned about how climate change will impact the built
environment, and that standards previously set with an
assumption of a stable climate system will expose many Federal
and non-Federal investments to significant, but avoidable,
risk. Therefore, within funding for Climate and Energy
Measurement, Tools, and Testbeds, the Committee directs NIST to
continue to coordinate work with NOAA and other appropriate
Federal agencies and interested non-Federal parties, as needed,
to identify a consistent and authoritative set of climate
information that emphasizes forward-looking climate data and
projections that should be utilized in the standard-setting
process. These data shall include projections of both chronic
climate impacts, such as sea level rise, and extreme weather
events, like hurricanes, floods, and droughts. Further, the
Committee directs NIST to provide technical assistance to
standards developing organizations regarding use of the
identified forward-looking information. No later than 90 days
after the enactment of this act, NIST shall report to the
Committee regarding progress the agency has made in aiding both
Federal and non-Federal bodies in developing standards,
building codes, and voluntary standards that take into account
increasingly extreme weather events and other climate change
challenges.
Urban Dome.--The Committee recognizes the value of NIST's
Greenhouse Gas Measurements Program and Urban Dome Initiative
and the importance of accurate measurement science for
environmental monitoring and human health. These cost-effective
capabilities expand and broaden NIST laboratory capabilities
for investigating and developing measurement tools that support
independent means for determining the accuracy of emissions
inventory data at urban and regional scales. The Committee
provides up to the fiscal year 2023 enacted amount for the
Greenhouse Gas Measurements Program and Urban Dome Initiative
to continue support for the established testbed activities and
to expand sensor network deployments locations.
Public Health Risk to First Responders.--The Committee
directs NIST, in consultation with other relevant Federal
agencies as appropriate, to conduct a study on firefighter
occupational exposure to environmental sources of per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as ``PFAS''). In
carrying out the study, NIST shall examine the identity,
prevalence, and concentration of PFAS in common work
environments of firefighters, such as fire scenes, fire trucks,
and fire stations. No later than 180 days after the completion
of the study, NIST shall provide Congress with a final report
describing the findings of the study including recommendations
on what additional research or technical improvements should be
pursued to avoid unnecessary occupational exposure of
firefighters to PFAS from environmental sources.
Regenerative Medicine Standards.--The Committee is
encouraged by the work of NIST and the Standards Coordinating
Body to develop comprehensive standards for the development and
evaluation of regenerative medicine products to fulfill the
regenerative medicine standards provisions enacted under the
21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114-255). The Committee
recognizes the need to continue ongoing efforts to develop and
maintain standards and provides $3,000,000 to continue to
support those activities. The Committee also understands that
additional efforts are needed to ensure proper use of these
standards by educating product developers and disseminating
these standards nationally. The Committee provides $1,500,000
to support the development of curricula in partnership with
academic institutions and other stakeholders such as through
establishment of consortia for workforce training around the
use of regenerative medicine standards.
Composites.--The Committee encourages NIST to work with
academic institutions, in collaboration with State and industry
partners, to develop new composite technologies to solve
problems in the manufacturing space and related materials
industries. Further, the Committee urges NIST to work with
relevant Federal agencies, including the Federal Highway
Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the
Environmental Protection Agency, to aggregate existing
standards and test methods for the use of composites and other
innovative materials in infrastructure, as well as to identify
barriers to broader market adoption.
Pyrrhotite Testing and Mitigation.--The Committee provides
no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for NIST to
continue studying and developing a reliable and cost-effective
standard for testing for the presence of excessive amounts of
the mineral pyrrhotite in concrete used in residential
foundations and municipal structures, which can cause premature
cracking and structural failure. In addition to funding
widespread sample collection and studies needed to develop
standardized tests, the Committee directs NIST to investigate
mitigation strategies for concrete structures that may not yet
have developed cracking but contain pyrrhotite.
NIST Center for Neutron Research [NCNR].--The Committee
provides up to the requested level for the repair and upgrade
of NCNR physical infrastructure as well as to right-size
operations and safety staffing and training.
Critical and Emerging Technologies.--The Committee
recognizes NIST's important role in U.S. engagement on
standards development across areas of critical and emerging
technologies. As our global competitors increase focus on
international standards development, it is important for NIST,
in partnership with the private sector, to maintain global
leadership. Therefore, the Committee provides $12,000,000 above
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for these purposes.
Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence Program.--The
Committee recognizes the value of the Baldrige Program and its
impact on the performance of organizations that adopt its best
practices. Therefore, the Committee provides no less than the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level for the Malcolm Baldrige
Performance Excellence Program. The Committee commends the
Baldrige program's efforts to improve the adoption of the NIST
Cybersecurity Framework and encourages the program to build
more partnerships and self-assessment tools to help
organizations with their cybersecurity risk management.
Dr. David Satcher Cybersecurity Education Grant Program.--
The recommendation includes up to $2,000,000 to implement the
Dr. David Satcher Cybersecurity Education Grant Program.
NIST EXTERNAL PROJECTS
The Committee's recommendation provides $118,795,000 for
NIST External Projects as detailed in the table below. The
Committee directs NIST to provide the amounts listed in the
table, and NIST shall perform the same level of oversight and
due diligence as with any other external partners.
NIST EXTERNAL PROJECTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recipient Project Purpose Recommended ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced Regenerative Build-out of a 1,200,000
Manufacturing Institute Biofabrication
(ARMI). Standards-Related
Test Lab.
Arkansas State University..... Center for Advanced 10,000,000
Materials and Steel
Manufacturing.
Bradley University............ Electrical Power 950,000
Initiative.
Columbia Gorge Community Convergent 300,000
College. Technologies and
Advanced
Manufacturing
Equipment.
Gonzaga University............ Integrated Science and 1,847,000
Engineering Facility.
Lewis University.............. Semiconductor Research 900,000
Equipment.
Lorain County Community District MEMS Program 500,000
College District. & Training Expansion.
Louisiana Tech University..... Semiconductor 3,500,000
Infrastructure and
Technology Equipment
Upgrades.
Marshfield Chamber of Commerce Marshfield Coastal 1,000,000
Academy and Hazard
Laboratory.
Michigan State University..... Improved Techniques 1,350,000
and Standards
Development for
Tracking
Environmental PFAS.
Michigan Technological Standards Development 2,000,000
University. Center for Automated
Driving Systems in
Inclement Winter
Weather.
Mississippi State University.. Center for Simulated 4,000,000
Environments and
Experiences in STEM.
Norwich University............ Operational Technology 250,000
Advance Cyber
Architecture.
Oklahoma State University..... Oklahoma Aerospace 5,500,000
Institute for
Research and
Education (OAIRE).
Oregon Institute of Technology Solar Manufacturing 1,045,000
(Oregon Tech). Research Equipment.
Penn State Erie, The Behrend Equipment for String- 2,500,000
College. Level Testing and to
Establish the First
Fully-Serviced Heavy
Haul Battery Testing
Center in the United
States.
Pittsburg State University.... STEM Ecosystem........ 5,000,000
Plymouth State University..... Cybersecurity Program. 1,000,000
Rochester Institute of Battery Prototyping 1,250,000
Technology. Center Equipment.
The Evergreen State College... Acquisition of 2,135,000
Laboratory Equipment.
University at Albany, State Cybersecurity Incident 1,250,000
University of New York. Response Studio
(CREST).
University at Buffalo......... Center for Accelerated 1,250,000
Innovation through
Materials (AIM):
Enabling the
Transition to a Clean
Energy Economy (AIM
for Clean Energy).
University of Arkansas........ Center for Large-Scale 5,000,000
Testing of Seismic
Systems.
University of Arkansas Fay Center for Design and 5,000,000
Jones School of Architecture Materials Innovation.
and Design.
University of Delaware........ Biopharmaceutical 7,250,000
Manufacturing
Equipment.
University of Maine System.... Analytical Laboratory 1,900,000
Equipment.
University of Maine System.... Forest Biomaterials 2,500,000
Innovation Center
Equipment.
University of Maryland, UMBC Quantum Science 1,500,000
Baltimore County. Institute.
University of Mississippi Cancer Research 2,800,000
Medical Center. Laboratories.
University of Rhode Island.... Marine Geological 1,150,000
Samples Laboratory.
University of Rhode Island.... URI STEEP............. 600,000
University of Rochester....... Advanced Quantum 1,250,000
Research Equipment.
University of South Carolina.. Semiconductor 4,500,000
Manufacturing.
University of Southern Sustainable Materials 5,500,000
Mississippi. Validation and
Certification Lab.
University of Tulsa........... Robotics Research and 5,500,000
Instrumentation.
University of Washington...... Advanced Nano & 3,500,000
Quantum Systems.
University of Washington...... Molecular Analysis 2,800,000
Facility
Instrumentation.
University of Washington...... Interdisciplinary 5,000,000
Engineering Building
Equipment.
University of Washington Milgard Engineering 2,500,000
Tacoma. Labs Buildout.
Washington State University... Transmission Electron 2,500,000
Microscope.
West Virginia University...... Liquid Chromatography 233,000
Mass Spectrometry
Equipment.
West Virginia University...... Electron Microscopy- 1,140,000
Based Equipment and
Research.
Western Washington University. Advanced Technology 2,425,000
Laboratory and
Research Equipment.
Wichita State University / Advanced Manufacturing 5,000,000
National Institute for Technology and
Aviation Research. Equipment.
Woodwell Climate Research Science on the Fly: 250,000
Center. Clean River Water
Data Collection,
Monitoring, and
Analysis.
WRC--Connected Communities.... DigitalBridge 270,000
Colorado--Phase 2.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $212,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 374,872,000
Committee recommendation................................ 212,000,000
The Committee provides $212,000,000 for Industrial
Technology Services. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level and $162,872,000 below the budget
request.
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program
[MEP].--For the MEP program, the Committee provides
$175,000,000, which is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level, to respond to the critical national needs of small- and
medium-sized enterprises, including by increasing the number of
enterprises that the program assists and by increasing
awareness and usage of existing supplier scouting tools to fill
supply chain gaps and support domestic manufacturing.
Manufacturing USA.--The Manufacturing USA program promotes
American competitiveness by fostering the development of new
manufacturing techniques and fields, accelerating
commercialization, and providing technical assistance to U.S.
companies.
For the Manufacturing USA program, the Committee provides
$37,000,000, which is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level.
CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $462,285,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 262,148,000
Committee recommendation................................ 214,542,000
The Committee provides $214,542,000 for construction of
research facilities, including not less than $134,000,000 for
Safety, Capacity, Maintenance, and Major Repairs. The
recommendation is $247,743,000 below the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $47,606,000 below the budget request.
NIST EXTRAMURAL CONSTRUCTION
The Committee provides $80,242,000 for NIST Extramural
Construction projects as detailed in the table below. The
Committee directs NIST to provide the amounts listed the in
table, and NIST shall perform the same level of due diligence
as with any other external partners.
NIST EXTRAMURAL CONSTRUCTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recipient Project Purpose Recommended ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas State University Salina Aerospace Innovation 28,000,000
and Training Hub.
KU Innovation Park............ Kansas National 22,000,000
Security Innovation
Center.
University of Maine System.... Analytical Laboratory 3,100,000
Modernization and
Expansion.
University of Maine System.... Aquaculture Workforce 7,000,000
Innovation Center.
University of Maine System.... Forest Biomaterials 7,500,000
Innovation Center.
University of New Hampshire... The Edge Innovation 5,000,000
Community.
Washington State University... Hot Cell Facility 7,642,000
Construction.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CREATING HELPFUL INCENTIVES TO PRODUCE SEMICONDUCTORS [CHIPS] FOR
AMERICA FUND
Division A of Public Law 117-167 established the CHIPS for
America Fund. The Committee allocates the funds according to
the amounts listed in the following table.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ALLOCATION OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND
TECHNOLOGY FUNDS: CHIPS ACT FISCAL YEAR 2024
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account--Project and Activity Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 9902:
Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors $4,996,100
(CHIPS) for America Fund.............................
Administrative Expenses........................... 96,100
Office of Inspector General, Salaries and Expenses.... 3,900
-------------
Total, Section 9902............................... 5,000,000
=============
Section 9906:
Industrial Technology Services........................ 1,245,000
National Semiconductor Technology Center.......... 1,100,000
Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program.......... 95,000
Manufacturing USA Institute....................... 50,000
Scientific and Technology Research & Services......... 53,900
NIST Metrology Program............................ 29,000
Administrative Expenses........................... 24,900
Office of Inspector General, Salaries and Expenses.... 1,100
-------------
Total, Section 9906............................... 1,300,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Appropriations, 2023...................................\1\$6,352,114,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 6,806,992,000
Committee recommendation................................ 6,506,375,000
\1\Of the total amount provided for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration in fiscal year 2023, $150,838,000 was included under
title II of division N of Public Law 117-328.
The Committee's recommendation provides $6,506,375,000 for
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]. The
recommendation is $154,261,000 above the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $300,617,000 below the budget request.
OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023...................................\1\$4,542,997,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 4,616,549,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,528,430,000
\1\Of the amount provided for NOAA Operations, Research, and Facilities
in fiscal year 2023, $42,000,000 was included under title II of division
N of Public Law 117-328.
The Committee's recommendation provides $4,528,430,000 for
NOAA's Operations, Research, and Facilities [ORF]. The
recommendation is $14,567,000 below the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $88,119,000 below the budget request.
NOAA NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $680,722,000 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........... 184,702
Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts........... 32,500
Integrated Ocean Observing System Regional 42,500
Observations......................................
----------------
Total, Navigation, Observations and Positioning 259,702
================
Coastal Science and Assessment:
Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and 96,500
Restoration.......................................
Competitive Research............................... 22,500
----------------
Total, Coastal Science and Assessment.......... 119,000
================
Ocean and Coastal Management and Services:
Coastal Zone Management and Services............... 51,220
Coastal Zone Management Grants..................... 81,500
National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund.......... 34,000
Coral Reef Program................................. 34,000
National Estuarine Research Reserve System......... 33,300
Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas............. 68,000
----------------
Total, Ocean and Coastal Management and 302,020
Services......................................
================
GRAND TOTAL, NOS............................... 680,722
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navigation, Observations and Positioning.--The Committee
strongly supports activities under Navigation, Observations and
Positioning, including full operational funding for NOAA's
Navigation Response Teams.
Geospatial Modeling Grants.--The Committee provides
$8,000,000 within Navigation, Observations and Positioning for
the Geospatial Modeling Grants program, for which all funding
shall be distributed externally.
NOAA Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great
Lakes Mapping.--The Committee provides $10,000,000 for the NOAA
Center of Excellence for Operational Ocean and Great Lakes
Mapping. The Center shall work in unison with and leverage
existing capabilities, including the Joint Hydrographic Center,
and across NOAA line offices, including NOS, the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research [OAR], and the Office of
Marine and Aviation Operations [OMAO], to support and grow the
Nation's deep water, shallow water, and coastal mapping
capabilities and data holdings, in partnership with industry.
The Center shall be located at a university with expertise in
(1) transitioning developments in mapping platforms, sensors,
and concepts of operations into operations; (2) training for
mapping and surveying operations; (3) providing technical
support for ocean mapping technologies to operators in the
field on an increasingly diverse set of platforms; and (4)
leveraging public-private partnerships in advancing the
Nation's ocean and Great Lakes mapping goals.
Hydrographic Research and Technology Development.--The
Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level for the Joint Hydrographic Center for demonstration,
testing, evaluation, and research-to-operations transition of
hydrographic technology. In addition, the Committee provides
$2,000,000 for NOAA to continue supporting joint ocean and
coastal mapping centers in other areas of the country.
Hydrographic Charting.--The Committee continues to note the
massive backlog for charting of navigationally significant
areas and provides $32,500,000 for Hydrographic Survey
Priorities/Contracts.
The Committee believes Arctic surveys could be completed
more efficiently through increased and accelerated contracting.
Therefore, NOAA is directed to award contracts for hydrographic
surveys in the Arctic as early in the calendar year as possible
to maximize the operational season, utilizing effective and
efficient contract services. Within the amount provided for
Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts, NOAA is directed to
accelerate the acquisition of survey data through the use of
contractors. In addition, NOAA is directed to utilize all
contractors that are available, qualified, and experienced in
the Arctic for hydrographic surveys.
Bathymetric Light Detection and Ranging [LiDAR] Workforce
Development.--The Committee recognizes the increasing use of
bathymetric LiDAR data and the unmet need for bathymetric LiDAR
engineers to support monitoring, management and other
programming responsibilities across marine navigation safety,
storm surge and tsunami inundation modeling, marine ecosystem
management, coastal resilience initiatives, and integrated
ocean and coastal mapping. NOAA is encouraged to collaborate
with university and industry partners on education and training
programs needed to support the demand for advanced bathymetric
LiDAR engineers.
Integrated Ocean Observing System [IOOS].--The Committee
notes the importance of the IOOS network that provides marine
information used in disaster response, weather forecasting and
hurricane prediction, water quality forecasting, detection of
harmful algal blooms [HABs], and safe maritime operations. The
Committee provides $42,500,000 for IOOS and supports the use of
supplementary funds previously provided to the agency to
recapitalize observing system infrastructure based upon the
highest priority needs of each region. The Committee encourages
the IOOS regional associations to consider leveraging existing
capabilities of the commercial sector, including uncrewed
systems, to meet observational needs through commercial data
buys.
The Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2023
enacted level to continue the IOOS HAB pilot programs and to
support the HAB monitoring and detection test bed in the Gulf
of Mexico.
Disaster Preparedness.--Within the funds provided for
Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and Restoration, the
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level for the Disaster Preparedness Program. The Committee
encourages NOS to provide appropriate scientific guidance to
other Federal agencies and States on preparedness, response,
damage assessment, and restoration to spills of emerging fuels.
This should include developing effective responses to the
impact of oil spills in freshwater environments in partnership
with the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise for
Oil Spill Preparedness and Response.
Marine Debris.--Within the funding provided, NOAA shall
support competitive extramural funding programs and the
programs authorized in the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (Public Law
116-224).
The Committee notes that the Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act [IIJA] (Public Law 117-58) provides $150,000,000 over
5 years for marine debris assessment, prevention, mitigation,
and removal, including $30,000,000 in fiscal year 2024.
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science [NCCOS].--The
Committee provides $55,500,000 for NCCOS and directs NCCOS to
continue efforts related to offshore wind and coastal
sustainability and resilience.
The Committee provides $1,000,000 for NCCOS's continued
collaboration on research priorities with NOAA's Cooperative
Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology [CIROH].
Harmful Algal Blooms.--Within funding for Competitive
Research, the Committee provides not less than $14,000,000 to
accelerate deployment of effective methods of intervention and
mitigation to reduce the frequency, severity, and impact of HAB
events in marine and freshwater systems. Of this amount, up to
$2,000,000 shall be used to explore innovative methods to
increase monitoring and detection of HABs in freshwater systems
by partnering with academic institutions with expertise in
uncrewed systems.
Given the high economic cost related to HAB events relative
to the current research investment in the Gulf of Mexico, the
Committee encourages NOAA to fund long-term HAB research in the
Gulf of Mexico that further develops ongoing partnerships
involving academic institutions, the private sector, and State
governments.
Improving Coastal Resilience.--Within the funding for
Competitive Research, NOAA is encouraged to provide information
and predictive capabilities to coastal communities, especially
those with underserved populations, and to encourage natural-
based solutions to address coastal hazards like sea level rise,
flooding, and inundation.
Digital Coast.--The Committee provides $3,500,000 for the
implementation of the Digital Coast Act (Public Law 116-223).
Regional Ocean Partnerships [ROPs].--Within funding
provided for Coastal Zone Management and Services, the
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level for the ROPs, or their equivalent, to enhance their
capacity for sharing and integration of Federal and non-Federal
data to support regional coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes
management priorities.
In addition, the IIJA provides $56,000,000 over 5 years to
enhance ROPs, or their equivalent, including $11,200,000 in
fiscal year 2024.
Coastal Management Grants.--The Committee rejects the
proposed cut to Coastal Zone Management Grants and provides
$81,500,000. NOAA is encouraged, to the extent practicable, to
work with States to ensure that Coastal Zone Management Grants
support Tribal projects and objectives.
National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund [NOCSF].--The
Committee summarily rejects the administration's proposal to
eliminate the NOCSF, also known as the National Coastal
Resilience Fund, and provides $34,000,000. Of the amount
provided, not less than $4,000,000 shall be for project
planning and design. In selecting the areas of focus for the
NOCSF, NOAA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
should consider proposals that enhance ocean and coastal
management, bolster coastal infrastructure and resilience,
support regional collaborative efforts and partnerships, and
help coastal communities adapt to changing ocean conditions.
In addition, the IIJA provides $492,000,000 over 5 years
for the NOCSF, including $98,400,000 in fiscal year 2024.
Coral Reef Program.--The Committee recognizes the unique
ecological and economic value of coral reefs, including the
benefit of buffering coastal communities from hazards such as
coastal storms and hurricanes. Urgent efforts are needed to
reverse the decline of coral populations in the United States.
Therefore, the Committee provides $34,000,000 to carry out
coral reef restoration activities under the Coral Reef
Conservation Act, as amended (title C of division J of Public
Law 117-263). NOAA shall implement the new authorities provided
under section 10001 of Public Law 117-263, including State
block grants, the establishment of Reef Research Coordination
Institutes, and coral reef stewardship partnerships.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System [NERRS].--The
Committee recognizes that the NERRS sites provide mixed-use
areas that are protected for long-term research, monitoring,
education, and coastal stewardship and provides $33,300,000 for
the program, an increase of $800,000 above the fiscal year 2023
enacted level to accommodate the expansion of the system.
Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of Sanctuaries and Marine Protected
Areas to preserve regions for conservation, recreational,
ecological, historical, scientific, cultural, archeological,
and educational purposes and supports the expansion of the
network. The Committee provides $68,000,000 for Sanctuaries and
Marine Protected Areas.
Marine National Monuments.--Within funding provided for
Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas, up to $1,200,000 may be
used for competitive education, research, and management grants
for existing marine national monuments administered by NOS.
NOAA NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,112,797,000 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.
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.... 179,455
Species Recovery Grants........................... 7,250
Atlantic Salmon................................... 8,000
Pacific Salmon.................................... 76,000
-----------------
Total, Protected Resources Science and 270,705
Management...................................
=================
Fisheries Science and Management:
Fisheries and Ecosystem Science Programs and 161,500
Services.........................................
Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and 205,351
Assessments......................................
Observers and Training............................ 58,383
Fisheries Management Programs and Services........ 138,250
Aquaculture....................................... 24,000
Salmon Management Activities...................... 65,250
Regional Councils and Fisheries Commissions....... 44,297
Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants.............. 3,377
-----------------
Total, Fisheries Science and Management....... 700,408
=================
Enforcement........................................... 82,000
=================
Habitat Conservation and Restoration.................. 59,684
=================
GRAND TOTAL, NMFS............................. 1,112,797
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 (15 U.S.C. 713c-3).
None of the funds may be used for internal NOAA or DOC
management but may only be used for activities that directly
benefit U.S. fisheries and fishery communities.
As part of the fiscal year 2024 spending plan, NOAA shall
include a detailed accounting, by object class, of how the
Promote and Develop transfer funds will be allocated based on
the funding criteria described in this bill.
Saltonstall-Kennedy [S-K] Grant Program.--Prior to
obligating any funds for the S-K Grant Program, NOAA shall
provide the Committee with a detailed spending plan describing
which fisheries activities will be funded in each region and
how the plan incorporates regional priorities. In doing so,
NOAA shall consult with the regional committees authorized
under the American Fisheries Advisory Committee Act (Public Law
117-121) to identify funding priorities. The spending plan
should also include an accounting of the administration of the
regional committees. Within the funds provided, the Committee
encourages NOAA to prioritize support for applications that
improve marketing and development of the seafood industry, as
was the original intent of the S-K Grant Program.
National Seafood Council.--The Committee eagerly awaits the
receipt of NOAA's report detailing how the agency would
facilitate a National Seafood Council through the Fisheries
Promotion Fund (16 U.S.C. 4008) to support a comprehensive,
nationwide seafood marketing and public education campaign. The
Committee encourages NOAA to bolster consumer confidence by
aggressively conveying the availability, sustainability, and
nutritional value of U.S. seafood, as appropriate.
The Committee continues to be concerned with the lack of a
level playing field for U.S. seafood industry. The Committee is
concerned that recent surges in shrimp imports have flooded the
U.S. market and overwhelmed domestic inventories to the point
that U.S. shrimp processors no longer purchase domestic
products. The Committee is further concerned that shrimp
imports continue to be associated with illegal, unreported, and
unregulated [IUU] fisheries; the use of forced labor; the
illegal use of antibiotics; and other alarming fraudulent and
illegal activities. The Committee directs NOAA to ensure its
National Seafood Strategy or any other policies or programs
will not be used to promote the U.S. consumption of imported
seafood.
Offshore Wind.--The Committee supports the responsible
development of renewable energy projects and provides not less
than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level across NMFS to address
consultation and permitting, stock assessment, management, and
protected resources needs related to the expansion of offshore
wind energy projects.
The Committee directs NOAA to collaborate with the Bureau
of Ocean Energy Management, the Atlantic Coast States, and the
offshore wind industry, to facilitate an entity tasked with
assessing mitigation and compensation claims from the fishing
industry related to offshore wind projects. NOAA shall report
to the Committee on plans not later than 90 days of enactment
of this act.
Rigs-to-Reefs.--The Committee supports NOAA's participation
in the Rigs-to-Reefs program in cooperation with the Bureau of
Safety and Environmental Enforcement [BSEE] and the Gulf
States, as appropriate, to conserve habitat for fish, corals,
and other marine animals. The Committee encourages NOAA to
provide technical or other support to BSEE to utilize the
program to the maximum extent possible.
NMFS Project Consultations.--Within Protected Resources
Science and Management, the Committee provides not less than
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for NMFS to address the
backlog of consultation requests under the Endangered Species
Act [ESA] (Public Law 93-205) and authorization requests under
the Marine Mammal Protection Act [MMPA] (Public Law 92-522).
The Committee encourages NMFS to continue collaborating
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other Federal
agencies to improve coordination and efficiency of
consultations within the permitting process to work through the
significant backlog in the permitting of in-water construction,
particularly in the Pacific Northwest.
North Atlantic Right Whales [NARW].--The Committee provides
$4,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level within
Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, and Other Species for NARW-related
research, monitoring, and conservation efforts. The Committee
supports the use of supplementary funds previously provided to
the agency for these purposes, including innovative gear
research, acoustic monitoring, and satellite tracking. NOAA
shall continue to support disentanglement, stranding response,
and necropsy activities, and is encouraged to develop
alternative NARW models, such as occupancy or threat-based
models, that can be used to validate or test the sensitivity of
the Decision Support Tool. Within funding provided, NOAA is
encouraged to develop and deploy innovative tags, which may
include the use of foam metals, that are biologically
compatible with animal tissues and that can attach to the
animals long enough to provide crucial information on migration
and habitat use patterns.
Within funding provided, $30,000,000 shall be provided to
States through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
to cover costs associated with testing or voluntary
implementation of innovative gear to inform future Atlantic
Large Whale Take Reduction Plan rule development and electronic
tracking requirements within the Northeast lobster and Jonah
crab fisheries. Funding may also support broad-scale monitoring
efforts to inform understanding of NARW habitat use, dynamic
management, and the development of alternative distribution and
risk models. Funding to the States shall be proportional to the
number of active federally permitted lobster trap harvesters in
each State, and the allocation details shall be developed by
the States through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission. Not more than 5 percent shall be used for
administrative costs.
Further, NOAA is encouraged to consider revising the Linden
and Pace models and Decision Support Tool using ``most
reasonably certain to occur'' rather than ``worst case''
scenarios and assumptions to more accurately predict future
NARW populations before issuing any new proposed or final
regulations.
NOAA shall continue to work with Canadian officials to
develop risk reduction measures that are comparable in
effectiveness for both vessels and fisheries, and to
incorporate Canadian fishery measures, Canadian vessel
restrictions, and U.S. vessel restrictions into future
assessment of overall risk reduction. To improve regional
engagement, NOAA is encouraged to include regional management
bodies and pertinent States in bilateral engagements with
Canadian officials regarding coordinated efforts to enhance
NARW recovery.
Vessel Strike Reduction Actions.--The Committee notes that
NMFS issued a proposed rule to amend the NARW vessel strike
reduction rule in August 2022 (87 FR 46921) and is seeking to
establish vessel speed measures to protect the Rice's whale in
the Gulf of Mexico. The Committee supports the goal of reducing
vessel strikes of endangered whales but is concerned that as
part of the development of the proposed rule, NMFS did not
engage with the recreational boating and fishing community,
ports, nor other stakeholders that would likely be affected by
the rule. Before NOAA issues interim or final rules to protect
endangered whales, the agency shall engage with affected
stakeholders and incorporate relevant comments. Further, the
Committee has heard from other Member offices regarding
difficulties receiving fulsome and timely responses to
congressional inquiries regarding the proposed rule. As a
result, NOAA is directed to provide timely, substantive
responses to congressional requests for information.
In addition, the Committee believes that the recovery of
endangered large whales, including the NARW, will require the
ability to deliver real-time monitoring of individual whales to
mariners and other vessel operators to avoid ship strikes. NOAA
is encouraged to use previously appropriated funds to support a
near real-time monitoring and mitigation pilot program for
NARWs as authorized under section 11303 of the James M. Inhofe
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public
Law 117-263). NOAA is further encouraged to work with other
Federal agencies, including the Office of Naval Research, the
United States Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, as well as industry and academia, to support
technology development, test and evaluation of whale monitoring
technologies through the National Oceanographic Partnership
Program. The Committee expects NOAA to include funding for a
pilot program and a research and development initiative as part
of the fiscal year 2025 budget request.
West Coast Whale Strikes.--The Committee is concerned by
recent whale strikes off the West Coast and encourages NOAA and
the U.S. Coast Guard to consider changes to reduce preventable
whale strikes, especially by cargo vessels.
Further, the Committee provides $200,000 for a pilot
program to establish a cetacean desk within the Puget Sound
Vessel Traffic Service as authorized under section 11304 of the
James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263).
Co-management of Marine Mammals.--The Committee notes the
importance of marine mammal co-management under section 119 of
MMPA. Co-management promotes full and equal participation in
decisions affecting the conservation and management of marine
mammals used for subsistence, to the maximum extent allowed by
law. NMFS has entered into co-management agreements to monitor,
study, and manage harvested marine mammal stocks. The Committee
encourages NMFS to work with co-management entities, including
the Indigenous Peoples Council for Marine Mammals, to develop a
cooperative framework to promote co-management-related
research, outreach, and youth engagement, while addressing
basic capacity needs to meet those objectives. This cooperative
framework should also include the consideration of new co-
management agreements for regions and/or species for which no
agreements currently are in place.
Protected Species in the Western Pacific.--Within Marine
Mammals, Sea Turtles, and Other Species, the Committee provides
not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for Hawaiian
monk seals, Hawaiian sea turtles, and false killer whales. This
includes the amounts made available to support State activities
related to these protected species and for research to mitigate
interactions between fisheries and false killer whales.
Prescott Grants.--Within Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, and
Other Species, the Committee provides $4,500,000 for the John
H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance grant program.
Sea Turtle Stranding Response and Rehabilitation.--Within
Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, and Other Species, the Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
NOAA to provide direct support to institutions and
organizations permitted to provide sea turtle stranding
response and/or rehabilitation. In doing so, NOAA shall also
seek to leverage and strengthen partnerships with capable
university veterinary schools.
Species Recovery Grants.--The Committee directs NMFS to
utilize both the ESA Recovery Plan and the MMPA Take Reduction
Plan priorities when evaluating marine mammal projects.
Atlantic Salmon.--The Committee recognizes the benefits of
restoring coevolved sea-run fish species in support of recovery
of Atlantic salmon and provides $8,000,000 for Atlantic Salmon,
which is $1,250,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level.
The Committee encourages NOAA to partner with States and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop fish passage
performance standards for sea-run species and prioritize
project selection, funding, and staff resources considering
those benefits. The Committee further directs NOAA to ensure
that adequate resources continue to be provided for State
agencies to implement the recovery strategy effectively,
including stable staffing levels.
The Committee notes that the IIJA provides a minimum of
$400,000,000 over 5 years for restoring fish passage, including
$80,000,000 in fiscal year 2024.
Pacific Salmon.--The Committee provides $76,000,000 for
Pacific Salmon, which is $4,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023
enacted level. Within the funding provided for Pacific Salmon,
the Committee encourages NOAA to work with partners to address
the backlog and expedite approval of Hatchery and Genetic
Management Plans and to support the implementation of new
Habitat Conservation Plans. In addition, no less than the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level is provided for pinniped
removals.
Climate-Ready Fishery Management.--The Committee recognizes
that sustainable fishery management is made more challenging by
climate change driven impacts, including changes in the
distribution, productivity, and abundance of fish stocks. NMFS
is encouraged to pilot an operational system that provides
climate-informed advice on changing ocean conditions, impacts
on marine resources, and best management strategies to reduce
impacts and increase economic resilience. In addition, NMFS is
encouraged to establish Fisheries and Climate Decision Support
Systems to deliver the climate-informed advice needed for
effective marine resource management in rapidly changing
oceans. NMFS is also encouraged to develop guidance for how the
regional fishery management councils should incorporate climate
information into fishery management processes and create
opportunities for cross-region collaboration on fishery climate
resilience.
Northeast Groundfish Research.--The Committee remains
concerned about the decline of the Northeast multispecies
fishery and the health of fishing stocks in the Gulf of Maine.
Within funding provided for Fisheries and Ecosystem Science
Programs and Services, the Committee provides $2,500,000 for
groundfish research, with a focus on the effects of changing
climatic conditions and warming waters on the fishery,
including stock health and natural mortality. NOAA is further
encouraged to prioritize research regarding relative gear
efficiency, stock boundaries, and other topics that can improve
groundfish stock assessments in the next 5 years. Within the
funding provided, $500,000 shall be obligated to continue
ongoing work on implementing the recommendations set forth in
the New England Fishery Management Council's Fishery Data for
Stock Assessment Working Group Report, and to continue ongoing
work on implementing the recommendations set forth in the 2020
report of the Groundfish Trawl Task Force, consistent with
prior year direction. This funding is intended to support new
and innovative research, including by the Northeast Fisheries
Science Center, separately by, or in collaboration with,
outside partners such as higher education institutions or State
agencies, and in cooperation with the fishing industry.
Electronic Monitoring and Reporting [EM/ER].--Within
funding for Fisheries and Ecosystem Science Programs and
Services, NOAA shall continue to support the development,
testing, and installation of EM/ER technologies, including
development of electronic reporting systems for commercial
fishermen, image classification efforts in New England, and
improving the National EM image library. Not less than the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level 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 EM/ER
programs, NOAA shall consult directly with industry and work
through the Fishery Management Councils 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
2024 with the charter for-hire recreational fishery fleet in
the Gulf of Mexico; the Northeast multispecies groundfish
fishery fleet, including small vessels within that fleet; the
Maine lobster 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.
Gulf Reef Fish.--Within funding for Fisheries and Ecosystem
Science Programs and Services, the Committee provides no less
than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for NMFS to support
Gulf reef fish surveys, research, and sampling.
Fisheries Surveys.--The Committee is concerned that NMFS is
not prioritizing and maintaining the needed level of fisheries
survey coverage, despite having received more than the
requested funding in previous fiscal years to do so. If
additional funding is needed to maintain historic survey
levels, the Committee expects NOAA to include this amount in
the annual budget request. The Committee notes that any
reduction in fisheries survey coverage is fundamentally
unacceptable, especially in areas where the distribution of
fish stocks are changing due to climate change. NMFS is
directed to maintain historical levels of fisheries survey
coverage in fiscal year 2024. The Committee expects NMFS to
contract no fewer than six surveys for Alaskan bottom trawl
surveys and cooperative research, including a survey to capture
movement of fish populations out of historic survey areas, and
no fewer than four vessels for West Coast groundfish surveys.
This amount also fully funds both Northeast Area Monitoring and
Assessment Program [NEAMAP] trawl surveys, including the Maine-
New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey, as well as the Southeast
Area Monitoring and Assessment Program's [SEAMAP] existing
surveys and addresses critical data gaps in the bottom longline
and fall trawl surveys in the Gulf Coast States.
The Committee is increasingly concerned that Federal
vessel-based fisheries surveys necessary for determining
sustainable and optimal harvest rates for commercial fisheries
have been cancelled with increasing frequency in recent years,
without effective contingency plans for covering the resulting
data gaps. Cancelled Federal vessel-based surveys result in
lost commercial fishing opportunity, as greater uncertainty
around stock size and movement necessitates more conservative
harvest strategies. Vessel-based surveys are necessary to
ensure long-term continuity of critical fisheries information
as commercial fish stock productivity, habitat, and
distribution respond to changing ocean conditions. Such needs
are highly evident in Federal waters off Alaska. Not later than
90 days after enactment of this act, NOAA shall provide the
Committee with a plan to ensure redundancy for survey vessels
through contracted vessels or data from autonomous assets
through the Autonomous Uncrewed Technology Operations [AUTO]
program. NOAA is encouraged to prioritize fishery surveys and
fulfill vessel-based science work for other programs, through
private vessel contracts, public-private partnerships, and
platforms other than NOAA research vessels to allow ample time
for fishery surveys and assessments performed by the NOAA
Fleet.
Fishery Survey Contingency Fund.--The Committee supports
NOAA's efforts to maximize the service life of its vessels,
including planned service life extensions for each of its
fishery survey vessels. The Committee is concerned that these
efforts will impact NOAA's ability to conduct fishery surveys.
Therefore, within Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and
Assessment the Committee provides $1,500,000 for a fishery
survey contingency fund. Funding shall be used for fishery data
acquisition from commercially available sources including
chartering commercial fishing vessels or other private sector
vessels and for data purchases from autonomous systems to
inform stock assessments. NOAA shall identify flexible charter
and data purchase agreements in order to provide contingency
and augmentation capacity for NOAA Fleet fishery surveys. NMFS
is directed to provide the Committee, not later than 90 days
after enactment of this act, with a plan for obtaining and
incorporating data from this fund into the stock assessment
process.
State Management for Recreational Red Snapper.--The
Committee remains invested in ensuring the sustainable
management of Gulf of Mexico red snapper and supports full
integration of the Great Red Snapper Count data and Gulf States
catch data into stock assessments. Within the amount provided
for Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and Assessments, the
Committee provides not less than $5,000,000 for NMFS to
continue to work with the Gulf States to ensure successful
implementation of State management for red snapper.
South Atlantic Reef Fish.--NMFS shall employ the
independent and alternative stock assessment strategies
directed by the Committee for the Gulf of Mexico to NMFS
assessments of reef fish in the South Atlantic. The Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
these activities and notes that the deficiencies that have
plagued reef fish management in the Gulf of Mexico also affect
NMFS management of reef fish in the South Atlantic.
Fishing Gear Selectivity Study.--Within funding provided
for Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and Assessments, NOAA
shall consider conducting a multiyear, agency-independent study
to evaluate if certain gear, such as Chevron traps, fail to
adequately sample across age classes of reef fish, including
red snapper, due to the different behaviors and habits
exhibited by larger and smaller fish within the same or similar
species. NOAA is further encouraged to initiate a multiyear,
agency-independent study using multiple hooked-gears to sample
South Atlantic red snapper for age composition, sexual
maturity, and egg production.
Fisheries Effort Survey [FES].--The Committee is concerned
by reports that the Marine Recreational Information Program FES
may be vastly overstating fishing effort. While the FES
methodology represents a clear improvement from previous
methodologies, the Committee supports the cautious approach to
utilizing these estimates advocated by the Gulf of Mexico
Fishery Management Council and South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council Scientific and Statistical Committees. The
Committee encourages NMFS to conduct a thorough analysis of the
effect of such estimates on stock status and allocation before
they are used for stock management.
Data Collection for Recreational Fisheries.--The Committee
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
collaborative programs focused on improving recreational
fishery data collection, as articulated in sections 102, 201,
and 202 of the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management
Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-405). This funding should focus on
assisting States to establish, test, and implement more
reliable recreational fishery data collection tools, such as
smartphone applications or text messaging supplements. The
Committee directs NMFS to work with the Gulf States to develop
a pilot study on a Gulf-wide recreational fishing effort to
determine the best mechanism to collect data of the quality
sufficient for management decisions through existing
technologies. The Committee supports the use of supplementary
funds previously provided to the agency for these purposes.
Fisheries Information Networks.--The Committee provides not
less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for Fisheries
Information Networks. NMFS is encouraged to support the Gulf
States Marine Fisheries Commission to collect samples for
additional species that may be the target of future stock
assessments.
Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Research.--The Committee is
concerned about the stock condition and lack of basic fishery-
independent data for many important fish species in the Gulf of
Mexico. NMFS is encouraged, via a partnership with the Gulf
States Marine Fisheries Commission, to provide grants to
academic partners, including consortiums of universities, and
other partners to conduct fishery-independent research on
transboundary, multi-jurisdictional fish species in the Gulf of
Mexico for which current data is deficient (e.g. cobia,
tripletail, tarpon, and gray triggerfish), including species
that are solely managed by the Gulf States.
Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Fishing Effort.--The Committee
remains concerned that shrimp fishing effort data collection
and analysis in the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery will be
interrupted by the termination of 3G cellular transmission
service used by NMFS in its Electronic Logbook [ELB] program.
The Committee recognizes that this scientific data is essential
to the annual evaluation of the fishery's effects on sea turtle
and red snapper conservation mandates. Within the funding
provided in Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and
Assessments, the Committee provides $850,000 for NMFS, in
consultation with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
and shrimp industry stakeholders, to continue the development
and implementation of a newly approved ELB that archives vessel
position and automatically transmits scientific shrimp fishing
effort data via cellular service to NMFS. The Committee awaits
receipt of the report outlining progress made to develop and
implement the new ELB program requested in the joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-103.
Northwest Fisheries Ecosystem Monitoring System.--The
Committee recognizes the importance of long-term monitoring
data on ocean conditions and ecological indicators to inform
fisheries management decisions, and to enable advance
forecasting for early detection of ocean conditions known to
produce harmful toxins that affect regional fisheries closures.
Within funds for Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and
Assessments, the Committee provides $850,000 to maintain a
time-series monitoring system of hydrographic and ecological
data to inform fishery management on the Northern California
Current.
Chesapeake Bay Atlantic Menhaden Abundance.--The Chesapeake
Bay is a critical nursery area for Atlantic menhaden and other
commercially and recreationally important species like blue
crab and striped bass. Menhaden comprise a majority of the
forage base in the Chesapeake Bay and are the primary food
source for other fish, birds, and whales in the region. NMFS is
encouraged to collect Atlantic menhaden abundance data in the
Chesapeake Bay in partnership with the Atlantic States Marine
Fisheries Commission and relevant States.
Cooperative Research.--Depleted fish stocks result in
significant economic losses to our Nation. At a time when
fishing opportunities are constrained by uncertainty in stock
assessments 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.
American Lobster and Jonah Crab Research.--The Committee
provides up to $300,000 within Fisheries Data Collections,
Surveys, and Assessments to support a cooperative research
program to collect biological, fishery, and environmental data
for American lobster and Jonah crab using modern technology on
commercial fishing vessels.
Horseshoe Crab Survey.--The Committee remains concerned
about the ability to estimate the abundance of the mid-Atlantic
horseshoe crab population. Adequate data are required to ensure
State and interstate managers can effectively manage the stock,
which is important to the biomedical and commercial fishing
industries, as well as to the ecology of the mid-Atlantic
region. The Committee directs NMFS to continue this important
survey to generate the data necessary to ensure the mid-
Atlantic horseshoe crab stock remains on a sustainable path.
Plankton Recorder Survey.--The Committee notes the
continued importance of understanding the distribution of
Calanus finmarchicus plankton to inform the conservation of the
NARW. Within the amount provided for Fisheries Data
Collections, Surveys, and Assessments, the Committee provides
not less than $300,000 to continue the continuous plankton
recorder survey.
Sharks and Rays.--To better protect and rebuild vulnerable
and endangered shark and ray species, the Committee encourages
NMFS to conduct regular assessments of population status and
rebuilding needs, improve the documentation of relevant species
as bycatch, and ensure transparency and public access for all
fisheries catch information collected.
The Committee directs NOAA to expeditiously implement the
Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act, which was enacted as section
5946 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263). NOAA is further
directed to provide a report to the Committee not later than 90
days after enactment of this act describing any resource needs
required to fully implement; how the agency will coordinate
with other Federal agencies, State and local law enforcement,
and key stakeholders; and plans to raise public awareness on
how to report violations.
Northeast Multispecies Fishery.--The Committee recognizes
that the New England groundfish fisheries management programs
continue to present substantial financial challenges to the
participants as well as to the economic sustainability of those
fisheries and fishing communities. Therefore, the Committee
provides not less than $5,500,000 within Observers and Training
for grants to the fishing industry to fully cover At-Sea
Monitoring industry costs, including all associated sector
costs, in the New England groundfish fishery. Any additional
At-Sea Monitoring costs, including shore side infrastructure,
observer training, observer equipment and gear, electronic
monitoring, and NOAA support costs shall be included in the
fiscal year 2025 budget request. NOAA shall ensure the costs
and benefits of At-Sea Monitoring are commensurate with the
gross revenues of vessels in the fishery and is directed to
submit a report to the Committee not later than 180 days after
the enactment of this act outlining the progress made to
achieve this requirement. Before obligating any of these funds,
NOAA shall provide the Committee with a detailed spending plan.
North Pacific Observer Coverage.--Within Observers and
Training, the Committee provides no less than the fiscal year
2023 enacted level for the North Pacific Observers Program.
Funding shall offset observer costs normally paid for by
harvesters in fisheries that are undertaking a transition to
EM/ER. Additionally, NOAA is encouraged to identify and
implement any efficiencies that would mitigate the cost burden
shouldered by small vessel operators in the fixed-gear fleet.
For-Hire Electronic Monitoring and Reporting
Implementation.--The Committee provides no less than $1,500,000
within Fisheries Management Programs and Services and
$1,500,000 within Enforcement to support the continued, timely
implementation of ELBs for the federally-permitted charter-for-
hire sector in the Gulf of Mexico.
Video Review of Electronic Monitoring Data.--Within funding
provided for Fisheries Management Programs and Services, the
Committee provides no less than $600,000 for the existing video
review of the West Coast groundfish EM data.
Electronic Technologies Strategic Plan.--The Committee
believes that there are substantial benefits to the
implementation of EM/ER in U.S. fisheries and supports NOAA
efforts to increase access to EM/ER technologies. The Committee
directs NMFS to develop a strategic plan detailing actions the
agency will take to expand the adoption of electronic
technologies in U.S. fisheries and improve data governance,
storage, and management systems and policies. NMFS is directed
to solicit stakeholder input during strategy development and
shall provide the Committee with the final plan and estimated
costs for full plan implementation not later than 270 days
after the enactment of this act.
Further, the Committee encourages NMFS to clarify that
fishery observer and At-Sea Monitoring programs may utilize
their discretionary funding to augment human observers with
cost-effective observation tools, including EM/ER technologies,
that are vetted by the agency and appropriate for the
regulatory needs of the region.
International Fisheries Management Coordination.--The
Committee is aware that conflicting American and Canadian
fisheries management measures in the Gulf of Maine have
generated concerns from the domestic fishing and lobster
industries, due to differing conservation regulations. The
Committee encourages NOAA to work with Canadian and State
fisheries officials to explore the possibility of developing an
agreement that provides for cooperative fisheries management of
this unique area.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna.--The Committee recognizes that the
success of the newly adopted assessment and management
frameworks for Atlantic bluefin tuna is predicated on a greater
scientific understanding for this species. Therefore, the
Committee provides $1,000,000 to support research and data
collection for the validation of proposed new spawning grounds,
the application of a groundbreaking genetic population
assessment, and the collection of necessary biological
information from commercial and recreational fishery landings.
Deep Set Buoy Gear.--The Committee is concerned by NMFS's
efforts regarding exempted fishing permits for pelagic
longlines, including 60-mile longlines, in the West Coast
Exclusive Economic Zone [EEZ], which are prohibited under the
Pacific Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan and
California State law. Noting that Pacific Fishery Management
Council analyses indicate a deep set buoy gear fishery could
ultimately support a 500 vessel fleet, a level of participation
in the fishery not seen in decades, within 60 days of
enactment, NMFS shall report to the Committee on a plan for how
deep set buoy gear can be expanded and scaled to increase
domestic swordfish landings and achieve optimum yield in the
fishery and justification for pelagic longlining targeting
swordfish under the Pacific Highly Migratory Species Fishery
Management Plan in light of requirements under 16 U.S.C.
1826(c) to promote fishing methods that minimize bycatch in
former large-scale driftnet fisheries, including any scientific
data underpinning this policy approach.
Advancing Equity within Fisheries Management.--The
Committee encourages NMFS to implement projects and initiatives
that advance equity and environmental justice within fisheries
management. This could include improving Territorial fisheries
science and management, building indicators of community social
vulnerability, providing education and outreach for diverse
participation in the regulatory and science process, and
supporting workforce training within the seafood industry.
Observer Data Integration.--The Committee provides $500,000
within Fisheries Management Programs and Services to expedite
efforts to integrate At-Sea Monitoring data into stock
assessment models.
Electronic Vessel Trip Reporting [eVTR].--In 2021, all
federally-permitted vessels on the East Coast were required to
submit trip reports electronically through a new eVTR system.
The Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office's trip reporting
program shows promise, but requires additional data
architecture and application improvements to expand its utility
in the Mid-Atlantic and to all East Coast commercial fishermen.
Within Fisheries Management Programs and Services, the
Committee provides $250,000 to support improvement and
expansion of the eVTR program.
Marine Aquaculture.--The Committee recognizes the
significant potential for development of American offshore
aquaculture to increase U.S. production of healthful,
sustainable, and affordable seafood, while expanding the
seafood value chain to include traditional agricultural
producers as well. The Office of Aquaculture has performed
commendable work to coordinate efforts within NOAA and across
Federal agencies toward a comprehensive approach to aquaculture
policy and regulation. The Committee provides $5,000,000 to
establish a new cooperative institute [CI] to support the
sustainable development of aquaculture in the United States to
address the seafood import deficit and benefit the economy. The
CI will help the agency fulfill the tenets of the NOAA
Aquaculture Strategic Plan.
NOAA is also encouraged to upgrade equipment and to
increase the amount of staff focused on aquaculture at all NMFS
fisheries science centers, including to return staffing levels
to those in fiscal year 2010 at the Northeast and Northwest
Fisheries Science Centers. Further, the Committee provides no
less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level to continue the
multi-year Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture demonstration
pilot system.
Oyster Aquaculture, Research, and Restoration.--Within NMFS
Aquaculture, the Committee provides no less than the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level to support ongoing research in off-
bottom Eastern oyster production in coastal areas, particularly
in areas where this method is being exploited for commercial
production, including the Gulf of Mexico, and encourages NMFS
to dedicate resources to support regional partnerships for
genetics, disease, and economic modeling.
Salmon Management Activities.--Within the amount provided
for Salmon Management Activities, the Committee provides
$41,000,000 to enable NOAA, the Pacific States, and Tribal
communities to continue activities in support of the
obligations set forth in the renegotiated annex of the Pacific
Salmon Treaty. Before any of these funds may be obligated, NOAA
is directed to provide the Committee with a detailed spending
plan that is reflective of the funding recommendations produced
by the U.S. section of the Pacific Salmon Commission. In doing
so, NOAA is directed to consult with the Pacific States, Tribal
communities, and other stakeholders. Further, NOAA is
encouraged to minimize, to the extent practicable, the amount
of funds withheld for administrative expenses.
The Committee also provides not less than $23,500,000 for
the operation and maintenance of Mitchell Act hatcheries and
directs NOAA to continue genetic stock identification for
salmon recovery and management.
Automatic Identification System [AIS] Transponders.--The
Committee recognizes that increased use of AIS transponders by
fishing vessels could improve safety at sea, enhance domain
awareness, and reduce illegal fishing. Not later than 270 days
after the enactment of this act, NMFS shall provide the
Committee with an assessment of the potential benefits of
widespread deployment of Class A AIS transponders on fishing
vessels less than 65 feet in length.
Fishery Councils and Commissions.--The Committee provides a
total of $44,297,000 to support the Regional Fishery Management
Councils, Interstate Marine Fisheries Commissions, and
International Fisheries Commissions. The Committee recognizes
the important role that regional management plays in sustaining
a balanced ecosystem and healthy fish populations and the
advantage that aggregate data can provide in understanding
emerging trends across our Nation's fisheries. The Committee
directs the Regional Councils and Fisheries Commissions to
prioritize research and monitoring of high priority species in
the face of changing environmental conditions.
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated [IUU] Fishing.--The
Committee notes NOAA's important role outlined in the National
Security Memorandum on Combating Illegal, Unreported, and
Unregulated Fishing and Associated Labor Abuses and directs the
agency to continue to dedicate the necessary resources to
combat IUU fishing.
The Committee is aware that commercial space-based radio
frequency [RF] detection technologies have been successful in
tracking maritime vessels even when vessels turn off their AIS,
which is a common practice among foreign fleets engaged in IUU
fishing. Identifying when and where IUU fishing may be
occurring is critical to NMFS Enforcement's mission and can
help better allocate limited resources to areas of interest
where illegal fishing is taking place. Therefore, the Committee
provides not less than $750,000 for NMFS to further test and
operationalize U.S. commercial space-based RF data collection
capabilities to track foreign vessels engaged in IUU fishing
activities in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and other remote
maritime regions of economic, environmental, and national
security significance. Further, the Committee encourages NOAA
to improve existing enterprise systems to better integrate and
operationalize commercial maritime domain awareness products
and data, including commercial satellite RF, into agency
workflows to create actionable insights that allow the Office
of Law Enforcement to respond to illicit behavior at the speed
of relevance.
Cooperative Agreements with States.--The Committee is
concerned by the critical staffing shortages among some partner
State and territorial law enforcement agencies and provides no
less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for Joint
Enforcement Agreements [JEAs], which are critical for proper
surveillance and enforcement of our Nation's fisheries laws.
Additionally, the Committee directs NMFS Office of Law
Enforcement to use a stable funding model and ensure that
Federal enforcement requirements are better aligned with the
priorities of State and territorial enforcement partners.
Northeast Lobster Enforcement.--Within Enforcement, the
Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level for NMFS, in partnership with the relevant States, JEA
partner agencies, and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Commission, to continue the pilot cooperative offshore lobster
enforcement program.
European Green Crab.--The Committee is concerned by the
rapid and growing invasion of European green crab around the
country, including in the Pacific Northwest. The Committee
provides $2,000,000 within Habitat Conservation and Restoration
for management, intervention, and mitigation of invasive
European green crab.
Northwest Straits Initiative.--The Committee provides
$1,000,000 to protect and restore the marine waters, habitats,
and species of the Northwest Straits region to achieve
ecosystem health and sustainable resource use.
Restoring Fish Passage.--The Committee directs NOAA to
provide, not later than 120 days after enactment of this act, a
report providing an update on recovery and restoration efforts
for coho salmon and related salmonids in the Klamath River
Basin. The report should include an investment strategy for the
entire Basin in anticipation of the completion of historic dam
removal efforts.
Oyster Restoration.--The Committee provides not less than
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level within Habitat Conservation
and Restoration to support oyster restoration in the Chesapeake
Bay.
NOAA OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
The Committee's recommendation provides $661,297,000 for
OAR. OAR programs provide environmental research and technology
needed to improve NOAA weather 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:
Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.. 104,102
Regional Climate Data and Information............ 47,932
Climate Competitive Research..................... 72,116
------------------
Total, Climate Research...................... 224,150
==================
Weather and Air Chemistry Research:
Weather Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.. 93,156
U.S. Weather Research Program.................... 39,100
Tornado Severe Storm Research/Phased Array Radar. 20,916
Joint Technology Transfer Initiative............. 13,244
------------------
Total, Weather and Air Chemistry Research.... 166,416
==================
Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Research:
Ocean Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.... 39,500
Ocean Exploration and Research................... 46,000
National Sea Grant College Program............... 80,000
Sea Grant Aquaculture Research................... 14,000
Integrated Ocean Acidification................... 17,000
Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring...... 52,500
National Oceanographic Partnership Program....... 2,500
------------------
Total, Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes 251,500
Research....................................
==================
High Performance Computing Initiatives............... 19,231
==================
GRAND TOTAL, OAR............................. 661,279
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Staffing Levels.--The Committee is concerned that as of the
second quarter of fiscal year 2023, OAR has a vacancy rate of
nearly 18 percent, which is inhibiting the critical scientific
endeavors of the agency. OAR is directed to continue its focus
on improving workforce management, particularly filling
extended vacancies with highly-qualified candidates.
Earth's Radiation Budget.--The Committee provides no less
than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for continued modeling,
assessments, and, as possible, initial observations and
monitoring of stratospheric conditions and the Earth's
radiation budget, including the impact of the introduction of
material into the stratosphere from changes in natural systems,
increased air and space traffic, and the assessment of solar
radiation modification. The Committee also directs OAR, in
coordination with NASA and the Department of Energy, as
appropriate, to improve the understanding of the impact of
atmospheric aerosols on radiative forcing, as well as on the
formation of clouds, precipitation, and extreme weather and to
develop plans for sustained observations of the stratosphere.
Further, NOAA is encouraged to coordinate with NASA for long-
range crewed and autonomous in situ atmospheric observational
capabilities.
NOAA, in coordination with NASA, NSF, and other relevant
Federal agencies, shall provide the Committee, not later than
180 days after enactment of this act, with a physical sciences
research plan to support scientific assessment of near-term
climate hazard risk and atmospheric solar geoengineering within
5 years. The plan shall provide guidance on transparency,
scientific integrity, scientific independence, risk management,
and international research collaboration for publicly funded
solar geoengineering research. Additionally, the research plan
shall identify the capabilities needed to detect and identify
attempts at solar geoengineering by other State and non-State
actors and to forecast their effects. As part of this process,
NOAA is encouraged to engage with nongovernmental stakeholders.
Climate Adaptation Partnerships [CAP].--As the Nation
continues to experience the increasingly disruptive impacts of
climate change, NOAA's role as a provider of climate data,
models, projections, and services is becoming more prominent
and critical to our society. Therefore, the Committee provides
not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for the CAP
program, formerly known as the Regional Integrated Sciences and
Assessments program, to help communities plan for and build
lasting and equitable climate resilience, especially in rural,
Indigenous, and underserved urban communities. The Committee
notes that it is important for the CAP teams to have a
connection to the region they serve and, to the extent
practicable, encourages NOAA to ensure that CAP teams are
managed, staffed, and based at an institution located in the
region served.
Tribal Drought Resilience Initiative.--The recommendation
includes not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
drought prediction outreach to Tribal communities through the
National Integrated Drought Information System [NIDIS] as
authorized in the NIDIS Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-430).
National Integrated Heat Health Information System
[NIHHIS].--The Committee encourages OAR, through NIHHIS, to
support focused heat research to translate existing climate
services and NOAA products necessary to build capacity to
mitigate heat-related hazards, manage risks, advance heat
equity, develop metrics, and promote governance structures,
processes, and strategies to advance heat resilience across all
U.S. geographies. This may include scaling-up the heat research
capacity of academic institutions with established leadership
in heat research, particularly those with the demonstrated
ability to translate research to decision-making to advance
heat resilience quickly.
Forward-Looking Building Standards.--The Committee
appreciates NOAA's efforts to assess needs for an authoritative
set of climate information, including infrastructure planning
decision support tools, but remains concerned about how climate
change will impact the built environment and that standards
previously set with an assumption of a stable climate system
will expose many Federal and non-Federal investments to
significant, but avoidable, risk. Therefore, the Committee
directs NOAA, in collaboration with NIST, to continue to
support research that enables consistent, authoritative set of
forward-looking long-term meteorological information that
models future extreme weather events, other environmental
trends, projections, and up-to-date observations, including
mesoscale meteorological information.
Precipitation Prediction Grand Challenge.--In order to
better understand and predict rainfall events, the Committee
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
the Precipitation Prediction Grand Challenge.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Detection Technologies.--The
Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level for a pilot program of instrumentation for observing
greenhouse gases and other atmospheric factors deployed on
commercial aircraft and to support the evaluation of a
sustained observing network using such platforms. The pilot
program should be in cooperation with other Federal agencies,
as relevant, and should leverage the NWS's Aircraft-Based
Observation Program, as appropriate.
In addition, NOAA is encouraged to collaborate with current
and new partners to make use of commercial assets to monitor
methane emissions from aircraft and satellites to pinpoint the
source of emissions at the individual facility level anywhere
in the world.
Marine Ecosystem Responses to Climate Change.--The
Committee recognizes the impacts of climate change on
fisheries, including changes in the distribution, productivity,
and abundance of fish stocks that make sustainable management
more challenging. Within the funds provided for Climate
Competitive Research, the Committee encourages OAR to fund
improvements to ocean modeling systems and to build a high-
resolution regional ocean modeling and prediction system that
can inform climate-ready resource management.
Tornado Research.--Within the funding provided for Weather
Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes, the Committee provides
not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for the
VORTEX-USA program. The Committee notes the lack of progress on
improving tornado forecasts and warnings and directs NOAA to
pursue and extend new partnerships, including with the
commercial sector, to test novel and innovative data sources,
including commercial radar capabilities, to improve coverage
and forecasting skill. Further, NOAA is encouraged to
accelerate coupling of the weather forecast model with radar
observations to add the ability to classify hail size, detect
tornado debris, and better determine the type and intensity of
precipitation.
The Committee encourages NOAA to pursue research on near
real-time infrasonic monitoring of hurricanes and tornadoes.
Advanced infrasound signal processing methodologies and
studies, deployed through a network of infrasound arrays to
detect tornadoes, have the potential to provide accurate and
reliable locations and warnings of active tornadoes.
Weather Modeling Improvement and Innovation.--Within
funding for the U.S. Weather Research Program, the Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
the Earth Prediction Innovation Center [EPIC], as authorized by
the NIDIS Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-423). The
Committee directs NOAA to prioritize funding for software
engineering and community code management. The Committee
further directs NOAA to support extramural grants for community
adoption and development of the Unified Forecast System [UFS].
NOAA shall also secure the acquisition of commercial cloud high
performance compute to support EPIC.
Subseasonal to Seasonal Weather Prediction.--Within funding
for the U.S. Weather Research Program, the Committee provides
not less than $1,000,000 to continue the subseasonal to
seasonal research program to seed innovative research testbeds.
Such efforts shall include a pilot project for subseasonal to
seasonal precipitation forecasts for water management in the
western United States recommended in NOAA's report to Congress
pursuant to section 201 of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-25). The pilot project
should be carried out in coordination with the National Weather
Service and should be focused on achieving measurable
objectives for operational forecast improvement, including
forecasts of seasonal mountain snowpack accumulation and total
seasonal precipitation. The Committee encourages NOAA to
emphasize subseasonal to seasonal capabilities in their future
budget requests.
Fire Weather.--As the Nation combats yet another dangerous
and extreme wildfire season, the Committee notes with urgency
the importance of improving fire weather modeling, prediction,
detection, and decision support tools. The Committee provides
not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level within the
U.S. Weather Research Program to continue the collaborative and
integrated fire weather research program, including the Fire
Weather Testbed.
Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information System.--
The Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2023
enacted level within the U.S. Weather Research Program for a
regional radar array demonstration project to enable better
forecasting of extreme West Coast precipitation events, like
atmospheric rivers.
LiDAR Technology.--NOAA is encouraged to develop,
demonstrate, and commercialize advanced, compact LiDAR systems
uniquely tailored to near-surface marine and atmospheric
profiling from UAS and mobile ground-based platforms. This new
technology could increase NOAA's ability to flexibly collect
real-time data that fills temporal and spatial gaps left by
existing platforms.
Drought and Agriculture Decision Support.--The Committee
encourages OAR, through NIDIS, to create drought and
agriculture decision support systems for western rangeland
based upon synthesis of National Mesonet Program data and
satellite remote sensing technologies in the Upper Missouri
River Basin. Stakeholder training and the ability to accurately
forecast drought is critical to supporting food security for
our Nation, as well as Federal and State agencies in making
decisions on land sustainability and critical ecosystem
services on public lands that are used by wildlife and
livestock.
Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Laboratories and
Cooperative Institutes.--The Committee provides $39,500,000 for
Ocean Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes. The Committee
expects NOAA to request funding these cooperative institutes at
appropriate levels in future years, including well-established
institutes focused on: watershed impacts on marine ecosystems;
remote sensing; fisheries management; long-term monitoring of
oil spill impacts on marine and freshwater ecosystem health;
coastal resilience; air and marine autonomy; ocean exploration;
tropical storms; hypoxia and HABs.
Genomics.--The Committee supports the use of genomics
research to uncover novel adaptations in marine life to extreme
and dynamic environments; to develop sustainable strategies in
fishing, aquaculture, and mining practices; and to provide
foundational discoveries for biopharmaceuticals.
Ocean Exploration.--The Committee directs OAR to accelerate
efforts to map and characterize America's Exclusive Economic
Zone and extended Outer Continental Shelf, including by
maximizing the amount of funding provided for the Ocean
Exploration CI. NOAA is also encouraged to work with the
Department of Education and other relevant agencies 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.
National Sea Grant College Program.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the Sea Grant program to enhance
the practical use and conservation of coastal, marine, and
Great Lakes resources to create a sustainable economy and
environment, while simultaneously providing invaluable
educational opportunities to students. The Committee provides
$80,000,000 the Sea Grant program.
Coastal Resilience.--NOAA is encouraged to support Sea
Grant coastal resilience activities across all State programs,
including recruitment of resilience-focused staff and enhancing
research, engagement, decision support, and project
implementation. NOAA is encouraged to prioritize work to
enhance the coastal resilience of remote communities most at-
risk for natural disasters and chronic events, with a priority
given to challenges faced by Tribal, indigenous, and
economically disadvantaged communities.
Young Fishermen's Development Act.--Within funding for the
Sea Grant program, the Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level for training, education,
outreach, and technical assistance for young fishermen as
authorized under the Young Fishermen's Development Act (Public
Law 116-289).
American Lobster Research.--Within funding for the Sea
Grant program, the Committee provides $2,000,000 for
partnerships among State agencies, academia, and industry to
address American lobster research priorities in the Gulf of
Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England. Research should
focus on stock resilience in the face of environmental changes,
including life history parameters, distribution, and abundance,
with the purpose of informing future management actions.
Contaminants of Emerging Concern.--The Committee is alarmed
by reports of contaminants of emerging concern that may cause
ecological or human health impacts, including PFAS, in coastal
and estuarine waters. The Committee notes that more research is
needed to better understand the prevalence, transportation,
accumulation, effects, and fate of contaminants of emerging
concern within coastal waters. Therefore, the Committee
provides $1,000,000 within the Sea Grant program to partner
with State agencies and academic institutions to research and
monitor these emerging contaminants.
Sea Grant Aquaculture Research.--The Committee provides
$14,000,000 for Sea Grant Aquaculture Research. Within the
funding provided, NOAA is encouraged to explore new research
topics, including engineering of ocean-based infrastructure,
and accumulation and metabolization rates of brevetoxins in
commonly farmed shellfish. The Committee further encourages Sea
Grant Aquaculture to partner with Historically Black Colleges
and Universities that conduct aquaculture research.
National Oceanographic Partnership Program [NOPP].--The
Committee provides $2,500,000 for NOPP to continue to
facilitate interagency and public-private partnerships to
advance ocean science research, development, and education.
Within the funds provided, NOAA shall allocate no less than
$500,000 to work with other appropriate Federal agency and
industry partners to develop, test, and evaluate ocean-based
carbon dioxide removal technologies.
NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,248,393,000 for
the National Weather Service [NWS]. NWS programs provide timely
and accurate meteorologic, hydrologic, and oceanographic
warnings and forecasts to protect life and property 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 through 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.......................................... 251,462
Central Processing.................................... 110,500
Analyze, Forecast and Support......................... 589,500
Dissemination......................................... 116,979
Science and Technology Integration.................... 179,952
-----------------
GRAND TOTAL, NWS.................................. 1,248,393
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NWS Staffing.--The Committee recognizes and appreciates
NWS's commitment and efforts-to-date to fill vacancies,
especially for weather forecast personnel. However, less than
50 percent of Weather Forecast Offices [WFO] are ideally
staffed, and the Committee continues to be concerned with the
number of NWS employee vacancies given the critical nature the
NWS mission to protect the lives and property of our Nation's
citizens. The Committee expects NOAA to continue the agency
focus on expeditiously increasing NWS staffing, particularly at
WFOs.
Observations.--The Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level for the Aircraft Based
Observation Program and directs NWS to coordinate with and
leverage existing capabilities of the National Mesonet Program
to increase the use and deployment of commercial aviation-based
atmospheric data, with an emphasis on water vapor data for
numerical weather prediction improvement.
National Mesonet Program.--The Committee rejects the
proposed cut to the National Mesonet Program and provides not
less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level. Investments going
forward should sustain coverage of data types and areas now
included within the National Mesonet Program, as well as reduce
weather radar gaps, expand in-situ and remote sensing
capabilities to provide weather measurements in high-risk
areas. The Committee encourages NWS to enhance coverage by the
National Mesonet Program in non-contiguous States and
territories. Further, the Committee encourages emphasis on the
boundary layer of the atmosphere, marine zones, and select
surface-based gap filling networks. NOAA is encouraged to
assess the value of the data to improving forecast model skill
through analytical and quantitative methods such as conducting
observing system experiments, data denial, or equivalent
methods.
Of the funds provided, up to $900,000 may be used for
Meteorological Assimilation Data Ingest System activities and
up to $600,000 may be used for costs associated with the
National Mesonet Program Office. NOAA is encouraged to build
out the Program Office team commensurate with the program's
size and scope.
Automated Surface Observing System [ASOS].--The Committee
supports NWS's ongoing efforts to prolong the service life of
ASOS. NWS is directed to ensure that rural and remote
communities who disproportionately rely on ASOS operability for
continued reliable air service are provided with additional
resources, such as trained human observers, to continue
observing capabilities in the event of an ASOS outage.
Space Weather.--The Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level to support the space weather
prediction testbed to help drive research to operations to
ensure national and global communities are prepared for space-
weather events in furtherance of NOAA's responsibilities under
the Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to
Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow [PROSWIFT] Act (Public Law
116-181).
National Data Buoy Center [NDBC].--The Committee lauds the
recent efforts of the NDBC to both restore buoy operability
throughout its station network and to offset critical outages
within the network including using commercially-available
uncrewed maritime systems. Within funding for Observations, the
Committee directs NWS to continue to prioritize efforts to
maintain NDBC station network operations at or above 80 percent
data availability. Further, additional direction and resources
are provided within the Office of Marine and Aviation
Operations to support the continued use of commercially-
available uncrewed maritime systems to offset critical outages
within the NDBC network.
Tsunami Warning Program.--The Committee supports the
proposal to ensure continuity of operations between the Tsunami
Warning Centers. The Committee provides not less than
$4,000,000 for the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program
to support education, awareness, and inundation and evacuation
map development.
Weather Alerts.--The Committee supports NWS's ongoing
efforts to provide Spanish translation of weather products.
However, more steps must be taken to ensure that all weather
forecast and warning products can be understood by individuals
with limited English proficiency. Therefore, NOAA is encouraged
to expand use of relevant technology, including adaptive neural
machine translation technologies, to pursue translation models
for additional languages.
Office of Water Prediction [OWP].--The Committee provides
not less than fiscal year 2023 enacted level for OWP, which
receives funding across multiple NWS budget lines. The
Committee maintains the direction carried in previous fiscal
years for NWS to continue to expedite hiring within the
National Water Center [NWC] Water Prediction Operations
Division. NWS is encouraged to initiate Flood Inundation
Mapping operations through the NWC.
Hydrology and Water Resource Programs.--The Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
NOAA to support CIROH. NOAA is encouraged to leverage the CI
expertise to help NOAA assess the most operationally-relevant
research.
Data Assimilation.--The Joint Effort for Data assimilation
Integration [JEDI] is the next generation, unified data
assimilation framework under collaborative development between
NOAA and cross-agency partners through the Joint Center for
Satellite Data Assimilation [JCSDA]. JEDI will allow for a
faster development and research-to-operations of advanced data
assimilation and related components to meet the requirements of
NOAA's Unified Forecast System [UFS]. The Committee provides
$1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level within
Science and Technology Integration to support JEDI development
at JCSDA. The Committee directs NOAA to include sufficient
funding in their fiscal year 2025 budget request to advance
JEDI and maintain access to the intellectual capacity necessary
to ensure that NOAA maximizes the science and predictions
derived from its Earth observing systems.
Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project.--The Committee
directs NOAA to continue the Hurricane Forecast Improvement
Program authorized by section 104 of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-25).
Consumer Option for an Alternative System To Allocate
Losses [COASTAL] Act Implementation.--The Committee provides
not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for the
development and implementation of the COASTAL Act (division F,
title II of Public Law 112-141). 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.
Development of Atlas 15.--The Committee recognizes that as
States and communities work to implement transformational
Federal infrastructure funding provided by the IIJA, they are
also facing destructive and costly impacts from catastrophic
flooding and extreme rainfall. This reality underscores the
urgency of NOAA's ongoing development of the Precipitation-
Frequency Atlas of the United States in accordance with the
Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act
(Public Law 117-316). The Committee is aware that NOAA intends
to release its authoritative Atlas 15 product for the
continental U.S. in 2026, followed by a product for non-
contiguous States and Territories in 2027. The Committee is
concerned that Federal, State, and local entities are currently
making infrastructure investments using outdated precipitation
data that fail to accurately account for current or future
hazards. Therefore, the Committee encourages NOAA to
expeditiously develop and release interim Atlas 15 data,
consistent with NOAA's experimental information standard, for
provisional use within the next fiscal year to support
implementation of flood resilient infrastructure.
NOAA NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE
The Committee's recommendation provides $383,637,000 for
National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service
[NESDIS] operations. NESDIS programs operate environmental
polar-orbiting, geostationary, and space weather 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........ 251,665
Product Development, Readiness and Application.... 59,850
U.S. Group on Earth Observations.................. 750
-----------------
Total, Environmental Satellite Observing 312,265
Systems......................................
=================
National Centers for Environmental Information........ 71,372
=================
GRAND TOTAL, NESDIS........................... 383,637
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Satellite Operations Technical Transfers.--The Committee
accepts the $8,100,000 in technical transfers to the Office of
Satellite and Product Operations and Product Development,
Readiness and Application proposed in the administration's
request to move operations funded within Low Earth Orbit from
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction to ORF.
Office of Satellite and Product Operations.--The Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
Satellite and Product Operations Deferred and Extended
Maintenance, including for upgrades to ground systems and
antenna systems at facilities such as those in Virginia, West
Virginia, and Alaska.
NESDIS Common Cloud Framework [NCCF].--The Committee
encourages NESDIS to prioritize dissemination and access
services from the NCCF, which is a cloud-based repository for
aggregation of real-time observations for the initialization of
the UFS.
National Centers for Environmental Information [NCEI].--The
Committee provides $71,372,000 for NCEI, including not less
than $10,000,000 for Regional Climate Services, $6,100,000 for
Regional Climate Centers, and $5,500,000 for Coastal Data
Development. NOAA shall consider the Coastal Data Development
program as the central repository to manage data collections
from NOAA uncrewed systems to achieve the Commercial Engagement
Through Ocean Technology [CENOTE] Act (Public Law 115-394)
goals by amplifying the use of data for environmental and
economic innovation. NCEI is encouraged to continue the
development of a Data Assembly Hub for uncrewed systems, in
coordination with the related project supported through NOAA
Special Projects.
NOAA MISSION SUPPORT
The Committee's recommendation provides $414,760,000 for
NOAA's mission support activities. These programs provide for
overall NOAA management, including staffing of the Under
Secretary's office and services to NOAA field offices, as well
as NOAA's Education Office.
Committee recommendations are displayed in the following
table:
MISSION SUPPORT OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission Support Services:
Executive Leadership.............................. 31,743
Mission Services and Management................... 183,375
IT Security....................................... 16,393
Payment to DOC Working Capital Fund............... 71,299
Facilities Maintenance............................ 6,500
Office of Space Commerce.......................... 70,000
-----------------
Total, Mission Support Services............... 379,310
=================
Office of Education:
NOAA Education Program Base....................... 6,000
Jose E. Serrano Education Partnership Program with 20,750
Minority Serving Insitutions.....................
BWET Regional Progams............................. 8,700
-----------------
Total, Office of Education.................... 35,450
=================
GRAND TOTAL, MISSION SUPPORT.................. 414,760
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOAA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.--The Committee
recognizes NOAA for taking steps to build a more diverse and
inclusive workplace. The Committee provides not less than the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level to accelerate NOAA's Diversity
and Inclusion Plan, to expand NOAA's recruiting program, and
for equity assessment and implementation support in compliance
with Executive Order 13985.
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.--The Committee
commends the agency for its efforts to provide employees a
workplace free from sexual assault and sexual harassment,
including issuance of NOAA Administrative Order [NAO] 202-1106
and creation of the Workplace Violence Prevention and Response
Program. The Committee directs NOAA to continue implementing
NAO 202-1106 and expanding services and provides not less than
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for these purposes.
NOAA Environmental Security Computing Center [NESCC].--The
Committee supports NOAA's strategic priority to pursue economic
development through the growth of the New Blue Economy and
understands that the cost and complexity involved in accessing
the agency's vast climate and weather data is an obstacle to
achieving this growth. Not later than 180 days after the
enactment of this act, NOAA shall provide the Committee with a
plan to validate the technical approach, resources required,
and feasibility of integrating a subset of the agency's data
holdings at the NESCC to provide real-time data analysis,
improved tools and access for commercial use of NOAA data and
increase entrepreneurial engagement. The plan may include a
Center of Excellence at the NESCC to facilitate a public-
private pilot program that will allow the use of commercially
available technology where practical, as well as the
recruitment and development of a high-skilled computational
science and information technology workforce.
Office of Space Commerce [OSC].--The Committee provides not
less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for OSC to advance
space traffic management and space situational awareness
capabilities through a Traffic Coordination Space System, in
collaboration with industry and Federal partners. The Committee
expects operational capability not later than fiscal year 2025.
Facilities Maintenance.--The Committee awaits receipt of
the business case analysis for a new Center of Excellence as
required in the joint explanatory statement accompanying Public
Law 117-103. NOAA is directed to immediately provide the
analysis to the Committee.
Bay Watershed Education and Training [BWET].--The Committee
encourages NOAA to expand BWET regional programs to new
priority regions, which may include the Delaware Bay.
Cooperative Science Center for Ocean Education.--The
Committee encourages the administration to request funding for
a cooperative science center for ocean education in its fiscal
year 2025 budget request.
National Ocean Sciences Bowl [NOSB].--The Committee is
deeply disappointed that the 2023 competition was cancelled.
NOSB has been highly successful in educating and inspiring the
next generation of ocean leaders over the past 25 years. NOAA
shall report to the Committee not later than 90 days after the
enactment of this act regarding the plan to continue the
program.
NOAA OFFICE OF MARINE AND AVIATION OPERATIONS
The Committee's recommendation provides $329,677,000 for
NOAA's marine and aviation operations. The OMAO 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.
OFFICE OF MARINE AND AVIATION OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marine Operations and Maintenance..................... 204,000
Aviation Operations and Aircraft Services............. 40,500
Autonomous Unmanned Technology Operations............. 21,677
NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps....................... 63,500
-----------------
GRAND TOTAL, OMAO................................. 329,677
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey Vessel Capacity.--The Committee has consistently
supported NOAA's plan to recapitalize its vessel fleet.
However, the Committee is particularly concerned with regard to
future operations capabilities as many of NOAA's vessels
require midlife service extensions. The Committee directs NOAA
to develop a strategy for having redundant capabilities for
conducting surveys when their vessels are out of commission.
This should include contingency chartering agreements, uncrewed
assets capable of operating independent of vessels, and
commercial data purchase agreements. This strategy shall
include budget estimates and shall be provided to the Committee
not later than 210 days after enactment of this act.
Monitoring of Atmospheric Rivers.--Improving understanding
of atmospheric rivers is critical to prepare for concentrated
rain storms and flooding along the U.S. west coast. Therefore,
the Committee provides up to $2,500,000 within Aviation
Operations and Aircraft Services to better observe and predict
these extreme weather events.
Autonomous and Uncrewed Technology Operations [AUTO].--The
Committee provides $21,677,000 for AUTO. No less than
$10,000,000 shall be used for agency-wide data acquisition from
commercially-available, mission-as-a-service uncrewed maritime
systems [UMS] in support of relevant operational missions
including: (1) hurricane intensity forecasting; (2) ocean
monitoring, including in-situ observations in support of the
NDBC and management and enforcement of marine national
monuments in the Pacific; (3) acoustic fishery surveys; (4)
ocean exploration; and (5) hydrographic surveys. Within the
funds provided, no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level
shall be used to support extramural partnerships with
universities and oceanographic institutions for UMS research,
development, testing, and training, including research to
improve precise marine navigation and coastal resilience
through improvements to uncrewed platforms.
Aviation Accession Training Program.--The Committee
provides no less than $3,000,000 within NOAA Commissioned
Officer Corps to support OMAO's aviation accession training
program, as authorized in section 105 of the NOAA Commissioned
Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-259). The
Committee encourages NOAA to designate one or more Cooperative
Aviation Centers to facilitate the development and recruitment
of aviators for the Commissioned Officer Corps at higher
education institutions that have accredited professional flight
and piloting programs.
NOAA SPECIAL PROJECTS
The Committee's recommendation provides $85,169,000 for
NOAA Special Projects as detailed in the table below. The
Committee directs NOAA to provide the amounts listed in the
table and NOAA shall perform the same level of oversight and
due diligence as with any other external partners.
NOAA SPECIAL PROJECTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recipient Project Purpose Recommended ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska Department of Fish and Alaska Survey Charter 1,200,000
Game. Vessel.
Alaska Department of Fish and Juvenile Pacific 4,000,000
Game. Salmon Research.
Alaska Department of Fish and Research Vessel 2,500,000
Game. Equipment Upgrades
and Maintenance.
Alaska Fisheries Development Alaska King Crab 4,000,000
Foundation. Enhancement Project.
American Museum of Natural Climate and 1,250,000
History. Biodiversity Research
& Education.
Anacostia Watershed Society... Anacostia River 225,000
Aquatic Ecosystem
Restoration and
Monitoring.
Board of Trustees of the Offshore Seismic 550,000
University of Illinois. Mapping.
Center for Coastal Studies.... Humpback Whale 200,000
Research Program.
College of Charleston......... South Carolina Marine 1,325,000
Resources Center.
Colorado State University..... Open Soil Water Sensor 1,450,000
Commercial Fisheries Research Black Sea Bass 535,000
Foundation. Research Fleet.
Coonamessett Farm Foundation, Fishing for Data: 2,000,000
Inc.. Massachusetts
Cooperative Fisheries
Research.
Good Shepherd Food Bank....... Maine Seafood and 750,000
Community Partnership.
Hawaii County Department of West Hawaii Island 1,000,000
Water Supply. Watershed Restoration
and Recharge.
Hawaii Department of Land and Limu Cultivation at 700,000
Natural Resources Division of the Anuenue Fisheries
Aquatic Resources (DAR). Research Center.
Hawaii Department of Land and Waiakea Pond and 750,000
Natural Resources Division of Pelekane Bay
Aquatic Resources (DAR). Restoration.
Hawaii Department of Land and Native Plant Carbon 300,000
Natural Resources Division of Sequestration.
Aquatic Resources (DAR).
Hawaii Department of Land and Hawaii Mesonet Network 350,000
Natural Resources, Commission Equipment.
on Water Resource Management.
Institute for Marine Mammal Marine Mammal and Sea 3,000,000
Studies, Inc.. Turtle Rehabilitation.
Inuit Circumpolar Council Central Arctic Ocean 1,075,000
Alaska. Fisheries Agreement
(CAOFA) Engagement.
Kansas State University Salina Full Motion Flight 1,500,000
Simulator.
Louisiana Coastal Protection Gauges and Data 3,000,000
and Restoration Authority. Collection Systems.
Louisiana Department of Lower Mississippi 400,000
Transportation and River Physical
Development. Oceanographic Real-
Time System Sensors.
Marine Exchange of Alaska..... Arctic Watch.......... 2,010,000
Maritime Blue................. Protecting Southern 300,000
Resident Killer
Whales from the
Acoustic and Physical
Impacts of Large
Commercial Vessels.
Metlakatla Indian Community... Invasive European 1,000,000
Green Crab Control
and Eradication.
Metlakatla Indian Community... Tamgas Creek Hatchery 403,000
Fishway Improvements.
Mount Washington Observatory.. World-Class Research 1,538,000
Facility Project.
National Audubon Society, Inc. Resiliency and 2,696,000
Sustainability of
Hammonasset Beach
State Park.
New England Young Fishermen's Preparing the Next 956,000
Alliance (NEYFA). Generation of NH
Fishermen and Women
for Success:
Preserving our
Working Waterfronts.
New York Botanical Garden..... Welikia Project....... 500,000
North Slope Borough Department Bowhead Whale 1,536,000
of Wildlife Management. Abundance Survey.
Old Dartmouth Historical William Street: 500,000
Society (dba New Bedford Stimulating Learning
Whaling Museum). through STEAM.
Oregon Kelp Alliance.......... Oregon Kelp Forest 2,521,000
Protection and
Restoration
Initiative.
Oregon State University....... Floating Offshore Wind 1,087,000
Energy and Fisheries
Assessment.
Partners for a Healthier Creating Digital 370,000
Community d/b/a Public Health Infrastructure to
Institute of Western MA. Expand the Healthy
Air Network.
Polynesian Voyaging Society... Access to Indigenous 500,000
Ecological Knowledge.
Providence Resilience Citywide Climate 1,000,000
Partnership. Assessment.
RIMTA Foundation.............. Fiberglass Vessel 200,000
Recycling Program.
Seabrook-Hampton Estuary Building Coastal 1,473,000
Alliance (SHEA). Resilience and
Community Capacity.
Stevens Institute of Extreme Event Coastal 900,000
Technology. Preparedness and
Response System.
The Desert Research Institute. Sustainable Planning 3,000,000
for the Future at
Lake Tahoe.
The Marine Mammal Center...... Education Campaign to 880,000
Protect Monk Seals.
The Nature Conservancy........ Coastal Bluff 750,000
Restoration.
The Nature Conservancy in Advancing Coastal and 1,000,000
Hawaii and Palmyra. Community Resilience.
The Regents of the University Offshore Pollution 6,000,000
of California. Impacts on Living
Marine Resources and
Bioremediation
Assessment--DDT.
Town of Oxford................ Building Capacity for 1,060,000
Sea Level Rise
Adaptation on the
Eastern Shore.
University of Alaska System... Kelp Processing 106,000
Research in Southern
Alaska.
University of Alaska System... Aquatic Toxicology 2,800,000
Research.
University of Delaware........ Fisheries & 1,265,000
Aquaculture
Innovation Center.
University of Hawaii System... Analysis of Satellite 2,250,000
Imagery and
Meteorological Data
for Forest Health.
University of Maine........... Ocean Habitat 440,000
Strategic Plan in
Partnership with
Maine's Lobster
Industry.
University of Maine System.... Weather Station 3,548,000
Network.
University of South Alabama... Expansion and Upgrade 3,000,000
of the South Alabama
Mesonet.
University of Southern Data Assembly Hub for 5,000,000
Mississippi. Uncrewed Systems.
Washington Department of Fish West Coast Whale 2,000,000
and Wildlife. Conservation Plan
NEPA.
Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Fisheries Bio- 520,000
Association. Technician Training
Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOAA PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2023...................................\1\$1,762,468,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 2,139,794,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,927,296,000
\1\Of the amount provided for NOAA Procurement, Acquisition and
Construction in fiscal year 2023, $108,838,000 was included under title
II of division N of Public Law 117-328.
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,927,296,000 for
NOAA's Procurement, Acquisition and Construction [PAC]. The
recommendation is $164,828,000 above the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $212,498,000 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.. 8,500
Marine Sanctuaries Construction................... 5,500
-----------------
Total, NOS-PAC................................ 14,000
=================
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research:
Research Supercomputing/CCRI...................... 60,000
Research Acquisitions and Management.............. 30,000
-----------------
Total, OAR-PAC................................ 90,000
=================
National Weather Service:
Observations...................................... 16,200
Central Processing................................ 69,000
Dissemination..................................... 10,000
Facilities Construction and Major Repairs......... 10,000
-----------------
Total, NWS-PAC................................ 105,200
=================
National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information
Service:
Geostationary Systems--R.......................... 276,000
Polar Weather Satellites.......................... 342,410
Space Weather Follow On........................... 97,200
Geostationary Earth Orbit......................... 290,000
Low Earth Orbit................................... 123,590
Space Weather Next................................ 219,446
Common Ground Services............................ 112,000
Systems/Services, Architecture and Engineering.... 70,000
Satellite CDA Facility............................ 2,450
-----------------
Total, NESDIS-PAC............................. 1,533,096
=================
Mission Support:
NOAA Construction................................. 80,000
-----------------
Total, Mission Support-PAC.................... 80,000
=================
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations:
Fleet Capital Improvements and Technology Infusion 28,000
Vessel Recapitalization and Construction.......... 75,000
Aircraft Recapitalization and Construction........ 15,000
-----------------
Total, OMAO-PAC............................... 118,000
=================
Unobligated balances from prior years................. -13,000
-----------------
GRAND TOTAL, PAC.............................. 1,940,296
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOAA Acquisitions.--The Committee is concerned by the
findings of GAO's recent report ``NOAA Acquisitions: Fully
Aligning Procedures with Best Practices Could Improve the
Reliability of Cost Estimates'' (GAO-23-105808) regarding
NOAA's development of cost estimates before procuring assets
including satellites, ships, high performance computing, and
facilities. The Committee charged GAO with this study given
NOAA's poor track record of acquiring assets within projected
costs and schedules. Notably, GAO found that NWS and OMAO do
not have documented cost estimating procedures. Furthermore,
GAO found that the procedures used by NESDIS and the Office of
the Chief Administrative Officer do not fully align with
Federal Government best practices. The Committee directs NOAA
to expeditiously implement GAO's recommended actions to
establish an agency-wide policy and guidance and to require
documented cost estimating procedures that are fully aligned
with best practices.
High Performance Computing.--The Committee recognizes
NOAA's high performance computing needs and its current
limitations on providing high-fidelity results in near real-
time and provides $60,000,000. Within funding provided for
Research Supercomputing/CCRI, $15,000,000 shall be used to
continue the development of a dedicated high performance
computing facility in collaboration with partners that have
existing high performance computing expertise and scientific
synergies. Further, no less than $5,000,000 is to develop
artificial intelligence systems and optimize software to
support preprocessing of dense observation datasets to
facilitate extraction of the most useful information for
inclusion in data assimilation for model initialization.
Cloud Computing.--The Committee remains concerned that NWS
is purchasing servers to establish a ``NOAA cloud'' rather than
utilizing commercial cloud services.
NOAA Satellite Reporting.--The Committee directs NOAA to
provide quarterly programmatic and procurement status reports
of all satellites actively orbiting, in standby mode, and under
development, unless any reprogramming, system failure,
construction delay, or other extraordinary circumstance
warrants an immediate update.
Geostationary Extended Observations [GeoXO].--In the nearly
20 years since the initiation of America's current
geostationary satellite fleet, the United States space sector
has made incredible technological advancements for scientific
instruments and spacecraft to maintain U.S. leadership in space
weather prediction capabilities. The Committee directs NOAA to
focus on the delivery of the next-generation geostationary
satellite fleet, known as GeoXO, to continue to improve data
for its weather mission, and to leverage private sector
advancements and innovative solutions to the greatest extent
possible. NOAA is encouraged to continue partnering with NASA
on the Geostationary Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer
[GLIMR] mission to de-risk the ocean color instrument, as
appropriate, for the GeoXO program.
Systems/Services Architecture and Engineering.--The
Committee provides $1,500,000 above the fiscal year 2023
enacted level for the commercial data purchase and commercial
weather data pilot programs, which is to be divided between the
two programs as deemed appropriate. The Committee encourages
NOAA to test hyperspectral sounder data and new capabilities
including edge processing on orbit to optimize the use of
existing data to extract more value and retain more information
after downlink.
Within funding provided, NOAA is directed to continue the
pilot program to procure space weather observations consistent
with the PROSWIFT Act (Public Law 116-181) and provides up to
$5,000,000 for these purposes.
NOAA shall ensure that funds provided for commercial data
purchases to meet NOAA's space-based weather and environmental
observation mission needs are used in a manner that maximizes
competition by conducting solicitations for new qualified
commercial data market entrants not less than once per year,
preferably on a rolling basis to allow for novel innovations to
be presented to the agency as early as possible. NOAA may also
issue annual requests for information to seek commercial
solutions for specific challenges on an annual or more frequent
basis.
NOAA Construction.--The Committee provides $80,000,000 for
NOAA's highest priority facilities repair and deferred
maintenance requirements. Thirty days before obligating any
funds, NOAA shall submit a report detailing how the funds will
be expended and an explanation of why these projects were
prioritized. NOAA is also directed to immediately inform the
Committee if there are any significant schedule delays or
project cost increases.
The Committee also directs NOAA to prioritize remediation
of facilities impacted by natural disasters, including
volcanoes, and infrastructure improvements at the atmospheric
baseline observatories. Further, the Committee encourages NOAA
to accelerate existing regional facility modernization planning
and analysis efforts, including the competitive solicitation
process for proposals from academic, university, and nonprofit
partners to co-locate aging NMFS laboratories. As part of the
fiscal year 2025 budget request, NOAA shall establish a 5-year
budget framework to address regional facility modernization
planning and redevelopment. The budget shall be updated
annually as additional information and funding needs are
refined as projects mature from planning estimates through
design phases.
Judgment Fund Repayment.--The Committee does not provide
funding for NOAA to make payments to the Department of the
Treasury's Judgment Fund.
Vessel Recapitalization and Construction.--The Committee
provides $75,000,000 in Vessel Recapitalization and
Construction. Congress has provided sufficient funding for the
acquisition of two Class B vessels to facilitate the reduction
of gaps in mission coverage as current ships are
decommissioned. The Committee notes that the current
procurement plan for Class C vessels would result in a mission
gap for fisheries surveys starting in 2027. Therefore, NOAA is
directed to begin the process of acquiring Class C vessels. To
ensure that NOAA can rapidly procure needed fisheries survey
vessels, the cost of Class C vessels shall not exceed
$75,000,000 each.
Aircraft Recapitalization.--The Committee is flabbergasted
that the request does not include funding to replace the aging
WP-3D Hurricane Hunter aircraft as outlined in the updated NOAA
Aircraft Plan and authorized under section 11708 of Public Law
117-263. The Committee expects NOAA and the Department of
Commerce to make this a priority in the fiscal year 2025 budget
request.
The Committee provides $15,000,000 for Aircraft
Recapitalization and Construction, which includes $2,500,000 to
complete the Service Depot Level Maintenance for the two WP-3D
Hurricane Hunter aircraft, $4,500,000 to continue procurement
of a second high altitude jet as authorized under section 413
of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017
(Public Law 115-25), and $8,000,000 for the replacement of the
WP-3D Hurricane Hunter aircraft.
Mission Requirement Costs.--NOAA is directed to document
within all of its future budget requests any unfunded mission
requirement costs, and particularly those that are necessary to
maintain the optimal operational tempo of NOAA assets and
posture of NOAA facilities.
PACIFIC COASTAL SALMON RECOVERY FUND
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $65,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 65,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 65,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $65,000,000 for the
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund [PCSRF]. The
recommendation is equal to both the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level and the budget request. Funds are to be used 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. Further, in order to foster greater
equity in the implementation of these funds, NOAA is encouraged
to increase the 3 percent restriction on administrative
expenses for Tribal consortia implementing grants from PCSRF to
no less than 30 percent. The Committee reminds NOAA that Tribal
consortia in remote and rural areas often face the same
limitations and challenges as individual Tribes who are
exempted from the 3 percent restriction on administrative
spending, and restriction therefore disproportionately burdens
Tribal consortia in rural areas.
The Committee notes that the IIJA provides $172,000,000
over 5 years for the PCSRF, including $34,400,000 in fiscal
year 2024.
NOAA is directed to report on how its current priorities
meet the intent of the PCSRF to support the recovery and
protection of all declining salmon stocks.
FISHERIES DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $300,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 300,000
Committee recommendation................................ 300,000
The Committee accepts the proposal to provide a new annual
appropriation for Fisheries Disaster Assistance and provides
$300,000, equal to both the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
the budget request.
FISHERMEN'S CONTINGENCY FUND
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $349,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 349,000
Committee recommendation................................ 349,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $349,000 for the
Fishermen's Contingency Fund. The recommendation is equal to
both the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and the budget request.
FISHERIES FINANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT
Appropriations, 2023.................................... -$19,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... -15,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ -15,000,000
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
$150,000,000, which is an increase of $50,000,000 above both
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and the budget request.
The Committee encourages NOAA to facilitate new vessel
construction, vessel replacement, and upgrades within the
Fisheries Finance Program using fuel-efficient technology to
the greatest extent practicable.
OTHER
Departmental Management
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $95,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 125,323,000
Committee recommendation................................ 95,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $95,000,000 for
Departmental Management [DM], Salaries and Expenses. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level
and $30,323,000 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.
Staffing Levels.--The Committee believes that staffing
issues require the continued attention of the leadership of the
Department and collaboration with the bureaus. Therefore, the
Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Human Capital Officer of
the Department shall continue to provide quarterly briefings to
the Committee on all DOC human capital issues.
Spending Plans.--Under section 528 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
PPAs 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 to receive a detailed accounting of each
bureau's spending, including mandatory, reimbursable, fee-
funded, or working capital fund spending, particularly with
regard to specific PPAs described in the bill and accompanying
explanatory statement. The Department shall continue to work
with the Committee to ensure that its spending plans provide
adequate information for continued oversight of the Department.
Salary Lapse.--The Committee directs DOC to provide a
detailed accounting, as part of the fiscal year 2024 spending
plans, identifying the amount of expected salary lapse in
fiscal year 2024 and an explanation of how all accrued salary
lapse will be spent for all DOC bureaus and NOAA line offices
that have a greater than 10 percent vacancy rate, as of
September 30, 2023. Any of the identified amounts that cannot
be justified as either augmenting staffing vacancies or
supporting mission critical functions will be considered for
rescission in fiscal year 2024.
Working Capital Funds.--For each of the three working
capital funds within DOC, the following is to be provided to
the Committee and the OIG by November 30 of each year: (1) a
comparison of the final budget or spending plan at the project
or activity level to the actual year-end data as of September
30 of the prior fiscal year, including detailed narratives for
variances greater than 5 percent at the project or activity
level; (2) the initial budget or spending plan by project or
activity for the current fiscal year; and (3) a detailed
schedule of fiscal year-end unobligated and carryover balances
by source funding category and by expiring budget fiscal year,
to include: direct authority, Federal and intragovernmental
reimbursable authority by trading partner, non-Federal
reimbursable authority, amounts held for future asset
replacement, and other categories.
Department of Commerce Working Capital Fund.--As part of
the fiscal year 2025 budget request, the Department is directed
to provide justification that clearly articulates why each
Advancements and Reimbursements account and Working Capital
Fund project administered by the Office of Acquisition
Management, Office of Budget, Office of the Chief Financial
Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration, and Chief
of Staff should continue to be funded through the Working
Capital Fund.
Improving Trade Data Reporting.--The Committee directs the
Department, in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, U.S. International Trade Commission, and other
relevant agencies, to review and compare methodologies for
collecting and publishing gross trade flows data and detailed
supply chain data to better document the country of origin for
components of each imported good before it reaches U.S.
consumers.
Enhancing Microelectronics Fabrication with Advanced
Materials and Techniques.--The Committee supports investments
in fabrication and supply chain enhancement of advanced
semiconductors and microelectronics. As the Department assesses
and makes investments using funds provided in regular and
emergency appropriations bills, the Committee directs such
assessments to include the value of investing in researching
advanced techniques and upgrading existing fabrication
facilities to use advanced materials which can increase those
facilities' capability to produce more effective
microelectronics for existing and evolving demand.
Wildfire Mitigation.--The Committee awaits the Department's
wildfire mitigation report, which was mandated in the joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-328.
Anomalous Health Incidents [AHI].--The Department is
directed to continue to submit quarterly reports on the number
of requests for assistance, the unobligated balances of the
original funding provided, and any additional resource needs to
properly respond to the Department's AHI victims.
U.S.-European Union [EU] Trade and Technology Council
[TTC].--The Committee recognizes the importance of the TTC as a
forum for promoting U.S. and EU competitiveness and prosperity
through increasing transatlantic trade, investment, and
engagement on matters related to critical and emerging
technology. No later than 120 days following enactment of this
act, the Department, in collaboration with the Department of
State and the United States Trade Representative, is directed
to transmit to the Committee a detailed report outlining the
administration's involvement in the TTC, including the goals of
the Council, its achievements to date, and consideration to
formalize the Council as a means to maintain U.S.-EU
cooperation in these critical areas.
RENOVATION AND MODERNIZATION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $1,142,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 16,521,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,142,000
The Committee recommendation provides $1,412,000, which is
equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $15,379,000
below the budget request, for continuing renovation activities
at the Herbert C. Hoover Building.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $48,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 53,326,000
Committee recommendation................................ 48,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $48,000,000 for the
OIG. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $5,326,000 below the budget request.
In addition to funds provided under this heading, the
Committee recommends a transfer of $2,450,000 from USPTO to the
OIG to support activities associated with carrying out
investigations and audits related to the USPTO. The Committee
directs the OIG to continue to perform strict oversight
activities for NOAA vessel and satellite procurements,
cybersecurity, census data collection, and the Business
Applications Solution [BAS] modernization.
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 OIG shall pay
particular attention to the increasing amounts of funding
needed to support the Department's Office of General Counsel
[OGC], 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
OGC. If at any point during these audits the OIG encounters
problems with accessing any necessary information or data from
the Department, the OIG is directed to notify the Committee
immediately.
Audits and Investigations.--The Committee believes that
robust investigations and audits are essential to rooting 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
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Section 101 makes 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 accounts. The provision makes transfers
subject to the Committee's standard reprogramming procedures
and requires notification to the Committee prior to capital
asset disposal.
Section 104 extends congressional notification requirements
and codifies the life cycle costs for NOAA satellite programs.
Section 105 provides authority for the Secretary to furnish
certain services within the Herbert C. Hoover Building.
Section 106 clarifies that grant recipients under the
Department 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 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 minimis copying and mailing fee.
Section 109 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 110 provides authority for the programs of the
Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of the Census to
enter into cooperative agreements in order to assist in
improving statistical methodology and research.
Section 111 removes the requirement for matching funds for
amounts provided in this act through the Manufacturing
Extension Partnership.
Section 112 allows the Secretary of Commerce to waive the
cost sharing requirements for funds provided in this act under
sections 306, 306A, and 315 of the Coastal Zone Management Act
of 1972 (Public Law 92-583).
Section 113 allows for the establishment of a recreational
quota entity through which halibut quota may be traded between
commercial and recreational fishing entities.
Section 114 sets limitations on the Department's ability to
obligate unobligated balances of expired discretionary funds
transferred to the Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.
Section 115 allows for the establishment of Cooperative
Aviation Centers to aid in the recruitment of aviators for the
NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.
Section 116 allows for the modification of the Ketchikan
port facility.
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
The Committee recommends a total of $37,956,590,000 for the
Department of Justice [DOJ]. The recommendation is $761,324,000
below the fiscal year 2023 funding level and $3,447,081,000
below the budget request. The Committee's recommendation
emphasizes key funding priorities in support of the
Department's critical missions and activities to protect the
safety, security, and rights of our citizens.
Responding to Opioids, Methamphetamine, Synthetic Drugs,
and Substance Abuse in Our Communities.--The Committee
continues its commitment to helping States and local
communities in the fight against opioids, methamphetamine,
synthetic drugs, and the illegal diversion of prescription
drugs through comprehensive programs covering law enforcement,
prevention, and treatment. The Committee provides a total of
$611,500,000 in DOJ grant funding to help State and local
partners tackle these epidemics, an increase of $3,000,000
above the fiscal year 2023 level. The Committee provides
$2,589,000,000 for the Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA],
an increase of $25,884,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level.
Strengthening Police-Community Relations.--The Committee
continues to recognize and support the important need for
lasting collaborative relationships between local police and
the public. Strong partnerships between the police and the
communities they protect ensure that citizens' civil rights are
protected, foster ongoing open communication, improve officer
safety, and reduce crime. The Committee provides $226,000,000
for State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance and Community
Oriented Policing Services [COPS] Office grant programs related
to police-community relations
Crime Victims Fund.--The Committee renews its concern about
the solvency of the Crime Victims Fund [CVF] and its ability to
continue to support compensation to and services for survivors
of crime in future years. The Committee remains concerned about
declining deposits, specifically including the lack of
predictability as to when the proceeds from criminal fines,
penalties, settlements and other sources will be deposited in
the CVF. It is exceptionally difficult for the Committee to
plan without greater insight into potential future proceeds for
the CVF. The Committee directs the Department to submit a plan
within 120 days of enactment of this act to establish a system
to track payments from concluded cases that may result in
deposits into the CVF.
Trafficking in Persons.--The Department shall dedicate no
less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted levels for the Human
Trafficking Prosecution Unit [HTPU], the Federal Bureau of
Investigation [FBI], and the U.S. Attorneys' Offices [USAO] to
investigate and prosecute crimes of human trafficking. The
Committee continues to encourage the HTPU and Anti-Trafficking
Coordination Teams to continue working with victim service
providers and non-governmental organizations to ensure the
prioritization of victim needs as part of the overall strategy
to combat human trafficking and forced labor in the United
States.
The Committee is concerned about the relatively low number
of dedicated FBI agents assigned to human trafficking cases,
especially in rural communities. The Committee continues to
expect the designation of a lead agent in each FBI field office
as a point of contact for slavery and human trafficking
investigations, and encourages the FBI to assign at least one
full-time agent dedicated to investigating human trafficking
and related crimes in each State. The Committee directs the
Executive Office for United States Attorneys [EOUSA], in
consultation with the United States Attorneys, to provide
sufficient support and training and technical assistance to
each Assistant U.S. Attorney designated as the lead human
trafficking prosecutor, consistent with the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act. As communication and coordination across the
Federal Government are critical to supporting survivors of
trafficking, the Committee encourages 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 DOJ when their criminal cases close, and to
submit a report on a plan for ensuring that requests for
letters can be processed in less than 3 months. This plan shall
be submitted within 90 days of enactment of this act.
Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Interagency
Coordination.--The Committee recognizes the benefit of
interagency coordination to combat human trafficking, child
sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse material. The
Committee directs the Department to establish an interagency
working group, in coordination with relevant Federal agencies,
to improve coordination and case de-confliction as well as
support to survivors. The joint explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 117-328 directed the Department to
submit a report on the status of this working group within 60
days of enactment, and the Department has failed to do so. The
Committee directs the immediate submission of this report. The
Department is further directed to submit an interim report on
this working group effort within 180 days of enactment of this
act, and a final report within 1 year of enactment of this act.
Domestic Trafficking Victims Fund Special Assessments.--
Section 101 of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of
2015 (Public Law 114-22) mandated the collection of a $5,000
special assessment from persons convicted of certain Federal
offenses related to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Funds from this special assessment are to be deposited into the
Domestic Trafficking Victims' Fund operated by the Department.
The Committee encourages the Attorney General to use funds
provided under this bill to ensure that Assistant U.S.
Attorneys are specifically trained on the mandatory nature and
enforcement of this special assessment, including the
imposition of liens under 18 U.S.C. 3613, to provide additional
funding, resources, and services for the victims of human
trafficking and law enforcement officials involved in the
elimination of this crime.
Section 105(c) of the Abolish Trafficking Reauthorization
Act [ATRA], which was passed on January 5, 2023, eliminated the
sunset date in title 18, section 3014(a) by striking the phrase
``and ending on December 16, 2021.'' However, as a result of
recent amendments to 18 U.S.C. 3014(a), the sunset date had
previously been extended to December 23, 2022, and then to
December 23, 2024. As a result, the text that the ATRA
purported to strike no longer existed. Nevertheless, the
Committee finds that Congress clearly intended to strike any
expiration date without inserting a substitute expiration date,
thereby eliminating any expiration date from this provision.
This finding is based on the clear contrast to prior amendments
of section 3014(a)'s expiration date since its initial
enactment in 2015, which consistently inserted new expiration
dates when striking prior expiration dates.
Human Trafficking Justice Coordinators.--The Committee
appreciates the recent appointment of a National Human
Trafficking Coordinator, consistent with the requirements of
section 15 of the Abolish Human Trafficking Act (Public Law
115-392). The Committee directs the Department to continue to
comply with all requirements of Public Law 115-392, including
the appointment of human trafficking justice coordinators in
each USAO. The Committee further directs the Department to
submit a report, within 90 days of the date of the enactment of
this act, on the implementation of Public Law 115-392 and the
National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking.
Departmental Efforts to Combat Crimes Against Children.--
The Committee commends the Department for submitting its first
National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and
Interdiction since April 2016. As the June 2023 report notes,
technological advancements present a unique and unprecedented
threat to children today. The Committee directs the Department
to continue submitting this report to Congress every 2 years,
consistent with the requirements of U.S.C. 21111(b).
Separately, the Department has not followed the direction
provided in the joint explanatory statements accompanying
Public Laws 116-260 and 117-103 to submit a report on staffing
and funding for the office of the National Coordinator for
Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, including
staffing, travel, and temporary duty travel expenses, within 30
days of enactment of this act. The information regarding the
budget of the National Coordinator is to be submitted
immediately.
Protecting Children from Online Predators.--The Committee
is concerned with the rise of child sexual exploitation and
abuse, especially of children that are victims of both online
and hands-on abuse. The Committee directs the Attorney General
to identify what additional resources are needed for Federal,
State, and local law enforcement agencies to successfully
identify and rescue child victims of child sexual abuse
material [CSAM] and to develop recommendations for a
coordinated approach between the Department, other government
entities, technology companies, and victim services' providers
to address the rising prevalence of online child exploitation.
The Department shall submit, within 120 days of enactment of
this act, a report with this information to the Committees on
Appropriations and the Judiciary.
Anomalous Health Incidents [AHI].--The Committee directs
the Department to continue working with other Federal agencies
and DOJ leadership in order to ensure that policies and
procedures are fully executed, including a financial system and
process for handling requests for reimbursement. The Department
is directed to submit quarterly reports on the number of
requests for assistance, the number of eligible individuals who
have received HAVANA Act payments, the unobligated balances of
the original funding provided, and any additional resource
needs in order to properly respond to the Department's AHI
victims, including those affiliated with any of its components
or related law enforcement agencies.
Constitutional Policing.--The Committee directs the
Department to enforce constitutional policing statutes,
including 34 U.S.C. 12601, which may require the use of consent
decrees as necessary, where constitutional policing standards
are not being upheld.
Enforcement of Federal Hate Crimes Laws.--The Committee
remains concerned by the rise in reported incidents of bias-
motivated and hate crimes in the United States in the last
several years. The Committee appreciates the work of the
Community Relations Service [CRS], the Civil Rights Division
[CRT], U.S. Attorneys' Offices, and the FBI to enforce the
Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
(Public Law 111-84). The Department shall continue to fully and
expeditiously implement the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (Public
Law 117-13), and report to the Committees on Appropriations and
Judiciary of the House and the Senate, within 90 days of
enactment of this act, on all actions and expenditures to date
to implement this legislation. In light of ongoing trends
regarding hate crimes, the Committee further directs the
Department to continue to prioritize this work and to
aggressively investigate and prosecute these crimes, which
affect entire communities.
Combating Domestic Terrorism.--The Committee remains
concerned by the significant threat posed by violent domestic
terrorists and extremists and directs the FBI and the
Department to vigorously investigate and prosecute incidents of
domestic terrorism. The Committee directs the Domestic
Terrorism Executive Committee to continue to meet on a regular
basis and coordinate with United States Attorneys and other key
public safety officials across the country to promote
information sharing and ensure an effective, responsive, and
organized joint effort to combat domestic terrorism.
The Committee further directs the Department to review the
anti-terrorism training and resource programs that the
Department provides to Federal, State, local, and Tribal law
enforcement agencies, and ensure that such programs include
training and resources to assist these law enforcement agencies
in understanding, detecting, deterring, and investigating acts
of domestic terrorism and extremist infiltration of law
enforcement agencies. The Committee directs the Department to
report to the Committees on Appropriations and the Judiciary,
within 90 days of enactment of this act, on the Department's
assessment of the domestic terrorism threat, including
extremist infiltration of Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies and the uniformed services; and an
analysis of incidents or attempted incidents of domestic
terrorism that occurred in the United States during the
preceding fiscal year.
Human Rights Crimes.--The Committee remains concerned by
the large number of suspected serious human rights violators
from foreign countries who have found safe haven in the United
States. The Committee directs the Criminal Division [CRM] and
USAO to increase efforts to investigate and prosecute these
crimes, including genocide, torture, use or recruitment of
child soldiers, war crimes, and other crimes committed by human
rights violators, particularly to support the newly-established
War Crimes Accountability Team's efforts to respond to war
crimes and other atrocities committed during Russia's invasion
of Ukraine and the added responsibilities of the CRM to
prosecute war criminals under the Justice for Victims of War
Crimes Act (Public Law 117-351). For this purpose, the
Committee's recommendation supports continued funding for CRM
and USAO to investigate and prosecute these cases.
The Committee is concerned by the low number of
investigations and prosecutions of human rights violators and
directs the Department to report to the Committees on
Appropriations and the Judiciary, within 120 days of enactment
of this act, on all investigations and prosecutions of human
rights offenses and other offenses committed by serious human
rights violators within each of the last five fiscal years,
including the efforts of CRM and USAO to increase the number of
prosecutions. The report should also include any organizational
or legal impediments to investigating and prosecuting more
human rights violators.
Violence Against Indigenous Women.--In consultation with
Tribal governments, the Department shall assess and update the
best practices for the investigation and prosecution of
violence against Native American and Alaska Native women.
Additionally, DOJ shall provide an update on the review of the
sufficiency and prioritization of its grant programs aimed at
survivors of such violence, including temporary and
transitional housing, education, and workforce development
assistance, and shall include the results of this updated
review, along with the plan to communicate such grant
opportunities to Tribal governments and organizations, with the
fiscal year 2024 spending plan. DOJ shall provide Congress with
a report on the usage and implementation of the Tribal set-
aside funding from Public Law 117-328 that supports programs
and initiatives in Indian Country and Alaska Native Villages.
The joint explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-328
directed the Department to submit a report on the status of
implementing the recommendations published in the Government
Accountability Office [GAO] report 22-104045, entitled
``Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women: New Efforts Are
Underway but Opportunities Exist to Improve the Federal
Response'', within 90 days of enactment. The Department has
failed to do so and the Committee directs the immediate
submission of this report.
Combatting Violent Crime in Indian Country.--The Committee
encourages U.S. Attorneys to prioritize efforts to investigate
and prosecute violent crimes against Native Americans and
Alaska Natives that occur in Indian Country, to maintain
communication with victims and family members about the status
of ongoing investigations and cases, and to provide as much
information as possible on any declinations. The Committee is
concerned about the relatively low number of DOJ and FBI
investigative resources in Indian Country and encourages DOJ
and FBI, in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and
State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies, to increase
resources, including additional FBI agents, to investigate,
respond to, and prevent crimes in Indian Country. The Committee
further encourages the FBI to increase recruitment, retention,
and placement efforts in order to fill existing positions in
areas with large land-based Tribes or with high instances of
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons cases.
Fix NICS Act Requirements.--The Fix NICS Act of 2017
(Public Law 115-141) requires DOJ to develop Federal agency and
State implementation plans for the upload of relevant records
to National Instant Criminal Background Check System [NICS].
The Committee continues to direct the Attorney General to
publish the required semiannual reports on Federal, State, and
Tribal government compliance with the act in a timely manner
and make such reports available on the Department's website.
The Committee reminds the Attorney General that the act
requires these reports to be submitted semiannually.
National Incident-Based Reporting System [NIBRS].--The
Committee supports the FBI's transition to the sole use of
NIBRS to collect detailed and useful data on crime in the
United States. However, the Committee is concerned that
published data is not comprehensive because thousands of law
enforcement agencies are not yet submitting data through NIBRS.
The joint explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-328
directed the Department to submit a report on the roadblocks
law enforcement agencies face that delay participation in
NIBRS, and on efforts on behalf of the Department to increase
participation, within 60 days of enactment. The Department has
failed to do so and the Committee directs the immediate
submission of this report.
Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act.--The
Committee fully supports the goals of the Emmett Till Unsolved
Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Public Law
114-325) to investigate and prosecute previously unresolved
civil rights era ``cold case'' murders suspected of having been
racially motivated. These efforts are conducted through a
partnership among the FBI, CRT, CRS, State and local law
enforcement officials, and other eligible entities. The
Committee directs that the Department provide $15,000,000 for
Emmett Till Act activities, including $10,000,000 for the FBI
and CRT's Cold Case Initiative; $1,500,000 for CRS to partner
with law enforcement agencies and communities to help resolve
conflicts resulting from the investigation of unsolved civil
rights era cases; and $3,500,000 for grants to State and local
law enforcement agencies for use of modern DNA and forensic
tools to aid civil rights era cold case investigations.
Zero Trust Architecture.--The Committee supports the
Department's Information Technology Strategic Plan for Fiscal
Years 2022-2024, particularly as it implements the Office of
Management and Budget's [OMB] M-22-09 Federal Zero Trust
Strategy. The Committee is aware of the ongoing cyber threats
nation-states and other actors pose to the Department and other
agencies and believes that the use of zero trust architecture,
among other protective methods, could mitigate a significant
number of these risks. The Committee directs the Department to
submit a progress report on its efforts to implement zero trust
architecture with 120 days of enactment of this act.
Illegal Streaming Services.--Streaming has fast become a
dominant distribution medium for copyrighted works--both
through legally licensed means and illegal piracy services. In
addition to the significant consumer threats posed by streaming
piracy services identified by the Federal Trade Commission and
the Department of Homeland Security, a 2019 study estimated
that streaming piracy drains at least $29,200,000,000 annually
from the U.S. economy and that 80 percent of copyright piracy
occurs via streaming. Congress responded to the Department's
repeated calls to close the legal loophole that treated
streaming piracy differently than other forms of digital piracy
with the bipartisan Protecting Lawful Streaming Act, enacted as
part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law
116-260). The act provides the Department with the authority to
bring felony cases against services designed for the express
purpose of illegally streaming copyrighted works. Because of
the harm to American consumers, the economy, and the creative
community, the Committee directs the Department to prioritize
streaming piracy cases and to detail within existing reports on
copyright enforcement activities the actions it brings under 18
U.S.C. 2319(c).
Financial Fraud.--The Committee recognizes that older
Americans are increasingly targeted by criminals seeking to
swindle them out of their hard-earned life savings through an
ever-growing array of financial schemes and scams. The
Committee commends the Department's work to combat these crimes
in recent years, including through its dedicated Elder Justice
Initiative. The Committee directs the Attorney General to
continue to prioritize Departmental resources to ensure that
reports of financial fraud, including scams against senior
citizens, are thoroughly investigated, with the goal of
bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.
McGirt v. Oklahoma.--Public Law 117-328 provided the
Department with substantial additional resources for compliance
with the decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma. The accompanying joint
explanatory stated directed the Department to report, within 90
days of the date of enactment, on the breakdown of cases per
Assistant U.S. Attorney in Oklahoma, estimated caseloads for
fiscal year 2024, and how such numbers compare with those of
other USAOs around the country. The report was also to identify
the number and type of cases indicted compared to all referrals
received, from which jurisdictions the cases were referred, and
the general reasons why cases were not accepted. The Committee
directs the immediate submission of that report, and a
quarterly update thereafter.
Reentry Guidance for Prison Education Programs.--The
Committee encourages DOJ, in collaboration with the Department
of Education, to develop and provide technical assistance and
guidance to the Bureau of Prisons, State departments of
corrections, and other entities that are responsible for
overseeing correctional facilities on how to support
individuals who are preparing to leave prison, reentering their
communities, and either continuing their education or seeking
employment. The Committee directs the Department to provide
guidance on best practices in integrating reentry planning for
participants in prison education programs. This guidance should
address evidence-based strategies to ensure successful reentry,
including by securing employment or continuing their education.
Election Threats Task Force.--The Committee is concerned by
the rise in threats against election workers, administrators,
officials, and others associated with the electoral process.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Department to prioritize
investigations into threats made against election workers,
administrators, officials, and volunteers. The Committee also
commends DOJ for establishing an Election Threats Task Force to
address threats of violence against election workers, and to
ensure that all election workers are permitted to do their jobs
free from threats and intimidation. In order to improve
outreach to election workers and organizations representing
them, the Committee directs the Department to make all policies
and procedures related to submitting threat reports, and
understanding what to expect after filing a report, as well as
the rights and protections offered to election workers,
administrators, officials, and volunteers under current law,
publicly available on its website.
Better Cybercrime Metrics Act.--The Committee supports the
directives described for DOJ in the Better Cybercrime Metrics
Act (Public Law 117-116), including the development of a
taxonomy for categorizing different types of cybercrime faced
by individuals and businesses; the establishment of a category
in NIBRS for collecting cybercrime reports from Federal, State,
and local officials; and the addition of questions concerning
cybercrime in the annual National Crime Victimization Survey.
Analysis of Digital Evidence.--The Department's law
enforcement components increasingly rely on the analysis of
digital evidence in the course of their investigations. The
Department is directed to provide a report, within 1 year of
the date of the enactment of this act, on the conclusions and
recommendations of the eLitigation Steering Committee. The
report should address opportunities and challenges the
components are facing with respect to processing backlogs;
training requirements for digital forensic examiners and agents
that use digital evidence in criminal investigations; technical
and legal impediments to secure transmission and sharing with
law enforcement and governmental partners; methods for secure
and centralized storage; reliance on the use of removable
media; and any resource challenges or gaps with respect to
digital evidence.
Law Enforcement Advanced Analytics.--DOJ's law enforcement
components, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives [ATF], DEA, and the FBI, increasingly rely on
the analysis of huge volumes of information, including open
source information, in the conduct of investigations and the
execution of their public safety missions. Within the funding
recommendations for each agency, the Committee directs ATF,
DEA, and the FBI to implement software using advanced analytics
to correlate open source, commercial, and native agency data.
Advanced analytics and data correlation can act as a force
multiplier for each agency, supplementing and providing
investigative leads and increasing velocity of investigations.
Preventing Violence Through Community Partnerships.--The
Committee appreciates DOJ's ongoing work on violence
prevention. However, as incidents of trauma continue to rise,
the Committee encourages DOJ, including the Bureau of Justice
Assistance and the Office for Victims of Crime, to develop
innovative approaches to reduce the incidence of reinjury and
reincarceration caused by intentional violent trauma. Efforts
may include facilitating partnerships between community and
hospital-based violence intervention and prevention programs
that focus on individuals at highest risk for experiencing
community violence. This may be done through partnerships with
trauma centers and non-profit entities, such as community-based
violence prevention programs, providing technical assistance,
and facilitating or conducting research of hospital-based
violence prevention programs.
Attorney Compensation Comparability Study.--Assistant
United States Attorneys are compensated on the Administratively
Determined [AD] pay scale, while nearly all other Department
attorneys are compensated on the General Schedule [GS] or are
members of the Senior Executive Service. The Department is
directed to provide a briefing on pay comparability between
Department attorneys on the AD scale and Department attorneys
on the GS scale. The briefing shall: (1) assess the degree to
which attorneys with similar education, experience, and years
of service are compensated differently on the GS and AD scales;
(2) identify the resources required to address any substantive
differences in compensation; and (3) analyze key human capital
metrics, including retention and satisfaction, to determine if
scale-based disparity in compensation impacts the execution of
the Department's missions. The Department is directed to
provide this briefing within 6 months of the date of enactment
of this act.
Law Enforcement in the United States Antarctic Program
[USAP].--Law enforcement responsibilities at the Antarctic
research sites of the National Science Foundation [NSF] are
vested in the McMurdo Station Manager. Pursuant to a 1992
memorandum from the Deputy Attorney General, the U.S. Marshals
Service appoints the Station Manager as a Special Deputy U.S.
Marshal. The Committee is aware of concerns regarding the
sufficiency of this arrangement, particularly with respect to
the prevention of and response to sexual assault and stalking.
The Department is directed to submit a report, in coordination
with NSF and the NSF Office of Inspector General, assessing law
enforcement in the USAP. The report shall assess the
sufficiency of the existing law enforcement program and
consider alternative approaches, and shall be submitted within
180 days of the enactment of this act.
Departmental Aircraft.--The Department relies on aircraft
for surveillance and investigative operations, extraditions,
and the transportation of detainees and inmates, among other
law enforcement responsibilities. Aging aircraft incur ever-
increasing operations and maintenance [O&M] costs, and the
Committee recognizes that a deliberate and well-executed
recapitalization plan can produce significant savings.
Within 180 days of the date of the enactment of this act,
the Department shall submit a report that accounts for all
departmental aircraft. The report shall specifically describe
the purpose, age, and estimate of the annual O&M costs for each
aircraft. The report further shall propose a long-term, multi-
year plan for recapitalizing departmental aircraft, in a manner
that maximizes both the Department's capacity to execute its
missions, and long-term efficiencies and savings. The report
may be submitted through classified channels, as necessary or
appropriate.
COVID-19 Fraud.--The Committee is appalled by the
individuals who, in a time of grave national crisis, enriched
themselves through fraud against unemployment insurance and
other pandemic-related aid programs. The Committee commends the
Department for prioritizing the investigation and prosecution
of such crimes, as evidenced in both its fiscal year 2023 spend
plan and its fiscal year 2024 budget request. Within 6 months
of the date of the enactment of this act, the Criminal
Division, the Civil Division, and the Executive Office for
United States Attorneys shall individually report on their
respective efforts to address COVID-19 related fraud. This
report shall describe: all relevant metrics, including the
number of indictments and convictions, the amounts contemplated
by settlements and judgments, and the amounts of actual
recoveries, by fiscal year and by program; an estimate of the
scope of criminal activity, including an estimate of the amount
of losses to the United States Government; and a detailed
description of each components' strategic plan for addressing
fraud in unemployment insurance and other pandemic-related aid
programs.
Shelter for Victims and their Companion Animals.--The
Committee recognizes the importance of providing shelter and
transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their
companion animals and encourages DOJ to continue providing
robust funding for grants under the Emergency Transitional Pet
Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program.
Illegal Gambling.--The Committee recognizes the multiple
threats posed by illegal and unregulated gambling, including
money laundering and the loss of tax revenue. The Committee
encourages the Department to coordinate with USAOs and external
Federal partners on efforts to combat illegal gambling and
associated crimes. The Committee directs the Department to
provide a briefing, within 60 days of the enactment of this
act, on investigations and prosecutions against illegal
gambling operations.
FBI Domain Perspectives.--The Committee condemns the FBI
Domain Perspective alleging ties between violent extremists and
traditionalist Catholic places of worship, and appreciates the
Department's subsequent disavowal and withdrawal. The Committee
directs the Department, within 30 days of the enactment of this
act, to provide a briefing on the circumstances that allowed
its dissemination and on any remedial measures that have been
instituted.
Departmental Consultations.--The Committee directs the
Department, within 90 days of the enactment of this act, to
provide a briefing on ways the Department consults with and
utilizes non-government organizations and non-profit entities
to track extremist groups operating in the United States,
including how the Department utilizes investigative reports,
law enforcement trainings, intelligence, hate maps, and reports
provided by such non-governmental organizations and non-profit
entities.
Spending Plan.--In compliance with section 528 of this act,
the Committee directs the Department to submit a spending plan
within 45 days of enactment of this act.
JUSTICE OPERATIONS, MANAGEMENT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $145,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 212,497,000
Committee recommendation................................ 140,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $140,000,000 for
Justice Operations, Management, and Accountability salaries and
expenses. The recommendation is $5,000,000 below the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level and $72,497,000 below the budget
request.
The Justice Operations, Management, and Accountability
account, previously named 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 [OAG]; the immediate Office of the Deputy
Attorney General [ODAG]; the immediate Office of the Associate
Attorney General; Office of Legal Policy; Office of Public
Affairs; Office of Legislative Affairs [OLA]; Office of
Professional Responsibility; Office of Intergovernmental and
Public Liaison; and the Justice Management Division [JMD].
Timely Responses to Committee Inquiries and Meeting Report
Deadlines.--The Committee has both budgetary and oversight
responsibilities, and requests for additional information from
the Chairs, Vice Chair, Ranking Member, or their Committee
staff to OAG, ODAG, OLA, and any other Department component
should be treated as a priority for the Department and
responded to both courteously and expeditiously.
The Committee again reminds the Department that deadlines
directed in report or explanatory statement language are not
merely suggestions. The Department is to immediately submit
reports that remain outstanding from fiscal year 2023. Efforts
should be immediately undertaken not only to submit these
delayed reports, but also to ensure that full and complete
information is provided.
Wildlife Trafficking.--The Committee continues to note the
dramatic and disconcerting increase of criminal activity
involving wildlife that includes the illegal trade in
rhinoceros horns, elephant ivory, and shark fins, poaching of
wild animals for their parts, illegal capture and transport of
endangered animals, and illegal harvest of timber, as well as
money laundering that comes with these products' sale on the
black market. There are indisputable linkages between these
activities and the financing of armed insurgencies and
transnational organized crime that threaten the stability and
development of African countries and pose a serious threat to
U.S. security interests. Wildlife trafficking is also known
vector of the emergence and spread of novel viruses that may
have devastating global health impacts.
The Committee continues to direct the Attorney General to
continue to submit an annual report on the specific steps the
Department is taking to further address wildlife trafficking
and the illegal natural resources trade. The Committee further
directs the Department to provide dedicated resources for
investigating and prosecuting wildlife trafficking crimes.
Supplemental Environmental Projects.--The Committee
acknowledges that the Environmental and Natural Resources
Division's [ENRD] civil enforcement activity includes civil
violation remediation through supplemental environmental
projects [SEPs], which can provide tangible environmental or
public health benefits to the harmed community or environment.
The Committee encourages the Department to negotiate SEPs in
cases where such projects would benefit communities affected by
illegal pollution. The Committee appreciates the DOJ's guidance
on use of SEPs in civil enforcement alongside other enforcement
authorities, and further encourages the Department to consider
remaining barriers to their incorporation.
Animal Welfare Act Enforcement.--The Committee directs the
Department to review and revise its on-boarding education
materials and practices for new litigating attorneys to ensure
a thorough explanation regarding the prosecution of Animal
Welfare Act [AWA] violations, including handling referrals from
other Federal agencies or law enforcement entities. The
Committee further directs the Department to develop a plan for
the distribution of this same information to litigating
attorneys currently working within the Department to ensure
they too are aware of the Department's responsibilities under
the AWA.
The Department is also directed to review its agreements
and memoranda of understanding with other key Federal agencies
to ensure that AWA violation referrals can be easily reported
and swiftly reviewed and ensure that the Department is
receiving the necessary information concerning violations from
other agencies. The Department shall report to the Committee
within 90 days of enactment of this act on its efforts to
increase Departmental awareness of AWA litigation and the
inter-agency referral process.
Voting Rights.--The Attorney General is directed to
prioritize resources to enforce the civil provisions of Federal
laws that protect the right to vote, including the Voting
Rights Act, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting
Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote
Act, and the Civil Rights Acts.
FedRAMP Certification.--The Committee encourages the
Department to ensure that small, medium, minority-owned, and
veteran-owned business are not unfairly precluded from
contracting opportunities with the Department due to avoidable
and unnecessary burdens in the FedRAMP certification process.
Voting-related Activities.--The Committee directs the
Department to provide a briefing, no later than 90 days after
the enactment of this act, regarding any strategic plans
developed by the Department since January 20, 2021, outlining
the ways that the Department is implementing Executive Order
14019, Promoting Access to Voting.
JUSTICE INFORMATION SHARING TECHNOLOGY
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $138,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 193,630,000
Committee recommendation................................ 50,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $50,000,000 for
Justice Information Sharing Technology. The recommendation is
$88,000,000 below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$143,630,000 below the budget request.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $860,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 1,455,316,000
Committee recommendation................................ 869,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $869,000,000 for
the Executive Office for Immigration Review [EOIR], of which
$4,000,000 is a transfer from the U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services Immigration Examinations Fee account. The
recommendation is $9,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level and $586,316,000 below the budget request. This account
funds 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.
Case Backlog and Reporting Requirements.--The Committee
remains deeply concerned by the growing backlog of cases in our
immigration courts. The current caseload exceeds 2 million
cases.
The Committee continues to direct the Department to submit
an updated immigration judge [IJ] team cost break out, which
should include salary, position, interpretation contract costs,
and rent and facility costs, in its monthly hiring reports to
the Committee. There should be a standardized baseline for what
constitutes an IJ team cost, and when there are deviations from
this baseline, EOIR shall include this in its monthly report by
court location.
As directed in the joint explanatory statement accompanying
Public Law 117-328, EOIR shall continue to submit monthly
performance and operating reports detailing the backlog of
cases and the hiring of new IJ teams. These reports shall
continue to include the cost break outs for IJ teams. As part
of the monthly reporting requirement, EOIR shall continue to
report on any IJs sent on a temporary basis to any court
outside of their assigned location including the number of days
designated for the temporary assignment, the location of the
temporary assignment, and the IJs home location. The Committee
believes that consistent policies regarding docket management
and case adjudication will also allow IJs to reduce the
overwhelming backlog. The Committee directs EOIR to continue to
make its hiring processes for new IJs publicly available and to
update its website within 30 days if any of the IJ hiring
processes or rules change.
Additionally, the Committee directs EOIR to report on the
implementation of its case processing time standards and
quotas, including how many judges met those metrics; how those
metrics have affected the case backlog; and any employment
actions taken against IJs as a result of these metrics. EOIR
shall update the Committee if any of the IJ hiring, training,
or performance management processes or rules change.
Immigration Judge Hiring.--The Committee understands that a
large number of supervisory IJ positions at EOIR were created
in prior years, reducing the number of IJs available to
adjudicate cases. The Attorney General shall ensure that IJs
hired in fiscal year 2024 will adjudicate cases as their
primary function. The Committee directs the Department to
continue filling vacant IJ and BIA positions with highly
qualified individuals who are trained to conduct fair and
impartial adjudications. The Committee further directs EOIR to
select individuals from a diverse pool of candidates to include
candidates with non-governmental, academic, and private bar
experience, to conduct fair, impartial hearings consistent with
due process.
Immigration Judge Training.--The Committee directs EOIR to
review its training, to retrain all judges currently on a
probationary period, and to increase the frequency and
availability of training for IJs outside the probationary
period. The Committee directs the Department to ensure IJ
training emphasizes due process, humanitarian protections, and
cultural sensitivity and includes diverse training faculty,
including from the private bar, the non-governmental
organization [NGO] community, and academia.
Videoteleconferencing [VTC].--The Committee directs EOIR to
make publicly available on its website all policies and
procedures related to EOIR's use of VTC, including policies and
procedures for immigration adjudication centers.
EOIR shall also provide publicly on its website a list of
locations where immigration judges are stationed and detailed,
the corresponding docket location, and type of docket. The
Committee directs EOIR to require immigration judges to
consistently input each time a master calendar or individual
merits hearing was conducted via video to allow for data
collection on the use and impact of VTC. To get feedback on the
use of VTC hearings, the agency should, in conjunction with a
stakeholder working group, create uniform standards for issues
such as when a hearing must be adjourned; how to access real-
time technical assistance; filing and presentation of evidence;
camera placement; and interpretation best practices.
The Committee directs EOIR to continue to provide quarterly
reports to the Committee on the number and type of hearings
conducted by VTC as described in the fiscal year 2020 joint
explanatory statement and reaffirmed in the fiscal year 2022
and fiscal year 2023 joint explanatory statements, including
data on appeals related to the use of VTC and the number of in-
person hearing motions filed and their outcomes. Statistics
should be broken out by representation, family unit, and
detention statuses.
Interpretation Transparency.--EOIR is directed to continue
to ensure appropriate language access is available for all
respondents, including indigenous language speakers, and should
inform the Committee of special resource needs as well as
identify any possible opportunities for sharing of interpreter
resources with other Federal agencies. The Committee further
directs that EOIR continue to submit, on a quarterly basis, the
number of continuances or adjournments issued for reasons
related to interpretation issues for both in-person appearance
and VTC, as well as whether the respondent was detained at the
time of the continuance.
EOIR Technology Improvements.--The Committee recommendation
includes up to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for EOIR to
improve its technology systems, including for ongoing
development of its electronic case management system [ECAS] and
the digitization of older paper records. This recommendation
reflects the Committee's view that such improvements will help
yield much-needed efficiency gains more quickly than hiring IJs
and IJ teams alone can. The Committee emphasizes that while
hiring additional IJs and IJ teams is an important strategy to
address the backlog of cases in our immigration courts, hiring
alone is no panacea; rather, investments in hiring must be
complemented by investments in technological improvements to
allow IJs and IJ teams to do their jobs effectively. EOIR is
further directed to continue to provide quarterly updates to
the Committee on its ongoing development of the ECAS.
VTC Data and Reporting.--The Committee continues to direct
EOIR to collect real-time data indicating each time a master
calendar or individual merits hearing is conducted via VTC to
allow for better statistical data collection to help determine
whether VTC has an outcome determinative impact. This
information is to be provided in the quarterly reports
submitted to the Committee and should include the number and
type of hearings conducted by VTC, including data on appeals
cases related to the use of VTC, and the number of in-person
hearing motions filed. The Committee further directs EOIR to
make all policies and procedures related to EOIR's use of VTC,
including EOIR's immigration adjudication centers and temporary
facilities, as well as a list of locations where IJs are
stationed and detailed, the corresponding docket location, type
of docket, and policies for public and media access for
locations using VTC, publicly available on its website.
BIA Pro Bono Project.--Developed by EOIR and several NGOs,
the BIA Pro Bono Project connects pro se respondents with pro
bono counsel in BIA proceedings. Representation can reduce
procedural errors and enables BIA to provide more effective and
timely case review. The Committee encourages continuation of
the program and directs EOIR to report, within 30 days of the
enactment of this act, on the number cases referred to NGOs and
pro bono legal representatives.
Legal Orientation Program [LOP].--The Committee supports
LOP, which was created in 2003 and currently informs more than
50,000 detained non-citizens per year about their legal rights
and responsibilities in immigration court. The Committee
emphasizes that LOP benefits taxpayers by increasing the
efficiency of immigration proceedings and reducing costs
related to immigration detention. According to a 2012 DOJ
report transmitted to this Committee, LOP services resulted in
net savings to the Government of more than $17,800,000.
The Committee's recommendation includes no less than
$30,000,000 for services provided by LOP, including $5,000,000
for the operation of the Immigration Help Desk [ICH]. LOP
funding is also provided for LOP for Custodians [LOPC] and the
LOPC Call Center, including efforts, 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. The Committee directs the Department to continue
all LOP services and activities, including that of the ICH,
without interruption, including during any review of the
program, and ensure continuity of staffing and service
regardless of fluctuations in the immigration court docket or
in the population in the detention centers served. The
Committee further directs that all component parts of the LOP
program, including the ICH, be operated by non-profit NGOs with
demonstrated immigration law expertise.
Currently, the LOP activities for detained adults only
serve approximately one-quarter of immigration detention
centers. The Committee recommends that EOIR work toward a goal
of ensuring access to LOP for all detainees, and requests an
evaluation of the resources necessary to provide LOP services
at additional sites. The Committee directs that attention be
paid to geographic equity as LOP expands, and the Committee
notes the particular need for legal services at more remote
immigration detention sites that are far from legal service
providers in urban centers. The Committee directs the
Department to utilize all appropriated funds solely for
legitimate program purposes.
Disposition of EOIR Adjudications.--The joint explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 117-103 directed EOIR to
coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security [DHS] to
brief the Committee, not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of that law, about the steps that each agency takes
to effectuate and enforce rulings made by EOIR immigration
judges, once the case is considered final, and any challenges
EOIR and DHS face in this process. EOIR was further directed to
provide to the Committee, within 90 days of the date of
enactment of that law and monthly thereafter, and in
collaboration with DHS, a report that provides metrics on the
number of final orders of removal issued by EOIR that have
resulted in actual removals by DHS during the previous month.
Such report was to separately identify any such order for which
the law does not permit DHS to effectuate the removal within
the period reported. The report was to describe instances where
removals have not been effectuated due to external
circumstances, such as recalcitrant countries or visa
sanctions.
The Committee renews this directive, and further directs
that this information be provided on a quarterly basis.
Furthermore, the Committee directs EOIR to maintain and
make available on its public website, not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this act, a database tracking
appeals from findings of no credible fear or no reasonable
fear.
Online Address Change System.--The Committee recommends
that EOIR take steps to develop and pilot a centralized online
mechanism that enables individuals going through all
immigration court proceedings to change their address online
directly with EOIR and automatically provide service to
Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
EOIR-NGO Working Group.--The Committee remains concerned
about the hearing notice process and looks forward to the
receiving the report directed in the joint explanatory
statement accompanying Public Law 117-103 under the heading
``EOIR Working Group''.
Office of Inspector General
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $139,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 151,636,000
Committee recommendation................................ 142,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $142,000,000 for
the Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The recommendation is
$3,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$9,636,000 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 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.
Bureau of Prisons [BOP] Oversight.--Over the last three
fiscal years, the OIG has received more than 28,000 complaints,
many involving multiple subjects, regarding waste, fraud, or
abuse at the BOP. The Committee understands that approximately
50 percent of all OIG investigations involve allegations of BOP
misconduct. The Committee continues to support OIG's newly
established interdisciplinary team, which is working to enhance
its oversight of the BOP by, among other things, increasing the
number of BOP misconduct allegations accepted for
investigation; establishing a routine, unannounced inspection
program of BOP facilities; maximizing information sharing and
collaboration; and continuously identifying, assessing, and
tracking significant risks in BOP programs and operations to
assist OIG leadership with identifying oversight priorities and
the most effective use of OIG resources.
Expansion of the OIG's Unannounced Inspections Program.--
The Committee recognizes the OIG's responsiveness to the
Committee's direction to create an interdisciplinary BOP
oversight team. The OIG reports that the BOP oversight team has
conducted unannounced inspections of BOP facilities, and those
inspections have resulted in significant findings and
recommendations related to the proper care and custody of
inmates at those facilities. The Committee believes that
expanding the OIG's unannounced inspection program would
produce similar benefits if applied to DOJ's other law
enforcement components. The Committee directs the OIG to
provide the Committee with an assessment of the potential
costs, staffing needs, and potential oversight benefits of
expanding its unannounced inspection program to other DOJ
components.
Review of the FBI Employee Disciplinary Process.--The
Committee recognizes the OIG's prior oversight work on the
FBI's disciplinary process. Most recently, the OIG conducted a
review of the FBI's adjudication process for misconduct
investigations and made recommendations to the FBI to ensure
accountability by completing investigations and adjudications
in all misconduct matters, even where the employee separates
during an investigation. The Committee directs the OIG to
continue its oversight of the FBI disciplinary process, by
assessing three additional topics to promote internal and
public confidence in this process, including: (1) a follow up
on the previous OIG recommendations, including steps taken by
the FBI to ensure that all investigations and adjudications are
completed, even if the employee separates during the
investigation; (2) a comprehensive review of the FBI's appeal
process for misconduct adjudications, to ensure consistency in
that process, regardless of the level of the employee appealing
the adjudication decision; and (3) the due process that is
afforded to FBI and other DOJ law enforcement personnel after a
security clearance is suspended. The OIG shall issue the
results of these reviews, which the Committee expects may be
completed in one or more than one report, including any
recommendations, within 1 year of the date of the enactment of
this act, as OIG determines is appropriate and practicable.
United States Parole Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $14,591,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 15,104,000
Committee recommendation................................ 15,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $15,000,000 for the
United States Parole Commission. The recommendation is $409,000
above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $104,000 below the
budget request.
Legal Activities
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, GENERAL LEGAL ACTIVITIES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $1,138,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 1,331,046,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,157,300,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,157,300,000 for
General Legal Activities salaries and expenses. The
recommendation is $19,300,000 above the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $173,746,000 below the budget request.
This amount funds the establishment of litigation policy,
conduct of litigation, and various other legal responsibilities
through the Office of the Solicitor General, the Tax Division,
CRM, the Civil Division, the Environment and Natural Resources
Division [ENRD], CRT, the Office of Legal Counsel, INTERPOL
Washington, the Office of Pardon Attorney, and the Office for
Access to Justice.
INTERPOL Washington.--From within the funds provided for
General Legal Activities, the Committee directs the Department
to provide no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for INTERPOL
Washington. The Committee has provided no-year authority in the
amount of $900,000 to ensure sufficient resources are available
for INTERPOL Washington's increasing dues payments and help the
Department better manage fluctuations in currency exchange
rates.
The Committee supports INTERPOL Washington's request for
additional investigative analysts and law enforcement personnel
in order to support the growing case workload and requests from
international partners. In addition, the Committee continues to
support INTERPOL Washington's long overdue IT modernization
efforts. Should additional funding be needed, the Department is
encouraged to submit a reprogramming request in order to
complete this project. The Department is further directed to
support additional secondments of DOJ law enforcement, legal,
and other analytical personnel to INTERPOL General Secretariat.
Civil Rights.--The Committee provides no less than the
fiscal year 2023 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 CRT to increase efforts to investigate and address
violations of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act
(Public Law 96-247) in State and local prisons and jails. The
Committee directs CRT to use such sums as necessary from
amounts appropriated in fiscal year 2024 to address such issues
in State and local prisons and jails.
Tobacco Coordination and Enforcement.--The Committee is
aware of a recent independent report from the Reagan-Udall
Foundation identifying interagency challenges between DOJ and
the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] in enforcement actions
against violations of the Tobacco Control Act, in particular e-
cigarettes that are popular with children that are sold without
authorization. The wide availability of such unauthorized vapes
has contributed to millions of children using addictive e-
cigarettes. The Committee notes that FDA does not have
independent litigation authority and the tobacco and e-
cigarette cases it refers must compete with DOJ resources and
protocols. The Committee commends DOJ for recently acting, for
the first time, to seek injunctions against six manufacturers
of illegal e-cigarettes. The Committee encourages the
Department to supplement interagency coordination efforts to
improve enforcement action against violations of the Tobacco
Control Act, with emphasis on e-cigarettes fueling addiction
among children.
THE NATIONAL CHILDHOOD VACCINE INJURY ACT
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $31,738,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 31,738,000
Committee recommendation................................ 22,700,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $22,700,000 for
legal costs, to be derived from the Vaccine Injury Compensation
Trust Fund. The recommendation is $9,038,000 below both the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level and the budget request. However,
according to the Department, the Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program anticipates carryover of approximately $11,000,000 from
fiscal year 2023 into fiscal year 2024.
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, 2023.................................... $225,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 324,821,000
Committee recommendation................................ 278,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $278,000,000 for
the Antitrust Division. Of that amount, $50,000,000 is
transferred to the Department's Justice Operations, Management,
and Accountability account. The recommendation is $53,000,000
above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $46,821,000 below
the budget request. This appropriation is offset by
$278,000,000 in pre-merger filing fee collections, resulting in
a direct appropriation of $0.
Pre-merger Filing Fees.--The Committee notes the passage of
the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022 (division GG of
Public Law 117-328). The statute substantially increases the
estimated offsetting pre-merger filing fee collection for
fiscal year 2024 and beyond, relative to the estimated
collections using the previous fee structure. The Committee
welcomes the new fee structure, which will provide the
Antitrust Division with more funding as its work becomes
increasingly complex and resource-intensive. However, the
Committee also acknowledges the risk the new fee structure
presents: If the Antitrust Division fully expends its fee
collections in one fiscal year, and economic conditions change
in future fiscal years (as they inevitably will) such that pre-
merger filing fees decline, the Committee will be under
enormous pressure to accommodate the lost fees through cuts to
the rest of the Department.
To guard against the dynamic described above, and to
realize the goal of allowing the Antitrust Division to have
full access to its fee collections without encumbering the
Committee's allocation, the Committee directs the Antitrust
Division to establish an operating reserve to weather years of
lower fee collections. In its fiscal year 2025 request, the
Committee directs the Antitrust Division to include an
assessment of what would be an acceptable range of funds--that
is, a minimum planning level and an optimal planning level--for
the operating reserve, based on empirical fee collection data,
market projections, and other factors, as appropriate.
The Committee is strongly committed to allowing the
Antitrust Division full access to its fees provided that this
guardrail is in place, and the Committee looks forward to
working with the Department to effectuate that outcome.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $2,632,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 2,870,374,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,670,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $2,670,000,000 for
the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and the 94
USAOs. The recommendation is $38,000,000 above the fiscal year
2023 enacted level and $200,374,000 below the budget request.
As in past years, the Committee directs the United States
Attorneys to focus their efforts on those crimes where the
unique resources, expertise, or jurisdiction of the Federal
Government can be most effective.
Civil Rights Prosecutions.--The Committee's recommendation
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level for continued
civil rights enforcement that will advance both criminal and
civil litigation, including the prosecution of sex and labor
trafficking.
UNITED STATES TRUSTEE SYSTEM FUND
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $255,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 276,771,000
Committee recommendation................................ 257,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $257,000,000 for
the United States Trustee System Fund. The recommendation is
$2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level $19,771,000
below the budget request. The appropriation is offset by
$230,000,000 in fee collections.
The United States Trustee Program [USTP], 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.
SALARIES AND EXPENSES, FOREIGN CLAIMS SETTLEMENT COMMISSION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $2,504,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 2,610,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,600,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $2,600,000 for the
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The recommendation is
$96,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $10,000
below 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, 2023.................................... $270,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 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
both the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and 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
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $25,024,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 28,121,000
Committee recommendation................................ 25,500,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $25,500,000 for
CRS. The recommendation is $476,000 above the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $2,621,000 below the budget request.
Established by Title X of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
(Public Law 88-352), CRS provides assistance to communities and
persons in the prevention and resolution of disagreements
arising from discriminatory practices. The CRS is encouraged to
partner with and support community-based organizations when
possible in order to better support community-based
peacebuilding and violence prevention efforts.
Hate Crimes Prevention.--Within the recommendation, the
Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 level 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
CRS's mandate, requiring that CRS 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, 2023.................................... $20,514,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 20,514,000
Committee recommendation................................ 20,514,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $20,514,000 for the
Assets Forfeiture Fund [AFF]. The recommendation is equal to
both the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and budget request.
United States Marshals Service
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $1,705,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 1,924,488,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,724,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,724,000,000 for
United States Marshals Service [USMS] salaries and expenses.
The recommendation is $19,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $200,488,000 below the budget request. The
core missions of 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. The Committee's recommended funding
level provides for workforce transformation efforts that will
ensure the USMS builds the most flexible, efficient workforce.
In addition to receiving direct appropriations, the
Committee is aware that USMS also receives funding from the
Department's AFF to augment salaries and expenses that are
intended to administer directly AFF-related activities like the
management and sale of forfeited assets. The Committee directs
the Department to continue to provide quarterly reports on
USMS's use of AFF funding, as directed in Senate Report 116-127
and adopted by Public Law 116-93.
Regional Fugitive Task Forces.--USMS is directed to begin
establishing regional fugitive task forces in the New England
and Midwest regions. Should USMS need additional resources to
fully fund this effort, funding from unobligated balances
should be used.
Judicial Security.--Over the last three fiscal years,
Congress has made critical investments in judicial security,
including the replacement of outdated home intrusion detections
systems, establishment of an open-source intelligence office
within the USMS Judicial Security Division, and additional
staffing. The Committee supports the fiscal year 2024 request
for Judicial Security and Protective Operations. Given the
ever-changing threat landscape, the Committee directs USMS to
provide quarterly reports on the cost of protective details,
threat assessments and intelligence, and other needs required
to protect the Federal judiciary. The costs and needs
associated with the protection of Supreme Court justices should
be specifically broken out in this report.
Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System [JPATS].--
JPATS coordinates and executes prisoner and detainee movements
for USMS and the Bureau of Prisons. JPATS also transports
Department of Defense and State and local prisoners on a
reimbursable, space-available basis. Within 180 days of the
date of the enactment of this act, USMS shall submit a report
assessing the utilization of JPATS by State and local law
enforcement.
CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $18,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 24,260,000
Committee recommendation................................ 18,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $18,000,000 for
construction in space controlled, occupied, or utilized by 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
2023 enacted level and $6,260,000 below the budget request.
FEDERAL PRISONER DETENTION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $2,129,789,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 2,125,724,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,100,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $2,100,000,000 for
Federal Prisoner Detention. The recommendation is $29,789,000
below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $25,724,000 below
the budget request.
National Security Division
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $133,512,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 144,788,000
Committee recommendation................................ 135,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $135,000,000 for
the National Security Division [NSD]. The recommendation is
$1,488,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$9,788,000 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 USAO. Its primary function is to
prevent acts of terrorism and espionage from being perpetrated
in the United States by foreign powers.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $550,458,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 550,458,000
Committee recommendation................................ 550,458,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $550,458,000 for
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement. The recommendation is
equal to both the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and budget
request.
The Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement account funds
the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces [OCDETF]
program. The mission of the OCDETF program 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.
OCDETF Strike Forces.--The Committee directs the Department
to ensure that appropriate personnel, including experienced
ATF, DEA and FBI agents, deputy U.S. marshals, and assistant
U.S. attorneys are participating in OCDETF Strike Forces in
communities with rising levels of violent crime.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $10,676,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 11,324,120,000
Committee recommendation................................ 10,825,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $10,825,000,000 for
the FBI salaries and expenses. The recommendation is
$149,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$499,120,000 below the budget request.
Criminal Justice Information Services [CJIS].--The
Committee supports the budget request for CJIS. The Committee
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
the NICS Section.
OIG Audits on NICS Protocols and Procedures.--The FBI was
directed to submit a report on NICS protocols and procedures
not later than 90 days after the enactment of Public Law 117-
328 and has failed to do so. The Committee directs the
immediate submission of this report. This report shall provide
detailed explanations of how the FBI is addressing each of the
recommendations described in both the OIG's September 2016
Audit of the Handling of Firearms Purchase Denials Through the
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (Report 16-
32) and the July 2021 Audit of Selected Aspects of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation's National Instant Criminal Background
Check System (Report 21-095). If the FBI is not implementing a
specific recommendation from these audits, the FBI shall
explain whether it intends to implement the specific
recommendations and if not, the FBI's justification for not
pursuing the recommended course of action. Furthermore, the
report shall include what, if any, changes to the Standard
Operating Procedures the FBI has made since 2015 to better
process NICS inquiries in the 3-day period. All unclassified
data shall be publicly reported by the FBI.
Computational Technology and Capacity.--Within the
recommendation, the Committee directs the FBI to sustain
efforts by the Operational Technology Division and the Science
and Technology Branch, including through partnerships with
industry and academia, to develop and procure infrastructure,
technology, and associated manpower to strengthen the FBI's
scientific computing initiatives. The FBI is directed to submit
a report, within 120 days of the date of the enactment of this
act, describing these investments and a long-term procurement
strategy.
Personnel Retention in High Cost of Living Areas.--The
Committee understands there are disparities between FBI
employee compensation and the cost of living in some field
office areas of responsibility. This disparity underscores
national security and personnel performance risks, thus
affecting the FBI mission. Over the years, the FBI has tried to
mitigate some of these risks by offering relocation and
retention incentives to eligible personnel, however, these
incentives are usually offered for a small duration and are not
sufficient to fully resolve the problem. The Committee believes
this problem exists across other law enforcement and litigating
components within the Department as well. Therefore, the
Committee directs the Department to report within 120 days of
enactment of this act on what authorities and funding are
needed, by component, for a permanent solution.
Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center [TEDAC] and
Hazardous Device School [HDS].--The Committee's recommendation
provides no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
TEDAC and HDS.
Swatting.--The Committee is concerned about the increase in
swatting incidents and understands that State and local law
enforcement are the front-line responders to these dangerous
incidents. However, the Committee is encouraged to learn about
the FBI's increased outreach to their State and local law
enforcement partners and the FBI's newly-created national
online database to facilitate information sharing pertaining to
swatting incidents. The Committee directs the FBI to continue
to support State and local partners as much as possible in
swatting incidents, including providing resources sufficient to
support the National online database and by preserving
information, identifying common traits or patterns, and
assessing where the attacks appear to be related.
Human Rights Violations.--The Committee directs the FBI to
increase its efforts to investigate and support the
Department's criminal prosecution of serious human rights
crimes, including genocide, torture, use or recruitment of
child soldiers, war crimes, and other crimes committed by
serious human rights violators, particularly in light of the
newly established War Crimes Accountability Team's efforts to
respond to war crimes and other atrocities committed during
Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the added responsibilities of
the Criminal Division to prosecute war criminals under the
Justice for Victims of War Crimes Act of 2022. The Committee
recommends funding at no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level.
The Committee directs the FBI to continue this effort
through the International Human Rights Unit [IHRU], which the
FBI shall not dissolve or merge with any other office, and
which shall continue to fully cooperate with and participate in
the Human Rights Violator and War Crimes Center [HRVWCC]. The
Committee is concerned that the FBI's previously proposed
realignment of personnel from the HRVWCC to its Civil Rights
Unit would diminish the FBI's ability to adequately pursue
human rights violators and upset the delicate relationship the
FBI has created between investigators and NGOs focused on
identifying and assisting victims of these atrocities.
The Committee supports the FBI's stated goals of increasing
the number of cases investigated and prosecuted, growing the
number of investigators and prosecutors educated and trained to
address the threat, and engaging more with affected communities
throughout the Nation but is skeptical that merging
international human rights into the civil rights program will
accomplish these objectives. The Committee understands that the
FBI has begun to incorporate international human rights issues
in its annual civil rights conference efforts and encourages
the FBI to continue to expand upon these endeavors.
The Committee also encourages the FBI to utilize its civil
rights program coordinators in the field to engage with
partners in USAO, NGOs, and local communities to create a
better understanding of the threat, drive prosecutions, and
encourage reporting of international human rights violators.
The Committee further directs the IHRU to provide training to
all FBI field offices on how to detect and investigate crimes
committed by serious human rights violators, and to report to
the Committees on Appropriations and the Judiciary, within 90
days of enactment of this act, on the IHRU's efforts to
increase the number of human rights investigations and provide
training to all field offices and opportunities for community
engagements, including the numbers for each.
Hate Crimes Reporting.--The joint explanatory statement
accompanying Public Law 117-328 directed the FBI to submit a
report on its continued efforts to ensure that all Federal,
State, and local law enforcement agencies fully report hate
crimes statistics, as provided by the Hate Crime Statistics Act
of 1990 (Public Law 101-275, as amended) and the HCPA. The FBI
has failed to do so, and the Committee directs the immediate
submission of this report. The report shall include an
assessment of whether jurisdictions reporting zero hate crimes
are accurate in their reporting, and factors leading to
inaccurate reporting. The report shall detail efforts to ensure
all law enforcement agencies know of the reporting obligations
and shall describe any gaps in reporting, strategies to
overcome those gaps, and challenges to the full nationwide
implementation of NIBRS. In addition, the report shall detail
the FBI's continued outreach and education on hate crimes
reporting, including the number of trainings conducted on best
practices to address hate crimes and efforts the FBI is
undertaking to help ensure that all victims feel secure
reporting hate crimes to law enforcement authorities. Lastly,
the Committee continues to urge State, local, and Tribal law
enforcement agencies to include the cost of participation in
the FBI's Hate Crime Statistics Act program for the purposes of
calculating extraordinary expenses associated with the
investigation and prosecution of hate crimes under the HCPA.
National Bioforensic Analysis Center.--The Committee
recognizes the need to maintain operations at the National
Bioforensic Analysis Center [NBFAC]. The Committee supports the
bioforensic analysis and investigations performed at NBFAC and
appreciates that the NBFAC currently operates under a cost-
sharing memorandum with the DHS, for the FBI to maintain
ongoing operations at this facility. The Committee provides
$21,840,000 for the FBI's role at the NBFAC.
Combatting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.--The
Committee has long expressed serious concern about the
sufficiency of efforts to combat modern slavery and human
trafficking, particularly in rural areas. The Committee directs
the FBI to allocate additional staff dedicated to human
trafficking at its field offices with the largest geographic
areas of responsibility.
FBI Police.--The Committee encourages the FBI to coordinate
with the Office of Personnel Management [OPM] and any other
relevant agencies to assist with designating the members of the
FBI Police as law enforcement officers, and to make the rates
of basic pay, salary schedule, pay provisions, and benefits for
its members equivalent to the rates of basic pay, salary
schedule, pay provisions, and benefits applicable to other
similar law enforcement divisions.
Operational Medicine Partnership Program.--The health and
safety of its agents should be a top priority for the FBI,
given the routine risk of physical harm they face daily
carrying out critical national security missions. The Committee
continues to strongly support the FBI's use of external
partnerships as part of its Operational Medicine Program to
support medical contingency planning and improve the delivery
of medical care for high-risk law enforcement missions.
Small, Medium, and Veteran-owned Businesses.--As the FBI
expands programs associated with its 21st Century Facilities
plan, the Committee strongly encourages the FBI to better
leverage the capabilities of established small, medium, and
veteran-owned businesses. The Committee further encourages the
FBI to pursue ``industry days'' and other means of outreach to
expand upon these relationships.
Transnational Repression.--Within the funds provided, the
Committee directs the FBI to ensure its tip lines and
electronic threat intake portals are staffed by people with the
cultural and linguistic ability to communicate effectively with
diaspora and exile communities and knowledge of the tactics of
transnational repression. The FBI should ensure that the tip
line, to the maximum extent practicable, protects the
confidentiality of the identifying information of individuals
who may report potential transnational repression.
Within the funds provided, the Committee directs the FBI to
provide specialized training to FBI employees on how to
identify different tactics of transnational repression in
physical and nonphysical forms, which governments are known to
employ transnational repression most frequently, which
communities and locations in the United States are most
vulnerable to transnational repression, tools of digital
surveillance and other cyber tools used to carry out
transnational repression activities, and espionage and foreign
agent laws.
FBI Facilities.--The vast majority of FBI facilities are
located at properties owned by the General Services
Administration [GSA], leased through GSA, or leased directly
with a lessor using GSA delegated authority. However, the FBI
owns its facilities at Quantico, Clarksburg, Redstone Arsenal,
Pocatello, and a small number of other sites. Direct ownership
of these facilities saves millions in rental payments to GSA
and private lessors, yet leaves the FBI responsible for basic
operations and maintenance [O&M] costs. To avoid the
deterioration of these assets, the Committee directs the
Department to account for full O&M costs in future budget
requests.
Respect for Child Survivors Act.--The Committee directs the
FBI to submit a report on the status of the implementation of
the Respect for Child Survivors Act (Public Law 117-354),
including its plans and protocols to use a multidisciplinary
approach when interviewing all witnesses covered by the act.
The report shall be submitted to the Committee on the Judiciary
and the Committee on Appropriations within 6 months of the date
of the enactment of this act.
FBI Child Abduction Rapid Deployment [CARD] Teams.--The
Committee commends the crucial work of the FBI's CARD teams,
and acknowledges the support they provide for State and local
law enforcement when a child is abducted. As child abduction
cases are extremely time-sensitive, and require a comprehensive
and rapid law enforcement response, the Committee directs the
Department and the FBI to increase outreach to State and local
law enforcement agencies, and to provide additional instruction
on how the CARD team program can be utilized.
Foreign Surveillance in the United States.--The Committee
remains concerned by the growing threats of surveillance
conducted by the People's Republic of China within the United
States. Following the DOJ's arrest of two Chinese nationals in
New York City on April 17, 2023, reports about Overseas Chinese
Service Centers [OCSCs] located in the United States continue
to mount. Committee Members have requested information and
formal briefings on this matter, and the FBI has failed to
provide fulsome and timely responses to these inquiries. As a
result, the Committee directs the FBI, no later than 30 days
after the enactment of this act, to provide the Committee a
briefing regarding the agency's response to the threats and
risks posed by the presence of OCSCs in the United States. This
briefing shall address: (1) whether the Bureau has commenced a
probe into the allegations of OCSCs located within the United
States; (2) whether the Bureau is aware of all OCSCs present in
the United States, and whether their respective scale or the
number of their locations are increasing; (3) the scope and
intent of OCSC activities in the United States; (4) the risks
such activities pose to economic productivity; individual
liberties; and national security; (5) a description of how the
agency is currently addressing each of these risks; and (6) any
proposed action to improve the identification or prevention of
new OCSCs located in the United States.
CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $651,895,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 61,895,000
Committee recommendation................................ 60,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $60,000,000 for FBI
construction. The recommendation is $591,895,000 below the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $1,895,000 below the budget
request.
Drug Enforcement Administration
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $3,144,603,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 3,280,924,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,210,719,000
The Committee's recommendation provides total resources of
$3,210,719,000 for the DEA salaries and expenses, of which
$621,719,000 is derived from the DEA's Diversion Control Fee
Account. The recommendation is $66,116,000 above the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level and $70,205,000 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.
The Committee's recommendation supports DEA's efforts to
reverse the significant decline in special agent employment
levels to ensure the DEA has the personnel necessary to combat
the ongoing methamphetamine and opioid crises. The Committee
encourages the DEA to assign agents to the geographic areas
that are most broadly impacted by methamphetamines and opioids.
Social Media Platforms.--The Committee is aware that online
drug sales pose a growing threat to Americans of all ages, but
particularly teens. The Committee directs the DEA to report,
within 120 days of enactment of this act, on the number of
reports DEA receives from social media platforms on drug sales
and activity on those platforms in each of the past 5 years,
along with an analysis of whether and how such platforms are
making commercially reasonable efforts to make such reports. If
social media platforms are not making commercially reasonable
efforts, DEA shall provide specific recommendations to the
Committee on how the platforms may do so.
Fentanyl Analogues.--Given the worsening opioid epidemic,
Congress encourages DEA to continue its efforts to test and
schedule fentanyl-related substances to advance the scientific
and medical research of these dangerous substances. The DEA
shall report, and make available for public comment, the
scientific and medical evaluation provided by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services as part of any proposed rule in the
Federal Register relating to the scheduling of a fentanyl-
related substance. The DEA shall include all pharmacological
data that it considered, as well as information related to the
identification and testing of the substance that is the subject
of the proposed rule. The Department shall report to the
Committees on Appropriations and the Judiciary, within 90 days
of enactment of this act, the status of studies and scheduling
recommendations for all fentanyl analogues it has identified.
Fentanyl Trafficking.--The Committee directs the DEA to use
the provided funding to develop a comprehensive fentanyl
tracking system, which includes documentation of seizure
location, chemical composition, probable or known manufacturing
location, and probable or known point of entry into the U.S.,
if applicable. The DEA shall report back to the Committee on
these efforts within 90 days of the enactment of this act.
DEA Suspicious Orders Report System [SORS].--The Committee
directs DEA to take further action to remove barriers to access
for opioid use disorder medications. DEA must clarify the
difference between suspicious orders of opioids and suspicious
orders of buprenorphine on SORS. DEA should also work with
other Federal regulators, including HHS and FDA, to ensure
these barriers are removed after necessary clarifications are
made. The DEA is directed to report back to the Committee on
these efforts within 90 days of the enactment of this act.
Xylazine.--The FDA and DEA have issued warnings regarding
the risks of the human consumption of xylazine, a sedative used
in veterinary medicine and in farming. Media reports indicate
the increased use of the drug, by itself or in combination with
other substances, is resulting in worsening addiction and is
causing physical wounds to those who use illicit opioids. The
DEA shall report to the Committees on Appropriations and the
Judiciary, within 90 days of enactment of this act, on the
prevalence of xylazine in drug seizures, information about
known distribution networks for the drug, and potential harm-
reduction strategies.
Hemp Testing Technology.--The Agriculture Improvement Act
of 2018 (Public Law 115-334) removed hemp and its derivatives
from the Controlled Substances Act (Public Law 91-513, as
amended), and authorized the production, consumption, and sale
of hemp and hemp-derived products in the United States. The act
requires random testing to ensure hemp meets the definition
under the law of having a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]
concentration of less than 0.3 percent. The Committee is aware
that DEA has developed field-testing kits that can distinguish
between hemp and marijuana on the spot. The Committee directs
the DEA to continue to work to ensure State and local law
enforcement have access to this field test technology so they
can more efficiently conduct their drug interdiction efforts at
the local level. The Committee further directs the DEA to
report to the Committee not later than 180 days after enactment
of this act, and not less than every 6 months thereafter, until
such time as testing kits are deployed to State and local law
enforcement in the field.
Destruction of Controlled Substances.--The joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-328
encouraged DEA to engage in substantive conversations with
industry stakeholders on alternatives to incineration; to
report on steps the agency has already taken and plans to take
to implement 40 C.F.R. 266.506 (b)(3); and to review
technologies other than incineration that meet the non-
retrievable standard. In response to this direction, DEA
advised that it intends to publish an Advance Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking [ANPRM] by August 2023 to facilitate the
receipt of substantive information from industry stakeholders.
The Committee directs DEA to continue this process
expeditiously. However, the Committee notes that a formal
rulemaking is not necessary as DEA may already ``deem in
writing'' methods and technologies that meet the non-
retrievable standard. DEA shall submit, within 90 days of the
date of the enactment of this act, an updated report on this
matter to the Committee.
Digital Evidence to Combat the Fentanyl Crisis.--Digital
evidence technology enables adherence to standardized, secure
operating procedures required to legally collect, forensically
review, and efficiently analyze digital evidence with similar
rigor and consistency to wiretaps, DNA, and fingerprint
evidence. The Committee urges DEA to establish and formalize a
tiered digital evidence enterprise program. Such a program
should encompass the entire digital evidence workflow,
including collection, review, and analysis by agents, analysts,
and forensic examiners. DEA program personnel should uniformly
deploy digital evidence technical capabilities and training
across all DEA Divisions. With access to digital intelligence
technology and training, DEA personnel can leverage
capabilities like automation, machine learning, and optical
character recognition to enable sharing and analysis of
collected digital evidence both internally for deconfliction
and externally with other Federal agencies and State and local
partners.
Sustainable Staffing and Personnel Allocations.--DEA is
encouraged to continue to review the allocation and placement
of its personnel, in order to ensure that it can fully execute
its mission and key agency priorities. In addition, the
Committee is concerned with the number of senior leadership
positions occupied by acting personnel, particularly at the
agency leadership and Senior Executive Service [SES] levels.
The Committee encourages DEA to fill these positions with
qualified individuals who are able to carry the mission of the
agency forward. DEA shall report, within 120 days of the date
of enactment of this act, on a strategy for filling leadership
and SES positions, and on its allocation of personnel across
divisions and offices.
Preventing Drug Use By College-Age Individuals.--The
Committee is concerned with the rise of fentanyl overdose
deaths, especially among college-age students. The Committee
directs DEA to report, within 90 days of the enactment of this
act, on its efforts to educate students at public institutions
of higher learning on the dangers of fentanyl, fentanyl-laced
pills, and other illicit drugs.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $1,672,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 1,875,466,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,689,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,689,000,000 for
ATF salaries and expenses. The recommendation is $17,000,000
above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $186,466,000 below
the budget request.
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.
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 through the National Integrated
Ballistics Information Network [NIBIN]. This funding will
enable 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 Crime
Gun Intelligence Groups for investigations and document
successful prosecutions as a result of NIBIN.
Crime Gun Intelligence Centers [CGICs].--The Committee
appreciates ATF's efforts with the CGIC program, an interagency
collaboration focused on the immediate collection, management,
and analysis of crime gun evidence in real time, in an effort
to identify shooters, disrupt criminal activity, and prevent
future violence. There are currently more than 55 CGIC sites
across the country, and the Committee encourages the ATF to
work with additional high-risk areas to identify solutions and
metrics to demonstrate meaningful reductions in illegal gun
trafficking and related violent crime.
NIBIN Expansion.--The Committee supports efforts to expand
the use of NIBIN and to ensure all law enforcement agencies
have access to NIBIN's correlation services, including through
the NIBIN National Correlation and Training Center [NNCTC]. The
Committee appreciates the investments being made by State and
local partners to collect and share ballistics evidence across
geographically separated law enforcement jurisdictions and
encourages ATF to continue to build on these investments and
consider additional service models to offer departments,
including Tribal law enforcement agencies, access to NIBIN. The
Committee further directs that ATF examine ways to expand
access to NIBIN to State and local agencies in the New England
and southwest border regions.
Training Law Enforcement Partners.--The Committee expects
ATF to continue to provide training to local and State law
enforcement agencies on submitting trace requests of firearms
recovered in criminal investigations to ATF. Firearm tracing
provides critical information to assist law enforcement
agencies investigate and solve firearms crimes. The Committee
supports the ongoing efforts of Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies to solve violent crimes and urges ATF to
provide all possible training opportunities in support of these
efforts.
Bomb Arson Tracking System [BATS].--The ATF operates BATS,
an online case management system which provides State and local
arson and explosives investigators access to up-to-date arson
and explosives investigative data from across the Nation. The
Committee continues to support ATF in its efforts to utilize
funding to upgrade and fully modernize the platform, which is
nearing its end cycle.
Preventing Firearm Straw Purchases.--The Committee notes
that preventing firearms purchases by prohibited persons is
critical to ATF's efforts to prevent violent crime and protect
public safety. ATF has initiated a public awareness campaign to
reduce firearm straw purchases at the retail level, and to
educate would-be straw purchasers of the penalties of knowingly
participating in an illegal firearm purchase. The Committee
expects continued funding of this initiative, as now authorized
under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (Public Law 117-
159).
National Services Center.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of the ATF's National Services Center [NSC], which
houses several mission-critical functions, including the
National Tracing Center [NTC], the Firearms and Ammunition
Technology Division [FATD], and the National Firearms Act [NFA]
Division, among others. The Committee directs the ATF to submit
a report to this Committee, within 120 days of enactment of
this act, on the needs, including occupational hazards and
risks as well as impact on ATF's mission, associated with the
current Martinsburg facilities, and the cost and feasibility of
constructing a new physical structure or expanding existing
spaces versus continuing repairs over a ten-year period.
Federal Prison System
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $8,392,588,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 8,644,290,000
Committee recommendation................................ 8,477,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $8,477,000,000 for
BOP salaries and expenses. The recommendation is $84,412,000
above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $167,290,000 below
the budget request. The Committee reminds the Department and
BOP that all reports, including those required on a quarterly
basis, are to be submitted in a timely manner.
Staffing Shortages.--The Committee continues to be
displeased with BOP's staffing shortages, which were only
exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee remains
concerned about the lack of locality pay and wage increases for
Bureau employees, which has negatively impacted the retention
rate of correctional officers and other staff working at BOP
institutions. Within 120 days of enactment of this act, the BOP
must provide the Committee with a report detailing its employee
retention methods and benefits provided to Bureau employees as
well as the rate at which these benefits have maintained parity
with other Federal agencies and inflation.
Hiring and Staffing Reports.--The Committee directs BOP to
submit quarterly hiring and staffing reports, including
correctional officer to inmate ratios from Pay Period 26-2016
to the present for the OPM position classification standard
Correctional Officer Series GS-0007, broken out by region;
institution, to include an additional subset for each facility
within an institutional complex; and security level, no later
than 90 days after enactment of this act. For further
transparency, this data is also directed to be published on
BOP's website.
As BOP previously notified the Committee that it does not
currently record staffing by shift (i.e., morning watch, day
watch, and evening watch), the Bureau shall start recording
this data and include these metrics in this report by the end
of the current fiscal year. For any institution with a staffing
ratio greater than 15:1 and in which there has been an incident
involving deadly force, BOP shall provide a separate, detailed
explanation of the role staffing may or may not have played in
the incident along with a corrective plan to ensure it will not
happen again.
The Committee continues to be concerned about the
significant number of vacancies in BOP institutions, creating
an extremely dangerous environment for both staff and
incarcerated persons. The Committee directs the Department to
immediately improve hiring policies and ensure BOP is able to
promptly fill existing and future vacancies and staff its 122
Federal facilities across the United States at January 2016
levels. The Committee again directs BOP to provide a report,
within 90 days of enactment of this act, to the Committee
regarding the number of vacancies at each facility further
detailed by job title, job series, and General Schedule level
as well as the number of applicants going through the hiring
process for each vacant position. If there are expedited hiring
efforts the Department can make to ensure BOP is properly
staffed, the Committee directs the Department to do so, and to
include these measures and their results in the aforementioned
report. The Committee supports the use of recruitment and
retention bonuses and rejects any further position
eliminations.
First Step Act [FSA] Staffing.--The staffing for many
inmate programs have either had key positions removed from
current staffing complements or have been slow to fill
vacancies. The programs impacted are also needed to
successfully implement the First Step Act of 2018 (Public Law
115-391) including, but not limited to, drug treatment,
psychology, religious services, vocational services, and
education services. The Committee continues to direct BOP to
hire additional programming staff to successfully provide these
key programs and ensure that each facility has a Special
Education Teacher on staff. The Committee also directs the BOP
to hire a Special Populations Manager at each of the BOP
institutions to ensure that additional FSA programming can be
provided. Positions that are vital to the FSA should be added
to institution staffing requirements and not taken from
existing staffing complements.
Staffing at High Security Institutions.--The Committee is
concerned about reports of significant upticks in violence
among inmates and against correctional officers at high
security institutions. The Committee previously directed BOP to
ensure at least two correctional officers are on duty for each
housing unit for all three shifts at all high-security
institutions, to include United States Penitentiaries and
Administrative and Federal Detention Centers as well as Witness
Security Program units and units housing high security pretrial
inmates. BOP is directed to continue to submit quarterly
reports to the Committee showing compliance with this directive
and to provide a cost estimate and strategic plan for
implementation for medium security institutions that currently
do not have a second officer for all three shifts.
Augmentation.--BOP reports that there is a higher incidence
of serious assaults by inmates on staff at high and medium
security institutions than at the lower security facilities,
yet to meet staffing needs, BOP routinely uses a process called
``augmentation,'' whereby a non-custodial employee is assigned
custodial responsibilities. The continued use of augmentation
stretches correctional facility staff too thin, leading to
unsafe conditions for both staff and inmates.
The Committee has expressed its concerns about the practice
of augmentation since fiscal year 2017 and once again directs
BOP to curtail its overreliance on augmentation, particularly
in housing units, a directive issued again as part of Senate
Report 116-127 and adopted by Public Law 116-93. BOP should
focus on hiring additional full-time correctional staff before
continuing to augment existing staff. BOP is further directed
to submit quarterly reports to the Committee on the use of
augmentation broken out by region, institution, and security
level each time this practice is employed. As part of the
quarterly report, BOP is required to also submit the number of
hours, and subsequent cost, of overtime recorded at each
institution. In addition, for each Federal correctional
facility at which two or more Federal inmates have died in one
calendar year, BOP shall submit to the Committee a detailed
report describing each incident and the role augmentation may
have played in exacerbating the inherent dangers.
In addition to officer and inmate safety concerns, the
Committee also notes that augmenting staff means that critical
programs and services required for inmates under the FSA are
imperiled when those who provide counseling, education, and
other programs to inmates are being pulled from their original
duties to work in the cellblock. BOP is directed to ensure that
non-custody correctional employees must spend at least 90
percent of their work week or pay period in their primary
positions.
Direct Hire Authority.--The Committee is aware that BOP has
requested the OPM to delegate direct hiring authority to BOP
facilities. To ensure the safety of staff and inmates, the
Committee once again encourages BOP to continue to work with
OPM to provide this authority for BOP facilities.
The Committee also directs the BOP to review the current
pay scale of BOP's Correctional Officers as compared with other
DOJ law enforcement components and comparable State and local
correctional agencies. This review should analyze opportunities
to convert the pay band to a higher scale and the resource
requirements to do so. The review should be conducted in
consultation with the Department's JMD. The Committee directs
this review to be submitted within 180 days of enactment of
this act.
Overtime Pay Rate.--BOP shall ensure that every bargaining
unit Primary Law Enforcement position is being properly paid
overtime at the full overtime rate under the Fair Labor
Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 203). This includes, but is not
limited to, the positions of all nursing staff, teachers,
Special Education Teachers, Religious Services, and Psychology
Services. All of these positions are considered Primary Law
Enforcement positions and work with thousands of offenders in
extremely hazardous environments. Each of the positions listed
work in a correctional environment, and any overtime accrued
would be performed in the duties providing a safe and secure
correctional environment.
FSA Implementation.--The Committee directs the Department
of Justice and BOP to fully and expeditiously implement the
FSA. The Committee is concerned that the Department has not met
several reporting deadlines and not fully implemented several
provisions of the act. The Committee, however, is encouraged to
learn the Department is no longer proposing to transfer FSA
implementation funding from the BOP to the Department of Labor
as part of its fiscal year 2024 request. The Committee directs
the Department to expeditiously expand programming and file all
required reports no later than the deadlines established by the
act. The Department shall report to the Committees on
Appropriations and the Judiciary of the House and the Senate,
within 90 days of enactment of this act, and every 90 days
thereafter, on all actions and expenditures to implement the
FSA including activities and expenditures to implement, review,
validate, and maintain the risk and needs assessment system and
to evaluate and provide evidence-based recidivism reduction
programs and productive activities.
The Committee directs BOP to immediately take steps to
ensure compliance with FSA requirements, and to ensure that all
those incarcerated in BOP facilities have access to robust
programming opportunities, including third-party faith-based
programs. The Committee further directs BOP to submit a report,
within 30 days of the enactment of this act, on such efforts.
The Committee reminds BOP that Congress intended for the
FSA to expand BOP partnerships with external organizations.
This specifically involves the opportunity for third-party
partners to provide Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction
Programming [EBRR] and productive activities [PA]--including
faith-based programs, taught from a specific faith tradition--
within Federal prisons. Further, the Committee reminds BOP that
the FSA reflects a singular definition for EBRRs and PAs,
regardless of whether the program is internal or external and
does not require a third-party review of external program's
evidence. BOP is directed to submit a report to the Committee,
within 90 days of the enactment of this act, on the following:
(1) an account of whether each approved EBRR and PA is an
internal BOP program, a contracted BOP program, or an external
third-party program; (2) any difference in the criteria and
evaluation process for suitability of an internal BOP program,
a contracted BOP program, or an external third-party program as
an EBRR or PAs; (3) the number of external faith-based programs
that applied to qualify as an EBRR and PAs since the FSA was
enacted, including the number that have been denied, the number
that are still pending, and the names of any accepted
applicants and whether any are taught from a specific faith
tradition; (4) actions BOP has taken to promote the opportunity
for submissions of external programs for consideration as EBRRs
and PAs; and (5) list and describe what program providers make
up the ``faith-based recidivism-reduction partnerships'' noted
in the Bureau of Justice Statistics reporting on FSA
implementation. The report shall also include efforts to fill
all vacant programming and other dedicated FSA positions,
efforts to improve transparency regarding EBRR credit
calculation, the EBRR programming currently available at each
BOP facility, the associated hours of EBRR credit participants
earn for participation in each program, and the need for and
availability of medication-assisted treatment at each BOP
facility.
Compassionate Release.--The Committee requests an updated
report on BOP's compassionate release and home confinement
efforts, containing the information required by Senate Report
116-127 and codified in Public Law 116-93, as well as including
information on the expansion of these programs per the
authority provided under Public Law 116-136.
Restrictive Housing.--The Committee remains concerned about
the growth in the restricted housing population in BOP
institutions. In 2012, approximately 7.8 percent of Federal
inmates in BOP facilities were held in some form of restricted
housing. In 2014, that number had dropped to approximately 6.5
percent. Unfortunately, the restricted housing rate has
returned to 2012 levels, with approximately 7.3 percent of the
Federal prison population currently placed in restricted
housing, including special housing units, special management
units, and the ADX Supermax facility. The Committee directs BOP
to reduce significantly the number of Federal inmates in
restricted housing, including by opening transition units and
other specialized units for populations often sent to
restricted housing and working with regional directors and
wardens to address the widespread reliance on restricted
housing.
Contraband Cell Phones in BOP Facilities.--In an August
2022 report, BOP observed that ``[c]ontraband cellphones remain
a significant correctional security and public safety concern
for the BOP as well as for State and local correctional
agencies across the country.'' Since fiscal year 2020, the
Committee has provided substantial resources for BOP to pilot
and outfit its facilities with managed access system and micro-
jamming solution cellphone interdiction technologies. The
Committee directs BOP to submit, within 90 days of the date of
the enactment of this act, an updated report on the deployment
of these technologies. The report shall identify the number of
contraband devices confiscated through the use of each
technology, and shall describe the long-term funding
requirements for full deployment.
Camera System Upgrades.--The Committee supports continued
upgrades to security cameras that will help to better protect
the safety, wellbeing and civil rights of those incarcerated
and BOP employees, including correctional officers, medical
personnel and other professional staff.
Residential Reentry Centers [RRCs].--The Committee
maintains its concerns and expectations regarding RRCs as
outlined in Senate Report 116-127 and adopted by Public Law
116-93, including the direction requiring BOP to alert the
Committee before adopting any significant change in policy or
practice involving RRCs or other recidivism-reduction measures.
The Committee directs BOP to refrain from canceling or
modifying any existing contracts for RRCs if another BOP-
contracted RRC facility does not exist within 100 miles of the
existing RRC. In instances where RRC contracts are expiring,
the Committee directs BOP to take interim and emergency
measures to prevent facility closures and the interruption of
services, including by expediting solicitations and re-
solicitations for existing services.
Roadmap to Reentry.--The Committee recognizes the benefits
of making our criminal justice system more fair, more
efficient, and more effective at reducing recidivism by helping
formerly incarcerated individuals successfully return to their
communities. To that end, the Committee directs the BOP to
reestablish the principles identified in the Justice
Department's ``Roadmap to Reentry,'' and to begin the process
of implementing these principles to improve the correctional
practices and programs, including providing (1) individualized
reentry plans for individuals; (2) access to education,
employment training, life skills, substance abuse, mental
health, and other programs; (3) resources and opportunities to
build and maintain family relationships; (4) individualized
continuity of care; and (5) comprehensive reentry-related
information and access to resources.
Extreme Weather Plans.--Recent examples of BOP's responses
to extreme weather events--including extreme heat or cold--
raise concerns about unsafe conditions for inmates,
correctional officers, and institution staff. The Committee
continues to direct BOP to issue clear and consistent policies
and guidance across all BOP facilities regarding preparations
for and responses to extreme weather events, including by
establishing temperature thresholds for health and safety at
BOP facilities.
Swift-Certain-Fair [SCF] Model in the Federal Prison
System.--The SCF model has been an effective deterrent for
incarcerated populations in State and local corrections
settings. The Committee directs BOP (1) to establish SCF pilot
programs in BOP housing units based upon best practices
developed by other applicable corrections agencies, (2) to
collect data on the effectiveness of the program, and (3) to
provide a report evaluating the pilot and making
recommendations on its replication.
BOP Responsiveness During Disasters.--Within 180 days of
enactment of this act, BOP shall submit to the Committees on
Appropriations, Judiciary, and Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs a report covering fiscal years 2015
through 2023 of disaster damage describing the scope of
physical damage at BOP-owned or managed facilities impacted or
struck by a major disaster that explains the effects of the
damage on inmates and staff, including (1) injury and loss of
life of inmates and staff; (2) access to health and medical
care, food, special dietary needs, drinkable water, personal
protective equipment, and personal hygiene products; (3)
guidance used to adjudicate early release or home confinement
requests, data on early release or home confinement approvals,
denials, and justification for denials and explanation, as to
whether using home confinement or early release was considered;
(4) access to cost-free and uninterrupted visitation with legal
counsel and visitors with justifications for facility decisions
that resulted in suspended or altered visitations; (5) access
to appropriate accommodations for inmates with disabilities;
(6) access to educational and work programs; (7) assessment of
the cost of the damage to the facility and estimates for
repairs; (8) the impact on staffing, equipment, and financial
resources; and (9) other factors relating to the ability of the
BOP to uphold the health, safety, and civil rights of the
correctional population.
This report shall also include agency corrective actions
that BOP has undertaken or plans to undertake to improve and
modernize emergency preparedness plans, as they relate to
natural disasters, extreme weather, and public health
emergencies and a timeline to implement any corrective action
plans.
BOP Facilities and RRCs in Alaska and Hawaii.--The joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-328 directed
BOP to submit, within 180 days of the date of the enactment of
that act, a study and report on expanding BOP facilities in
Alaska and Hawaii. The Committee directs BOP to comply
immediately with this requirement.
Improving Reentry by Addressing Dyslexia.--The joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-328 supported
up to $1,200,000 for an initiative to satisfy the FSA
requirement for an evidence-based dyslexia screener and
directed BOP to report on its implementation of this
initiative. BOP is directed to immediately initiate this
program and to comply with the reporting requirement.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... \1\$290,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 179,762,000
Committee recommendation................................ 209,000,000
\1\Of the total amount provided for Federal Prison System, Buildings and
Facilities, in fiscal year 2023, $182,000,000 was included under title
II of division N of Public Law 117-328.
This Committee's recommendation includes $209,000,000 for
the construction, acquisition, modernization, maintenance, and
repair of prison and detention facilities housing Federal
inmates. The recommendation is $81,000,000 below the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level and $29,238,000 above the budget
request. Of this amount, $177,000,000 is designated for the
modernization and repair of existing facilities. BOP shall
proceed with ongoing planned and associated new construction
efforts for BOP operated facilities to meet projected capacity
requirements, as identified in its monthly status of
construction reports to the Committee. BOP is directed to
continue to provide such reports on a monthly basis, along with
notifications and explanations of any deviation from
construction and activation schedules, and any planned
adjustments or corrective actions. Within the amount provided,
$30,000,000 shall be for the development and planning of a BOP
and DOJ correctional officer and law enforcement officer
training facility. Before any of these funds may be obligated,
the Department shall submit to the Committee for approval, as
part of its fiscal year 2024 spending plan, a detailed
prospectus, which shall describe the parameters, functions, and
schedule of the project's initial phases, including the
feasibility assessment, program office, and NEPA environmental
impact study.
FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
(LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $2,700,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 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 both the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level and equal to the budget request.
State and Local Law Enforcement Activities
In total, the Committee recommends $4,169,818,000 for State
and local law enforcement and crime prevention grant programs,
including: $3,995,818,000 in discretionary appropriations and
$174,000,000 in mandatory appropriations. The total is
$254,667,000 below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$1,029,112,000 below the budget estimate.
Management and Administration [M&A] Expenses.--The
Department shall, in preparing its fiscal year 2024 spending
plan, assess M&A expenses compared to program funding. The
Committee directs the Department to ensure that its assessment
methodology is equitable and 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 to maximize the amount of
funding that can be used for grants or training and technical
assistance. The Committee reiterates the direction provided in
Senate Report 113-78 that the Department shall detail, as part
of its budget submission for fiscal year 2024 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.
Grant Funding Set-Asides.--The Committee notes the
significant number of reductions in grant funding for various
permissible purposes, including training and technical
assistance; research, evaluation, and statistics activities;
and peer review; with set-asides ranging anywhere from 2
percent to 10 percent of total grant funding provided. 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 among Office of Justice Programs
[OJP], Office on Violence Against Women [OVW], and COPS. 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 Areas.--The Committee is concerned
about the needs of rural 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 consider the unique needs
of rural communities when making grant awards through the
numerous programs funded by this bill.
Tribal Grants and Victim Assistance.--The Committee
provides a total of $139,000,000 in discretionary grant funding
for Tribes as follows: $60,000,000 within OJP for Tribal
assistance; $18,000,000 for a Tribal youth program within the
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention [OJJDP];
$37,000,000 for Tribal resources and $6,000,000 for a Tribal
Access Program within the COPS Office; and $15,000,000 for a
special Tribal criminal jurisdiction program and $3,000,000 for
a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney on Tribal land program within
the OVW. In addition, a total of $65,948,535 is provided to
Tribal governments and coalitions through OVW programmatic
statutory set-asides and another $60,000,000 is provided to
Tribal governments and Tribal coalitions in CVF funding.
For Tribal assistance grants within OJP, funding is to be
used to support efforts to help Tribes improve the capacity of
their criminal and civil justice systems. OJP is expected to
consult closely with Tribal stakeholders in determining how
Tribal assistance funds will be awarded for detention
facilities, including outdated detention facilities that are
unfit for detention purposes and beyond rehabilitation; courts;
alcohol and substance abuse programs; civil and criminal legal
assistance; and other priorities. The Committee directs OJP to
submit, as part of the Department's spending plan for fiscal
year 2024, a plan for the use of these funds that is informed
by such consultation.
In addition, the bill includes a 5 percent set-aside for
Tribes within the CVF. OVC is directed to consult closely with
Tribal stakeholders to improve services for Tribal victims of
crime, to include expanded purpose areas described in the OVC
final rule effective August 8, 2016. OVC shall continue to
follow direction provided by the Committee in Senate Report
115-275 and adopted by Public Law 116-6 regarding grant
application requirements, accountability, and assistance.
The Committee directs the Department to give Tribes maximum
flexibility in the use of funds in order to best meet the
unique needs of victims in Tribal communities. The Committee
also directs the Department to streamline administrative
requirements as much as possible to increase accessibility for
those most in need in Indian Country.
Science Advisory Board.--The Committee recognizes the
contributions of OJP's Science Advisory Board [Board] and
encourages the re-establishment of the Board. The Board worked
to provide extra-agency review of, and recommendations for,
OJP's research, statistics, and grants program. The re-
established Board should be comprised of scholars and
practitioners in criminology, statistics, and sociology, as
well as practitioners in the criminal and juvenile justice
fields, and should be tasked with ensuring the programs and
activities of OJP are scientifically sound and pertinent to
policymakers and practitioners.
Post-Conviction Relief for Trafficking Victims.--The
Committee recognizes that serious, sustained efforts and
investments in victim-centered programs are necessary to help
address the rise in human trafficking, and is committed to
helping victims seek justice and ensure that offenders are held
accountable. The Committee is concerned about reports that
trafficking victims are prosecuted, both at the Federal and
State levels, for crimes directly related to their trafficking.
Criminal convictions often disqualify victims from numerous
Federal programs and impede their recovery. The Committee is
concerned that removing expungement services from eligible
activities for OVC grants contradicts the 2017 Trafficking in
Persons Report released by the State Department, which
encouraged the expansion of vacatur services.
The Committee directs OVC to allow the use of funds for
direct representation on vacatur and expungement for a
conviction for a non-violent crime that is a direct result of
being a trafficking victim. Furthermore, the Committee directs
the Department to submit the report required in Senate Report
115-275 and adopted by Public Law 116-6 regarding the Federal
Government's ability to supplement State vacatur programs.
STOP School Violence Act.--A total of $199,000,000 is
provided for the STOP School Violence Act (Division S, title V
of Public Law 115-141) grant program for fiscal year 2024. Of
this amount, $60,000,000 is derived from the Bipartisan Safer
Communities Act and $139,000,000, which is $39,000,000 more
than the full authorized program funding level, is provided for
in this act. Of the amount provided for in this act,
$84,000,000 is provided to the Bureau of Justice Assistance
[BJA] for evidence-based school safety programs outlined in the
act and $55,000,000 is provided to the COPS Office for a
competitive grant program as outlined in the act. The Committee
directs BJA and the COPS Office to work with other Federal
agencies to notify States, localities, Tribes, and school
districts of funding availability upon release, to increase
training and technical assistance for school district
applicants, and to provide microgrants for school districts,
including rural, Tribal, and low-resourced schools. The
Committee recognizes the significant emotional impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic on youth and teachers and directs BJA to
prioritize evidence-based programming to train students and
school personnel on the warning signs of interpersonal violence
and suicide for both students and school personnel, and mental
health crisis intervention, as permitted under the act. The
Committee directs BJA to prioritize applicants incorporating
crisis centers and evidence-based trainings for students and
staff within their anonymous reporting systems.
Victim Services for Incarcerated Survivors of Sexual
Abuse.--The joint explanatory statements accompanying the
fiscal year 2022 and fiscal year 2023 appropriations acts
directed the Department to explore opportunities for releasing
existing grant funding, including through OVC's discretionary
grant program, for efforts that would create a hotline to
provide sexual abuse and rape crisis counseling services to
incarcerated individuals across the country. There continues to
be a significant need for these services and the majority of
incarcerated individuals do not have access to victim services.
A hotline would not only help incarcerated survivors, but it
would also further meaningful Prison Rape Elimination Act
compliance. Within 120 days of the date of the enactment of
this act, the Department shall submit a report on its efforts,
as well as a detailed proposal for the establishment of a
hotline.
National Sexual Assault Hotline.--The Committee urges OVC
to fully support the National Sexual Assault Hotline, as
authorized by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of
2006, as amended (34 U.S.C. 20985(d)).
OVC Center for Victims of Crime Act [VOCA]
Administrators.--The Committee directs OVC to continue to
provide peer-to-peer training on Federal grants management,
administration and strategies to increase access to services
and compensation for VOCA victim assistance and victim
compensation grantees and subgrantees.
DOJ Grant Oversight.--The Committee encourages the
Department to review its multi-year grant award processes and
protocols to ensure grantees have fully complied with the rules
of year-one funding before year-two funding is disbursed in
multi-year grant awards. In addition, the Committee supports
the Department's efforts to create a high-risk designation for
grantees, so as to increase fiscal responsibility throughout
the grant making process. The Committee recommends that the
Department promptly complete and publish an internal review of
the program, to inform efforts to implement a high-risk grantee
designation in other Federal agencies.
Grant Funding for Payment of Bail.--In GAO-23-106012, the
GAO reported that based on its review of available data and
interviews with Department officials, it found no information
to indicate the Department awarded grants to nonprofits to pay
cash bond for bail or that nonprofit recipients used Department
grant funds for this purpose. The Committee directs the Office
of Justice Programs, the COPS Office, and the Office on
Violence Against Women to continue to monitor this matter, and
to report the Committee of any findings inconsistent with the
GAO's conclusions.
Office on Violence Against Women
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $700,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 1,000,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 732,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $732,000,000 for
OVW grants. The recommendation is $32,000,000 above the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level and $268,000,000 below the budget
request. Resources are provided to the OVW 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, LGBTQ victims, college students,
youths, and public housing residents. To minimize fraud, waste,
and abuse in these programs, OVW is encouraged to implement any
open recommendations of the Department's OIG with respect to
the recipients of grants under these programs.
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.......................................... 255,000
Transitional Housing Assistance...................... 51,000
Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women.... 2,500
Consolidated Youth-Oriented Program.................. 17,000
Engaging Men and Youth in Prevention............. 3,500
Improving Criminal Justice Responses Program......... 60,500
Homicide Reduction Initiative.................... 4,000
Lethality Assessment Initiative.................. 4,000
Sexual Assault Victims Services...................... 80,000
Rural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement.. 51,000
Violence on College Campuses......................... 25,000
HBCU, HSI and Tribal Colleges.................... 12,500
Legal Assistance for Victims......................... 56,000
Abuse Later in Life Program.......................... 9,000
Justice for Families Program......................... 22,000
Disabilities Program................................. 12,000
National Center on Workplace Responses............... 1,000
Research on Violence Against Indian Women............ 1,000
Indian Country-Sexual Assault Clearinghouse.......... 500
Tribal Special Criminal Jurisdiction................. 15,000
Rape Survivor Child Custody Act...................... 1,500
Restorative Justice Responses and Evaluations........ 15,000
Culturally Specific Programs......................... 11,000
Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys.............. 3,000
LGBT Specific Services Program....................... 1,000
National Deaf Services Line.......................... 2,000
Underserved Populations Program...................... 5,000
Financial Assistance Program......................... 4,000
Abby Honold Act...................................... 5,000
Access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations.......... 20,000
Cybercrime Enforcement............................... 6,000
------------------
TOTAL, Violence Against Women Prevention and 732,000
Prosecution Programs............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access to Sexual Assault Nurse Exams.--The Committee's
recommendation includes $20,000,000 for grants for regional
sexual assault nurse examiner [SANE] training, salaries for
SANEs and sexual assault forensic examiners [SAFEs], and
technical assistance and resources to increase access to SANEs
and SAFEs, as authorized by the Violence Against Women Act of
2022 (division W of Public Law 117-103). The Committee
encourages the Department to prioritize areas where nationwide
gaps exist in the availability and quality of post-sexual
assault medical forensic care, including rural, Tribal,
underserved communities, and urban areas. The Committee directs
the OVW to collaborate with the Office for Victims of Crime to
implement this program in coordination with other funding
opportunities designed to enhance the quality and availability
of post-sexual assault medical forensic care, to include
multidisciplinary settings responding to the abuse of both
children and adolescents.
Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights.--The Committee
again provides $10,000,000 as part of the STOP grants for the
recently enacted Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights, a
new and consequential grant program that incentivizes States to
codify and standardize survivor rights. OVW did not request
funding for this new program in fiscal year 2024, and the
Committee is concerned about this gap in funding and apparent
lack of urgency from OVW to implement this new program. The
Committee directs the Department to submit a report to the
Committee, within 120 days of enactment of this act, detailing
any applicants deemed by OVW as ineligible for this funding,
reasons for the ineligibility, and any recommended technical
fixes to help the program achieve its intended goals.
Statutory Set-Asides.--The underlying statutes for several
grant programs, including STOP and Sexual Assault Services
Program [SASP], outline set-asides for Tribal governments and
coalitions, culturally specific community-based organizations,
and organizations providing services to underserved
populations. These set-asides would provide a total of
$89,683,535 for fiscal year 2024, with $65,948,535 for Tribal
governments and coalitions, $17,425,000 for culturally specific
organizations, and $6,310,000 to meet the needs of underserved
populations. The Committee expects OVW to ensure that the full
amounts provided for in the authorizing statutes are released
to these groups expeditiously.
Rural Victims.--Victims of sexual assault living in rural
communities may be reluctant to report to law enforcement. The
Committee encourages the OVW to implement projects that reduce
barriers to the reporting of crime in rural areas, colonias,
and persistent poverty counties and directs the OVW to submit a
report to the Committee not later than 90 days after enactment
of this act.
Office of Justice Programs
The 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, 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 OJP to submit an annual report on grant
programs that have not received a sufficient number of
qualified applicants.
RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND STATISTICS
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $77,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 141,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 78,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $78,000,000 for the
Research, Evaluation and Statistics account. The recommendation
is $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$63,000,000 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......................... 42,500
National Institute of Justice........................ 35,500
Study on Multidisciplinary Teams................. 1,200
------------------
TOTAL, Research Evaluation and Statistics.... 78,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 [NIJ] and the
Bureau of Justice Statistics [BJS], respectively, for approval
by the Committee prior to the obligation of any such funds.
Assessment of NIJ and BJS.--Directives under the
Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-435) (Evidence Act) and other congressionally-requested
initiatives have given NIJ and BJS additional responsibilities
and obligations. The Committee directs OJP to conduct a full
assessment of the impact of these dynamics on NIJ and BJS's
ability to keep pace with cutting-edge scientific practices and
emerging policy needs. OJP is further directed to develop a
forward-looking vision for strengthening these agencies'
ability to respond nimbly to and anticipate future needs and
scientific developments over the next decade and identify the
resources needed to achieve this vision. These activities
should be integrated, where possible, into OJP's implementation
of the Evidence Act. OJP shall provide an update to the
Committee on its progress within 180 days from the enactment of
this act.
BJS.--The Committee's recommendation provides $42,500,000
for the BJS. The recommendation is $500,000 above the fiscal
year 2023 level and $35,500,000 below the budget request.
Data on Police Suicide.--The Committee directed BJS to
start the process of maintaining a data set on police suicide
for Federal, State, and local law enforcement in fiscal year
2020 and provided $3,000,000 for this data collection effort in
fiscal year 2021. The Committee continues to recognize the
importance of collecting information on police suicides and
encourages BJS to continue its approach to improving the
measurement of suicide fatalities among law enforcement
agencies.
National Crime Victimization Survey [NCVS].--BJS is
directed, as part of the NCVS, to collect data on offenders
under the influence at the time of the offense.
NIJ.--The Committee's recommendation provides $35,500,000
for the NIJ, in addition to $2,500,000 transferred from the OVW
for research and evaluation on violence against women and
Indian women.
Correctional Education Evaluation.--The Committee directs
NIJ to establish a public-private partnership with research and
correctional institutions to collect and evaluate data, and
continue to advance the research on the impact of correctional
education on recidivism.
Study on Multidisciplinary Teams.--The Committee provides
$1,500,000 for NIJ to administer a competitive grant to an
accredited research university for a study on the current
landscape of multidisciplinary teams working on sexual
exploitation crimes against children, including structure,
participants, and outcomes, in addition to best practices for
multidisciplinary teams to improve effectiveness, outcomes, and
victim well-being.
Report on Forensic Laboratory Resource Requirements.--NIJ
shall submit a report to the Committee, within 1 year of the
date of the enactment of this act, evaluating the projected
workload, backlog, personnel, workforce, resource, and
equipment needs of forensic science providers and forensic
medical service providers. The study should be conducted in
conjunction with the Forensic Laboratory Needs Technology
Working Group and the Federal Interagency Medicolegal Death
Investigation Working Group. The report should review all
relevant reports and recommendations, as well as the practical
and applied implications of any other scientific reports on
forensic science with relevance to the operational, quality
management, and practical needs of the forensic science
community.
Human Trafficking Study.--NIJ is directed to provide a
briefing, within 30 days of the date of the enactment of this
act, on the status of the study required by Section 20 of the
Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-392) and
its estimated completion date.
STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $2,416,805,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 2,438,130,000
Committee recommendation................................ 2,201,139,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $2,201,139,000 for
State and local law enforcement assistance. The recommendation
is $215,666,000 below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$236,991,000 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............. 799,139
Officer Robert Wilson III VALOR Initiative....... 13,000
NamUs............................................ 5,000
Officer Training for Responding to People with 10,000
Mental Illness and Disabilities.................
John R. Justice Grant Program.................... 6,000
Prison Rape Prevention and Prosecution........... 15,500
Kevin and Avonte's Law........................... 3,000
Project Safe Neighborhoods....................... 20,000
Capital Litigation and Wrongful Conviction Review 14,000
National Center on Restorative Justice........... 3,000
Ashanti Alert Network............................ 1,000
Family-Based Alternative Sentencing Pilot 4,000
Programs........................................
Child Advocacy Training.......................... 2,000
Rural Violent Crime Initiative................... 8,000
Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains Act..... 7,000
Forensic Ballistics Programs in Higher Education. 2,500
Multidisciplinary Partnership Improvements for 5,000
Protective Orders...............................
Presidential Nominating Conventions.............. 100,000
Byrne Discretionary Projects..................... 159,139
Victims of Trafficking Grants........................ 97,000
Economic, High-Tech, White Collar, and Cybercrime 10,000
Prevention..........................................
Intellectual Property Enforcement Program........ 2,500
Internet of Things Training Modules.............. 2,000
Adam Walsh Act Implementation........................ 20,000
Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant 30,000
Program.............................................
Transfer to NIST/OLES............................ 1,500
National Sex Offender Public Website................. 1,000
National Instant Criminal Background Check System 89,000
[NICS] Initiative...................................
NICS Act Record Improvement Program.............. 25,000
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science...................... 35,000
DNA Initiative....................................... 170,000
Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grants.................. 130,000
State and Local Forensic Activities.............. 20,000
Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing 15,000
Grants..........................................
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training Program 5,000
Grants..........................................
Sexual Assault Kit Initiative [SAKI]................. 55,000
CASA--Special Advocates.............................. 15,000
Tribal Assistance.................................... 60,000
Second Chance Act/Offender Reentry................... 125,000
Smart Probation.................................. 8,000
Children of Incarcerated Parents Demo Grants..... 5,000
Project HOPE Opportunity Probation with 5,000
Enforcement.....................................
Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act... 10,000
Pay for Success.................................. 7,500
Substance Use Disorder Initiative.................... 445,000
Drug Courts...................................... 95,000
Mentally Ill Offender Act........................ 45,000
Residential Substance Use Treatment.............. 45,000
Veterans Treatment Courts........................ 35,000
Prescription Drug Monitoring..................... 35,000
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance 190,000
Use Disorder Program............................
Keep Young Athletes Safe Act......................... 2,500
STOP School Violence Act............................. 84,000
Emmett Till Grants................................... 3,500
Hate Crime Prevention Act............................ 20,000
Community-Based Approaches to Advancing Justice...... 10,000
Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act............................. 10,000
Body Worn Camera Partnership Program................. 30,000
Justice Reinvestment Initiative...................... 35,000
Community Violence Intervention and Prevention....... 55,000
------------------
TOTAL, State and Local Law Enforcement 2,201,139
Assistance..................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.--
The Committee recommends $799,139,000 for 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 to 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. Funding is authorized for law enforcement programs
including those that promote data interoperability among
disparate law enforcement entities; prosecution and court
programs; prevention and education programs; corrections
programs; drug treatment and enforcement programs; planning,
evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and crime
victim and witness programs, other than compensation.
Byrne-JAG and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.--In
addition to the funding provided in this act, the Committee
notes that an additional $150,000,000 will be released to
State, local, and Tribal governments this fiscal year under the
Bipartisan Safer Communities Act [BCSA]. Government agencies
and law enforcement can use BCSA funding for the following
purposes, including, but not limited to: extreme risk
protection order programs, drug courts, mental health courts,
and veterans courts.
Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement Officer
Resilience and Survivability [VALOR] Initiative.--The
Committee's recommendation provides $13,000,000 within Byrne-
JAG for the VALOR Initiative. The Committee expects Federal law
enforcement agencies to continue to expand on efforts to
provide local police with information as to whether 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.
The Committee notes that an additional $13,000,000 is provided
under the COPS heading for Protecting Our Lives by Initiating
COPS Expansion Act (Public Law 114-199) programs, which help to
provide active shooter training programs for State and local
law enforcement officers.
Law Enforcement Officer De-escalation Training.--The
Committee recommends $10,000,000 for a competitive grant
program to support training and related initiatives (with a
particular emphasis on de-escalation practices) that help
improve responses to individuals with mental illness,
intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities and
others who come into contact with law enforcement or
correctional officers, including for purposes described in the
Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act of 2022 (Public Law
117-325).
Prison Rape Elimination Act [PREA] Audit Quality
Initiative.--Facility audits are a key component in helping
agencies move their sexual abuse prevention and response
policies from written documents to everyday practices. Congress
enhanced the audit process in 2018 to ensure greater oversight
of the audit process and improved audits, but many of these
changes have not been fully implemented by the PREA Management
Office. The Committee supports the Department providing the
necessary resources to carry out this work.
Capital Litigation Improvement and Wrongful Conviction
Review.--The Committee recognizes the need for legal
representation and investigation services for individuals with
post-conviction claims of innocence. Individuals exonerated in
2021 spent an average of about 11.5 years incarcerated for
their wrongful convictions, and 42 percent of 2021
exonerations--67 of the total 161 exonerations--were a result
of the work of innocence organizations.
Given the urgent need to identify and remediate wrongful
convictions, the Committee directs that at least 50 percent of
the $14,000,000 appropriated to the Capital Litigation
Improvement and Wrongful Conviction Review grant programs shall
be used to support Wrongful Conviction Review grantees
providing high quality and efficient post-conviction
representation for defendants in post-conviction claims of
innocence. Wrongful Conviction Review grantees shall be
nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and/
or State or local public defender offices that have in-house
post-conviction representation programs that show demonstrable
experience and competence in litigating post-conviction claims
of innocence. Grant funds shall support grantee provision of
post-conviction legal representation of innocence claims; case
review, evaluation, and management; experts; potentially
exonerative forensic testing; and investigation services
related to supporting these post-conviction innocence claims.
National Center on Restorative Justice.--Of the $3,000,000
provided for this program, no less than $2,500,000 shall be
used to continue a partnership with an accredited university of
higher education and/or law school for the purposes of
supporting a National Center on Restorative Justice to educate
and train the next generation of justice leaders. The Center
shall expand its partnerships with practitioners and
facilitators to increase access and types of restorative
justice training and education opportunities available across
the country and continue to support research focusing on how
best to provide direct services to address social inequities,
such as simultaneous access to substance abuse treatment and
higher education. Further, the Center will expand educational
opportunities for those under sentence and in a court-
supervised substance abuse program, and, through research and
evaluation, the Center will disseminate reports on the impact
of attitudes, recidivism, and costs of the educational
initiatives. Up to $500,000 may be used to support microgrants
to innovative restorative justice projects in communities
across the country.
Child Advocacy Training.--The Report of the Attorney
General's National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence
acknowledged the need to include curricula in post-secondary
educational programs to ensure that every child- and family-
serving professional receives training in multiple evidence-
based methods for identifying and screening children for
exposure to violence. The Committee provides $2,000,000 for a
competitive grant program to support child advocacy training in
undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education. The grants
should support the training of future mandated reporters and
child protection professionals and support efforts across the
country to train child protection professionals in the field,
including law enforcement officers, social workers, mental and
medical health professionals, and prosecutors.
Forensic Ballistics and Higher Education.--Subject to
approval from ATF, educational institutions can join NIBIN in
collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. Through the
use of ballistics identification equipment, these NIBIN
initiatives can provide students with hands-on training in the
processing of firearms evidence used to generate actionable
crime gun intelligence. The Committee provides $2,500,000 for a
competitive grant program for universities and technical
colleges, to acquire ballistics identification equipment and
support forensic ballistics programs.
Rural Violent Crime Initiative.--State, local, and Tribal
law enforcement agencies in rural areas face unique challenges,
including limited financial and technological resources, and
the need to cover large, remote areas with smaller staff.
Violent crime, including drug- and human-trafficking, continues
to grow in these locations. The Committee provides $8,000,000
for a Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative for Law
Enforcement Agencies, with grants to be awarded on a
competitive basis to small law enforcement agencies in rural
locations. Grants are to support improved training and
technology, expanded community-based crime prevention programs,
and partnerships with victim service providers. This initiative
is intended to improve communication and collaboration among
State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies with the
communities they serve, to address the unique criminal justice
challenges in rural areas. Of the total amount provided, no
less than $4,000,000 shall be for a microgrant program with
streamlined application and reporting requirements.
Uses of Byrne-JAG Funds.--The Committee continues to
recognize that novel equipment and technologies can improve
public safety and public trust in criminal justice
institutions. OJP is urged to promote awareness, through
Statements on the OJP website, in ``FAQs'' and seminars, and in
solicitation documents, that Byrne-JAG funds may be used for
managed access systems and other cell phone mitigation
technologies; fentanyl and methamphetamine detection equipment,
including handheld instruments; opioid overdose reversal
agents; virtual reality de-escalation training; humane remote
restraint devices that enable law enforcement to restrain an
uncooperative subject without requiring the infliction of pain;
drug detection canines; and hiring and training of cybercrime
analysts and investigators.
Grants to Combat Human Trafficking.--The Committee's
recommendation provides $97,000,000 for services and task force
activities for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and foreign
nationals who are victims of trafficking, as authorized by
Public Law 106-386 and amended by Public Law 113-4, of which no
less than $22,000,000 is for the Enhanced Collaborative Model
to Combat Human Trafficking Task Force Program. The Committee
urges that human trafficking task forces funded under this
grant program take affirmative measures to emphasize the
investigation and prosecution of persons who patronize or
solicit children for sex as a human trafficking demand
reduction strategy. OJP shall consult with stakeholder groups
in determining the overall allocation of Victims of Trafficking
funding and shall provide a plan to the Committee for the use
of these funds as part of the Department's fiscal year 2024
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. This
funding level also includes $10,000,000 for the Minor Victims
of Trafficking Grant program, of which $5,000,000 is for victim
services grants for sex-trafficked minors, as authorized by
Public Law 113-4, with the remaining $5,000,000 for victim
services grants for labor-trafficked minors. The Committee
encourages OJP to give an affirmative preference to applicants
for grants that treat minors engaged in commercial sex acts as
victims of a severe form of trafficking in persons, and
discourages the charging of such individuals for prostitution
or a sex trafficking offense. The Committee encourages DOJ to
work in close coordination with the Department of Health and
Human Services to encourage collaboration and reduce
duplication of effort.
Internet of Things Capabilities Database.--The growing use
of Internet of Things devices requires understanding of
existing capabilities of such devices for training on options
and best practices for handling of evidence to meet judicial
standards and privacy concerns. To meet this need, $2,000,000
shall be dedicated for a separate competitive grant program in
order to provide four awards of not less than $500,000 each for
institutions of higher learning that provide training in
computer forensics and digital investigation to develop a
database on Internet of Things device capabilities and to build
and execute training modules for law enforcement.
Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program.--
Within the $30,000,000 provided for bulletproof vests,
$1,500,000 is to be transferred directly to the NIST Office of
Law Enforcement Standards to continue supporting ballistic- and
stab-resistant material compliance testing programs. The
Committee expects OJP to continue strengthening internal
controls to manage the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest
Partnership Grant 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.
National Instant Criminal Background Check System
Initiative Grants.--A total of $129,000,000 is provided for
this program, of which $40,000,000 is derived from the BSCA and
$89,000,000 is derived from funding in this act. Funding
provided in this act will be used 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. The Committee expects OJP
to track whether grant recipients are submitting data in a
timely manner into the NICS system.
The Fix NICS Act allows the Attorney General to waive the
National Criminal History Improvement Program match for States
that are in compliance with the implementation plan required
under Section 107 of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of
2007 (Public Law 110-180). The Committee directs the Department
to remind States of the possibility of this waiver in guidance
or technical assistance regarding this grant program.
The Committee is aware that many State laws and policies
provide for the expungement or sealing of certain criminal
records, making it possible for people with past convictions to
access employment and housing, or exercise their social and
civic rights. However, many States do not have the resources
for appropriate technology to implement such policies
effectively. The Committee urges the Department to ensure that
grants made under the National Criminal History Improvement
Program [NCHIP] can be made available for supporting States in
the planning and the implementation of records systems that
allow for the efficient expungement or sealing of qualifying
criminal history records without requiring those eligible to
apply.
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science.--The recommendation
provides a total of $35,000,000, of which $17,000,000 is to
target specifically the challenges the opioid and synthetic
drug epidemic has brought to the forensics community.
DNA Backlog and Crime Lab Improvements.--The Committee
continues its strong support for DNA backlog and crime lab
improvements by recommending $170,000,000 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 the funds provided, $130,000,000 is for
Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Reduction grants, $15,000,000 is for
Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing grants, $5,000,000
is for Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Program grants, and
$20,000,000 is for other State and local forensic activities.
An additional $20,000,000 is provided for Access to Sexual
Assault Nurse Examinations grants under the Violence Against
Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs.
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, as
part of its fiscal year 2024 spending plan, a detailed
description of the DNA-related and forensic programs, including
a description of the alignment of appropriated funds with the
authorized purposes of the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant
Program.
The Committee appreciates the Department's publication of
data and metrics on the effectiveness of this program. For
example, more than half of all matches made on the Combined DNA
Index System [CODIS] are attributable to cases and offender
samples processed through this Federal grant program. The
Committee encourages the Department to continue to track and
annually report such metrics related to how this program
contributes to the number of cases and offender samples
submitted to CODIS, as well as to the related number of CODIS
matches.
DNA-related and Forensics Programs.--The Committee
continues to direct the Department to allocate funds for DNA-
related and forensics programs in compliance with all relevant
requirements, including the Justice for All Reauthorization Act
of 2016 (Public Law 114-235), the Justice Served Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-257), and appropriations directives.
Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.--The Committee's
recommendation includes $55,000,000 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. OJP shall provide competitively awarded
grants with a comprehensive community-based approach to
addressing the resolution of cases in the backlog.
The Committee believes it is important for the Department
to maximize the results of investments in sexual assault kit
[SAK] testing through continued research to identify best
practices for State, local, and Tribal jurisdictions in
handling the myriad issues that arise from perpetrator
identification-such as victim notification, investigation,
prosecution, documentation, forensic advancements, inter-
jurisdiction sharing, and tracking. The Committee further
believes it is critically important to fund efforts to support
cross-jurisdiction and cross-site data sharing to identify and
pursue repeat offenders operating in multiple jurisdictions.
Finally, the Committee believes that further work to validate
the extensive cost savings that result from the prevention of
future offenses as a result of SAK testing is needed. The
Committee directs the Department to support efforts that
advance these objectives; and further directs BJA to issue a
report within 1 year of the enactment of this act on the number
of partially tested kits.
Second Chance Act [SCA] Grants.--The recommendation
provides $125,000,000 for 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 adults released from prisons and jails
safely and successfully reenter their communities. The SCA
supports activities such as employment assistance, substance
abuse treatment including MAT options, housing, local
transportation, mentoring, family programming, and victim
support. SCA grants will also support demonstration projects
designed to test the impact of new strategies and frameworks.
Of the amounts provided in this section, $10,000,000 is
provided for the purposes of the Crisis Stabilization and
Community Reentry Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-281), which also
addresses the mental health and substance use disorder needs of
individuals who are recently released from correctional
facilities.
When awarding SCA grants, the Committee directs OJP to
consider the impact of reentry of prisoners on communities in
which a disproportionate number of individuals reside upon
release from incarceration. OJP shall assess the reentry
burdens borne by local communities and local law enforcement
agencies; review the resources available in such communities to
support successful reentry and the extent to which those
resources are used effectively; and make recommendations to
strengthen the resources in such communities which are
available to support successful reentry and to lessen the
burden placed on such communities by the need to support
reentry.
Project HOPE Institute.--The Committee recognizes the
success of Project HOPE. The Committee provides $5,000,000 for
Project HOPE, of which not less than $500,000 shall be directed
to continue the Project HOPE Institute to provide training,
technical assistance, and best practices for jurisdictions
replicating the HOPE model. The Committee directs BJA to award
grants to support both existing Project HOPE models and new
jurisdictions.
Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Act.--The
Committee directs BJA to ensure that the program includes
grants for peer support specialists and peer-led mental health
education classes or support groups for justice-involved
individuals and families commensurate with community needs.
Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act [CARA] Programs.--
The Committee provides a total of $445,000,000 for CARA
programs, including $95,000,000 for drug courts; $35,000,000
for veterans treatment courts; $45,000,000 for Residential
Substance Abuse Treatment, including access to any of the three
MAT options; $35,000,000 for prescription drug monitoring;
$45,000,000 for the Mentally Ill Offender Act; and $190,000,000
for the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use
Disorder Program [COSSUP].
The Committee directs that funding for COSSUP programs
focus on prevention and education efforts, effective responses
to those affected by substance abuse, and services for
treatment and recovery from addiction. Of the $190,000,000 for
COSSUP, no less than $11,000,000 shall be made available for
additional replication sites employing the Law Enforcement
Assisted Diversion [LEAD] model, with applicants demonstrating
a plan for sustainability of LEAD-model diversion programs; no
less than $5,500,000 shall be made available for education and
prevention programs to connect law enforcement agencies with K-
12 students; and no less than $11,000,000 shall be made
available for embedding social services with law enforcement in
order to rapidly respond to drug overdoses where children are
impacted.
The Committee supports specialized residential substance
abuse treatment programs for inmates with co-occurring mental
health and substance abuse disorders or challenges. Given the
strong nexus between substance abuse and mental illness in our
prisons and jails, the Committee encourages the Attorney
General to ensure that funds provided for residential substance
abuse treatment for State prisoners are being used to treat
underlying mental health disorders, in addition to substance
abuse disorders.
The Committee recognizes the importance of drug courts and
the vital role that they serve in reducing crime among people
with a substance use or mental health disorder. In recent
years, drug courts have been on the front lines of the opioid
epidemic and have become important resources for law
enforcement and other community stakeholders affected by opioid
addiction. The Committee applauds efforts already undertaken in
communities across the country to utilize drug courts. The
Committee encourages Federal agencies to continue to work with
State and local governments and communities to support drug
courts.
The Committee supports the ability of drug courts to
address offenders with co-occurring substance abuse and mental
health problems, and supports court ordered assisted outpatient
treatment programs for individuals struggling with mental
illness. Within the funding provided for drug courts, the
Committee encourages OJP to give attention to States and
localities that have the highest concentrations of opioid-
related cases, and to prioritize assistance to underserved
areas whose criminal defendants currently have relatively
little opportunity to access drug courts. The Committee
encourages OJP to coordinate, as appropriate, with other
Federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human
Services, as it implements these activities in order to avoid
duplication.
The Committee supports the work of mental health courts
across the country. The Committee is concerned, however, by the
high rates of re-incarceration among individuals with serious
mental illness due to the inadequate access to care for or
management of their illness and directs that the Department
include appropriate long-acting medications, including
injectable anti-psychotic medication, as an allowable expense
to improve treatment adherence and reduce risk for relapse and
re-incarceration.
Veterans Treatment Courts.--The Committee continues to
strongly support veterans treatment courts [VTCs]. An
evaluation of VTCs funded by BJA found limitations in access to
VTCs due to challenges in identifying veterans and also
emphasized that veterans' needs vary from other drug courts.
The Committee supports the Department's efforts to offer a
broader range of tools to address program needs. The Committee
directs BJA to submit a report on the feasibility of
establishing a National Center for Veterans Justice designed to
continuously enhance coordination of data, best practices,
original research, and technical assistance to further
evidence-based practices for justice-involved veteran
interventions. The report shall include an evaluation of the
Status Query and Response Exchange System and the Veterans
Reentry Search Service; opportunities to increase collaboration
and data sharing between Federal, State, and local government
partners; recommended funding sources; and organizational
structure options for the Center. BJA is further directed to
submit this report to the Committee within 180 days of the date
of the enactment of this act.
Keep Young Athletes Safe Act.--The Committee again provides
funding of $2,500,000 for a competitive grant program to
safeguard young athletes against abuse in sports, including
emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The Committee directs
that funding be prioritized for curriculum development and
training for abuse prevention education in youth athletic
programs and for investigation and resolution of sexual abuse
claims. The Committee further directs that the Department
explore opportunities for supporting an athlete survivor
leadership network to better incorporate survivors' lived
experiences are incorporated as part of new curriculum,
training materials, and technical assistance, including a
better understanding of how and when to report. Any
recommendations regarding youth athletes stemming from the work
and reporting by the Commission on the State of U.S. Olympics
and Paralympics shall be incorporated into this program.
Justice Reinvestment Initiative [JRI].--The Committee
provides $35,000,000 for the JRI, which provides assistance to
States to identify local issues arising in criminal justice
systems and to develop data-driven and research-backed
responses. Jurisdictions may use the JRI to reduce recidivism;
control the size of corrections populations, either
incarcerated or on community supervision; reduce crime; and
create budgetary solutions to better balance correctional costs
within a State's budget. Justice reinvestment is used to
implement data-driven strategies to improve public safety by
reducing corrections spending and reinvesting those savings in
efforts to decrease crime and strengthen neighborhoods. Funding
may be used to provide technical assistance to States with
existing justice reinvestment programs to further such
programs; provide technical assistance to additional States to
expand the justice reinvestment initiative to those
jurisdictions; or provide funding to States with existing
justice reinvestment initiatives to expand or enhance the
State's self-identified justice reinvestment initiative goals.
Justice reinvestment funds shall not be restricted by Federal
agencies for use on specific programs or policy initiatives,
and States shall be permitted to establish their own priorities
within the justice reinvestment framework.
Addressing Hate Crimes.--The Committee provides a total of
$40,000,000 to address hate crimes in our communities. Of this
amount, $20,000,000 is for Hate Crime Prevention Act grants
authorized under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate
Crimes Prevention Act (section 4704 of Public Law 111-84). The
Committee continues to urge the Department and grant recipients
to prioritize efforts to identify, investigate, report on, and
prevent hate crimes that occur online or are related to bias-
motivated harassment and criminal activity occurring online.
The Committee also provides $10,000,000 for grants authorized
under the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Crime Act, and $10,000,000 for
grants provided under the Community-Based Approaches to
Advancing Justice program.
Community-Based Approaches to Advancing Justice.--The
Committee recognizes the importance of community-based
organizations in conflict resolution and empowering communities
to combat hate crimes and incidents, as Congress has directed
for the last two fiscal years. These organizations provide
direct assistance to targeted communities, train individuals on
techniques to de-escalate dangerous situations, and provide
timely statistical information on hate crimes to their
communities. The Committee continues to provide funding for
grants to these organizations to advance justice within their
communities.
Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative
[CVIPI].--A total of $105,000,000 is provided for CVIPI in
fiscal year 2024. This includes $50,000,000 from the BSCA and
$55,000,000 in this act. This grant program supports
communities in developing comprehensive, evidence-based
violence intervention and prevention programs, including
efforts to address gang and gun violence, based on partnerships
between community residents, law enforcement, local government
agencies, and other community stakeholders. Awards should be
prioritized for communities with the highest number of
homicides and the highest number of homicides per capita. The
Committee directs OJP to prioritize that these grants be made
to community-based violence intervention programs to the
fullest extent possible and also track and publish information
on this funding, including the number of awards made and a
description of the use of funding for each project and the
number of grant applications received.
Agencies Adjacent to Federal Lands.--The Committee
recognizes that local law enforcement agencies in jurisdictions
that contain or are adjacent to Federal land play a critical
role in preventing and responding to crime on Federal lands
while also recognizing the strain on resources this proximity
may cause. The Committee encourages the Department to consider
proximity to Federal land when reviewing applications for
competitive grants.
Byrne Discretionary Grants.--The Committee provides
$159,139,000 for Byrne discretionary grants to prevent crime,
improve the criminal justice system, provide victim services,
and other related activities. The following table details
funding for congressionally-designated projects, which the bill
incorporates by reference:
BYRNE DISCRETIONARY GRANTS TABLE
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recipient Project Purpose Recommended ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama Agricultural and Public Safety 375,000
Mechanical University. Equipment for
University Law
Enforcement.
Allentown Police Department... Police Cruisers & 275,000
Public Safety
Technology.
Alton, NH Police Department... Body Worn Camera 255,000
Project.
An Achievable Dream........... Enrichment and 1,961,000
Discipline Reduction
Program.
Anne Arundel County........... Re-Entry Services..... 450,000
Anoka County Attorney's Office Pre-Charge Diversion 89,000
Program.
Augusta-Richmond County....... Law Enforcement Body- 690,000
Worn Camera
Technology Upgrades.
Augusta-Richmond County....... Mental Health Response 317,000
Team.
Baltimore City................ School-Based Violence 738,000
Prevention.
Baltimore City State's Office Modernization 775,000
Attorney. and Cybersecurity
Enhancements.
Beaufort County............... Communications Upgrade 893,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brothers Big 1,000,000
Independence Region. Sisters Independence
Region.
Blount County Commission...... Public Safety 400,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
Board of Harbor Commissioners Patrol Boat 317,000
for the Harbor of Portland. Replacement.
Breakthrough.................. Breakthrough Program 353,000
Expansion.
Brooklyn District Attorney's Mental Health Services 2,728,000
Office. Vehicle.
Butler County Commission...... Public Safety 120,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
Cabell County Emergency Dispatch Console 1,500,000
Response Center. Upgrades.
Cabell County Sheriff's Body-Worn and Vehicle 386,000
Department. Cameras.
Cedar Crest College........... Expert Witness 250,000
Training Center &
Crime Scene Lab.
Chaves County CASA Program.... Chaves County CASA 500,000
Program Trauma
Intervention Project.
Childern's Advocacy Center of Mental Health & 235,000
Delaware, Inc. Advocacy Coordinator.
Chilton County Commission..... Public Safety 300,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
Choose Freedom................ Community Violence 552,000
Prevention Program.
CHRIS 180, Inc................ Expanding Violence 331,000
Reduction Programs in
South Atlanta.
City of Albuquerque Police Substance 364,000
Department. Identification
Equipment.
City of Beckley............... Patrol Vehicles....... 270,000
City of Beckley............... Bullet Proof Vests.... 36,000
City of Belfast............... Police Department 750,000
Equipment.
City of Birmingham............ Real Time Crime Center 4,200,000
(RTCC).
City of Bisbee................ Body Cameras and Crime 210,000
Response.
City of Burlington............ Burlington Community 300,000
Justice Center.
City of Charleston............ Charleston CARES Pre- 125,000
Trial Diversion
Initiative.
City of Charleston, West Leon Sullivan Way 301,000
Virginia. Safety Initiative.
City of East Lansing.......... Public Safety 1,500,000
Enhancement.
City of East St. Louis........ Camera and Lights 1,446,000
Effectiveness for
Anti-Dumping Needs
(CLEAN).
City of Fairhope.............. Combatting Fentanyl... 200,000
City of Huntington Police Huntington Police 776,000
Department. Department Community
Oriented Policing
Endeavors (COPE)
Project.
City of Huntington Police Technology 1,300,000
Department. Modernization.
City of Linden................ First Responder 355,000
Vehicle Acquisition.
City of Meadville............. Crisis Intervention 268,000
and Support Staff.
City of Minneapolis........... Minneapolis Community 2,500,000
Violence Intervention.
City of Modesto............... 9-1-1 Call Center 2,692,000
Project.
City of Muskegon.............. Police Modular Vehicle 190,000
Barrier System.
City of New Orleans Office of Crime Lab Equipment... 2,400,000
Criminal Justice Coordination.
City of North Las Vegas....... Public Safety 1,620,000
Enhancement Project.
City of Omaha................. Law Enforcement Air 3,500,000
Support Equipment.
City of Peoria................ Police Negotiation 103,000
Response Vehicle.
City of Pittsburgh............ LEAD Criminal Justice 966,000
Diversion.
City of Reno.................. Police Department 1,500,000
Wellness Project.
City of Russellville.......... Public Safety 500,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
City of Santa Fe.............. Mobile Integrated 300,000
Health Office (MIHO).
City of Sheffield............. Public Safety 495,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
City of Shinnston............. Public Safety 1,000,000
Technology.
City of Sumter................ Drug and Substance 157,000
Analyzer.
City of Syracuse.............. Police Athletic/ 415,000
Activities League
Teen Program
Expansion.
City of Tacoma Municipal Court Municipal Therapeutic 500,000
Court.
City of Trussville............ Public Safety 150,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
City of Tuscumbia............. Public Safety 325,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
City of Winfield.............. Patrol Vehicle 31,000
Equipment.
Clark County.................. Eighth Judicial 800,000
District Court's
Court Appointed
Special Advocate
[CASA].
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.. Cleveland Rape Crisis 800,000
Center.
Cobb Family Advocacy Center... Family Advocacy Center 1,550,000
Colbert County Sheriff's Public Safety 250,000
Office. Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
Collaborative to End Human Youth Human 500,000
Trafficking. Trafficking Victims.
Communities In Schools of Ohio Crime Prevention and 500,000
Youth Reengagement
Program.
COMPASS Youth Collaborative... Youth Violence 137,000
Intervention.
Concord Police Department..... Evidence Equipment and 73,000
Training.
Concord Police Department..... Rapid DNA for 188,000
Investigations.
Confederated Tribes and Bands Drug and Fentanyl 1,028,000
of the Yakama Nation. Taskforce.
Conflict Resolution Center of Statewide Youth 291,000
Baltimore County. Conflict Coaching.
Connecticut Coalition Against Connecticut Coalition 4,204,000
Domestic Violence. Against Domestic
Violence for Victim
Services Funding.
Copiah Lincoln Community Law Enforcement 20,000
College. Academy.
Council on Domestic Violence Community-Based Victim 4,000,000
and Sexual Assault. Services Program.
County of Oxford.............. Jail Security 174,000
Equipment Upgrades.
County Sheriffs of Colorado... Colorado Rural Impact 917,000
Programs.
Covenant House................ Enhanced Victim 250,000
Services Transitional
Program.
Crime Victims Center, Inc. Sexual Assault 565,000
(dba Parents for Megan's Law). Forensic Examiner and
Response (SAFE/R)
Capacity Building
Program in Suffolk
County.
Cumberland County District DNA Analysis Expansion 284,000
Attorney's Office.
Dallas County Sheriff's Office Public Safety 250,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
Day One....................... Child Sexual Abuse 220,000
Prevention Program.
Delaware Department of Body Worn Cameras 113,000
Correction. (Level V and Level IV
facilities).
Delaware Department of Delaware Data 788,000
Justice, Office of the Initiative.
Attorney General.
Delaware Department of Safety, Equipment to Enhance 950,000
Division of Forensic Science. Testing Capabilities
in Toxicology Unit.
Derry Police Department....... Acquisition of Body 586,000
Worn Camera (BWC), In-
car Video (ICV), and
Facility Cameras.
Douglas County................ Pre-Trial Diversion 95,000
Program.
Edgewood Police Department--NM Edgewood Police 800,000
Department Emergency
Vehicle Fund.
Enough is Enough.............. Virginia Initiative 974,000
for the Prevention of
the Online
Exploitation of
Children.
Establish..................... Hanai Pilot Project... 700,000
Fairmont State University..... Security Upgrades..... 1,701,000
Families and Youth Innovations Trauma Informed Youth 675,000
Plus (FYI+). Diversion Program.
Farmington Hills Police Law Enforcement 65,000
Department. Emergency Vehicle
Operation.
Faulkner County Sheriff's Rapid DNA System Pilot 1,000,000
Office. Program for
Investigations.
Franklin County Sheriff's Public Safety 200,000
Office. Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
Franklin Police Department.... Body Worn Camera 208,000
Project.
Freedom Reads................. Libraries in Prison 450,000
Housing Units.
Friends of the HOPE Initiative RI HOPE Initiative-- 450,000
Statewide Law
Enforcement Opioid
Overdose Deflection
Program.
Fulton County Sheriff's Office Body-Worn Camera 298,000
Technology Upgrades.
Georgia Justice Project....... Georgia Justice 475,000
Project--Second
Chance Desk.
Grand Rapids Community College Public Safety Training 1,000,000
Center Equipment.
Grant County District Court... Courthouse Security 1,500,000
Upgrades.
Greenville Police Department.. Equipment and 1,400,000
Technology Upgrades.
Halifax County................ Security Upgrades..... 225,000
Hampton Falls Police Virtual Simulation 38,000
Department. Training Equipment.
Hampton, NH Police Department. Enhanced Criminal 200,000
Justice Response Team.
Hancock County Commission..... Law Enforcement 391,000
Technology and
Equipment.
Hellam Township............... Public Safety UTVs and 96,000
Police Vehicles.
Henderson County Sheriff's Bomb Squad Upgrades... 234,000
Office.
Hillsborough County Sheriff... De-Escalation Program. 276,000
Ho'ola Na Pua................. Shining the Light on 1,000,000
Sex Trafficking in
Hawaii.
Honolulu Police Department.... Cybercrime Unit 500,000
Vehicle.
Houlton Police Department..... Police Department 57,000
Equipment.
Justice Assistance............ Habitat for Justice... 420,000
Kanawha Institute for Social Re-entry Learning 333,000
Research & Action, Inc. Platform.
(KISRA).
Kapili Like Inc............... Victims of Crime and 1,010,000
Trafficking Safe Hale
Project.
La Paz County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team Response 305,000
Vehicle.
La Pinon Sexual Assault Sierra County 56,000
Recovery Services. Children's Advocacy
Center.
Lancaster County Sheriff's Law Enforcement 770,000
Office. Vehicles.
Lander County................. Crime Prevention 563,000
Technology.
Las Cumbres Community Services Walking IN Grace with 360,000
Survivors of Torture
(WINGS).
Livingston County............. Law Enforcement 150,000
Virtual Training
Simulator.
Local Initiatives Support Chesapeake & 500,000
Corporation (LISC) Hampton Portsmouth Safety
Roads. Coordinator.
Maine Coalition Against Sexual Sexual Assault Expert 90,000
Assault. Witness and Attorney
Training.
Manchester School District.... Active Attack CRCC 48,000
Training.
Marengo County Commission..... Public Safety 185,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
Marion County Sheriff's Public Safety 980,000
Department. Equipment and Law
Enforcement
Technology.
Marshall University Research Forensic Genomics 2,000,000
Corporation. Institute.
McDermott Center.............. First Responders 910,000
Mental Health
Initiative.
McKean County Jail............ County Jail Security 136,000
Scanner.
Mercer County Commission...... Courthouse Security 245,000
Equipment.
Metro Police Athletic League.. Recreational, 10,000
Educational, and
Cultural Activities
for At-Risk Youth.
Metro-IAF / Manhattan Together Community Care and 200,000
Recovery.
Minnesota Third Judicial Minnesota Third 1,500,000
District--County Attorney Judicial District--
Electronic Evidence County Attorney
Collaborative. Electronic Evidence
Collaborative.
Mission Kids Child Advocacy Child Advocacy & 1,000,000
Center. Regional Training
Center.
Mississippi State University.. Updating Law 1,800,000
Enforcement Data in
Mississippi.
Montgomery County............. Crisis Co-Response 700,000
Teams.
Morehouse College............. Expanding Access to 1,636,000
the Andrew Young
Center's Higher
Education in Prisons
Initiative.
Morgan County Commission...... Public Safety 595,000
Equipment.
Navajo County................. Public Safety 2,307,000
Interoperability
Communication Project
(Phase II).
New Mexico Child Advocacy Child Abuse and 150,000
Networks (NMCAN). Neglect Prevention.
New Mexico Department of Santa Fe Forensic 500,000
Public Safety. Laboratory DNA
Analysis.
Nicholas County Commission.... Body Worn Cameras..... 84,000
Nicholas County Commission.... Patrol Vehicles....... 308,000
Not Another Child, Inc........ Survivor Support 500,000
System.
NYPD's Fighting Finest Inc.... NYC Youth Forward..... 150,000
Office of the New Mexico New Mexico Crime Gun 1,150,000
Attorney General. Intelligence Center.
Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Ohio Alliance to End 700,000
Violence. Sexual Violence.
Ohio Quick Respones Team Ohio Quick Response 230,000
Association. Team (QRT)
Association.
Pawtucket Police Department, Public Safety Vehicle 335,000
City of Pawtucket. and Equipment Upgrade.
Peoria County................. Cure Violence......... 564,000
Pima County Sheriff's Pima County Adult 458,000
Department. Detention Complex.
Piscataquis County Emergency Public Safety 4,175,000
Management Agency. Communications
Equipment Upgrade.
Portland Police Department.... Police Department 372,000
Equipment.
Providence Police Department.. Evidence Collection 225,000
Vehicle.
Raleigh Police Department..... Public Safety 629,000
Intelligence
Management System.
Ramsey County................. Ramsey County Radios.. 2,965,000
Reno-Sparks Indian Colony..... Law Enforcement 265,000
Personnel and
Equipment.
Resolution Virginia........... Police-Referred 853,000
Mediation Pilot
Project.
Rhode Island Department of Replacement of 1,200,000
Corrections. Transport Vehicles.
Rhode Island Department of Rhode Island 500,000
Corrections. Correctional
Industries program.
Roca Baltimore, LLC........... After Shooting 1,455,000
Protocol Response
Project.
Roca, Inc..................... Intensive Support for 577,000
Young Women and
Mothers Impacted by
Violence.
Rochester, NH Police In-Car Camera 123,000
Department. Replacement Project.
Rowan County.................. Veterans Treatment 546,000
Court.
Rutgers University-Newark..... Re-Entry Opportunity 1,000,000
Program for
Entrepreneurship in
Newark (RE-OPEN).
Saline County Sheriff's Office Rapid DNA System Pilot 1,000,000
Program for
Investigations.
Sampson County Sheriff's Security Upgrades..... 220,000
Office.
Sandoval County............... Sandoval County 200,000
Behavioral Health
Planning Grant.
Santa Fe County............... Law Enforcement 339,000
Assisted Diversion
(LEAD) Program.
Sojourner Family Peace Center. Domestic Violence 537,000
Homicide Prevention.
Soldotna Police Department.... Urgent Casualty Care.. 110,000
SouthCom Combined Dispatch Equipment and 1,000,000
Center. Technology Upgrades.
Spokane Municipal Court....... Municipal Therapeutic 982,000
Court.
Statesville Police Department. Body-Worn and Vehicle 410,000
Cameras.
STEPS, Inc.................... Southside Center for 949,000
Violence Prevention.
Stevens County District Court. Adult Therapeutic 450,000
Courts.
Strategies for Youth, Inc..... Policy Development & 185,000
Training to Improve
Massachusetts Law
Enforcement/Youth
Interactions.
Stratham Police Department Active Threat Incident 53,000
(SPD). Equipment.
Talladega County Commission... Public Safety 200,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
Temple University............. Philadelphia Healthy 1,500,000
and Safe Schools
(PHASeS) Program.
The Affiliated Sante Group.... Co-Respond Mobile 499,000
Crisis Team Pilot
Project.
The Community College of Rhode Scaling Pathways to 350,000
Island. the Workforce.
The Community Service Board of Behavioral Health & 1,356,000
Middle Georgia. Overdose Reduction
Initiative.
The Exodus Road............... Training and Technical 750,000
Assistance to Combat
Human Trafficking.
The Justice Education Center.. Justice Education 990,000
Center Initiative.
The Lake County Committee on Forbes House Program 163,000
Family Violence and the Expansion.
Forbes House.
The Narragansett Indian Tribe. Fitness Initiative.... 430,000
The Phoenix................... The Phoenix Reentry 650,000
Program.
The Zekelman Holocaust Center. Center Security Sector 1,100,000
& Law Enforcement
Professional
Education Program.
Tiverton Police Department.... Public Safety Vehicles 280,000
Town of Anstead............... Hire and Equip Project 202,000
Town of Elon.................. Public Safety 102,000
Equipment.
Town of Florence.............. Public Safety Dispatch 1,230,000
Center.
Town of Madison............... Town of Madison for 114,000
Outreach Social
Worker.
Town of Marion................ Servant Officer 208,000
Training.
Town of Mont Vernon........... Acquisition of Body 25,000
Worn Cameras.
Town of New Hampton........... New Hampton Public 80,000
Safety Cruiser.
Town of Poca Police Department Law Enforcement 54,000
Equipment.
Town of Queen Creek........... Critical Incident 1,948,000
Management Resources.
Township of Monroe............ Installation of 167,000
Security Cameras and
Entry Control System.
Troy University............... Public Safety 150,000
Equipment for
University Law
Enforcement.
University of Charleston...... University of 1,922,000
Charleston WV Law
Enforcement
Leadership Training
Program.
University of Charleston...... Campus Security 1,394,000
Upgrades.
University of Kansas School of Veterans Legal Support 1,600,000
Law. Clinic.
University of Maryland........ Gun Violence Reduction 726,000
Research Initiative.
University of Maryland Capital Violence Intervention 275,000
Region Health. Program.
University of Maryland Medical Penetrating Injury 1,275,000
Center R Adams Cowley Shock Recovery Project.
Trauma Center.
University of Mississippi Advanced Policing 380,000
Medical Center. Operations and
Technologies.
University of Southern Scalable Rural Digital 3,000,000
Mississippi. Forensics.
Utica......................... Police Cameras........ 153,000
Vermont Department of Public Center for Council 1,900,000
Safety. Vermont Public Safety
Project.
Weatherly Borough Police Digital Radio System 120,000
Department. Upgrades.
West Virginia Wesleyan College WV Wesleyan Center for 795,000
Ethical Professional
Development in
Criminal Justice.
Wetzel County Commission...... Wetzel County 141,000
Commission Upgrading
of Police Cruisers.
Winnebago County.............. Technology Upgrades... 825,000
Winnebago County Sheriff's Rescue Boat 990,000
Office. Replacements.
Women Helping Women........... Trauma Informed 88,000
Advocates Program.
Women's Rights Information Legal Assistance 330,000
Center. Program for Low-
Income Victims of
Crime.
WVU Potomac State............. Security Equipment 439,000
Enhancements.
YMCA of Greater Providence Community Engagement.. 220,000
(GPYMCA).
York County................... Public Safety Training 1,800,000
Equipment.
Youth Services, Inc........... Community Restorative 979,000
Practices Project.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $400,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 760,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 415,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $415,000,000 for
juvenile justice programs. The recommendation is $15,000,000
above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $345,000,000 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 in preventing juvenile delinquency and
ensuring 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 encourages OJJDP to review its suite of grant
programs in order to offer services and programs for children
and youth who have experienced complex trauma.
The Committee's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part B--State Formula Grants......................... 75,000
Emergency Planning-Juvenile Detention Facilities. 500
Youth Mentoring Grants............................... 110,000
Title V--Delinquency Prevention Incentive Grants..... 65,000
Prevention of Trafficking of Girls............... 5,000
Tribal Youth..................................... 18,000
Children of Incarcerated Parents Web Portal...... 500
Girls in the Justice System...................... 6,500
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative................. 12,500
Children Exposed to Violence..................... 10,000
Victims of Child Abuse Programs...................... 50,000
Missing & Exploited Children Programs................ 108,000
Training for Judicial Personnel...................... 4,500
Juvenile Indigent Defense............................ 2,500
------------------
TOTAL, Juvenile Justice...................... 415,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any deviation from the above table is subject to the
reprogramming requirements of section 505 of this act.
Arts in Juvenile Justice.--The Department is to continue to
develop the Arts in the Juvenile Justice Demonstration Program
as described in fiscal year 2023. In addition, OJJDP is
encouraged to prioritize applications with arts partners who
have prior experience in serving youth who are engaged, or at
risk of engaging, in the juvenile justice system as well as
partnerships developed through authentic collaboration with
young people who have lived expertise or experience. The
Committee directs OJJDP to provide a report not later than 180
days after the date of enactment of this act on the use of
funds, grant recipients, and project purposes for fiscal year
2023 as well as plans for fiscal year 2024 funds including
expansion of the program and creation of best practices to
replicate these kinds of partnerships.
Youth Mentoring Grants.--To support the critical work of
national, regional, and local organizations in nurturing and
mentoring at-risk children and youth, the Committee recommends
$110,000,000 for competitive, peer-reviewed youth mentoring
grants, of which $16,500,000 is for helping youth impacted by
substance abuse, including opioids and methamphetamine. 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. The Committee expects OJP to
maintain OJJDP's expanded eligibility for local mentoring
programs, particularly in rural areas, unaffiliated with
national mentoring organizations. The Committee further expects
OJP and OJJDP to collaborate with mentoring stakeholders to
expand youth mentoring services in rural areas inordinately
affected by substance abuse, particularly heroin and opioids,
and that are considered at-risk.
Girls in the Juvenile Justice System.--Girls in the United
States with a history of sexual and physical abuse, school
failure, substance dependency, and involvement in the welfare
system, and who live in impoverished communities or are
experiencing homelessness, face unique and complex risks. The
Committee provides $6,500,000 for the ``Girls in the Justice
System'' grant program, which will enable organizations,
including nonprofit entities, with a successful track record of
administering prevention and early intervention programs for
girls who are most likely to end up in the juvenile justice
system, at a local or State level, to replicate these programs
at a national level. Funding for this program will further
support prevention and early intervention strategies and
curricula throughout the country, and place vulnerable girls on
a path toward success, stability, and long-term contribution to
society.
Children Exposed to Violence.--According to DOJ, nearly
two-thirds of children in the United States have been exposed
to violence, which can impact development, health, and
educational outcomes, and perpetuate the cycle of violence and
substance misuse. The Committee provides $10,000,000 for grants
to help children exposed to violence through direct supportive
services for them and their families; training and capacity
building for communities to build sustainable partnerships to
prevent and help children cope with exposure; State and local
policy reform to heal from trauma through supportive services
for the children and their families; training and awareness-
raising for communities on how to prevent and help children
heal from violence; State and policy reform; and technical
assistance for child and family-serving systems and
organizations to help them better recognize and help families
at risk for violence.
Victims of Child Abuse Act.--The Committee's recommendation
provides $50,000,000 for the various programs authorized under
the Victims of Child Abuse Act (Public Law 101-647) and directs
OJJDP to ensure that not less than 90 percent of the grants
awarded are for the purposes of developing and maintaining
child advocacy centers [CAC], including training and
accreditation. The Committee further directs OJJDP to ensure
the funds intended to support local CACs are used efficiently
with the highest percentage possible of Federal funding
expended for local CAC organizational capacity, which is
essential for the effective support of implementing the
multidisciplinary response to child abuse investigation,
prosecution, and intervention services.
The Committee continues to support efforts by CACs to use
their unique model and expertise to help military installations
address cases of child abuse, and again provides $1,000,000
from within the funds provided to continue to support a pilot
project to identify, develop, and operationalize best
practices. As this effort has been funded since fiscal year
2017, the Committee directs OJJDP to report on the status of
this pilot, including the locations of CACs and military
installations working together, the number of children served
through these partnerships, and lessons learned from this pilot
program.
The Committee further directs OJJDP to coordinate with the
Department of Defense on the implementation of recommendations
made in GAO's report on ``Increased Guidance and Collaboration
Needed to Improve DoD's Tracking and Response to Child Abuse''
(GAO-20-110), including national agreements between CACs and
each military service.
Missing and Exploited Children Programs.--The Committee
recommends $108,000,000 for OJJDP's Missing and Exploited
Children Programs in order to support law enforcement agencies
and other national organizations that report and investigate
missing children cases and also investigate those who exploit
children both with and without an online nexus. The Committee
directs OJP to provide a plan for the use of these funds as
part of the Department's spending plan for fiscal year 2024,
which shall include investments in authorized national programs
that serve as a resource center and clearinghouse on missing
and exploited children, task force grants, and administrative
costs for the Internet Crimes Against Children [ICAC] program.
The Committee directs OJJDP to continue to ensure that all
grantees report regularly on these programs.
Within funds provided, the Committee directs that the full
authorized amount of $40,000,000 be provided for the purposes
of the Missing Children's Assistance Act of 2018 (Public Law
115-267), up to $32,200,000 of which shall be used to carry out
the requirements of 34 U.S.C. 11293(b).
Within the funds provided, $4,400,000 is provided for the
AMBER Alert program. The Committee continues to recognize the
diverse and unique challenges, identified in the report to
Congress directed by the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian
Country Act (Public Law 115-166), for the integration of State
AMBER Alert communications plans and Tribal systems. Of the
funds provided for AMBER Alert activities, $1,000,000 shall be
directed to addressing State/Tribal integration consistent with
the findings of the report directed by Public Law 115-166.
The Committee addressed the increased tips of online child
sexual exploitation and abuse reported to the National Center
for Missing and Exploited Children's [NCMEC] CyberTipline in
Senate Report 116-127, as adopted by Public Law 116-93, and
continues the direction that OJJDP continue to provide for the
development of IT solutions to address both duplicative tips
and law enforcement deconfliction, so as to ensure that only
high-quality information is being provided to law enforcement
agencies, including ICAC task forces.
The Committee directs that within the funds provided,
$3,000,000 be for a competitive grant award program to increase
the technological investigative capacity, and associated
training of law enforcement, to support the development,
refinement, and advancement of widely used investigative tools,
methods, and technologies that address child sexual abuse
material [CSAM], exploitation, and sex trafficking, as
previously directed in fiscal years 2018 through 2023. The
Committee also directs that OJJDP expand efforts to provide
advanced skills training for ICAC officers.
Advanced ICAC Skills Training.--The Committee directs that
within the funds provided, no less than $1,000,000 be provided
to maintain, strengthen, and enhance the ICAC Child Online
Protection System [ICACCOPS] investigative tools that address
CSAM, exploitation, and sex trafficking. The funding provided
will significantly upgrade hardware, software, and other
critical infrastructure components. These upgrades will
increase investigative capacity and effectiveness to keep pace
with the evolving threat of technology-facilitated child sexual
exploitation and abuse. The Committee directs OJJDP to identify
and provide a report on specific, long-term objectives
associated with this funding within 90 days of enactment of
this act.
The Committee also directs the Department to prioritize
expanded training on and use of the ICACCOPS program across
Federal, State, local, Tribal, and military law enforcement
agencies. The Committee further directs the Department to
coordinate with the Department of Defense on the implementation
of section 550D of Public Law 116-92.
Statute of Limitations.--The Committee is aware that
statutes of limitation laws have prevented survivors of child
sexual abuse, child exploitation, and child sex trafficking
from seeking justice when their trauma causes them to delay
disclosure of their abuse until later in life. The Department
is encouraged to explore ways of supporting and encouraging
States to review, pursue and revise, or continue reviewing,
pursuing and revising, civil and criminal statutes of
limitations laws and avenues for reviving time-barred civil
claims for child sexual abuse, child exploitation, and child
sex trafficking for adults who were a child at the time of the
sexual abuse claim in question.
PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS BENEFITS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $167,800,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 208,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 208,800,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $208,800,000 for
public safety officers benefits. The recommendation is
$41,000,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and is
equal to the budget request. 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, $174,000,000 is for death benefits for survivors, an
amount estimated by the Congressional Budget Office and
considered mandatory for scorekeeping purposes.
The Committee also recommends $34,800,000, 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
INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $662,880,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 651,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 534,879,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $534,879,000 for
community oriented policing services. The recommendation is
$128,001,000 below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$116,121,000 below the budget request.
The Committee's recommendations are displayed in the
following table:
COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
Program Recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COPS Hiring Grants................................... 284,926
Tribal Resources Grant Program................... 37,000
Regional Information Sharing Activities.......... 48,000
Tribal Access Program............................ 6,000
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act... 10,000
Collaborative Reform Model....................... 7,500
POLICE Act........................................... 13,000
Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces..................... 16,000
Anti-Heroin Task Forces.............................. 38,000
STOP School Violence Act............................. 55,000
Community Policing Development....................... 25,000
Law Enforcement Officer De-Escalation................ 20,000
COPS Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment 82,953
Projects............................................
------------------
TOTAL, Community Oriented Policing Services.. 534,879
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any deviations from the above table are subject to the
reprogramming requirements of section 505 of this act.
COPS Hiring Program.--The Committee recommends $284,926,000
for COPS Hiring grants to help State, local, or Tribal law
enforcement agencies create and preserve police officer
positions and to increase community policing capacity and crime
prevention efforts. Hiring grants will have an award cap of
$125,000 and require grantees to provide a 25 percent local
match. The Committee encourages the COPS Office to focus on
efforts to train and increase the capacity of law enforcement
agencies, executives, and managers serving rural communities to
enhance the use of community policing practices and innovations
in policing to expand the effectiveness of limited resources.
Additional Technical Assistance.--The Committee urges the
COPS Office to provide increased technical assistance to
applicants who have not previously received COPS grants or
otherwise indicate that they are newly establishing community-
oriented policing programs.
Grants for Rural Communities.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of COPS Office in helping to staff and equip State,
local, and Tribal law enforcement officers. However, the
Committee is concerned about the administrative difficulties
faced by small and understaffed departments, especially in
rural communities, when applying for Federal grants. The
Committee urges the Department to review and improve the
application requirements for COPS Hiring Grants and other COPS
Office grants so that more small and understaffed departments
can apply and utilize the funding.
Addressing Racial, Ethnic, and Demographic Gaps in Law
Enforcement.--The Committee is concerned about racial, ethnic,
and demographic gaps in law enforcement agencies. In fiscal
years 2021 and 2023, the Committee directed the COPS Hiring
Program to give additional consideration to applicants that
commit to recruiting officers from the communities in which
they will serve. The Committee continues to support this effort
and directs the COPS Office to submit a report, within 30 days
of the enactment of this act, on the application of this
criterion in COPS Hiring Program awards.
Community Policing Development, Training and Technical
Assistance.--The Community Policing Development [CPD] program
assists State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies with
the implementation of community policing strategies. Programs
funded by CPD provide guidance on promising practices, develop
and test innovative strategies, build knowledge about effective
practices and outcomes, and support new, creative approaches to
preventing crime and promoting safe communities. The Committee
provides $25,000,000 for CPD. De-escalation training, which the
Committee has explicitly funded through CPD since fiscal year
2021, is funded through a new, separate program in light of the
December 2022 enactment of the Law Enforcement De-escalation
Training Act (Public Law 117-325).
De-escalation Training.--The Committee provides $20,000,000
for de-escalation training programs and implementation of the
Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act (Public Law 117-
325).
Collaborative Reform Model.--The Committee provides
$7,500,000 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. Grant
funding is to only be used to assist law enforcement agencies
that choose to engage in the collaborative reform process with
the Department.
Regional Information Sharing Systems [RISS] Program.--The
Committee provides $48,000,000 for the RISS Program, to be
administered through grants.
The Committee directs that the Department assess no more
than 4 percent of the total appropriation for the RISS program
for management and administration purposes, so as to ensure
sufficient funding is available for law enforcement.
Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces.--The Committee's
recommendation provides $16,000,000 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 reiterates concerns
over the dramatic rise of heroin use, deaths, 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 task force program within the
COPS Office in fiscal year 2015, continually providing funding
in succeeding fiscal years. The Committee provides $38,000,000
for the COPS Office to make competitive grants to law
enforcement agencies in States with high per capita levels of
primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, 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, and for securing equipment commonly
used in opioid investigations. The Committee directs that
funding can be used for existing positions supported by prior
Anti-Heroin Task Force awards. Priority shall be given to drug
task forces managed and operated by the State that serve a
majority of counties in the State.
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Grants.--The
Committee strongly supports efforts to protect the mental
health and well-being of law enforcement officers.
Unfortunately, the stress of officers' work and stigma
associated with seeking assistance for emotional and mental
health issues has led to an increase in suicides for officers
across the country. To address this concern, $10,000,000 is
provided for Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act
Program grants which shall be distributed as a competitive
grant program for State and local law enforcement agencies to
provide better training on officer emotional and mental health,
implement suicide prevention programming, and help officers
seek assistance in receiving support services.
School Resource Officers.--The placement of law enforcement
officers in schools can promote school safety and reduce the
risk of violence, but may also carry a risk that these officers
could 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 ultimately can lead to academic failure and
greater recidivism rates for these students, and wastes
community resources. The Committee directs that the COPS Office
continue to implement requirements and procedures regarding
written memoranda of understanding and training requirements,
including clear definitions of officers' roles and
responsibilities on campus, for any COPS Hiring grant funds
used to hire school-based law enforcement officers.
POLICE Act.--The COPS Office's Preparing for Active Shooter
Situations [PASS] program has supported training for more than
130,000 law enforcement first responders in a response protocol
adopted by the FBI as the National standard for special agent
tactical instructors. Many State and local police departments
have also adopted this response protocol as a standard for
active shooter response, ensuring law enforcement officers
arriving on the scene understand how others are trained to
respond. The Committee encourages the Department to ensure that
grants authorized under the POLICE Act may be made available
for primary schools, secondary schools, and college campuses,
and that such training is an integrated training with campus
police officers and local law enforcement. The Committee
further encourages the continued development of e-learning
resources to supplement in-person training.
COPS Law Enforcement Technology.--The Committee provides
$82,953,000 for grants for State, local, Tribal, territorial,
and other entities to develop and acquire effective equipment,
technologies, and interoperable communications that assist in
the prevention of and response to crime. COPS is directed to
ensure that all equipment funded under this program meets the
requirements of NIST's Office of Law Enforcement Standards. The
accompanying table details funding for congressionally-
designated activities, which are incorporated by reference in
the bill:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recipient Project Purpose Recommended ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Addison County Sheriff's Body-Worn Cameras..... 18,000
Department.
Alabama State University...... Department of Public 300,000
Safety Equipment
Upgrades.
Anchorage Police Department... Special Weapons and 227,000
Tactics Command
Response Vehicle.
Arkansas Commission on Law Technology and 500,000
Enforcement Standards and Equipment.
Training.
Atkinson, NH Police Department Mobile Data Terminal 28,000
(MDT) Upgrade Project.
Barber County Sheriff......... Technology Upgrades... 323,000
Baxter Springs Police Technology Upgrades... 166,000
Department.
Berlin Police Department...... Communications is KEY. 355,000
Help us Improve
Public Safety &
Response!.
Borough of Bergenfield........ Emergency Services 1,000,000
Communications
Improvement Project.
Braxton County................ Communications 1,882,000
Upgrades.
Braxton County Sheriff's Mobile Law Enforcement 211,000
Office. Technologies.
Bridge Valley Community & BridgeValley CTC 400,000
Technical College. Gunshot Detectors
Equipment.
Chanute Police Department..... Radio Upgrades........ 140,000
City and Borough of Juneau.... Police Department 2,000,000
Radio System
Replacement.
City of Auburn................ Public Safety 750,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
City of Auburn Hills.......... Automatic License 55,000
Plate Reader (ALPR)
Program.
City of Bayonne............... Public Safety 1,030,000
Technology and
Equipment.
City of Beckley............... Beckley Police 57,000
Department Radios.
City of Bridgeport Police Public Safety Training 650,000
Department. and Technology.
City of Claremont............. Enhanced Communication 1,300,000
and Public Safety
Assurance Project.
City of Clarksburg............ Public Safety 446,000
Equipment.
City of Dover, NH............. Dispatch Console 438,000
Replacement Project.
City of Ely................... Security Cameras 610,000
Installation Project.
City of Fort Payne............ Public Safety 670,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
City of Galax................. Public Safety 3,000,000
Communications
Equipment Upgrade.
City of Inkster............... Emergency Warning 272,000
System Replacement
Project.
City of Lompoc................ Records Management 728,000
System Upgrade.
City of Lynwood............... Communication Radios 80,000
14.
City of Medford............... Medford Incident 880,000
Command Center.
City of Millbrook............. Public Safety 190,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
City of Moody................. Public Safety 245,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
City of Newberry.............. Technology and 88,000
Equipment.
City of Oconto................ Police and Fire Rescue 160,000
Department
Communications
Equipment.
City of Omaha................. Law Enforcement Bomb 500,000
Response Vehicle.
City of Oxford................ Public Safety 185,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
City of Pell City............. Public Safety 612,000
Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
City of Portland.............. Portland Police Bureau 1,359,000
Body Worn Camera
Pilot Program.
City of Sparks................ Police Security & 520,000
Officer Safety.
City of Springfield Police Technology Upgrades... 300,000
Department.
City of St. Albans............ Technology Upgrades... 150,000
City of Warwick Police Police Equipment...... 570,000
Department.
City of Waukesha.............. Computer Aided 1,000,000
Dispatch (CAD) and
Record Management
System (RMS)
Replacement.
Clay County Sheriff's Office.. Law Enforcement 175,000
Technology Upgrades.
Cobb County Sheriff's Office.. Radio Network 259,000
Modernization.
Coffey County Sheriff......... Technology Upgrades... 157,000
Colby Police Department....... Training Equipment.... 54,000
County of Burnett............. Emergency 950,000
Communications System.
County of Cheshire............ Officer Training 80,000
Simulator.
County of Door................ Public Safety Radio 3,900,000
System.
County of San Luis Obispo..... Radio Dispatch Console 2,000,000
Replacement Project.
Cullman County District Public Safety 110,000
Attorney's Office, 32nd Equipment for Local
Judicial Circuit of Alabama. Law Enforcement.
Delaware State University..... Campus Safety 540,000
Improvements.
Downriver Community Conference Cops Technology....... 850,000
Ellsworth County Sheriff...... Radio Upgrades........ 670,000
Espanola/Rio Arriba E-911 911 Software and 40,000
Center. Training.
Fairbanks Emergency Deltana Area 2,200,000
Communication Center. Communications
Equipment.
Franklin County Sheriff....... Body Scanners......... 225,000
Fulton County................. Radio System and 735,000
Dispatch Station
Upgrades.
Garnett Police Department..... Technology Upgrades... 114,000
George County Sheriff's Office Communications 1,100,000
Technologies.
Goodland Police Department.... Radio Upgrades........ 61,000
Grafton County Sheriff's Police Department 520,000
Office. Portable Radios.
Grant Parish Sheriff's Office. Emergency 340,000
Communications
Equipment.
Greenwood County Sheriff...... Technology Upgrades... 900,000
Hamilton County Sheriff....... License Plate Readers. 25,000
Jacksonville State University. Campus Security 656,000
Improvements.
Kearny County Sheriff......... License Plate Readers. 72,000
Kingman County Sheriff........ Technology Upgrades... 37,000
Lake County................... Lake County Public 2,000,000
Safety Interoperable
Radio and Microwave
System.
Las Cruces Police Department.. Narcotic Analyzers and 194,000
Awareness Program.
Le Sueur County Sheriff's Records Management 500,000
Office. System, Computer
Aided Dispatch, and
Jail Management
Software Program.
Lyon County Sheriff........... Technology Upgrades... 245,000
Marion County................. Santiam Canyon Public 1,800,000
Safety Alert System.
Marion County Schools......... 'Locked Into 850,000
Collaboration' Smart
Technology for
Student Safety &
Security Project.
Marshall County Sheriff....... Training Equipment.... 1,383,000
Marysville Police Department.. Technology Upgrades... 173,000
McPherson Police Department... Technology Upgrades... 275,000
Meade County Sheriff.......... Mobile Camera 91,000
Technology.
Merrimack County Sheriff...... Mobile Terminal Data 261,000
Installation.
Merrimack Police Department... Body/Cruiser Camera 420,000
Program.
Mississippi Department of Interdiction Equipment 2,021,000
Public Safety. and Specialty
Vehicles.
Mississippi Department of Capitol Police 1,237,000
Public Safety. Technology
Improvements.
Monroe County................. Communications 750,000
Upgrades.
Montezuma County.............. Securing Southwest 50,000
Colorado Police and
Emergency
Communications.
National Tactical Officers Mental Health Critical 1,000,000
Association. Incident Training for
Law Enforcement.
New Mexico Department of Alternative Pursuit 1,550,000
Public Safety. Options and Highway
Offender Safety
Program.
New Mexico Highlands Police and Security 200,000
University Police Department. Equipment.
Newmarket Police Department... Computer Aided 358,000
Dispatch Systems
(CAD) and Records
Management Systems
(RMS) Replacement and
Upgrade Program.
Newport Police Department..... Dispatch Radio 218,000
Consoles.
NH Dept. of Safety-Emergency New Hampshire Public 4,878,000
Communications/9-1-1 (DESC). Safety Interoperable
Communications
Network (NHICNET).
Nicholas County Commission.... Dispatch System 2,062,000
Upgrades.
Oakland Community College..... Security Camera 867,000
Upgrade.
Office of the Sheriff, Cochise Interoperable 981,000
County. Communications
Upgrade.
Pearl River County Board of Public Safety 1,141,000
Supervisors. Technology and
Equipment.
Pickens County E-911.......... Radio Improvements.... 1,805,000
Reno County Sheriff........... Technology Upgrades... 408,000
Richland County Sheriff's Unified Command Post.. 1,000,000
Department.
Riley County Police Department Technology Upgrades... 250,000
Rush County Sheriff........... Training Equipment.... 49,000
San Juan County............... Law Enforcement 90,000
Virtual Reality Use
of Force Simulator.
Silver City Police Department. Handheld Narcotics 172,000
Analyzers.
South Kingstown Police Mobile Command Vehicle 1,000,000
Department.
Southwest New Mexico Council Law Enforcement 295,000
of Governments. Equipment.
St. Clair County Sheriff's Public Safety 1,200,000
Office. Equipment for Local
Law Enforcement.
St. Landry Parish............. Technology and 1,800,000
Equipment Upgrades.
Stark County Sheriff's Office. Evidence Collection 125,000
Vehicle.
Strafford County Sheriff's Public Safety 715,000
Office. Communications
Improvements.
Town of Bluffton.............. Equipment Upgrades.... 1,348,000
Town of Clay.................. Patrol Vehicle 8,000
Equipment.
Town of Clinton............... Public Safety Radio 600,000
Equipment.
Town of Cumberland, Police Public Safety Digital 1,010,000
Department. Communications
Upgrade.
Township of Belleville........ Automatic License 447,000
Plate Reader Project.
Township of Old Bridge........ Police Technology 1,302,000
Upgrades.
University of Arkansas for Police Department 1,000,000
Medical Sciences. Equipment and
Technology Upgrades.
Windham Police Department..... Greater Windham 419,000
Emergency Regional
Communications
Interoperability
Project.
Windsor County Sheriff's Emergency 1,240,000
Department. Communication Radio
Network Upgrades.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Provisions--Department of Justice
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
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, or in the case of rape or incest.
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 limits the placement of maximum or high
security prisoners to appropriately secure facilities.
Section 207 restricts Federal prisoner access to certain
amenities.
Section 208 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 209 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 210 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 211 prohibits U.S. Attorneys from simultaneously
holding multiple jobs outside of the scope of a U.S. Attorney's
professional duties.
Section 212 permits up to 2 percent of grant and
reimbursement program funds made available to the Office of
Justice Programs to be used for training and technical
assistance, and 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.
Section 213 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. If a waiver
is granted, the Attorney General shall document any factors and
material presented by a grantee upon determining that a fiscal
hardship exists prior to making an award.
Section 214 waives the requirement that the Attorney
General reserve certain funds from amounts provided for
offender incarceration.
Section 215 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 216 places limitations on the obligation of funds
from certain Department of Justice accounts and funding
sources.
Section 217 permits the Department of Justice to
participate in Performance Partnership Pilot collaboration
programs.
Section 218 requires reports on Departmental funds.
Section 219 prohibits funds from being used to conduct,
contract for, or otherwise support, live tissue training.
Section 220 is a new provision regarding section 702 of the
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Section 221 is a new provision regarding freedom of
expression.
Section 222 is a new provision regarding freedom of
religion.
TITLE III
SCIENCE
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $7,965,000
Budget Estimate, 2024................................... 8,195,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,965,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $7,965,000 for the
Office of Science and Technology Policy [OSTP]. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level
and $230,000 below the budget request.
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, analyses, 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 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. The Committee expects OSTP to be at the
forefront of promoting American competitiveness through
scientific research and technology development.
Emerging Contaminants.--OSTP submitted the ``Update to the
Plan for Addressing Critical Research Gaps Related to Emerging
Contaminants in Drinking Water'' in January 2022, which
included an updated cross-agency Federal research strategy for
addressing critical research gaps related to detecting and
assessing exposure to emerging contaminants in drinking water
through the National Emerging Contaminant Research Initiative.
OSTP also issued a ``Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances [PFAS]
Report'' in March 2023, which provided a high-level overview of
research on PFAS that included a review of current Federal
funding and activity. The Committee appreciates OSTP's work and
requests that OSTP provide an update on program, policy, or
budgetary resources included in the fiscal year 2024 budget
request, by agency, to support the implementation of the
Federal research strategy, as well as anticipated needs for
fiscal year 2025, not later than 180 days after the enactment
of this act.
Microbiome Interagency Working Group.--The Committee
recognizes that microbiome research is foundational research
with the potential to advance human, animal, and environmental
health through the bioeconomy. The Committee supports the
continuation of the Microbiome Interagency Working Group and
requests an update of the Interagency Strategic Plan for
Microbiome Research. OSTP is encouraged to consider the renewal
of the charter for the Microbiome Interagency Working Group.
National Space Council
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $1,965,000
Budget Estimate, 2024................................... 2,018,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,965,000
The Committee provides $1,965,000 for the National Space
Council. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $53,000 below the budget request.
The National Space Council provides advice and assistance
to the President on national space policy and strategy. The
Council reviews U.S. Government space policy, including long-
range goals; develops strategies for national space activities;
and develops recommendations for the President on space policy
and space-related issues. The National Space Council's
additional roles are to monitor and coordinate implementation
of the Nation's objectives in space by executive departments
and agencies; foster close coordination, cooperation, and
technology and information exchange among the civil, national
security, and commercial space sectors; and facilitate
resolution of differences concerning major space and space-
related policy issues.
The Committee directs the National Space Council to
continue to provide the Committee with quarterly briefings on
its activities, including its current assessment of current and
emerging threats to maintaining U.S. leadership in space-based
activities by the Federal Government, industry, and academia
and any associated plans and policies to maintain that
leadership. The Committee notes that there has been a delay in
scheduling recent quarterly briefings and expects the National
Space Council to prioritize these important updates.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Appropriations, 2023..................................\1\$25,383,701,000
Budget Estimate, 2024................................... 27,185,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 25,000,320,000
\1\Of the total amount provided for the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration in fiscal year 2023, $367,000,000 was included under
title II of division N of Public Law 117-328.
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Science:
Earth Science................................... 2,218,700
Planetary Science............................... 2,683,320
Astrophysics.................................... 1,543,900
Heliophysics.................................... 805,000
Biological and Physical Science................. 90,000
-------------------
Total, Science.............................. 7,340,920
===================
Aeronautics......................................... 935,000
Space Technology.................................... 1,118,000
Exploration......................................... 7,736,300
Space Operations.................................... 4,200,000
STEM Engagement..................................... 143,500
Safety, Security and Mission Services............... 3,100,000
Construction and Environmental Compliance and 379,000
Restoration........................................
Office of Inspector General......................... 47,600
-------------------
GRAND TOTAL, NASA........................... 25,000,320
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee's recommendation provides $25,000,320,000 for
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA]. The
recommendation is $383,381,000 below the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $2,184,680,000 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 world leader in aviation and
as the pre-eminent space-faring nation. It is NASA's mission to
advance human and robotic exploration, use, and development of
space; advance and communicate scientific knowledge and
understanding of the Earth, the Moon, the solar system, and the
universe; and research, develop, verify, and transfer advanced
aeronautics and space technologies.
The bill continues investments in human spaceflight that
will enable travel to the Moon, and eventually Mars, with NASA-
developed crew and launch vehicles; build a Gateway, landers,
space suits, and other infrastructure for Moon landings; enable
the burgeoning domestic launch industry that is bringing cargo
and crew to the International Space Station and encouraging the
development of new destinations in low-Earth orbit [LEO]; and
support NASA's science and technology programs. These elements
should be viewed as complementary pieces of a balanced whole.
NASA is the American people's space agency. In advancing the
U.S. national interest, NASA should seek, to the extent
practicable, to retain public ownership of technologies,
scientific data, and discoveries made using public funds.
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 our changing planet. The Committee expects
NASA to continue making progress on the recommendations of the
National Academies' decadal surveys, now and in the future.
For Exploration and Space Operations, the Committee's
recommendation maintains support for ongoing activities in LEO,
for the production of the vehicles that will take U.S.
astronauts to the Moon, and for the continued development of
systems that will enable human exploration of space.
NASA is directed to continue providing the Committee with a
quarterly launch schedule, by mission, which describes the
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. Due to disruption of
NASA activities and missions, NASA shall also include any
adjustments to launch windows for delayed missions. This launch
schedule should also be made available for the public on the
NASA website.
The Committee expects NASA to maintain focus on improving
oversight and accountability throughout the agency. While
progress has been made, NASA's acquisition management continues
to be on GAO's ``High Risk List.'' The annual appropriations
provided in this bill only represent a fraction of the
lifecycle cost of NASA's major projects costing more than
$250,000,000. In its most recent assessment, GAO analyzed 34
major projects, 14 of which are related to the return of humans
to the Moon. With the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope,
NASA's performance improved. However, total cost overruns
exceed $7,500,000,000 with schedule delays of 20.9 years. NASA
must do better if the agency is to fully realize its current
ambitious plans for science and exploration. Cost growth and
schedule delays mean that NASA must annually choose among
continuing ongoing projects, moving projects from formulation
into development, and beginning new projects, including those
that meet high priority National needs and decadal survey
recommendations. When NASA prolongs projects or requests
insufficient funding early in their development, the inevitable
result is cost and schedule overruns caused by inadequate early
funding for technology development and project management. NASA
is directed to continue to cooperate fully with GAO to provide
timely program analysis, evaluation data, and relevant
information so that GAO can continue to report to Congress
shortly after the annual budget submission, and semiannually
thereafter, on the status of large-scale NASA programs,
projects, and activities. NASA shall also work expeditiously to
address any GAO recommendations intended to correct its
practices that lead to performance delays and cost overruns.
In addition, NASA is directed to provide the Committee,
concurrently with its budget justification, the reserves
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 and reserves assumed in the proposed
funding level.
The Committee understands that NASA projects undergo major
reviews in addition to regular oversight throughout the year.
When one of these reviews results in changing the cost profile
of a project in the current or budget request year, the
Committee expects to be informed in a timely fashion so that
its actions can consider the most recent NASA analysis and
expectation. Keeping the Committee up to date should mitigate
NASA's propensity to submit spending plans that disregard
congressional direction.
The Federal funding priorities for NASA set forth in this
bill and explanatory statement should not be interpreted as
suggestions. They are equivalent to any statutory requirement
levied upon NASA in this act. The Committee articulates the
funding levels of programs, where appropriate, in the form of
tables and, if necessary, supplements with explanatory
statement language.
SCIENCE
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $7,795,000,000
Budget Estimate, 2024................................... 8,260,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,340,920,000
The Committee provides $7,340,920,000 for Science, which is
$454,080,000 below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$919,880,000 below the budget request. The decrease below the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level is related to a reduction to the
Mars Sample Return program. The Science account encompasses:
Earth Science, Planetary Science, Astrophysics, Heliophysics,
and Biological and Physical Science. This funding supports NASA
programs that seek to answer fundamental questions concerning
the ways in which Earth 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
orbital and suborbital experiments, 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 the recommendations
of decadal surveys in Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary
Science, Astrophysics, and Biological and Physical Sciences.
The Committee notes that the number of commercial providers
offering suborbital and orbital platforms for scientific
experiments continues to grow, making these platforms
affordable and essential for researchers, particularly when
missions require a tailored launch to mission-dependent orbits,
locations, and schedules or frequent iteration and repetition.
NASA shall ensure that its merit review systems encourage
principal investigators [PIs] to use these platforms. In fiscal
year 2024, NASA expects to support 12 small satellite missions.
Due to continued and increasing demand for these services, NASA
is directed to continue competitive processes to ensure they
are readily available, including encouraging the utilization of
Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare
opportunities.
Life Cycle Costs.--The Committee agrees that NASA ought to
strictly control development costs of NASA missions. However,
the Committee notes that it generally regards the development
costs as occurring through Phase D and not into Phase E.
Operation of NASA missions far beyond their originally planned
life is something to celebrate, and NASA's Senior Review
process ensures that its operations funds are spent on
scientifically productive missions.
Earth Science.--Within the amount for Earth Science, the
Committee recommendation includes $91,400,000 for the Plankton,
Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem [PACE] mission to maintain its
target launch date of May 2024; and up to the request level for
Earth Venture Class Missions to support missions under
development while maintaining the cadence of future missions.
Consistent with the National Academies' Decadal Survey for
Earth Science and Applications from Space, the Committee
acknowledges the vital role of the Venture Class Missions
program in supporting the development of novel remote sensing
technologies and sustaining the scientific workforce. The
Committee remains supportive of NASA's collaborative research
that works to advance our understanding of the behavior of the
Earth by engaging academia, particularly students, in studies
and investigations, as these partnerships ensure that NASA's
data expertise remains up-to-date and increases research
capacity at universities. NASA should consider setting aside
funding within an appropriate Earth Science program, including
Venture Class Missions, for educational payloads.
The Committee notes that NASA supports airborne science
platforms for observing stratospheric conditions and the
Earth's radiation budget, including the impact of the
introduction of material into the stratosphere from changes in
natural systems, increased air and space traffic, and solar
radiation modification, and for calibrating and enhancing the
value of NASA's satellite and Earth Sciences programs.
Geosynchronous Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer
[GLIMR].--The Committee lauds NASA's confirmation of the GLIMR
mission and provides required funding to achieve instrument
delivery in 2025. The Committee directs NASA to continue
working with NOAA to ensure that GLIMR meets the requirements
of the GeoXO program, as appropriate.
Earth System Observatory.--The Committee is pleased to see
NASA's continued support for the Earth System Observatory to
address this decadal survey priority together with our
international partners. The Committee expects NASA to continue
formulation of the four Earth System Observatory missions:
Surface Biology and Geology, Atmospheric Observing System-Sky,
Atmospheric Observing System-Storm, and Mass Change and
provides the request level for these four missions.
Earth System Explorers.--The Committee notes that National
Academy's Decadal Survey for Earth Science and Applications
from Space identified seven critical Earth monitoring needs and
proposed launching three satellites within the decade to
address these needs. The Committee provides up to the request
level for Earth System Explorers. The Committee understands
that NASA intends to launch only two of the three planned, mid-
size satellite missions and with potential delayed launches
beyond 2030. The Committee encourages NASA to prioritize this
program and to adhere to the decadal survey and launch three
satellites to ensure the Nation has the best scientific
information to address Earth observation needs. In keeping with
previous direction from Congress, NASA should plan to select
competitively future Earth System Explorers missions. The
Committee believes an increase in competitive, PI-led missions
will encourage responsible cost and schedule constraints,
develop novel remote sensing technologies, and leverage the
talents and expertise of scientists at universities and
research institutions.
Harmful Algal Blooms [HABs].--The Committee notes that NASA
has unique capabilities and experience in using aerial vehicles
to conduct surveillance activities for remote sensing of HABs
in the Great Lakes and other regions with high spatial
resolution, and to measure toxicity in algal blooms. The
Committee supports NASA contributions, in coordination with
NOAA and other Federal agencies under the Harmful Algal Bloom
Research and Hypoxia Control Act, as amended (section 9 of
Public Law 115-423), to freshwater HAB monitoring and detection
and urges NASA to continue using crewed and uncrewed aircraft
to perform this work.
Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition [CSDA].--The CSDA
program identifies, evaluates, and acquires data from
commercial sources to support NASA's Earth Science research and
application goals. The Committee provides up to the request
level for CSDA and encourages NASA to begin formal assessments
of novel commercial data sources through this program early in
the calibration and validation process.
Space-Based Wildfire Detection Technologies.--The Committee
appreciates NASA's partnership with the commercial sector on
concept studies to develop and demonstrate a remote sensing
wildfire early detection and warning system. NASA is encouraged
to transition from concept studies to the development and
demonstration of the technologies and techniques needed to
prove this capability, as appropriate. No less than the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level is provided for NASA to continue these
efforts, including for aerial and in-space demonstration
activities.
Terra, Aqua, and Aura.--While the Committee understands
that the Terra, Aqua, and Aura missions have drifted from their
original orbits, the Committee is concerned by the proposal to
reduce support for these missions before completing the ongoing
Senior Review and without existing transition plans or follow-
on data sources for some instruments. NASA shall keep the
Committee apprised of the results of the Senior Review to
understand if additional support above the request is required
to continue scientifically productive operations. The Committee
provides up to the fiscal year 2022 enacted levels for these
missions.
Planetary Science.--The Committee recommendation includes
$250,700,000 for planetary defense. The Committee
recommendation supports funding for Near Earth Object
Observations, which makes critical observations of Near Earth
Objects and potentially hazardous asteroids, and provides
$209,700,000 for the Near Earth Object Surveyor Mission [NEOSM]
to maintain a 2028 launch date.
The Committee expects NASA to continue the selection and
launch cadence of Small Innovative Missions for Planetary
Exploration [SIMPLEx], New Frontiers, and Discovery class
missions in spite of any cost pressures from planetary flagship
missions or the Mars program. The Committee is pleased that
NASA will release the final announcement of opportunity for the
next New Frontiers mission in early fiscal year 2024. However,
the Committee is still awaiting a briefing about how NASA's
planned investments over the next 5 years will advance the
recommendations of the 2022 Planetary Science Decadal Survey
titled ``Origins, Worlds, and Life,'' including for New
Frontiers and for the exploration of Uranus, as called for the
joint explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 117-328.
Within the $407,500,000 for New Frontiers, $327,650,000 is
provided for the Dragonfly mission to ensure a launch readiness
date of no later than 2027.
Lunar Discovery and Exploration.--The recommendation
includes up to the request level for Lunar Discovery and
Exploration, including $22,100,000 to continue the Lunar
Reconnaissance Orbiter, and up to the request level for
Commercial Lunar Payload Services. The Committee supports
NASA's commitment to utilizing public-private partnerships to
advance its lunar science and exploration agenda and encourages
the agency to leverage the resources and expertise of both
private industry and universities in pursuit of these goals.
Developing an industrial base of new space companies is
paramount for the United States to be a leader in returning to
the Moon and increasing cislunar operations. The Committee
directs the Lunar Discovery and Exploration program to adhere
to the lunar science priorities established by decadal surveys
and the National Research Council's consensus report titled
``Scientific Context for the Exploration of the Moon.''
Activities funded within the program should meet both lunar
science and human exploration needs.
VERITAS.--The Committee acknowledges that NASA delayed the
Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and
Spectroscopy [VERITAS] mission for at least 3 years due to
budgetary pressures in other Planetary Science missions. While
the VERITAS mission is still in early formulation and has not
been confirmed, NASA shall provide the Committee with a
notional budget profile and schedule.
Mars Sample Return [MSR].--The Committee notes that MSR is
the highest priority of the 2022 Planetary Science Decadal
Survey to cache and return samples to Earth. However, the
Committee is alarmed that despite Congress providing the full
request for this mission in prior years for a total of
$1,739,000,000, the expected launch schedule continues to slip
and the increasing fiscal and human resources devoted to MSR is
causing NASA to delay other high priority missions across the
Science Mission Directorate [SMD]. The Committee has
significant concerns about the technical challenges facing MSR
and potential further impacts on confirmed missions, even
before MSR has completed preliminary design review. Further,
the Committee notes that NASA has convened an independent
review board to assess the technical feasibility, schedule, and
costs of the mission. As the Committee awaits the results of
the independent review board, NASA shall submit, not later than
180 days after the enactment of this act, a year-by-year
funding profile for MSR within the $5,300,000,000 lifecycle
cost for the mission outlined in the 2022 Planetary Science
Decadal Survey. The Committee recommendation includes not less
than $300,000,000 for MSR, which brings the total provided to
date to more than $2,000,000,000 before mission confirmation.
If NASA is unable to provide the Committee with a MSR lifecycle
cost profile within the $5,300,000,000 budget profile, NASA is
directed to either provide options to de-scope or rework MSR or
face mission cancellation. If NASA decides to cancel the
mission, the fiscal year 2024 funding shall be reallocated as
follows: (1) $235,000,000 transferred to Exploration for
Artemis Campaign Development; (2) $30,000,000 for the Dragonfly
mission; (3) $5,000,000 for a flagship orbiter and probe
mission to explore Uranus; and (4) $30,000,000 for the Geospace
Dynamics Constellation mission.
Sample Receiving Facility.--The Committee encourages NASA
to locate the sample receiving facility in a State that does
not currently host a NASA facility. In selecting the location
for the facility, NASA is encouraged to prioritize National
Laboratories in the stewardship of the Department of Energy's
Office of Science. The Committee recommends NASA prioritize
laboratories with: demonstrated bioanalytical scientific
capabilities, a biological and environmental research user
facility, and biodefense capabilities. Not later than 180 days
after the enactment of this act, NASA is directed to provide
the Committee with a plan outlining the facility requirements,
expected construction schedule, and estimated cost, as well as
the criteria that will be used to determine the facility
location.
New Horizons.--The Committee is aware of the ongoing
discussion regarding the future of the New Horizons mission,
including potential support through the Heliophysics Division.
The Committee notes that New Horizons is the only NASA mission
flying in the most distant portion of our solar system, the
Kuiper Belt, and will remain there for several more years. The
Committee encourages NASA to support this mission, as
appropriate, beyond 2024.
Astrophysics.--The Committee recommendation for
Astrophysics includes no less than $98,300,000 for the Hubble
Space Telescope, $407,300,000 for the Nancy Grace Roman Wide-
Field InfraRed Survey Telescope [Roman], and up to $259,300,000
for Astrophysics Explorers. The Committee is encouraged by
NASA's commitment to accelerate the cadence of Astrophysics
Explorer missions and to continue a new line of small Pioneer-
class missions that leverage advancements in low-cost platforms
such as CubeSats and balloons to support groundbreaking
science. Such activities can improve scientific understanding
while simultaneously developing the scientific workforce
through increased research opportunities for students and
faculty.
Roman Telescope.--The Committee notes this telescope was
the highest priority of the 2010 Astrophysics decadal survey to
further investigate fundamental questions about the nature of
dark energy. The Committee reiterates the expectation that NASA
will use a $3,500,000,000 development cost cap in its future
execution of the mission. Roman and the Vera C. Rubin
Observatory will provide data rich, large-scale observations of
the universe. Combining data from these complementary
facilities could speed breakthrough discoveries. As such, the
Committee directs NASA to work with NSF to develop essential
computational tools and interfaces, strengthen and formalize
science and engineering collaborations, and enable joint data
analysis.
Astrophysics Research.--The Committee recognizes the role
of the Astrophysics Research program in supporting the
development of novel astrophysics observation technologies that
lay the foundation for future mission architectures.
Additionally, a strong research program maximizes the
scientific value of space-based missions by ensuring that the
data collected through such observations can continue to
provide new insights into the mechanisms behind cosmological
phenomena. The Committee also understands that supporting these
activities through extramural grant funding contributes to the
long-term viability of the U.S. astrophysics community. As
such, the Committee recommends up to $289,900,000 for
Astrophysics Research.
Science Mission Directorate Education.--The Committee
provides up to $55,600,000 for education and outreach efforts
and supports the Astrophysics Division continuing to administer
this SMD-wide education funding. The Committee encourages SMD-
funded investigators to be directly involved in outreach and
education efforts and support citizen science. NASA should
continue to prioritize funding for ongoing education efforts
linked directly to its science missions.
James Webb Space Telescope [JWST].--The Committee
congratulates NASA on the success of the JWST mission thus far
and provides $187,000,000. JWST observations are fundamentally
changing our understanding of the universe and our place within
it, and demonstrate continued U.S. leadership in science and
technology.
Habitable Worlds Observatory.--The Committee supports the
Great Observatory Maturation Program [GOMAP] as recommended by
the Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics, ``Pathways to
Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s''
[Astro2020]. GOMAP will mature science and technologies needed
for future flagship missions starting with the Habitable Worlds
Observatory to observe habitable exoplanets. In order to cement
continued American leadership in astronomy, the Committee
provides the requested level for GOMAP to implement the
Astro2020 recommendations. NASA is encouraged to articulate
funding for GOMAP separately in future budget requests.
Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy [SOFIA].--
Up to $20,000,000 is provided for SOFIA to continue the orderly
closeout of the mission.
Heliophysics.--The Committee once again rejects NASA's
proposal to reduce Heliophysics funding, instead provides no
less than $805,000,000. The Committee recognizes that a greater
understanding of our Sun and the accompanying technologies
developed for that purpose will help to mitigate the hazards
that solar activity poses to ground- and space-based platforms
that strengthen our national security, economic
competitiveness, and scientific prowess. The Committee also
notes that the priorities outlined below are guided by the
recommendations of the National Academies' decadal survey
titled ``Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological
Society'' and awaits the release of the new decadal survey in
2024. The Committee is supportive of NASA's collaboration with
external stakeholders on efforts to foster scientific consensus
on future directions.
Solar Terrestrial Probe.--The recommendation includes
$194,000,000 for Solar Terrestrial Probes to: support continued
development of Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe
[IMAP] to maintain a 2025 launch schedule; implement
accompanying Missions of Opportunity [MOs]; maintain operations
for ongoing missions, including the Magnetospheric Multiscale
[MMS] mission at up to $26,000,000; and make awards under the
announcement of opportunity for the Dynamic Neutral Atmosphere-
Ionosphere Coupling [DYNAMIC] mission. The Committee directs
NASA to maintain operations and scientific analysis for MMS at
a level that will achieve the phase two objective of night side
reconnection events.
Heliophysics Explorer.--The Committee is encouraged by
NASA's commitment to accelerate the cadence of alternating
Small Explorer [SMEX] and Medium-class Explorer missions while
also enabling a regular selection of MOs to allow heliophysics
researchers to rapidly respond to and participate in missions
both inside and outside of NASA. This commitment follows the
recommendations of the decadal survey and can accelerate
scientific understanding while developing the scientific
workforce through increased research opportunities for students
and faculty. The Committee looks forward to selections from the
SMEX and MOs solicitations. The recommendation provides
$190,700,000 for Heliophysics Explorers, including no less than
$9,500,000 for HelioSwarm.
Diversify, Realize, Integrate, Venture, Educate [DRIVE]
Initiative.--The Committee supports the ongoing execution of
the DRIVE initiative, a top priority of the heliophysics
decadal survey, and encourages NASA to implement the goal of
increasing the competitive research program to 25 percent of
the Heliophysics budget request to support competitively-
awarded DRIVE Science Centers; the development of new
technologies, including advanced computational tools;
multidisciplinary research collaboration using integrated
observatory data; and early career investigators. In addition,
the Committee recognizes that the continued success of DRIVE
relies upon a robustly supported research budget, and provides
$238,800,000, an increase of $7,500,000 above the request, for
Heliophysics Research.
Heliophysics Technology Program.--The Committee recognizes
the critical role that technology development programs play in
enabling novel and transformative capabilities and mission
concepts, and notes the contributions of these programs in
other divisions within SMD. Activities supported by such
programs in Heliophysics help sustain a robust community of
technologists with unique connections to the discipline while
also contributing to the workforce development pipeline through
funded research and technology development at universities. The
recommendation provides $19,900,000 for Heliophysics
Technology, an increase of $11,500,000 above the request.
Geospace Dynamics Constellation [GDC].--The Committee is
disappointed by NASA's proposal to delay the GDC mission, which
will fulfill the recommendations of the Heliophysics decadal
survey through improved understanding of the variability of the
space weather environment surrounding Earth, because of
budgetary pressures outside the Heliophysics Division. The
ability to achieve the science goals of the decadal survey
should not be contingent upon the performance of any project of
the Planetary Science Division. The recommendation provides
$135,000,000 for Living with a Star [LWS], which supports a
diverse portfolio of activities that contribute to our
understanding of the societal impact of the Sun-Earth system.
This includes $35,000,000 above the request level for the GDC
mission.
Space Weather.--In response to the National Space Weather
Strategy and Action Plan and the recommendations of the decadal
survey, the Committee provides no less than $26,600,000 for
Space Weather. The Committee also notes the relevance of NASA
Space Weather activities to safeguarding human health against
radiation during long-duration deep space exploration
activities. NASA should coordinate with NOAA, NSF, and the
Department of Defense to ensure that NASA is focused on
research and technology that enables other agencies to
dramatically improve their operational space weather assets and
the forecasts they generate using data from those assets,
including current and future ground-based telescopes and
instruments, such as the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope.
Within Space Weather, the Committee allocates $2,000,000 in
fulfilment of the PROSWIFT Act (Public Law 116-181) for a
center-based mechanism to support multidisciplinary space
weather research, advance new capabilities, and foster
collaboration among university, government, and industry
participants aimed at improving research-to-operations and
operations-to-research. NASA should coordinate with NOAA to
ensure that research pursued through this activity meets NOAA
operational needs.
Biological and Physical Science.--Biological sciences are
integral to future crewed Moon, Mars, and long-duration LEO
missions. The Committee directs NASA to continue research into
understanding the effects of living and working in low- and
micro-gravity environments on humans and other living
organisms. The recommendation provides $90,000,000 for
Biological and Physical Science, including $5,000,000 to
establish a consortium including academic institutions with
demonstrated expertise within the human health, animal, and
plant sciences. The consortium shall consist of at least one
Space Grant Consortia member. NASA shall establish the
consortium in a State or region that is does not currently host
a NASA facility. In selecting the consortium, NASA shall
prioritize institutions that have a demonstrated ability to
execute Federal research awards, specifically those originating
from NSF, the National Institutes of Health, and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, and that have a history of
successful collaboration with the Federal research enterprise,
including the Department of Energy's National Laboratories and
Technology Centers.
AERONAUTICS
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $935,000,000
Budget Estimate, 2024................................... 995,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 935,000,000
The Committee provides $935,000,000 for Aeronautics, which
is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $60,800,000
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, ultra-efficient vehicles and fuel efficiency,
hypersonics, and research that supports the Next Generation Air
Transportation System.
Low Boom Flight Demonstrator [LBFD].--The Committee
supports New Aviation Horizons and is encouraged by NASA's
efforts toward developing a Low Boom Flight Demonstrator X-
plane, referred to as LBFD. Sufficient funds are also included
to enable the next X-plane demonstration planned beyond LBFD.
Optimization of Stitched Composites.--NASA has invested in
early technology development of stitched composites that will
help lead to revolutionary aircraft structures. The Committee
provides $10,000,000 to industrialize stitched composites for
next generation sustainable aircraft architectures. The
Committee recommends NASA partner with entities experienced in
high-rate, large scale aerostructure design and manufacturing
to successfully promote U.S. capability for future classes of
sustainable, next generation aircraft.
Sustainable Aviation.--The Committee supports NASA's
Sustainable Flight National Partnership, including the
Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project, the Electrified
Powertrain Flight Demonstration, and the advancement of
sustainable aviation fuels. The Committee encourages NASA to
prioritize development of zero-emissions aircraft concepts
through the highly successful University Leadership Initiative
and to expand sustainable aviation fuel characterization.
Hypersonics Technology.--The Committee notes that low-speed
hypersonic flight opportunities enable development of the next
generation of commercial aeronautics travel. The development of
new hypersonic capabilities can sustain hypersonic competency
for national needs while advancing fundamental research. Both
require technology development that includes hypersonic
propulsion systems, reusable vehicle technologies, high-
temperature materials, including carbon fiber components,
polymer ceramic composites, and systems analysis. The Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
hypersonics technology research. Within this amount, the
Committee provides $10,000,000 for collaborative work between
industry and academia for carbon/carbon material testing and
$5,000,000 to develop and mature automation of high-temperature
ceramic matrix composites for material characterization.
Advanced Materials Research.--The Committee supports the
NASA's Advanced Air Vehicles Initiatives including the Hi-Rate
Composite Aircraft Manufacturing [HiCAM] and Hybrid Thermally
Efficient Core [HyTEC] programs. Due to their extreme
temperatures, hypersonic vehicles require specialized composite
materials that rely upon a significant amount of testing and
characterization to mature these advanced materials for
airframes. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year
2023 enacted levels for collaborative research with industry
and academia to develop and test the next generation of
refractory composite materials for hypersonic applications. The
Committee also encourages research and development of advanced
polymer-aerogel materials and technologies in support of
materials and structures for extreme environments.
Aircraft Autonomy for Global Missions.--The Committee notes
the real strategic and operational challenges associated with
research and development for UAVs. The Committee also
recognizes the important role that UAVs can play in advancing
NASA's mission including aerial imagery that can monitor
agriculture, trace severe storms, or detect wildfires. The
Committee encourages NASA to consider a project demonstrating
the capability of UAV circumnavigation of the globe.
Airspace Operations and Safety.--The Committee supports
NASA's ongoing activities related to Advanced Air Mobility,
including the collaboration with the Federal Aviation
Administration [FAA] to achieve harmony in the national
airspace system as new aircraft are integrated.
SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $1,200,000,000
Budget Estimate, 2024................................... 1,391,600,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,118,000,000
The Committee provides $1,118,000,000 for Space Technology,
which is $82,000,000 below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level
and $273,600,000 below the budget request. The Space Technology
mission directorate funds basic research that can advance
multi-purpose technologies to enable new approaches to all of
NASA's current missions. Space Technology also includes funding
for NASA's Small Business Innovative Research [SBIR] and Small
Business Technology Transfer programs.
The Committee is supportive of many of the technologies
being developed within Space Technology, which will have wide-
ranging benefits for NASA missions and throughout the agency.
Of particular note are the enabling technologies of Solar
Electric Propulsion, Nuclear Electric Propulsion, Moon-to-Mars
Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology, Archinaut-2,
optical communications, and artificial intelligence. These key
supporting technologies will provide enabling capabilities for
multiple robotic and human exploration missions.
Innovative Nanomaterials.--The recommendation includes
$5,000,000 to advance large scale production and use of
innovative nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes and
carbon/carbon composites.
On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing-1 [OSAM-
1].--The Committee recommends $227,000,000 for the OSAM-1 to
conduct and demonstrate the capabilities to refuel satellites
in LEO utilizing Landsat-7. As the program progresses from
research to implementation, the Committee encourages NASA to
work with private sector and university partners to facilitate
commercialization of the technologies developed within the
program. The Committee encourages NASA to make OSAM-1's
capabilities available to other government agencies that own
and operate satellites. NASA is directed to keep the program on
track for launch no later than 2026.
Space Nuclear Technologies Portfolio.--The Committee
supports a robust and diverse set of projects on space nuclear
technologies, including the development of fission surface
power, Nuclear Thermal Propulsion [NTP], and nuclear electric
propulsion, which are critical to the success and
sustainability of missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as
satellites and space vehicles. The Committee is supportive of
past and ongoing investments in a mix of technologies, such as
vertical solar arrays, and urges NASA to devote the resources
required to ensure that these systems are fully developed and
prepared for deployment when the time for surface missions
arrives
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion.--NTP is a critical space
propulsion technology that will enable a host of exploration,
scientific, national security, and commercial applications.
NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency [DARPA]
recently agreed to partner on the Demonstration Rocket for
Agile Cislunar Operations [DRACO] Program, in coordination with
the private sector. While the development of a demonstration
NTP system is essential to the eventual development of an
operational system, the demonstration system as currently
envisioned will not be sufficient to outperform existing
propulsion technologies. Therefore, the Committee provides
$110,000,000 for the developmental of NTP, of which not less
than $10,000,000 is to continue to accelerate the development
of an operational system with commercial partners, concurrently
with DRACO, to ensure that the United States has an NTP system
capable of performing future cislunar and deep space science
missions. This funding should provide for a continued focus on
development of an operational capability and aid in nuclear
systems design, fabrication, and testing; materials development
and advanced metal and composites manufacturing; spacecraft and
launch vehicle design and fabrication; and satellite design,
fabrication, and operation.
Fission Surface Power [FSP].--The Committee continues to
recognize the need for steady, reliable, and uninterrupted
power for future extended science and exploration missions on
the lunar surface, particularly at the poles, and is supportive
of past and ongoing investments in a mix of technologies,
including both FSP and Vertical Solar Array Technology [VSAT].
FSP systems, due to their ruggedness, resilience, and ability
to survive the lunar night and operate in permanently shaded
craters, are essential to sustained, long-duration missions on
the lunar surface. The Committee supports designing, building,
and testing the first ever space FSP for deployment to and
demonstration on the lunar surface. Therefore, the Committee
provides not less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for
the developmental of FSP. Not later than 180 days after the
enactment of this act, NASA is directed to provide the
Committee with a plan, including requisite budget, to achieve a
FSP demonstration project.
Flight Opportunities Program.--The recommendation provides
$27,000,000 for the Flight Opportunities Program. The funding
provided for this program may be used to support undergraduate
and graduate work in developing flight opportunities payloads.
Within the amount provided, $5,000,000 to support payload
development and flight of K-12 and collegiate educational
payloads.
Orbital Debris Remediation.--The Committee is concerned
that NASA continues to lack a specific and comprehensive
strategy to address the intensifying risks posed by orbital
debris through remediation of the space environment using
active debris removal. The Committee provides up to $5,000,000
to advance early-stage technology for active debris remediation
with a goal of an active debris removal demonstration in LEO by
2026. NASA shall brief the Committee with a plan to achieve
this goal within 180 days of enactment of this act.
Tipping Point.--The Committee supports new Tipping Point
and Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity [ACO]
solicitations. NASA is encouraged to consult with industry and
to consider prioritizing new opportunities for competition to
select public-private partnerships and technology
demonstrations for systems that satisfy specific technology
needs to support the Moon-to-Mars program. The Committee
expects NASA to prioritize the development and demonstration of
cross-cutting technologies, which may include technologies
relating to in-situ resource utilization and resource
recycling; surface mobility; electromagnetic tools; and
additive manufacturing.
Regional Economic Development.--The Committee is supportive
of Regional Economic Development, including partnering with the
NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and its local
offices to target technologies of interest to NASA's
overarching mission of exploration, while also driving
innovation and economic growth. NASA is encouraged to expand
the program to all 50 States. Further, the Committee encourages
NASA to establish a space technology innovation center focused
on research and development commercialization, ecosystem
development, and workforce development in the space sector in
partnership with an industry-leading regional consortium.
Small Business Innovation Research.--The Committee
recognizes the importance of the SBIR program and its previous
success in commercialization of results from federally-funded
research and development projects, and includes the requested
level for SBIR.
EXPLORATION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $7,468,850,000
Budget Estimate, 2024................................... 7,971,091,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,736,300,000
The Committee provides $7,736,300,000 for Exploration,
which is $267,450,000 above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level
and $234,791,000 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 LEO and throughout the solar system. The
Committee believes the Nation deserves a safe and robust human
spaceflight program to explore beyond LEO, including
establishing a sustainable lunar presence, and ensuring U.S.
leadership in space.
The Committee supports NASA's goal of returning U.S.
astronauts to the surface of the Moon through the Artemis
program and provides funding to move its lunar program forward.
While the launch of Artemis I was a historic success, many
challenges remain for future missions, including several
critical elements for the initial crewed landing on the Moon
that remain in early development. NASA also must work on
developing the needed systems to enable Artemis to support a
sustained lunar presence on and around the Moon. To accomplish
this goal, NASA must coordinate and systematically advance the
many programs under development through a plan that reflects
the complexity of this undertaking. The Committee has provided
funds for NASA to advance its human exploration program and
expects NASA to provide further definition of the program and
refined cost estimates that reflect NASA's plans as they become
available.
The Space Launch System [SLS], Orion multi-purpose crew
vehicle [Orion], and Exploration Ground Systems [EGS] are all
critical infrastructure for the development and sustainment of
the Nation's human exploration goals. These investments are
critical to human exploration of space beyond LEO, and provide
flexibility for a variety of missions and destinations
including the Moon and Mars. The Committee encourages NASA to
prioritize the critical fiscal and human resources required to
meet the launch schedules for Artemis II and III missions,
launch Gateway, complete the Mobile Launcher 2 [ML-2] and Block
1B infrastructure upgrades, and complete development of the
Exploration Upper Stage [EUS] for the Artemis IV, V, and
missions beyond.
The Committee provides no less than the request level for
SLS, Orion, and EGS. These funding levels ensure the earliest
possible crewed launch of SLS, as well as prepare for the
development of future science and crewed missions.
The Committee directs NASA to follow its ``Priority of
Use'' clause for ensuring that its missions are prioritized and
that mission-related activities and schedules of NASA missions
are not impacted by outside activities at its centers. In
particular, NASA shall ensure that any non-Federal activities
do not interfere with the progress of, and schedule for, the
Artemis missions, and will report to the Committee any
conflicting activities and how the conflict was resolved 15
days prior to any activity taking place.
Block 1B Development.--The Committee is supportive of
NASA's plans to fully develop the capabilities of SLS and
directs NASA to continue the simultaneous development of
activities authorized under section 302(c)(1)(a) and (b) of
Public Law 111-267. Enabling the evolution of SLS from the
vehicle used in Artemis I to the Block 1B variant and
eventually the 130 metric ton variant, requires the continued
development of the interim Block 1B variation of SLS, including
the continued development of EUS. It also requires
modifications to SLS, the continued construction of a ML-2 as a
Block 1B compatible mobile launch platform, and development of
any additional processing and launch capabilities. To further
enable NASA's goals for the Artemis program, the Committee
provides up to $600,000,000 for Block 1B development for EUS
engine development and associated stage adapter work from
within the amounts provided for SLS.
Mobile Launcher 2.--The Committee recognizes that in order
for NASA's planned Artemis IV mission, which will utilize the
Block 1B variant of SLS, a second mobile launch platform known
as ML-2 will be necessary. Challenges experienced by both NASA
and the awardee have led to the project cost increasing by more
than three times the original cost-plus-award and to
significant delays. The Committee strongly supports the
recommendations in the Inspector General review from June 2022
[IG-22-012] and expects NASA's continued focus on this issue.
While the Committee awaits the ML-2 Agency Baseline Commitment,
which must lay out a plan to achieve a May 2026 completion, the
recommendation provides up to the request level for ML-2.
Artemis Campaign Development.--The Committee provides
sufficient funding to continue progress on the Artemis Campaign
Development, which is comprised of Gateway, Advanced
Exploration Systems, Advanced Cislunar and Surface
Capabilities, and the Human Landing System [HLS].
Human Landing System.--The Committee appreciates NASA's
recent selection of a second HLS team, following longstanding
Congressional direction regarding the importance of ensuring
program redundancy and competition. To maintain progress for
Artemis III as well as to continue development of the two
crewed lunar landers to provide services from the Gateway, the
Committee provides full funding for NASA to meet all
contractual obligations for HLS in fiscal year 2024.
Mars Habitation and Life Support Systems.--The Committee
recognizes that the immediate and foremost national priority is
to return Americans to the Moon, as part of a strategy for the
United States and its international partners to land humans on
Mars. The Committee strongly supports this goal, and in March
2023 was pleased to approve the establishment of the Moon to
Mars Program Office. The Committee recognizes that NASA is
currently supporting the evaluation of multi-purpose habitation
and life support systems for Mars transit and lunar surfaces.
The Committee further recognizes NASA's capabilities, including
in assembly facilities, currently involved in the Artemis
mission, to manufacture mockup and eventual habitats for these
missions. The Committee is encouraged by this initiative to
support the Mars landing goal, and directs NASA to submit a
report, with 180 days of the enactment of this act, on the
status of these efforts.
SPACE OPERATIONS
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $4,250,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 4,534,609,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,200,000,000
The Committee provides $4,200,000,000 for Space Operations,
which is $50,000,000 below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level
and $334,609,000 below the budget request. The Space Operations
account supports the International Space Station [ISS] and the
supporting functions required to conduct operations in space up
to the full requested level. The ISS is a complex of research
laboratories in LEO in which American and international partner
astronauts conduct unique scientific and technological
investigations in a microgravity environment.
Commercial Crew and Cargo.--The Committee provides up to
the requested amount to enable cargo flights for all three
current providers within the Crew and Cargo Program. The
Committee notes that since 2011, it has been NASA's goal to
have two providers for crew services to the ISS, yet only one
is currently fully operational. NASA is encouraged to continue
efforts to enhance competition to generate savings within the
Crew and Cargo Program.
Suborbital Crew.--NASA shall continue its Suborbital Crew
Office to procure flights for civil servants on licensed U.S.
suborbital vehicles. NASA shall leverage existing FAA safety
regulations and FAA licensing requirements to prioritize safety
and ensure coordination to protect public health and safety.
NASA shall also establish a qualification process with a
roadmap for operators to complete the required review process
within a reasonable timeframe.
ISS Deorbit Vehicle.--The Committee supports NASA's efforts
to develop and procure a deorbit vehicle to ensure the safe and
controlled deorbit of the ISS at the end of its useful life.
Space Communications.--The Committee recognizes and
appreciates the complexities involved in sustaining NASA's Near
Space and Deep Space communications networks and
infrastructure, which support NASA's scientific and exploration
activities. With the proliferation of commercial satellites
capable of providing communications for NASA's needs, this
program represents a significant opportunity to deliver more
economical and efficient services. The Committee supports
NASA's goal to commercialize its Near Space network, including
direct-to-Earth communications services. However, much work
remains to demonstrate that services tailored to non-space
users are capable of meeting NASA mission needs when NASA's
Tracking and Data Relay Satellites reach the end of their
service lives in the 2030s. If commercialization plans cannot
meet NASA's needs, the agency will need to plan and budget for
replacement of essential services.
The Committee directs NASA to provide a timeline for
sustainment of the existing network and infrastructure upgrades
in the fiscal year 2025 budget request. NASA is also directed
to identify adequate resources and provide a plan to address
any upgrades identified in its Deep Space Network Road-to-Green
initiative. NASA is directed to brief the Committee on these
plans within 30 days after the enactment of this act. The
recommendation supports up to the request level for the
Communications Services Program.
Optical Communications.--The Committee supports NASA's
efforts to develop low-cost optical communications systems. The
Committee is also aware that other agencies, including the
Space Development Agency, are also working on advancing lower-
cost optical communications systems and as such, encourages
NASA to coordinate on these activities when possible and in
particular offer the ground terminal as a testbed.
Human Research Program.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of the Human Research Program to the current ISS
mission as well as to preparing for upcoming Artemis missions.
Crew health and safety will be integral to future crewed Moon
and Mars missions, and NASA is directed to continue its efforts
into understanding the effects of living and working in space
on astronauts.
21st Century Launch Complex.--The Committee notes that
maintaining multiple launch sites contributes to assured access
to the ISS for NASA, researchers, and industry. The
recommendation includes up to $15,000,000 for NASA-owned launch
facilities to fill critical maintenance, capacity, and range
safety gaps. The Committee further directs NASA to submit a
reprogramming to transfer this funding to Construction and
Environmental Compliance and Restoration [CECR], if
appropriate. The Committee acknowledges that NASA's original
intent for this program was as a bridge between Constellation
and new programs proposed in its fiscal year 2011 budget
request. If NASA does not support continuation of this program,
the agency should robustly fund needed investments in its
launch facilities in this account and in CECR, specifically
identifying them in the budget request.
Rocket Propulsion Test Program and Testing
Infrastructure.--The Committee recommends NASA funds up to the
fiscal year 2024 requested amount for the NASA Rocket
Propulsion Test program to ensure that test infrastructure
remains adequate to support the SLS and other propulsion
development programs. In managing the program and its
infrastructure, NASA should prioritize facility and fixed
infrastructure improvements specific to infrastructure that is
shared among users of the facility in a continued effort to
attract and facilitate commercial partnerships at NASA's test
centers.
Commercial LEO Development.--The Committee supports
maintaining the ISS as long as it can be operated safely.
However, it is anticipated that current commercial efforts to
develop viable alternatives will allow NASA to meet anticipated
mission requirements using free flyers in LEO before the end of
the decade. The recommendation provides up to the budget
request of $228,400,000 for Commercial LEO activities to allow
for continued opportunities for LEO commercialization that are
not primarily dependent on continual NASA funding. This funding
should be primarily focused on solving supply rather than
demand problems. NASA's goal should be to buy services to meet
its needs and grow promising research across all industries
rather than to fund one-time novelty events, which are not
indicators of future sustainable expansion of commercial
activity in LEO. NASA shall not use funds provided in this or
any other act to subsidize the cost of any project that is
primarily intended for marketing, advertising, or
entertainment.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS ENGAGEMENT
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $143,500,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 157,800,000
Committee recommendation................................ 143,500,000
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Engagement account funds STEM education activities to educate
and inspire our next generation of explorers and innovators.
The Committee provides $143,500,000 for STEM Engagement, which
is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $14,300,000
below the budget request. As part of this activity, NASA is
directed to continue progress toward the shared goal of both
the Committee and NASA of capping administrative costs at no
more than 5 percent.
STEM ENGAGEMENT
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee
recommendation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NASA Space Grant...................................... 58,000
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 26,000
[EPSCOR].............................................
Minority University Research and Education Project.... 45,500
STEM Education and Accountability Projects............ 14,000
-----------------
TOTAL......................................... 143,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Space Grant Program.--The Committee provides $58,000,000
for Space Grant and directs that all 52 participating
jurisdictions be supported at no less than $900,000 each. NASA
shall limit administrative costs to the fiscal year 2023 level
and shall continue to have a goal of reducing administrative
costs to no higher than 5 percent. The Committee encourages
NASA to continue using funds to evaluate program performance,
augment base grants, and competitively respond to local,
regional, and national needs.
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
[EPSCoR].--The Committee provides $26,000,000 for the NASA
EPSCoR Program and directs that no more than 10 percent shall
be used for administrative costs.
Minority University Research and Education Project
[MUREP].--The Committee continues to encourage MUREP to support
programs that connect science, indigenous culture, and
community, including the integration of indigenous practices,
at minority-serving higher education institutions, including
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions and
American Indian Tribal Colleges and Universities. The academic
institution or institutions should be located in a State or
States where the need for such indigenous-academic
collaboration is present.
Competitive Program.--The Committee provides up to
$5,000,000 within Next Gen STEM for the Teams Engaging
Affiliate Museums and Informal Institutions [TEAM II] program,
also known as Competitive Program for Science, Museums,
Planetariums, and NASA Visitors Centers. This competitive grant
program supports interactive exhibits, professional development
activities, and community-based programs to engage students,
teachers, and the public in STEM.
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $3,129,451,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 3,369,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 3,100,000,000
The Committee provides $3,100,000,000 for Safety, Security,
and Mission Services, which is $29,451,000 below the fiscal
year 2023 enacted level and $269,400,000 below the budget
request. The Safety, Security, and Mission Services account
funds agency management, including NASA 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 Safety, Security, and Mission
Services, the Committee recommends up to $40,200,000 for NASA's
IV&V Program. If necessary, NASA shall fund additional IV&V
activities from within the mission directorates that make use
of IV&V services. The Committee applauds NASA's changes to the
IV&V Program's governance and funding model to better align
program requirements and associated costs, including the
establishment of the IV&V Advisory Board to provide strategic
direction for the program and work through program requirements
with IV&V and the mission directorates.
Cybersecurity.--The Committee's recommendation includes up
to the full requested level for Agency Information Technology
Services to support shifting NASA's IT model to one that
enhances cybersecurity with strong governance and information
security practices.
Test and Launch Guidelines.--The Committee is aware of
concerns that NASA's interim guidelines for liquid oxygen-
liquid methane fuel for vehicle launches and ground engine
tests are more restrictive than the FAA's regulations that
govern vehicles in flight. The Committee requests that NASA
provide a report within 90 days either justifying the need for
different standards or a plan to develop common standards with
the FAA to ensure a consistent standard of safety and cost-
efficient launch performance.
Payload Processing Capacity.--The Committee is concerned
that U.S. civil and commercial space payload processing
capabilities at NASA launch sites are insufficient to handle
the projected launch rates, which could lead to launch delays
in the future. The Committee notes the potential for public-
private partnerships with industry that may expeditiously add
new processing capacity. Not later than 90 days after enactment
of this act, NASA shall report to the Committee on: (1) the
projected needs for civil space payload processing capabilities
at NASA launch sites, and (2) the potential for public-private
partnerships that enable new payload processing providers to
add capacity.
Digital Asset Management.--The Committee supports the
ongoing efforts of NASA's Safety, Security, and Mission
Services and Science accounts to efficiently manage its large
and diverse collection of digital assets to help deliver
modernized internal and external digital services. Therefore,
the Committee provides up to the request level to be used to
continue to scale a cloud enabled, interoperable, and
extensible digital asset management solution to minimize
redundancy, improve digital asset sharing, and enhance NASA's
digital service delivery to comply with the 21st Century
Integrated Digital Experience Act [IDEA] (Public Law 115-336).
NASA Special Projects.--Within the appropriation for
Safety, Security and Mission Services, the Committee
recommendation also provides $20,978,000 for the following
Special Projects:
NASA SPECIAL PROJECTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recipient Project Purpose Recommended ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aviation Museum of New Alvirne High/Palmer 90,000
Hampshire. Center Student Plane-
Build.
Challenger Learning Center of Space Mission 2,186,000
Maine. Education Simulators
for Maine Students.
Framingham State University... McAuliffe Simulation 1,000,000
Lab at Framingham
State University's
Christa McAuliffe
Center.
New Jersey Institute of Ground-based Simulator 566,000
Technology. for In-space
Refueling Cryogenic
Propellants.
Rocky Mountain Biological Ecological Prediction 975,000
Laboratory (RMBL). Lab: Airborne
Coverage to Inform
Water and Forest
Health Management.
University of Mississippi..... Air and Space Law 1,500,000
Program.
University of New Mexico...... Artemis in 3D--A STEAM 840,000
Challenge and
Training Program.
West Virginia University...... Laser-Induced 465,000
Fluorescence
Diagnostic.
West Virginia University...... Acquisition of a High- 1,500,000
Performance CPU
Cluster for Research
and Education in WV.
Wichita State University / Advanced Manufacturing 10,000,000
National Institute for Technology and
Aviation Research. Equipment.
Worcester Natural History NASA STEM Engagement 856,000
Society EcoTarium. at the EcoTarium.
WVU Chestnut Ridge Research Robotics Lab Equipment 1,000,000
Center.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... \1\$414,300,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 453,700,000
Committee recommendation................................ 379,000,000
\1\Of the amount provided for Construction and Environmental Compliance
and Restoration in fiscal year 2023, $367,000,000 is included under
title II of division N of Public Law 117-328.
The Committee provides $379,000,000 for Construction and
Environmental Compliance and Restoration, which is $35,300,000
below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $74,700,000 below
the budget request. The Construction and Environmental
Compliance and Restoration account provides for design and
execution of programmatic, discrete and minor revitalization,
construction of facilities projects, facility demolition
projects, and environmental compliance and restoration
activities. The Committee recommendation includes the full
request for Exploration and Space Operations Construction of
Facilities [CoF].
Unmet Construction Needs.--The Committee is disappointed at
the gulf between the amount NASA requested for this account and
the cost of the projects identified as shovel ready and needed.
NASA is directed to include no fewer than the top 10
construction projects that are needed but unfunded in its
fiscal year 2025 budget request, including any unmet
construction due to aging buildings.
Wallops PFAS Contamination.--The Committee is aware of
issues related to groundwater PFAS contamination in drinking
water wells around Wallops Flight Facility stemming from
firefighting training activities. Not later than 270 days after
the enactment of this act, NASA shall prepare a plan, in
coordination with relevant State and local partners, for
removal and relocation of all drinking water wells currently
situated on NASA administered property to a location outside of
the NASA property under administrative control and lease,
ownership or easement, of neighboring communities.
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $47,600,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 50,200,000
Committee recommendation................................ 47,600,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $47,600,000 for the
Office of Inspector General, which is equal to the fiscal year
2023 enacted level and $2,600,000 below the budget request. The
Office is responsible for promoting efficiency and preventing
and detecting crime, fraud, waste, and mismanagement.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)
The Committee includes bill language regarding the
availability of funds for certain prizes. NASA is reminded that
under the authority provided in section 20144 of title 52,
United States Code, no prize may be announced until the funds
needed to pay it have been appropriated or committed to in
writing by a private source. NASA is directed to provide any
written notification under subsection (h)(4) of that section to
the Committee.
The Committee also includes bill language regarding
transfers of funds between accounts and the NASA spending plan
for fiscal year 2024.
The Committee also includes bill language to extend the
availability of certain funds.
National Science Foundation
Appropriations, 2023...................................\1\$9,539,011,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 11,354,680,000
Committee recommendation................................ 9,500,000,000
\1\Of the total amount provided for the National Science Foundation in
fiscal year 2023, $700,162,000 was included under title II of division N
of Public Law 117-328.
The Committee's recommendation provides $9,500,000,000 for
the National Science Foundation [NSF]. The recommendation is
$39,011,000 below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$1,854,680,000 below the budget request.
NSF 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. NSF also supports
unique, large-scale domestic and international research
facilities.
RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
Appropriations, 2023...................................\1\$7,629,298,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 9,017,900,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,608,287,000
\1\Of the amount provided for Research and Related Activities in fiscal
year 2023, $608,162,000 is included under title II of division N of
Public Law 117-328.
The Committee's recommendation provides $7,608,287,000 for
Research and Related Activities [R&RA]. The recommendation is
$21,011,000 below the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and
$1,409,613,000 below the budget request.
The R&RA appropriation funds scientific discovery, trains a
dynamic workforce, and supports broadly accessible state-of-
the-art tools and facilities. Research activities contribute to
the achievement of these outcomes through expansion of the
knowledge base; integration of research and education;
stimulation of knowledge transfer among academia and the public
and private sectors, and international activities; and bring
the perspectives of many scientific disciplines to bear on
complex problems important to the Nation. NSF'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; Technology, Innovation and
Partnerships; Office of International Science and Engineering;
Office of Polar Programs; Integrative Activities; and the U.S.
Arctic Research Commission. All of these disciplines are part
of a balanced whole.
The Committee's fiscal year 2024 recommendation supports
Federal long-term basic and translational research that has the
potential to transform our economy and way of life. Private
industry, foundations, and non-profits bring additional
expertise, resources, and capacity to NSF-funded research. This
can further accelerate discovery and translation of research
into products and services, enhance the preparation of the
future workforce to benefit society, and grow the American
economy. The Committee strongly encourages NSF to leverage the
Nation's research communities through partnerships and
collaboration to make available infrastructure, expertise, and
financial resources to the U.S. scientific and engineering
research and education enterprise.
Technology, Innovation and Partnerships [TIP].--The
Committee recognizes NSF's critical role in driving U.S.
scientific and technological innovation and supports the TIP
Directorate authorized under the Research and Development,
Competition, and Innovation Act (division B of Public Law 117-
167). The directorate is a cross-cutting platform to advance
science and engineering research leading to breakthrough
technologies, to find solutions to national and societal
challenges, to strengthen U.S. global competitiveness, and to
provide training opportunities for the development of a diverse
STEM workforce. As NSF works to incorporate the goals of TIP
into its research portfolio, NSF is reminded that the success
of TIP will be enhanced through investing in the necessary
foundational basic research provided by scientific disciplines
across the research spectrum.
Regional Innovation Engines [NSF Engines].--As part of the
TIP Directorate, the Committee provides up to $200,000,000 for
the Regional Innovation Engines, authorized under section 10388
of Public Law 117-167, to create regional-scale innovation
ecosystems throughout the United States and help spur economic
growth by bringing together the science and technology research
enterprise and regional-level resources to promote long-term
national competitiveness. The Committee directs NSF to award at
least 20 percent of NSF Engines to institutions in EPSCoR
States.
Scientific Facilities and Instrumentation.--A critical
component of the Nation's scientific enterprise is the
infrastructure that supports researchers in discovery science.
The Committee supports NSF's role in building and operating
groundbreaking research facilities, especially in areas that
maintain or enhance U.S. leadership in key disciplines.
Investments to advance the frontiers of research and education
in science and engineering are critical to the Nation's
innovation enterprise. The Committee encourages NSF to fully
fund its U.S. scientific research facilities and instruments to
adequately support scientists and students engaged in
sustained, cutting-edge research.
As major research facilities transition from construction,
funded in the Major Research Equipment and Facilities
Construction account, to science operations and maintenance,
funded in R&RA, it is necessary for NSF to accommodate this
shift without impacting the existing scientific activities. The
Committee notes that as a result of the National Science
Board's ``Study of Operations and Maintenance Costs for NSF
Facilities'' the agency created the Facility Operation
Transition pilot to enable this shift. The Committee expects
that as major research facilities, such as the Vera C. Rubin
Observatory, move from construction into science operations NSF
will continue to use the Facility Operation Transition to allow
the ongoing operations and maintenance costs to gradually be
absorbed into the managing division or directorate. Further, as
part of the fiscal year 2025 budget request, NSF shall provide
a 5-year operations and maintenance budget outlook for
facilities that have recently graduated from the Major Research
Equipment and Facilities Construction account.
The recommendation includes up to the requested level for
the operations of the Center for High Energy X-Ray Science
[CHEXS], the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research
Laboratory, the National Radio Astronomy Observatories, and the
National Solar Observatory [NSO].
Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope [DKIST].--The Committee
provides no less than the requested level for DKIST operations.
DKIST is the largest and most advanced solar telescope on the
planet and is a valuable resource for research and educational
programs in solar physics. The Committee recognizes the value
of DKIST's operations and does not support a reduction in its
observing time. As such, NSF is expected to review the bottom-
up operations and maintenance plan and cost estimate as
presented in the pending operations proposal and include the
appropriate amount for full-time DKIST operations in the fiscal
year 2025 request.
Astronomy.--The Committee expects NSF to provide
appropriate levels of support for operating its current
facilities, developing instrumentation, and preparing for
investments in future world-class scientific research
facilities. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine [NAS] Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics
2020 [Astro2020] outlines a comprehensive research strategy and
vision to maintain U.S. science and technology leadership at
the frontiers of astronomy and astrophysics for ground-based
instruments and observatories. The Committee therefore provides
not less than $30,000,000 for NSF to support the development of
next generation astronomy facilities recommended in Astro2020.
NSF is expected to include a robust user support system and
data archive in the development of any Astro2020-recommended
facility to ensure community access to world class telescopes.
NSF is also expected to support a balanced portfolio of
astronomy research grants by scientists and students engaged in
ground-breaking research. Not later than 90 days after
enactment of this act, NSF shall provide the Committee with a
briefing regarding the Foundation's progress for realizing
Astro2020. Further, the Committee expects that NSF will request
sufficient funding in the fiscal year 2025 budget request to
continue to advance the projects recommended in the Astro2020
as quickly as practicable and without delay.
Solar Astronomy.--The Committee commends NSF's ongoing
efforts to partner with academic institutions and the NSO to
operate the Richard B. Dunn Solar Telescope [DST]. The
Committee directs NSF to continue working with the NSO and the
academic community to ensure DST and its associated
instrumentation remain available for continued research and
educational programs.
Green Bank Observatory [GBO].--The Committee recognizes the
significant investment NSF has made to develop the world-class
scientific facility at the GBO and the benefit other agencies
have gained through their use of the GBO facility. The
Committee has therefore encouraged the development and support
of multi-agency management plans for GBO, and supports NSF's
efforts to complete these plans at GBO. In order to provide
stability for the facility as these plans are finalized, the
Committee recommends no less than the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level to support operations and maintenance at GBO through
multi-agency plans or through the Foundation.
Climate and Clean Energy.--The Committee supports the U.S.
Global Change Research Program and Clean Energy Technology. As
part of this effort, the Committee encourages NSF to support
meritorious research into carbon dioxide removal technologies,
such as direct air capture, including early-stage application
of sorbents, solvents, membranes, and related components;
terrestrial and biological carbon removal; carbon
mineralization; and ocean-based carbon removal.
Arctic Research.--The Committee supports NSF's intention to
build upon the Navigating the New Arctic Big Idea and to expand
its support of research and infrastructure in the North
Atlantic sector of the Arctic, which is critical for
understanding how Arctic warming will affect the environmental
and socio-economic conditions of communities along the eastern
coast of North America. This includes observations of emerging
toxins and pathogens in the Arctic and supports the continued
funding of long-term observations during this critical time of
Arctic warming, including atmosphere and snow observations at
Summit Station and projects observing permafrost thaw and
microbiomes. In addition, to maximize investments, the
Committee encourages NSF to develop new multinational
partnerships to support research teams that address pan-Arctic
and global concerns linked to Arctic change. Further, NSF
should enhance support for Arctic-related student programs
aimed at broadening participation, including graduate
dissertation fellowships and the Research Experience for
Undergraduate programs.
EPSCoR.--In recognition that the success of our Nation's
research enterprise relies on success in every State, the
Committee reinforces the requirements codified under section
10325 of Public Law 117-167 that, to the maximum extent
practicable, 16 percent of NSF research funding and 18 percent
of scholarship funding go to EPSCoR States in fiscal year 2024.
To help achieve these targets, the agreement provides no less
than $275,000,000 for the EPSCoR program. Within the amount
provided, no more than 5 percent shall be used for
administration and other overhead costs. NSF is encouraged to
support projects in EPSCoR States across all funding
initiatives and centers, including Regional Innovation Engines,
Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure awards, and Science and
Technology Centers.
The Committee is pleased NSF has been responsive to the
``Envisioning the Future of NSF EPSCoR'' report and created new
funding opportunities to support EPSCoR States. NSF shall keep
the Committee apprised regarding how the Foundation plans to
formally engage and gather feedback from the EPSCoR community
in the future, as well as lessons learned from the first round
of awardees.
Technical Assistance and Outreach to HBCUs and MSIs.--The
Committee recognizes the important role that Historically Black
Colleges and Universities [HBCUs] and Minority-Serving
Institutions [MSIs] play in advancing scientific research and
innovation. To ensure that these institutions have access to
the resources and support needed to participate in federally-
funded research, NSF is directed to conduct technical
assistance and outreach to applicants from HBCUs and MSIs,
including through the Growing Research Access for Nationally
Transformative Equity and Diversity [GRANTED] program, in
fulfillment of section 10524 of Public Law 117-167. NSF shall
provide the Committee with a report on agency efforts to
increase outreach and support for HBCUs and MSIs not later than
120 days after enactment of this act.
Leverage the Power of Biology.--The Committee supports
NSF's funding for research in genomics and biodiversity, and
directs NSF to continue to advance plant genomics research
programs, to further its work in crop-based genomics research,
and to maintain a focus on research related to crops of
economic importance and other elements of the bioeconomy.
VORTEX-SE.--NSF has been working in conjunction with NOAA
to build a full research campaign to study the unique
characteristics of tornadoes in the southeastern United States.
The Committee expects that future budget requests for VORTEX-SE
will include adequate budgetary resources for associated
research and instrumentation that will maximize the scientific
return of this ongoing research. As part of VORTEX-SE, the
Committee encourages NSF to look beyond its traditional
research disciplines and programs and to utilize collaborative
opportunities 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.
Quantum Science.--The Committee supports continued
investment in quantum science as fundamental, transformative
research that can position the United States as a leader in
emerging fields of economic and scientific importance. The
recommendation provides up to the budget request level for
quantum information science research to support basic
interdisciplinary quantum information science and engineering
research and human resources development in all aspects of
quantum information science and engineering. Within the amount
provided, the Committee recommendation includes $185,000,000
for activities authorized under section 301 of the National
Quantum Initiative Act (Public Law 115-368), and $50,000,000
for National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, as
authorized in section 302 of that act.
The Committee also encourages NSF to partner with
institutions of higher education, industry, and other Federal
agencies in order to develop the next generation of quantum
computing workforce. Such efforts could include quantum
computing-related grants and interdisciplinary research
initiatives related to workforce development activities.
Artificial Intelligence [AI].--The Committee believes it is
important to maintain leadership in AI and commends NSF for its
significant investments in this area. The Committee not less
than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level for AI research. The
Committee encourages NSF to continue its efforts in workforce
development for AI and other emerging technologies, including
education programs for non-computer science students, with
focused outreach to community colleges, Historically Black
Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions,
Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Minority Serving
Institutions. In addition, the Committee encourages NSF to
increase the pipeline of students graduating with AI and data
literacy through partnerships and cooperative agreements.
Transparency, Interpretability, and Explainability of AI.--
The Committee encourages NSF to fund meritorious research and
develop technical methods and techniques to improve the
transparency, interpretability, and explainability of AI to
better understand why and how models arrive at their decisions,
recommendations, and other outputs. NSF is encouraged to
consider this as part of the pilot program for Research in
Rapidly Evolving, High Priority Topics as authorized under
section 5401 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative
Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-283).
Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure.--The recommendation
provides $50,000,000 for the Mid-scale Research Infrastructure
program and encourages the Foundation to make no fewer than two
mid-scale awards to EPSCoR States.
HBCUs Excellence in Research.--The Committee supports the
HBCUs Excellence in Research program, and the recommendation
includes $25,000,000 for the program. The program helps to
address NSF's previously troubling track record of only
providing substantial research funding to a small number of
HBCUs.
Sustainable Chemistry Research.--The Committee directs NSF
to continue research and related activities associated with the
Sustainable Chemistry Basic Research program authorized under
section 509 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010
(Public Law 111-358). NSF shall report to the Committee
regarding agency activities for this program not later than 180
days after the enactment of this act. In addition, NSF is
encouraged to coordinate with OSTP to implement the provisions
in subtitle E of title II of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public
Law 116-283).
Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences [SBE].--The
Committee supports the SBE Directorate and recognizes the
fundamental importance of the research it supports in advancing
scientific understanding of public health, defense and
security, education and learning, and the interface between
humans and technology. The SBE Directorate funds more than half
of our Nation's university-based behavioral science research
but remains the smallest of NSF directorates. The Committee
believes that behavioral science provides evidence-based
understanding of human behavior and recognizes the SBE
Directorate's unique role in funding this research and
encourages NSF to continue its support of these programs.
Research Security.--The Committee notes the importance
placed on research security in subtitle D of Public Law 117-167
and supports the continued implementation of the various
provisions. The Committee further supports NSF's initiative to
create clear guidelines that inform researchers and
universities on disclosure requirements pertaining to research
security. NSF is encouraged to continue to engage university
and affinity groups to listen to any community concerns and
share information about NSF's policies and processes. NSF is
further encouraged to explore ways to assist less-resourced
institutions on disclosure requirements and international
talent retention.
High-Performance Computing.--The Committee commends NSF on
its continued commitment to high-performance computing and data
analysis capabilities. NSF should remain committed to
developing and supporting systems that facilitate major
advances in computational capabilities, including artificial
intelligence, storage, quantum computing, simulations, and data
analyses that enable a broad range of scientific research to
ensure continued U.S. world leadership and international
scientific competitiveness, particularly given computational
investments and technical achievements in high-performance
computing by other nations. NSF is encouraged to support access
to at-scale data resources for advancing science in these
fields, and likewise encouraged to expand scientist access to
these resources. The Committee looks forward to NSF's
implementation of section 10374 of Public Law 117-167 and the
required report outlining NSF's advanced computing needs. The
Committee encourages NSF to fully support its programs focused
on providing world-class research computing for the National
open science community. NSF is encouraged to include plans to
fully address these needs in the fiscal year 2025 budget
request.
Combating Sexual Harassment in Science.--The Committees
strongly supports NSF actions to combat sexual harassment in
science, including the implementation of the Combating Sexual
Harassment in Science subtitle of Public Law 117-167. The
Committee encourages NSF to work in partnership with
stakeholders from across the ecosystem with experience in field
safety and the prevention of sexual harassment in science as
they support this important work.
Further, not later than 180 days of enactment of this act,
NSF, in collaboration with the National Science Board and the
Department of Justice, shall provide the Committee with a plan
to the address the findings of the U.S. Antarctic Program's
Sexual Assault and Harassment Needs Assessment. The plan should
include estimated costs to implement changes and should also
address any needed changes at NSF-supported field stations and
research vessels.
Arecibo Observatory [AO].--The Committee recognizes the
scientific and educational contributions made by AO and the
significant loss to U.S. scientific research and capabilities
resulting from the collapse of the iconic 305-meter radio
telescope platform. The Committee understands that NSF will
continue to support STEM education investments at the site. NSF
is also encouraged to utilize the remaining scientific
instrumentation going forward. NSF shall keep the Committee
apprised of the status of these plans and ongoing operations at
Arecibo.
Intense, Ultrafast Lasers.--The Committee encourages NSF to
continue planning and making the early stage investments needed
to advance ultrafast and high power laser technologies to
maintain U.S. leadership and implement the recommendations from
the Brightest Light Initiative Workshop Report and associated
NAS study. In particular, the Committee urges NSF to develop a
plan to fulfill the recommendations of the Workshop Report,
including a dedicated budget for the next generation of
cutting-edge facilities needed to advance ultrafast and high-
power laser technologies.
Critical Minerals Mining Research and Development.--The
Committee encourages NSF to consider supporting critical
minerals mining research and development activities as
authorized under section 10359 of Public Law 117-167. In
particular, NSF is encouraged to support, on a competitive
basis, institutions of higher education or nonprofit
organizations to provide training and research opportunities to
undergraduate and graduate students to prepare the next
generation of mining engineers and researchers.
Entrepreneurial Fellowships.--The Committee supports NSF's
proposed expansion of the Entrepreneurial Fellowships program
within the TIP Directorate, as authorized under section 10392
of Public Law 117-167. These immersive fellowships provide
scientists with training, lab space, industry connections, and
other resources to translate emerging technologies from lab to
market in areas key to global competitiveness.
International Ocean Discovery Program [IODP].--The
Committee is surprised by NSF's proposal to cease operations of
the JOIDES Resolution [JR] after fiscal year 2024. The
Committee fully funds JR research drilling operations, to
include support for no less than four such missions in fiscal
year 2024. NSF shall provide the Committee a comprehensive plan
not later than 180 days after enactment of this act that
provides, at a minimum, timelines, milestones, and funding
requirements for the future of U.S. scientific ocean drilling.
The report may include options for acquiring a replacement
research drilling platform, as appropriate. This report shall
be developed collaboratively with the academic community to
ensure that the scientific community may continue to advance
scientific understanding of the Earth's history and dynamics.
Key Technology Focus Areas Study.--The Committee encourages
NSF to collaborate with the NAS to initiate the report
authorized under section 10387(h) Public Law 117-167 and
requests that NSF provide an estimate of the resources
necessary to carry out and complete the report.
Uncrewed Aircraft System Technologies.--The Committee
encourages NSF to consider supporting meritorious uncrewed
aircraft system technologies research activities as authorized
under section 10352 of Public Law 117-167, including a prize
competition and support for undergraduate and graduate
curriculum development.
MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $187,230,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 304,670,000
Committee recommendation................................ 187,230,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $187,230,000 for
Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction [MREFC].
The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted
level and $117,440,000 below the budget request.
The MREFC 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 push the
boundaries of technology and offer expanded opportunities for
the science and engineering community. Preliminary design and
development activities, ongoing operations, and maintenance
costs of the facilities are provided through the R&RA
appropriation account.
The Committee appreciates that Congress has historically
fully funded the MREFC request. However, the Committee
understands that significant amounts of prior year funding
still remain for the Antarctic Infrastructure Recapitalization.
The Committee's recommendation supports the continued
construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, the Antarctic
Infrastructure Recapitalization, and the High Luminosity-Large
Hadron Collider Upgrade. The Committee encourages NSF and the
National Science Board to continue planning and budgeting for
the next generation of major facilities needed to ensure the
United States maintains its scientific leadership, and to
resubmit the proposal for the Leadership-Class Computing
Facility as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget request.
The recommendation provides $95,000,000 for Mid-scale
Research Infrastructure, which fully funds existing projects in
fiscal year 2024. The Committee continues to support
investments in Mid-scale Research Infrastructure, including the
procurement of larger mid-scale instrumentation under the MREFC
account. Using MREFC for larger mid-scale projects will allow
these projects to benefit from the oversight that all MREFC
projects undergo. NSF is encouraged to award at least one mid-
scale project led by an institution in an EPSCoR State.
The Committee encourages GAO to continue its annual review
of programs funded within MREFC so that GAO can report to
Congress shortly after each annual budget submission of the
President and semiannually thereafter on the status of large-
scale NSF projects and activities based on its review of this
information.
STEM EDUCATION
Appropriations, 2023...................................\1\$1,246,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 1,496,180,000
Committee recommendation................................ 1,228,000,000
\1\Of the amount provided for STEM Education in fiscal year 2023,
$92,000,000 is included under title II of division N of Public Law 117-
328.
The Committee's recommendation provides $1,228,000,000 for
STEM Education. The recommendation is $18,000,000 below the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $268,180,000 below the
budget request.
The STEM Education appropriation supports a comprehensive
set of programs across all levels of education in STEM
including activities that unite school districts with
institutions of higher learning to improve pre-college
education. Other pre-college 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.
Advanced Technological Education.--The Committee provides
$76,000,000 for Advanced Technological Education.
Graduate Research Fellowship Program [GRFP].--The GRFP has
a long history of supporting outstanding graduate students
studying sciences, engineering, and mathematics fields,
including behavioral science, and selects recipients who go on
to achieve high levels of success in their future academic and
professional careers. The Committee provides up to $325,000,000
for GRFP. The Committee supports increasing the fellowship
stipend and encourages NSF to consider such a proposal as part
of the fiscal year 2025 budget request.
Robert Noyce Scholarship Program.--The Committee provides
$68,000,000 for the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program.
Informal Science Education.--The Committee maintains its
strong support for NSF's informal science education program and
provides no less than $70,000,000 for Advancing Informal STEM
Learning. The Committee encourages 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. The
Directorate for STEM Education is further encouraged to
continue its NSF-wide efforts to support informal STEM
education programs, including leveraging the research
directorates to support activities that match their respective
content areas.
Hands-on and Experiential Learning Opportunities.--
Developing a robust, talented, and diverse homegrown workforce,
particularly in the fields of STEM, is critical to the success
of the U.S. innovation economy. The Committee directs NSF to
provide grants to support the development of hands-on learning
opportunities in STEM education as authorized under section
10311 of Public Law 117-167, including via afterschool
activities and innovative learning opportunities such as
robotics competitions.
Broadening Participation.--The Committee recognizes that
the future of U.S. economic competitiveness and our Nation's
ability to address national, economic, and health security
threats depends on sustaining a robust STEM workforce. As the
demographics of our Nation evolve, ensuring individuals from
underrepresented communities across the country can enter and
sustain a career as part of the STEM workforce is essential to
securing the workforce going forward. The Committee is deeply
concerned that entrenched financial barriers are increasingly
deterring students, particularly those from underrepresented
communities, from pursuing STEM careers. The Committee
encourages NSF to evaluate the adequacy of compensation for
trainees and early career researchers supported through
fellowships, training grants, and research awards. NSF is also
encouraged continue supporting the recruitment, retention, and
advancement of underrepresented faculty at U.S. institutions of
higher education through relevant existing programs.
The Committee supports the requested increases related to
Broadening Participation in STEM programs. The Committee
provides $19,000,000 for the ADVANCE program, $43,000,000 for
the HBCUs Undergraduate Program, $9,500,000 for the Alliances
for Graduate Education and the Professoriate, $55,500,000 for
the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation,
$20,000,000 for the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program,
and $27,000,000 for Centers for Research Excellence in Science
and Technology. In addition, $53,500,000 is provided for the
Hispanic Serving Institutions program to build capacity at
institutions of higher education that typically do not receive
high levels of NSF funding.
Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion Across the Nation of
Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in
Engineering and Science [INCLUDES] Initiative.--The Committee
supports broadening participation in science and engineering by
developing networks and partnerships that involve organizations
and consortia from different sectors committed to the common
agenda of STEM inclusion as authorized under section l0323 of
Public Law 117-167. The Committee provides $24,000,000 for
INCLUDES and encourages NSF to ensure the agency partners with
communities with significant populations of underrepresented
groups in the STEM workforce.
Transformative Education Research and Translation.--The
Committee encourages NSF to establish a program for Centers for
Transformative Education Research and Translation as authorized
under section 10395 of Public Law 117-167. These centers could
instrument large-scale digital learning platforms, enable
multi-stakeholder partnerships of institutions of higher
education and State and local education agencies to support
collaborative research and translation in K-12 STEM education
innovation, and accelerate STEM learning outcomes of students
from underserved regions and students of color. The Committee
encourages NSF to collaborate with the Department of Education
and consider how these centers could help address the learning
recovery associated with the pandemic and foster the benefits
of technology.
National STEM Teacher Corps.--In order to prepare the
future STEM workforce and to create a scientifically literate
public, the Committee appreciates the importance of supporting
and recognizing outstanding STEM teachers in our Nation's
classrooms, rewarding them for their accomplishments, and
creating rewarding career paths to which all STEM teachers can
aspire. Therefore, the Committee provides $40,000,000 for a
National STEM Teacher Corps pilot program authorized under
section 10311 of Public Law 117-167.
CyberCorps: Scholarships for Service.--The Committee
provides no less than $69,000,000 for the CyberCorps:
Scholarship for Service program. NSF is encouraged to increase
the number of scholarships awarded at participating
institutions and to increase the number of institutions that
receive grants to participate in the program.
CREATING HELPFUL INCENTIVES TO PRODUCE SEMICONDUCTORS [CHIPS] FOR
AMERICA WORKFORCE AND EDUCATION FUND
Division A of Public Law 117-167 established the CHIPS for
America Workforce and Education Fund. The Committee allocates
the funds according to the amounts listed in the following
table.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ALLOCATION OF FUNDS: CHIPS ACT FISCAL YEAR
2024
[In thousands of dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account-Project and Activity Amount
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors 25,000
[CHIPS] for America Workforce and Education Fund.......
Research & Related Activities....................... 12,500
STEM Education Activities........................... 12,500
---------------
Total................................................... 25,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENCY OPERATIONS AND AWARD MANAGEMENT
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $448,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 503,870,000
Committee recommendation................................ 448,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $448,000,000 for
Agency Operations and Award Management. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $55,870,000
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 NSF's research and education activities.
The Committee continues to believe that NSF should include
criteria that evaluate how a grant proposal will advance our
Nation's national security and economic interests, as well as
promote the progress of science and innovation in the United
States.
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
explanatory statement are affected.
OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $5,090,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 5,250,000
Committee recommendation................................ 5,090,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $5,090,000 for the
Office of the National Science Board. The recommendation is
equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $160,000 below
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, 2023.................................... $23,393,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 26,810,000
Committee recommendation................................ 23,393,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $23,393,000 for the
Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The recommendation is equal
to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $3,417,000 below the
budget request.
The OIG appropriation provides audit and investigation
functions to identify and correct deficiencies that could lead
to instances of fraud, waste, or mismanagement.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The bill includes two administrative provisions. One allows
limited transfers of funds among accounts. The other requires
notification for disposal of certain assets.
TITLE IV
RELATED AGENCIES
Commission on Civil Rights
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $14,350,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 15,587,000
Committee recommendation................................ 14,350,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $14,350,000 for the
salaries and expenses of the Commission on Civil Rights. This
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level
and $1,237,000 below the budget request.
Donations.--The Commission shall provide to the Committee
quarterly updates on all gifts and donations, as well as the
terms of and specific activities funded by the gift or
donation. Additionally, anticipated funding from gifts or
donations shall be included in the Commission's annual spend
plan.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $455,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 481,069,000
Committee recommendation................................ 455,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $455,000,000 for
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] salaries and
expenses. This recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $26,069,000 below the budget request.
The 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.
Inventory Reduction.--The Committee notes that at the end
of fiscal year 2022, the EEOC had a private sector inventory of
51,399 cases and a substantial Federal sector hearing
inventory. 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. Therefore, the Committee directs the EEOC to
prioritize its staffing and resources toward 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.
Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness.--The
Committee is encouraged by the EEOC's recent efforts to ensure
that the use of software, including artificial intelligence,
machine learning, and other automated decision making systems
used in hiring and other employment decisions complies with
Federal civil rights laws. The Committee directs the EEOC to
submit a report, within 90 days of the enactment of this act,
outlining a timeline and process for information gathering
about the impact of such technologies, the issuance of any
technical assistance to employers, plans for education and
training of software impacts on prospective and current
employees, and any recommendations for the Congress.
State and Local Enforcement Assistance.--The Committee
recommends up to $31,500,000 to assist State and local
enforcement agencies. This will help ensure that EEOC provides
adequate resources to its State partners.
International Trade Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $122,400,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 127,400,000
Committee recommendation................................ 122,400,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $122,400,000 for
International Trade Commission [ITC] salaries and expenses. The
recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level
and $5,000,000 below the administration's budget request. The
ITC's direct request to Congress was $131,000,000.
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 U.S. international trade policy.
Section 337 Investigations.--The Committee supports robust
factual records for determinations regarding exclusions that
are essential to protecting public health and welfare. The
Committee directs ITC to follow 19 U.S.C. 1337(d) regarding
exclusion of articles from entry.
Legal Services Corporation
PAYMENT TO THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $560,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 800,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 560,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $560,000,000 for
payment to Legal Services Corporation [LSC]. The recommendation
is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $240,000,000
below the President's budget request.
The Committee's recommendation provides $516,000,000 for
basic field programs, to be used for competitively awarded
grants and contracts; $26,200,000 for management and
administration; $5,000,000 for client self-help and information
technology; $5,700,000 for the Office of the Inspector General
[OIG]; $2,000,000 for loan repayment assistance; and $5,000,000
for LSC's Pro Bono Innovation Fund.
Governance and Management.--LSC must continue to improve
its governance and management in order to further restore the
transparency of the organization and direct additional funds
into legal aid, where resources are desperately needed. The
Committee expects the OIG 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.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS-LEGAL SERVICES 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 undocumented immigrants; (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.
The Committee's recommendation adopts the administration's
proposal to permit LSC recipients to operate with boards of
directors that have as few as 33 percent attorneys without
requiring appointment by bar associations. This provision
improves the ability of LSC recipients to have fiscal experts,
community representatives, and others with diverse skills and
perspectives on their governing bodies.
Marine Mammal Commission
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $4,500,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 5,040,000
Committee recommendation................................ 4,500,000
The Committee provides $4,500,000 for the Marine Mammal
Commission. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and $540,000 below 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 of 1972 (Public Law 92-522, as amended). The Commission
provides precise, up-to-date scientific information to Congress
on issues related to the safety of marine mammals.
Office of the United States Trade Representative
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $61,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 62,868,000
Committee recommendation................................ 61,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $61,000,000 for the
Office of the United States Trade Representative [USTR]
salaries and expenses. The recommendation is equal to the
fiscal year 2023 enacted level and $1,868,000 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.
Within funds provided, the Committee continues to support
USTR's accepting full financial responsibilities of the
Interagency Center on Trade Implementation, Monitoring, and
Enforcement (formerly named the Interagency Trade Enforcement
Center) in fiscal year 2024.
Trade and Agricultural Exports.--The Committee supports
efforts to reduce foreign tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers
for U.S. agricultural exports, including the strong enforcement
of trade rules and regulations. However, the Committee is
concerned that trade actions resulting in decreased foreign
market access for U.S. agricultural products due to retaliation
threaten to harm our Nation's farmers and ranchers. The
Committee urges USTR and the Secretary of Commerce to fully
evaluate and consider the impact foreign tariffs and other
retaliatory actions have on U.S. farmers and ranchers when
negotiating with trade partners and in making trade-related
decisions.
Trade Enforcement.--The Committee recognizes that strong
trade enforcement is critical to promoting free, fair, and
reciprocal trade. As the administration continues to pursue new
and modified trade agreements with global partners, the
Committee encourages enhanced prioritization of compliance
monitoring and enforcement actions.
De Minimis Thresholds.--The Committee recognizes the
importance of securing commercially-meaningful de minimis or
``duty-free'' thresholds in other countries, and strongly
supports the $800 de minimis level established in the Trade
Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act (Public Law 114-125) and
the higher de minimis levels in Canada and Mexico secured by
USTR through the negotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada
Agreement [USMCA].
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 Committee 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.
China Trade Deal Costs.--The Committee notes the creation
of the Bilateral Evaluation and Dispute Resolution Office
within USTR as part of the Economic and Trade Agreement Between
the Government of the United States of America and the
Government of the People's Republic of China, also known as the
U.S.-China Phase One deal. The Committee requests, on a
biannual basis, a report documenting USTR's obligations related
to the Bilateral Evaluation and Dispute Resolution Office.
United States-Canada Softwood Lumber Dispute.--The
Committee recognizes the importance of the softwood lumber
industry in the U.S. economy and encourages USTR and the
Department of Commerce to work toward a resolution to this
dispute that supports U.S. industry, workers, and consumers.
Parity for American Exports.--The Committee directs the
USTR to seek parity for American exports, which have been
targeted and unduly harmed by retaliatory tariffs resulting
from ongoing international trade disputes, to allow them to
fairly compete in overseas markets.
USMCA.--The Committee directs USTR to provide quarterly
expenditure reports, by object class, no later than 30 days
after the end of each fiscal quarter, for funding provided to
USTR by title IX of the USMCA Implementation Act (Public Law
116-113).
U.S. European Union [EU] Trade and Technology Council
[TTC].--The Committee recognizes the importance of the TTC as a
forum for promoting U.S. and EU competitiveness and prosperity
through increasing transatlantic trade, investment, and
engagement on matters related to critical and emerging
technology. No later than 120 days following enactment of this
act, USTR, in collaboration with the Department of State and
the Department of Commerce, is directed to transmit to the
Committee a detailed report outlining the administration's
involvement in the TTC, including the goals of the Council, its
achievements to date, and consideration to formalize the
Council as a means to maintain U.S.-EU cooperation in these
critical areas.
TRADE ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $15,000,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 15,000,000
Committee recommendation................................ 15,000,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $15,000,000 for the
Trade Enforcement Trust Fund as authorized under the Trade
Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-
125). The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2023
enacted level and the budget request.
Trade Enforcement Trust Fund.--The Committee supports
efforts to enforce U.S. rights under trade agreements and to
increase compliance of U.S. trade partners. The Committee
directs USTR, as part of its fiscal year 2024 spending plan, to
provide a breakdown of expenses for the Trade Enforcement Trust
Fund's activities.
State Justice Institute
SALARIES AND EXPENSES
Appropriations, 2023.................................... $7,640,000
Budget estimate, 2024................................... 7,640,000
Committee recommendation................................ 7,640,000
The Committee's recommendation provides $7,640,000 for the
State Justice Institute [SJI]. The recommendation is equal to
the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and equal to the budget
request.
SJI was created in 1984 to further the development and
adoption of improved judicial administration in State courts.
Fines, Fees, and Bail Practices.--The Committee encourages
SJI to continue investments in the areas of fines, fees, and
bail practices, including assisting State courts in taking a
leadership role in reviewing these practices to ensure
processes are fair and access to justice is assured;
implementing alternative forms of sanctions; developing
processes for indigency review; promoting transparency,
governance, structural reforms that promote access to justice,
accountability, and oversight; and supporting projects that
implement the principles of Conference of Chief Justices/
Conference of State Court Administrators National Task Force on
Fines, Fees, and Bail Practices.
TITLE V
GENERAL PROVISIONS
(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)
(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
The Committee recommends the following general provisions
for the departments, agencies, offices, and commissions funded
in the accompanying act. Similar provisions were included in
the fiscal year 2023 act.
Section 501 prohibits the use of appropriations for certain
publicity and propaganda purposes.
Section 502 prohibits any appropriations contained in this
bill 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 bill
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 bill 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 House and Senate Appropriations Committees regarding
unobligated balances.
Section 508 requires agencies and departments funded in
this bill 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.
Of the funds set aside for Indian Tribes, the Committee
expects that the Office for Victims of Crime [OVC] will award
such funds to Indian Tribes that have not been designated high-
risk grantees by the DOJ and that comply with grant application
requirements. OVC is expected to provide instructional model
grant applications and other guidance to aid Tribes in
preparing grant applications. Grant-receiving Tribes will need
to certify that grant funds will not be used to supplant funds
otherwise available for Tribal victim assistance so that OVC
can ensure grant accountability and that grants are being used
effectively to improve services for Tribal victims of crime.
Section 511 prohibits the use of DOJ 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 requires the Inspectors General of the
Departments of Commerce and Justice, NASA, NSF, and LSC to
conduct reviews of activities funded in this bill and requires
certifications regarding conflicts of interest.
Section 514 prohibits funds for certain telecommunications
and information technology acquisitions unless the acquiring
department or agency has assessed the supply chain risk of the
technology, including risks from technology originating in
China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Section 515 prohibits the use of funds to support or
justify the use of torture.
Section 516 prohibits funds for activities that seek to
include certain language in new trade agreements.
Section 517 prohibits funds to authorize a national
security letter in contravention of the statutes authorizing
the FBI to issue national security letters.
Section 518 requires notification to the Committees in the
event of cost overruns.
Section 519 authorizes funds appropriated for intelligence
activities for the DOJ during fiscal year 2024 until the
enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2024.
Section 520 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 521 specifies rescissions of prior appropriations.
The BOP Buildings and Facilities rescission relates to one
project proposed for rescission in the fiscal year 2024 budget
request. This identified project has an unobligated balance of
$19,000,000.
Section 522 prohibits the use of funds to purchase first
class or premium airline travel in contravention of current
regulations.
Section 523 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, with certain exemptions.
Section 524 requires agencies funded in this bill to report
on undisbursed balances.
Section 525 requires, when practicable, the use of funds in
this act to purchase light bulbs that have the ``Energy Star''
or ``Federal Energy Management Program'' designation.
Section 526 prohibits the use of funds by NASA, OSTP, or
the National Space Council to engage in bilateral activities
with China or a Chinese-owned company or effectuate the hosting
of official Chinese visitors at certain facilities unless the
activities are authorized by subsequent legislation or NASA,
OSTP, or the National Space Council have made a certification
pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section.
Section 527 prohibits the use of funds to establish or
maintain a computer network that does not block pornography,
except for law enforcement purposes.
Section 528 requires departments and agencies funded in
this bill to submit spending plans to the House and Senate
Appropriations Committees within 45 days of enactment of this
act.
Section 529 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. The Committee directs any head of any executive
branch department, agency, board, commission, or office funded
by this bill to require that all contracts within their purview
that provide award fees to link such fees to successful
acquisition outcomes, specifying the terms of cost, schedule,
and performance.
Section 530 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 531 prohibits the Department of Justice from
preventing certain States from implementing State laws
regarding the use of medical marijuana.
Section 532 requires quarterly reports from the Department
of Commerce, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
and the National Science Foundation of travel to China.
Section 533 requires 10 percent of the funds for certain
programs be allocated for assistance in persistent poverty
counties.
Section 534 prohibits the use of funds in this act to
require certain export licenses.
Section 535 prohibits the use of funds in this act to deny
certain import applications regarding ``curios or relics''
firearms, parts, or ammunition.
Section 536 prohibits funds from being used to deny the
importation of shotgun models if no application for the
importation of such models, in the same configuration, had been
denied prior to January 1, 2011, on the basis that the shotgun
was not particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to
sporting purposes.
Section 537 prohibits the use of funds to implement the
Arms Trade Treaty until the Senate approves a resolution of
ratification for the Treaty.
Section 538 includes language regarding detainees held at
Guantanamo Bay.
Section 539 includes language regarding facilities for
housing detainees held at Guantanamo Bay.
Section 540 extends the availability of certain funds.
Section 541 provides that the Department of Commerce and
Department of Justice may utilize funding to provide payments
pursuant to section 901(i)(2) of title IX of division J of the
Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020.
Section 542 sets certain requirements for the allocations
of funds related to the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (Public
Law 117-167).
Section 543 states that each amount designated by the
Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 is contingent
on the President so designating all such emergency amounts and
transmitting such designations to Congress. The provision is
consistent with the requirements in the Fiscal Responsibility
Act of 2023.
Section 544 is a new provision regarding administrative
resources for Department of Commerce broadband programs.
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 2024, either in whole or in part, and therefore fall under
this rule:
APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW--FISCAL YEAR 2024
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last year of
Agency/program authorization
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Department of Commerce:
International Trade Administration:
Export Promotion................................ 1996
Economic and Statistics Administration:
Salaries and Expenses........................... n/a
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 1993
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:
Operations, Research, and Facilities:
National Ocean Service...................... 1993
Coastal Zone Management..................... 1999
National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund... 2019
Marine Protection, Research, Preservation & 2005
Sanctuaries................................
National Marine Fisheries Service:
Marine Mammal Protection.................... 1999
Species Recovery Grants..................... 1992
NOAA Marine Fisheries Program............... 2000
Interjurisdictional Fisheries............... 2012
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 2013
Management.................................
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research:
Climate Laboratories and Cooperative 1993
Institutes.................................
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction:
National Ocean Service:
Marine Protection, Research, Preservation & 2005
Sanctuaries................................
Department of Justice:
General Administration:
Salaries and Expenses........................... 2009
Justice Information Sharing Technology.......... 2009
Executive Office for Immigration Review:
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
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........................... 2009
Federal Prison Detention........................ 2009
Construction.................................... 2009
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........................... 2009
Construction.................................... 2009
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........................... 2009
Buildings and Facilities........................ 2009
Office of Justice Programs:
Research, Evaluation, and Statistics:
National Institute of Justice............... 1995
Bureau of Justice Statistics................ 1995
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
Adam Walsh Act.................................. 2009
State Criminal Alien Assistance Program......... 2011
Smart Probation................................. n/a
Children of Incarcerated Parents Demo Grants.... n/a
Pay for Success (Discretionary)................. n/a
Pay for Success (Permanent Supportive Housing n/a
Model).........................................
National Sex Offender Website................... n/a
Veterans Treatment Courts Program............... n/a
Rape Kit Backlog................................ n/a
Justice Reinvestment Initiative................. n/a
Project HOPE Opportunity Probation with n/a
Enforcement....................................
Juvenile Justice Programs:
Emergency Planning in Juvenile Justice n/a
Facilities.....................................
COPS Programs:
COPS Hiring Program............................. 2009
Regional Information Sharing Activities......... 2003
National Aeronautics and Space Administration:
Science............................................. 2017
Aeronautics......................................... 2017
Exploration......................................... 2017
Space Operations.................................... 2017
Education........................................... 2017
Safety, Security and Mission Services............... 2017
Construction and Environmental Compliance and 2017
Restoration........................................
Office of the Inspector General..................... 2017
Related Agencies:
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE STANDING RULES OF THE
SENATE
Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on July 13, 2023,
the Committee ordered favorably reported a bill (S. 2321)
making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and
Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, provided,
that the bill be subject to amendment and that the bill be
consistent with its budget allocation, and provided that the
Chairman of the Committee or his designee be authorized to
offer the substance of the original bill as a Committee
amendment in the nature of a substitute to the House companion
measure, by a recorded vote of 28-1, a quorum being present.
The vote was as follows:
Yeas Nays
Chair Murray Mr. Hagerty
Mrs. Feinstein
Mr. Durbin
Mr. Reed
Mr. Tester
Mrs. Shaheen
Mr. Merkley
Mr. Coons
Mr. Schatz
Ms. Baldwin
Mr. Murphy
Mr. Manchin
Mr. Van Hollen
Mr. Heinrich
Mr. Peters
Ms. Collins
Mr. McConnell
Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Graham
Mr. Moran
Mr. Hoeven
Mr. Boozman
Mrs. Capito
Mr. Kennedy
Mrs. Hyde-Smith
Mrs. Britt
Mr. Rubio
Mrs. Fischer
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, no changes to existing law
are displayed because this bill proposes no changes.
------
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 2024: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice,
Science, and Related Agencies:
Mandatory........................................... 385 385 441 \1\441
Discretionary....................................... 69,484 69,484 86,672 \1\86,661
Defense......................................... 6,674 6,674 ............ 6,620
Non-defense..................................... 62,810 62,810 ............ 80,041
Projection of outlays associated with the
recommendation:
2024................................................ ............ ............ ............ \2\48,726
2025................................................ ............ ............ ............ 19,760
2026................................................ ............ ............ ............ 6,927
2027................................................ ............ ............ ............ 3,341
2028 and future years............................... ............ ............ ............ 3,474
Financial assistance to State and local governments for NA 3,143 NA \2\(159)
P2024..................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLOSURE OF CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING ITEMS
The Constitution vests in the Congress the power of the
purse. The Committee believes strongly that Congress should
make the decisions on how to allocate the people's money. As
defined in Rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the
term ``congressionally directed spending item'' means a
provision or report language included primarily at the request
of a Senator, providing, authorizing, or recommending a
specific amount of discretionary budget authority, credit
authority, or other spending authority for a contract, loan,
loan guarantee, grant, loan authority, or other expenditure
with or to an entity, or targeted to a specific State, locality
or congressional district, other than through a statutory or
administrative, formula-driven, or competitive award process.
For each item, a Member is required to provide a certification
that neither the Member nor the Member's immediate family has a
pecuniary interest in such congressionally directed spending
item. Such certifications are available to the public on the
website of the Senate Committee on Appropriations (https://
www.appropriations.senate.
gov/congressionally-directed-spending requests). Following is a
list of congressionally directed spending items included in the
Senate recommendation discussed in this report, along with the
name of each Senator who submitted a request to the Committee
of jurisdiction for each item so identified. Neither the
Committee recommendation nor this report contains any limited
tax benefits or limited tariff benefits as defined in rule
XLIV.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recommendation
Account Project Location Recipient ($) Requestor(s)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOC-NIST Construction............... Analytical Laboratory Orono, ME.............. University of Maine 3,100,000 Collins, King
Modernization and System.
Expansion.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Aquaculture Workforce Orono, ME.............. University of Maine 7,000,000 Collins, King
Innovation Center. System.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Forest Biomaterials Orono, ME.............. University of Maine 7,500,000 Collins, King
Innovation Center. System.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Aerospace Innovation and Salina, KS............. Kansas State 28,000,000 Moran
Training Hub. University Salina.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Kansas National Security Lawrence, KS........... KU Innovation Park.... 22,000,000 Moran
Innovation Center.
DOC-NIST Construction............... Hot Cell Facility Pullman, WA............ Washington State 7,642,000 Murray
Construction. University.
DOC-NIST Construction............... The Edge Innovation Durham, NH............. University of New 5,000,000 Shaheen
Community. Hampshire.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... DigitalBridge Colorado-- Grand County, CO....... WRC--Connected 270,000 Bennet
Phase 2. Communities.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Center for Advanced Jonesboro, AR.......... Arkansas State 10,000,000 Boozman
Materials and Steel University.
Manufacturing.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Center for Large-Scale Fayetteville, AR....... University of Arkansas 5,000,000 Boozman
Testing of Seismic
Systems.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Center for Design and Fayetteville, AR....... University of Arkansas 5,000,000 Boozman
Materials Innovation. Fay Jones School of
Architecture and
Design.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... District MEMS Program & Elyria, OH............. Lorain County 500,000 Brown
Training Expansion. Community College
District.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Advanced Nano & Quantum Seattle, WA............ University of 3,500,000 Cantwell
Systems. Washington.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Molecular Analysis Seattle, WA............ University of 2,800,000 Cantwell, Murray
Facility Instrumentation. Washington.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Milgard Engineering Labs Tacoma, WA............. University of 2,500,000 Cantwell, Murray
Buildout. Washington Tacoma.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Liquid Chromatography Monongalia County, WV.. West Virginia 233,000 Capito
Mass Spectrometry University.
Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Electron Microscopy-Based Morgantown, WV......... West Virginia 1,140,000 Capito, Manchin
Equipment and Research. University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... UMBC Quantum Science Baltimore County, MD... University of 1,500,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Institute. Maryland, Baltimore
County.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Biopharmaceutical Newark, DE............. University of Delaware 7,250,000 Carper, Coons
Manufacturing Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Semiconductor City of Ruston, LA..... Louisiana Tech 3,500,000 Cassidy
Infrastructure and University.
Technology Equipment
Upgrades.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Analytical Laboratory Orono, ME.............. University of Maine 1,900,000 Collins, King
Equipment. System.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Forest Biomaterials Orono, ME.............. University of Maine 2,500,000 Collins, King
Innovation Center System.
Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Electrical Power Peoria, IL............. Bradley University.... 950,000 Durbin
Initiative.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Semiconductor Research Romeoville, IL......... Lewis University...... 900,000 Durbin
Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Equipment for String- Erie County, PA........ Penn State Erie, The 2,500,000 Fetterman
Level Testing and to Behrend College.
Establish the First
Fully-Serviced Heavy
Haul Battery Testing
Center in the United
States.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Cybersecurity Incident Albany, NY............. University at Albany, 1,250,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Response Studio (CREST). State University of
New York.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Center for Accelerated Buffalo, NY............ University at Buffalo. 1,250,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Innovation through
Materials (AIM):
Enabling the Transition
to a Clean Energy
Economy (AIM for Clean
Energy).
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Advanced Quantum Research Rochester, NY.......... University of 1,250,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Equipment. Rochester.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Semiconductor Columbia, SC........... University of South 4,500,000 Graham
Manufacturing. Carolina.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Center for Simulated Starkville, MS......... Mississippi State 4,000,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Environments and University.
Experiences in STEM.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Sustainable Materials Hattiesburg, MS........ University of Southern 5,500,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Validation and Mississippi.
Certification Lab.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Marshfield Coastal Marshfield, MA......... Marshfield Chamber of 1,000,000 Markey, Warren
Academy and Hazard Commerce.
Laboratory.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Science on the Fly: Clean Falmouth, MA........... Woodwell Climate 250,000 Markey, Warren
River Water Data Research Center.
Collection, Monitoring,
and Analysis.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Convergent Technologies Wasco County, OR....... Columbia Gorge 300,000 Merkley, Wyden
and Advanced Community College.
Manufacturing Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Solar Manufacturing Clackamas County, OR... Oregon Institute of 1,045,000 Merkley, Wyden
Research Equipment. Technology (Oregon
Tech).
DOC-NIST STRS....................... STEM Ecosystem........... Pittsburg, KS.......... Pittsburg State 5,000,000 Moran
University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Advanced Manufacturing Wichita, KS............ Wichita State 5,000,000 Moran
Technology and Equipment. University / National
Institute for
Aviation Research.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Oklahoma Aerospace Stillwater, OK......... Oklahoma State 5,500,000 Mullin
Institute for Research University.
and Education (OAIRE).
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Robotics Research and Tulsa, OK.............. University of Tulsa... 5,500,000 Mullin
Instrumentation.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Integrated Science and Spokane, WA............ Gonzaga University.... 1,847,000 Murray
Engineering Facility.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Acquisition of Laboratory Olympia, WA............ The Evergreen State 2,135,000 Murray
Equipment. College.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Interdisciplinary Seattle, WA............ University of 5,000,000 Murray
Engineering Building Washington.
Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Transmission Electron Pullman, WA............ Washington State 2,500,000 Murray
Microscope. University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Advanced Technology Bellingham, WA......... Western Washington 2,425,000 Murray
Laboratory and Research University.
Equipment.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Improved Techniques and East Lansing, MI....... Michigan State 1,350,000 Peters, Stabenow
Standards Development University.
for Tracking
Environmental PFAS.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Standards Development Houghton, MI........... Michigan Technological 2,000,000 Peters, Stabenow
Center for Automated University.
Driving Systems in
Inclement Winter Weather.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Marine Geological Samples Narragansett, RI....... University of Rhode 1,150,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Laboratory. Island.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... URI STEEP................ Narragansett, RI....... University of Rhode 600,000 Reed
Island.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Battery Prototyping Rochester, NY.......... Rochester Institute of 1,250,000 Schumer
Center Equipment. Technology.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Build-out of a Manchester, NH......... Advanced Regenerative 1,200,000 Shaheen
Biofabrication Standards- Manufacturing
Related Test Lab. Institute (ARMI).
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Cybersecurity Program.... Grafton County, NH..... Plymouth State 1,000,000 Shaheen
University.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Operational Technology Northfield, VT......... Norwich University.... 250,000 Welch
Advance Cyber
Architecture.
DOC-NIST STRS....................... Cancer Research Jackson, MS............ University of 2,800,000 Wicker
Laboratories. Mississippi Medical
Center.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Open Soil Water Sensor... Fort Collins, CO....... Colorado State 1,450,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
University.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Resiliency and Madison, CT............ National Audubon 2,696,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Sustainability of Society, Inc..
Hammonasset Beach State
Park.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Extreme Event Coastal Statewide, NJ.......... Stevens Institute of 900,000 Booker, Menendez
Preparedness and Technology.
Response System.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Expansion and Upgrade of Mobile, AL............. University of South 3,000,000 Britt
the South Alabama Alabama.
Mesonet.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Protecting Southern King, WA............... Maritime Blue......... 300,000 Cantwell
Resident Killer Whales
from the Acoustic and
Physical Impacts of
Large Commercial Vessels.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ West Coast Whale Olympia, WA............ Washington Department 2,000,000 Cantwell
Conservation Plan NEPA. of Fish and Wildlife.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Anacostia River Aquatic Prince George's County, Anacostia Watershed 225,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Ecosystem Restoration MD. Society.
and Monitoring.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Building Capacity for Sea Talbot County, MD...... Town of Oxford........ 1,060,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Level Rise Adaptation on
the Eastern Shore.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Fisheries & Aquaculture Lewes, DE.............. University of Delaware 1,265,000 Carper, Coons
Innovation Center.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Gauges and Data City of Baton Rouge, LA Louisiana Coastal 3,000,000 Cassidy
Collection Systems. Protection and
Restoration Authority.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Lower Mississippi River City of Baton Rouge, LA Louisiana Department 400,000 Cassidy
Physical Oceanographic of Transportation and
Real-Time System Sensors. Development.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Maine Seafood and Portland, ME........... Good Shepherd Food 750,000 Collins, King
Community Partnership. Bank.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Ocean Habitat Strategic Walpole, ME............ University of Maine... 440,000 Collins, King
Plan in Partnership with
Maine's Lobster Industry.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Weather Station Network.. Orono, ME.............. University of Maine 3,548,000 Collins, King
System.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Sustainable Planning for Reno, NV............... The Desert Research 3,000,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
the Future at Lake Tahoe. Institute.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Offshore Seismic Mapping. Chicago, IL............ Board of Trustees of 550,000 Durbin
the University of
Illinois.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Offshore Pollution La Jolla, CA........... The Regents of the 6,000,000 Feinstein, Padilla
Impacts on Living Marine University of
Resources and California.
Bioremediation
Assessment--DDT.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Climate and Biodiversity New York, NY........... American Museum of 1,250,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Research & Education. Natural History.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ South Carolina Marine City of Charleston, SC. College of Charleston. 1,325,000 Graham
Resources Center.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Hawaii Mesonet Network Statewide, HI.......... Hawaii Department of 350,000 Hirono
Equipment. Land and Natural
Resources, Commission
on Water Resource
Management.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ West Hawaii Island County of Hawaii, HI... Hawaii County 1,000,000 Hirono, Schatz
Watershed Restoration Department of Water
and Recharge. Supply.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Limu Cultivation at the City and County of Hawaii Department of 700,000 Hirono, Schatz
Anuenue Fisheries Honolulu, HI. Land and Natural
Research Center. Resources Division of
Aquatic Resources
(DAR).
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Waiakea Pond and Pelekane County of Hawaii, HI... Hawaii Department of 750,000 Hirono, Schatz
Bay Restoration. Land and Natural
Resources Division of
Aquatic Resources
(DAR).
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Native Plant Carbon Statewide, HI.......... Hawaii Department of 300,000 Hirono, Schatz
Sequestration. Land and Natural
Resources Division of
Aquatic Resources
(DAR).
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Education Campaign to Statewide, HI.......... The Marine Mammal 880,000 Hirono, Schatz
Protect Monk Seals. Center.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Advancing Coastal and County of Maui, City The Nature Conservancy 1,000,000 Hirono, Schatz
Community Resilience. and County of in Hawaii and Palmyra.
Honolulu, County of
Hawaii, HI.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Analysis of Satellite Statewide, HI.......... University of Hawaii 2,250,000 Hirono, Schatz
Imagery and System.
Meteorological Data for
Forest Health.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Marine Mammal and Sea Gulfport, MS........... Institute for Marine 3,000,000 Hyde-Smith
Turtle Rehabilitation. Mammal Studies, Inc..
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Data Assembly Hub for Hattiesburg, MS........ University of Southern 5,000,000 Hyde-Smith
Uncrewed Systems. Mississippi.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Humpback Whale Research Provincetown, MA....... Center for Coastal 200,000 Markey, Warren
Program. Studies.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Fishing for Data: East Falmouth, MA...... Coonamessett Farm 2,000,000 Markey, Warren
Massachusetts Foundation, Inc..
Cooperative Fisheries
Research.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ William Street: New Bedford, MA........ Old Dartmouth 500,000 Markey, Warren
Stimulating Learning Historical Society
through STEAM. (dba New Bedford
Whaling Museum).
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Creating Digital Springfield, MA........ Partners for a 370,000 Markey, Warren
Infrastructure to Expand Healthier Community d/
the Healthy Air Network. b/a Public Health
Institute of Western
MA.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Oregon Kelp Forest Curry County, OR....... Oregon Kelp Alliance.. 2,521,000 Merkley, Wyden
Protection and
Restoration Initiative.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Floating Offshore Wind Lincoln County, OR..... Oregon State 1,087,000 Merkley, Wyden
Energy and Fisheries University.
Assessment.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Full Motion Flight Salina, KS............. Kansas State 1,500,000 Moran
Simulator. University Salina.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Alaska Survey Charter Statewide, AK.......... Alaska Department of 1,200,000 Murkowski
Vessel. Fish and Game.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Juvenile Pacific Salmon Statewide, AK.......... Alaska Department of 4,000,000 Murkowski
Research. Fish and Game.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Research Vessel Equipment Statewide, AK.......... Alaska Department of 2,500,000 Murkowski
Upgrades and Maintenance. Fish and Game.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Alaska King Crab Statewide, AK.......... Alaska Fisheries 4,000,000 Murkowski
Enhancement Project. Development
Foundation.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Central Arctic Ocean Statewide, AK.......... Inuit Circumpolar 1,075,000 Murkowski
Fisheries Agreement Council Alaska.
(CAOFA) Engagement.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Arctic Watch............. Statewide, AK.......... Marine Exchange of 2,010,000 Murkowski
Alaska.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Invasive European Green Annette Islands Metlakatla Indian 1,000,000 Murkowski
Crab Control and Reserve, AK. Community.
Eradication.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Tamgas Creek Hatchery Annette Islands Metlakatla Indian 403,000 Murkowski
Fishway Improvements. Reserve, AK. Community.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Bowhead Whale Abundance City of Utqiagvik, North Slope Borough 1,536,000 Murkowski
Survey. North Slope Borough, Department of
AK. Wildlife Management.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Kelp Processing Research Anchorage, AK.......... University of Alaska 106,000 Murkowski
in Southern Alaska. System.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Aquatic Toxicology Statewide, AK.......... University of Alaska 2,800,000 Murkowski
Research. System.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Fisheries Bio-Technician Statewide, AK.......... Yukon River Drainage 520,000 Murkowski
Training Program. Fisheries Association.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Citywide Climate Providence, RI......... Providence Resilience 1,000,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Assessment. Partnership.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Access to Indigenous Statewide, HI.......... Polynesian Voyaging 500,000 Schatz
Ecological Knowledge. Society.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Welikia Project.......... New York, NY........... New York Botanical 500,000 Schumer
Garden.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ World-Class Research Carroll County, NH..... Mount Washington 1,538,000 Shaheen
Facility Project. Observatory.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Preparing the Next Seabrook, NH........... New England Young 956,000 Shaheen
Generation of NH Fishermen's Alliance
Fishermen and Women for (NEYFA).
Success: Preserving our
Working Waterfronts.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Building Coastal Hampton, NH............ Seabrook-Hampton 1,473,000 Shaheen
Resilience and Community Estuary Alliance
Capacity. (SHEA).
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Black Sea Bass Research Narragansett and Commercial Fisheries 535,000 Whitehouse
Fleet. Newport, RI. Research Foundation.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Fiberglass Vessel Statewide, RI.......... RIMTA Foundation...... 200,000 Whitehouse
Recycling Program.
DOC-NOAA ORF........................ Coastal Bluff Restoration East Providence, RI.... The Nature Conservancy 750,000 Whitehouse
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police and Fire Rescue Oconto, WI............. City of Oconto........ 160,000 Baldwin
Department
Communications Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Computer Aided Dispatch Waukesha, WI........... City of Waukesha...... 1,000,000 Baldwin
(CAD) and Record
Management System (RMS)
Replacement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Emergency Communications Burnett County, WI..... County of Burnett..... 950,000 Baldwin
System.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Radio Door County, WI........ County of Door........ 3,900,000 Baldwin
System.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Securing Southwest Montezuma County, CO... Montezuma County...... 50,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Colorado Police and
Emergency Communications.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Radio Clinton, CT............ Town of Clinton....... 600,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Emergency Services Borough of Bergenfield, Borough of Bergenfield 1,000,000 Booker, Menendez
Communications NJ.
Improvement Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Automatic License Plate Township of Belleville, Township of Belleville 447,000 Booker, Menendez
Reader Project. NJ.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Technology Township of Old Bridge, Township of Old Bridge 1,302,000 Booker, Menendez
Upgrades. NJ.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology and Equipment. Little Rock, AR........ Arkansas Commission on 500,000 Boozman
Law Enforcement
Standards and
Training.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Department Little Rock, AR........ University of Arkansas 1,000,000 Boozman
Equipment and Technology for Medical Sciences.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Radio Improvements....... Carrollton, AL......... Pickens County E-911.. 1,805,000 Britt
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Department of Public Montgomery, AL......... Alabama State 300,000 Britt, Tuberville
Safety Equipment University.
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment Auburn, AL............. City of Auburn........ 750,000 Britt, Tuberville
for Local Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Campus Security Jacksonville, AL....... Jacksonville State 656,000 Britt, Tuberville
Improvements. University.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Radio System and Dispatch Wauseon, OH............ Fulton County......... 735,000 Brown
Station Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mental Health Critical Statewide, OH.......... National Tactical 1,000,000 Brown
Incident Training for Officers Association.
Law Enforcement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Evidence Collection Canton, OH............. Stark County Sheriff's 125,000 Brown
Vehicle. Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Communications Upgrades.. Braxton County, WV..... Braxton County........ 1,882,000 Capito
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Training Harrison County, WV.... City of Bridgeport 650,000 Capito
and Technology. Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Kanawha County, WV..... City of St. Albans.... 150,000 Capito
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Communications Upgrades.. Monroe County, WV...... Monroe County......... 750,000 Capito
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Dispatch System Upgrades. Nicholas County, WV.... Nicholas County 2,062,000 Capito
Commission.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Patrol Vehicle Equipment. Clay County, WV........ Town of Clay.......... 8,000 Capito
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mobile Law Enforcement Sutton, WV............. Braxton County 211,000 Capito, Manchin
Technologies. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... BridgeValley CTC Gunshot South Charleston / Bridge Valley 400,000 Capito, Manchin
Detectors Equipment. Montgomery, WV. Community & Technical
College.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Beckley Police Department Beckley, WV............ City of Beckley....... 57,000 Capito, Manchin
Radios.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment.. Clarksburg, WV......... City of Clarksburg.... 446,000 Capito, Manchin
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Campus Safety Dover, DE.............. Delaware State 540,000 Carper, Coons
Improvements. University.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Emergency Communications Grant Parish, LA....... Grant Parish Sheriff's 340,000 Cassidy
Equipment. Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology and Equipment St. Landry Parish, LA.. St. Landry Parish..... 1,800,000 Cassidy
Upgrades.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Security Cameras Ely, NV................ City of Ely........... 610,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
Installation Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Security & Officer Sparks, NV............. City of Sparks........ 520,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
Safety.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Springfield, IL........ City of Springfield 300,000 Durbin
Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Communication Radios 14.. Lynwood, CA............ City of Lynwood....... 80,000 Feinstein
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Records Management System Lompoc, CA............. City of Lompoc........ 728,000 Feinstein, Padilla
Upgrade.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Radio Dispatch Console County of San Luis County of San Luis 2,000,000 Feinstein, Padilla
Replacement Project. Obispo, CA. Obispo.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Bomb Omaha, NE.............. City of Omaha......... 500,000 Fischer
Response Vehicle.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology and Equipment. Newberry, SC........... City of Newberry...... 88,000 Graham
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Greenwood, SC.......... Greenwood County 900,000 Graham
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Unified Command Post..... Columbia, SC........... Richland County 1,000,000 Graham
Sheriff's Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Equipment Upgrades....... Town of Bluffton, SC... Town of Bluffton...... 1,348,000 Graham
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Narcotic Analyzers and Las Cruces, NM......... Las Cruces Police 194,000 Heinrich
Awareness Program. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Handheld Narcotics Silver City, Grant Silver City Police 172,000 Heinrich
Analyzers. County, NM. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Equipment Hidalgo, Catron and Southwest New Mexico 295,000 Heinrich
Grant Counties, NM. Council of
Governments.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Alternative Pursuit Statewide, NM.......... New Mexico Department 1,550,000 Heinrich, Lujan
Options and Highway of Public Safety.
Offender Safety Program.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Interdiction Equipment Statewide, MS.......... Mississippi Department 2,021,000 Hyde-Smith
and Specialty Vehicles. of Public Safety.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Clay County, MS........ Clay County Sheriff's 175,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Technology Upgrades. Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Communications George County, MS...... George County 1,100,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Technologies. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Technology Pearl River County, MS. Pearl River County 1,141,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
and Equipment. Board of Supervisors.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Galax City, Carroll City of Galax......... 3,000,000 Kaine, Warner
Communications Equipment County, and Grayson
Upgrade. County, VA.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Interoperable Cochise County, AZ..... Office of the Sheriff, 981,000 Kelly, Sinema
Communications Upgrade. Cochise County.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Records Management Le Center, MN.......... Le Sueur County 500,000 Klobuchar, Smith
System, Computer Aided Sheriff's Office.
Dispatch, and Jail
Management Software
Program.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... 911 Software and Training City of Espanola, Rio Espanola/Rio Arriba E- 40,000 Lujan
Arriba County, Village 911 Center.
of Chama, Ohkay
Owingeh Pueblo, Santa
Clara Pueblo, Northern
Santa Fe County, NM.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police and Security City of Las Vegas, San New Mexico Highlands 200,000 Lujan
Equipment. Miguel County, NM. University Police
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Law Enforcement Virtual San Juan County, City San Juan County....... 90,000 Lujan
Reality Use of Force of Farmington, City of
Simulator. Bloomfield, City of
Aztec, Town of
Kirtland, NM State
Parks, and Navajo
Nation, NM.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... 'Locked Into Fairmont, WV........... Marion County Schools. 850,000 Manchin
Collaboration' Smart
Technology for Student
Safety & Security
Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Technology Bayonne, NJ............ City of Bayonne....... 1,030,000 Menendez
and Equipment.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Medford Incident Command Jackson County, OR..... City of Medford....... 880,000 Merkley, Wyden
Center.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Portland Police Bureau Multnomah County, OR... City of Portland...... 1,359,000 Merkley, Wyden
Body Worn Camera Pilot
Program.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Lake County Public Safety Lake County, OR........ Lake County........... 2,000,000 Merkley, Wyden
Interoperable Radio and
Microwave System.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Santiam Canyon Public Marion County, OR...... Marion County......... 1,800,000 Merkley, Wyden
Safety Alert System.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Medicine Lodge, KS..... Barber County Sheriff. 323,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Baxter Springs, KS..... Baxter Springs Police 166,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Radio Upgrades........... Chanute, KS............ Chanute Police 140,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Burlington, KS......... Coffey County Sheriff. 157,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Training Equipment....... Colby, KS.............. Colby Police 54,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Radio Upgrades........... Ellsworth, KS.......... Ellsworth County 670,000 Moran
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Body Scanners............ Ottawa, KS............. Franklin County 225,000 Moran
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Garnett, KS............ Garnett Police 114,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Radio Upgrades........... Goodland, KS........... Goodland Police 61,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... License Plate Readers.... Syracuse, KS........... Hamilton County 25,000 Moran
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... License Plate Readers.... Lakin, KS.............. Kearny County Sheriff. 72,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Kingman, KS............ Kingman County Sheriff 37,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Emporia, KS............ Lyon County Sheriff... 245,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Training Equipment....... Marysville, KS......... Marshall County 1,383,000 Moran
Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Marysville, KS......... Marysville Police 173,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... McPherson, KS.......... McPherson Police 275,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mobile Camera Technology. Meade, KS.............. Meade County Sheriff.. 91,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Hutchinson, KS......... Reno County Sheriff... 408,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Technology Upgrades...... Manhattan, KS.......... Riley County Police 250,000 Moran
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Training Equipment....... La Crosse, KS.......... Rush County Sheriff... 49,000 Moran
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Special Weapons and Municipality of Anchorage Police 227,000 Murkowski
Tactics Command Response Anchorage, AK. Department.
Vehicle.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Department Radio City and Borough of City and Borough of 2,000,000 Murkowski
System Replacement. Juneau, AK. Juneau.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Deltana Area Deltana-Southeast Fairbanks Emergency 2,200,000 Murkowski
Communications Equipment. Fairbanks Census Area, Communication Center.
AK.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Radio Network Cobb County, GA........ Cobb County Sheriff's 259,000 Ossoff
Modernization. Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Automatic License Plate Auburn Hills, MI....... City of Auburn Hills.. 55,000 Peters
Reader (ALPR) Program.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Security Camera Upgrade.. Bloomfield Hills, MI... Oakland Community 867,000 Peters
College.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Emergency Warning System Inkster, MI............ City of Inkster....... 272,000 Peters, Stabenow
Replacement Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Equipment......... Warwick, RI............ City of Warwick Police 570,000 Reed
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mobile Command Vehicle... South Kingstown, RI.... South Kingstown Police 1,000,000 Reed
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Digital Cumberland, RI......... Town of Cumberland, 1,010,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Communications Upgrade. Police Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Body-Worn Cameras........ Addison County, VT..... Addison County 18,000 Sanders
Sheriff's Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mobile Data Terminal Atkinson, NH........... Atkinson, NH Police 28,000 Shaheen
(MDT) Upgrade Project. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Communications is KEY. Berlin, NH............. Berlin Police 355,000 Shaheen
Help us Improve Public Department.
Safety & Response!.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Enhanced Communication Claremont, NH.......... City of Claremont..... 1,300,000 Shaheen
and Public Safety
Assurance Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Dispatch Console Dover, NH.............. City of Dover, NH..... 438,000 Shaheen
Replacement Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Officer Training Cheshire County, NH.... County of Cheshire.... 80,000 Shaheen
Simulator.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Police Department Grafton County, NH..... Grafton County 520,000 Shaheen
Portable Radios. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Mobile Terminal Data Merrimack County, NH... Merrimack County 261,000 Shaheen
Installation. Sheriff.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Body/Cruiser Camera Merrimack, NH.......... Merrimack Police 420,000 Shaheen
Program. Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Computer Aided Dispatch Newmarket, NH.......... Newmarket Police 358,000 Shaheen
Systems (CAD) and Department.
Records Management
Systems (RMS)
Replacement and Upgrade
Program.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Dispatch Radio Consoles.. Newport, NH............ Newport Police 218,000 Shaheen
Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... New Hampshire Public Merrimack County, NH... NH Dept. of Safety- 4,878,000 Shaheen
Safety Interoperable Emergency
Communications Network Communications/9-1-1
(NHICNET). (DESC).
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Strafford County, NH... Strafford County 715,000 Shaheen
Communications Sheriff's Office.
Improvements.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Greater Windham Emergency Windham, NH............ Windham Police 419,000 Shaheen
Regional Communications Department.
Interoperability Project.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Cops Technology.......... Wayne County, MI....... Downriver Community 850,000 Stabenow
Conference.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment Fort Payne, AL......... City of Fort Payne.... 670,000 Tuberville
for Local Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment Millbrook, AL.......... City of Millbrook..... 190,000 Tuberville
for Local Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment Moody, AL.............. City of Moody......... 245,000 Tuberville
for Local Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment Oxford, AL............. City of Oxford........ 185,000 Tuberville
for Local Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment Pell City, AL.......... City of Pell City..... 612,000 Tuberville
for Local Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment Cullman County, AL..... Cullman County 110,000 Tuberville
for Local Law District Attorney's
Enforcement. Office, 32nd Judicial
Circuit of Alabama.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Public Safety Equipment St. Clair County, AL... St. Clair County 1,200,000 Tuberville
for Local Law Sheriff's Office.
Enforcement.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Emergency Communication Woodstock, VT.......... Windsor County 1,240,000 Welch
Radio Network Upgrades. Sheriff's Department.
DOJ-COPS Tech....................... Capitol Police Technology Jackson, MS............ Mississippi Department 1,237,000 Wicker
Improvements. of Public Safety.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Domestic Violence Milwaukee, WI.......... Sojourner Family Peace 537,000 Baldwin
Homicide Prevention. Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Rescue Boat Replacements. Winnebago County, WI... Winnebago County 990,000 Baldwin
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Colorado Rural Impact Statewide, CO.......... County Sheriffs of 917,000 Bennet
Programs. Colorado.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Training and Technical Statewide, CO.......... The Exodus Road....... 750,000 Bennet
Assistance to Combat
Human Trafficking.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Breakthrough Program Denver, CO............. Breakthrough.......... 353,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Expansion.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Youth Violence Hartford, CT........... COMPASS Youth 137,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Intervention. Collaborative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Connecticut Coalition Statewide, CT.......... Connecticut Coalition 4,204,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Against Domestic Against Domestic
Violence for Victim Violence.
Services Funding.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Libraries in Prison Hamden, CT............. Freedom Reads......... 450,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Housing Units.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Intensive Support for Hartford, CT........... Roca, Inc............. 577,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Young Women and Mothers
Impacted by Violence.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Justice Education Center West Hartford, CT...... The Justice Education 990,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Initiative. Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Town of Madison for Madison, CT............ Town of Madison....... 114,000 Blumenthal, Murphy
Outreach Social Worker.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Legal Assistance Program BergenHudsonPassaic, NJ Women's Rights 330,000 Booker
for Low-Income Victims Information Center.
of Crime.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... First Responder Vehicle City of Linden, NJ..... City of Linden........ 355,000 Booker, Menendez
Acquisition.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Re-Entry Opportunity Newark, NJ............. Rutgers University- 1,000,000 Booker, Menendez
Program for Newark.
Entrepreneurship in
Newark (RE-OPEN).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Installation of Security Township of Monroe, NJ. Township of Monroe.... 167,000 Booker, Menendez
Cameras and Entry
Control System.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Rapid DNA System Pilot Faulkner County, AR.... Faulkner County 1,000,000 Boozman
Program for Sheriff's Office.
Investigations.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Rapid DNA System Pilot Saline County, AR...... Saline County 1,000,000 Boozman
Program for Sheriff's Office.
Investigations.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Real Time Crime Center Birmingham, AL......... City of Birmingham.... 4,200,000 Britt
(RTCC).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Cleveland Rape Crisis Cleveland, OH.......... Cleveland Rape Crisis 800,000 Brown
Center. Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Youth Human Trafficking Cleveland, OH.......... Collaborative to End 500,000 Brown
Victims. Human Trafficking.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Crime Prevention and Columbus, OH........... Communities In Schools 500,000 Brown
Youth Reengagement of Ohio.
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Ohio Alliance to End Independence, OH....... Ohio Alliance to End 700,000 Brown
Sexual Violence. Sexual Violence.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Ohio Quick Response Team Cincinnati, OH......... Ohio Quick Respones 230,000 Brown
(QRT) Association. Team Association.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Forbes House Program Painesville, OH........ The Lake County 163,000 Brown
Expansion. Committee on Family
Violence and the
Forbes House.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Trauma Informed Advocates Cincinnati, OH......... Women Helping Women... 88,000 Brown
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Drug and Fentanyl Toppenish, WA.......... Confederated Tribes 1,028,000 Cantwell
Taskforce. and Bands of the
Yakama Nation.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Patrol Vehicles.......... Raleigh County, WV..... City of Beckley....... 270,000 Capito
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Technology. Harrison County, WV.... City of Shinnston..... 1,000,000 Capito
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Patrol Vehicle Equipment. Putnam County, WV...... City of Winfield...... 31,000 Capito
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Hancock County, WV..... Hancock County 391,000 Capito
Technology and Equipment. Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Re-entry Learning Kanawha County, WV..... Kanawha Institute for 333,000 Capito
Platform. Social Research &
Action, Inc. (KISRA).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Marion County, WV...... Marion County 980,000 Capito, Manchin
and Law Enforcement Sheriff's Department.
Technology.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Courthouse Security Mercer County, WV...... Mercer County 245,000 Capito
Equipment. Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Hire and Equip Project... Fayette County, WV..... Town of Anstead....... 202,000 Capito
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Equipment Putnam County, WV...... Town of Poca Police 54,000 Capito
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Dispatch Console Upgrades Huntington, WV......... Cabell County 1,500,000 Capito, Manchin
Emergency Response
Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Body-Worn and Vehicle Huntington, WV......... Cabell County 386,000 Capito, Manchin
Cameras. Sheriff's Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Bullet Proof Vests....... Beckley, WV............ City of Beckley....... 36,000 Capito, Manchin
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Charleston CARES Pre- Charleston, WV......... City of Charleston.... 125,000 Capito, Manchin
Trial Diversion
Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Huntington Police Huntington, WV......... City of Huntington 776,000 Capito, Manchin
Department Community Police Department.
Oriented Policing
Endeavors (COPE) Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Technology Modernization. Huntington, WV......... City of Huntington 1,300,000 Capito, Manchin
Police Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Security Upgrades........ Fairmont, WV........... Fairmont State 1,701,000 Capito, Manchin
University.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Forensic Genomics Huntington, WV......... Marshall University 2,000,000 Capito, Manchin
Institute. Research Corporation.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Body Worn Cameras........ Summersville, WV....... Nicholas County 84,000 Capito, Manchin
Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Patrol Vehicles.......... Summersville, WV....... Nicholas County 308,000 Capito, Manchin
Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... University of Charleston Charleston, WV......... University of 1,922,000 Capito, Manchin
WV Law Enforcement Charleston.
Leadership Training
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Campus Security Upgrades. Charleston/Beckley, WV. University of 1,394,000 Capito, Manchin
Charleston.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Wetzel County Commission New Martinsville, WV... Wetzel County 141,000 Capito, Manchin
Upgrading of Police Commission.
Cruisers.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Security Equipment Keyser, WV............. WVU Potomac State..... 439,000 Capito, Manchin
Enhancements.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Re-Entry Services........ Anne Arundel County, MD Anne Arundel County... 450,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... School-Based Violence Baltimore City, MD..... Baltimore City........ 738,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Prevention.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Office Modernization and Baltimore City, MD..... Baltimore City State's 775,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Cybersecurity Attorney.
Enhancements.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Statewide Youth Conflict Baltimore County, MD... Conflict Resolution 291,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Coaching. Center of Baltimore
County.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Crisis Co-Response Teams. Montgomery County, MD.. Montgomery County..... 700,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... After Shooting Protocol Baltimore City, MD..... Roca Baltimore, LLC... 1,455,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Response Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Co-Respond Mobile Crisis Cecil County, MD....... The Affiliated Sante 499,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Team Pilot Project. Group.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Gun Violence Reduction Prince George's County, University of Maryland 726,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Research Initiative. MD.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Violence Intervention Prince George's County, University of Maryland 275,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Program. MD. Capital Region Health.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Penetrating Injury Baltimore City, MD..... University of Maryland 1,275,000 Cardin, Van Hollen
Recovery Project. Medical Center R
Adams Cowley Shock
Trauma Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Body Worn Cameras (Level Dover, DE.............. Delaware Department of 113,000 Carper, Coons
V and Level IV Correction.
facilities).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Delaware Data Initiative. Wilmington, DE......... Delaware Department of 788,000 Carper, Coons
Justice, Office of
the Attorney General.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Equipment to Enhance Wilmington, DE......... Delaware Department of 950,000 Carper, Coons
Testing Capabilities in Safety, Division of
Toxicology Unit. Forensic Science.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Mental Health & Advocacy Dover, DE.............. Children's Advocacy 235,000 Carper, Coons
Coordinator. Center of Delaware,
Inc.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Expert Witness Training Lehigh, PA............. Cedar Crest College... 250,000 Casey
Center & Crime Scene Lab.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Crisis Intervention and Meadville, PA.......... City of Meadville..... 268,000 Casey
Support Staff.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... LEAD Criminal Justice Pittsburgh, PA......... City of Pittsburgh.... 966,000 Casey
Diversion.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... DNA Analysis Expansion... Cumberland County, PA.. Cumberland County 284,000 Casey
District Attorney's
Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety UTVs and Hellam Township, PA.... Hellam Township....... 96,000 Casey
Police Vehicles.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... County Jail Security McKean County, PA...... McKean County Jail.... 136,000 Casey
Scanner.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Philadelphia Healthy and Philadelphia, PA....... Temple University..... 1,500,000 Casey
Safe Schools (PHASeS)
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Digital Radio System Weatherly, PA.......... Weatherly Borough 120,000 Casey
Upgrades. Police Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Cruisers & Public Allentown, PA.......... Allentown Police 275,000 Casey, Fetterman
Safety Technology. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Child Advocacy & Regional Montgomery County, PA.. Mission Kids Child 1,000,000 Casey, Fetterman
Training Center. Advocacy Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Crime Lab Equipment...... City of New Orleans, LA City of New Orleans 2,400,000 Cassidy
Office of Criminal
Justice Coordination.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Enhanced Victim Services City of New Orleans, LA Covenant House........ 250,000 Cassidy
Transitional Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Jail Security Equipment South Paris, ME........ County of Oxford...... 174,000 Collins
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Sexual Assault Expert Augusta, ME............ Maine Coalition 90,000 Collins
Witness and Attorney Against Sexual
Training. Assault.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Department Portland, ME........... Portland Police 372,000 Collins
Equipment. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Patrol Boat Replacement.. Portland, ME........... Board of Harbor 317,000 Collins, King
Commissioners for the
Harbor of Portland.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Department Belfast, ME............ City of Belfast....... 750,000 Collins, King
Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Department Houlton, ME............ Houlton Police 57,000 Collins, King
Equipment. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Piscataquis County, ME. Piscataquis County 4,175,000 Collins, King
Communications Equipment Emergency Management
Upgrade. Agency.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Training York County, ME........ York County........... 1,800,000 Collins, King
Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Enhancement North Las Vegas, NV.... City of North Las 1,620,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
Project. Vegas.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Department Reno, NV............... City of Reno.......... 1,500,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
Wellness Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Eighth Judicial District Clark County, NV....... Clark County.......... 800,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
Court's Court Appointed
Special Advocate [CASA].
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Crime Prevention Lander County, NV...... Lander County......... 563,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
Technology.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Personnel Washoe County, NV...... Reno-Sparks Indian 265,000 Cortez Masto, Rosen
and Equipment. Colony.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Camera and Lights East St. Louis, IL..... City of East St. Louis 1,446,000 Duckworth
Effectiveness for Anti-
Dumping Needs (CLEAN).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Cure Violence............ Peoria, IL............. Peoria County......... 564,000 Duckworth
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... First Responders Mental Rosemont, IL........... McDermott Center...... 910,000 Duckworth, Durbin
Health Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Equipment and Technology Matteson, IL........... SouthCom Combined 1,000,000 Durbin
Upgrades. Dispatch Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Technology Upgrades...... Rockford, IL........... Winnebago County...... 825,000 Durbin
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... 9-1-1 Call Center Project Modesto, CA............ City of Modesto....... 2,692,000 Feinstein
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Big Brothers Big Sisters Philadelphia, PA....... Big Brothers Big 1,000,000 Fetterman
Independence Region. Sisters Independence
Region.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Air Omaha, NE.............. City of Omaha......... 3,500,000 Fischer
Support Equipment.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Mental Health Services Kings County, NY....... Brooklyn District 2,728,000 Gillibrand
Vehicle. Attorney's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Sexual Assault Forensic Suffolk County, NY..... Crime Victims Center, 565,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Examiner and Response Inc. (dba Parents for
(SAFE/R) Capacity Megan's Law).
Building Program in
Suffolk County.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Virtual Livingston County, NY.. Livingston County..... 150,000 Gillibrand, Schumer
Training Simulator.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Drug and Substance City of Sumter, SC..... City of Sumter........ 157,000 Graham
Analyzer.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Vehicles. Lancaster County, SC... Lancaster County 770,000 Graham
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Substance Identification Albuquerque, NM........ City of Albuquerque 364,000 Heinrich
Equipment. Police Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Mobile Integrated Health Santa Fe, NM........... City of Santa Fe...... 300,000 Heinrich
Office (MIHO).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Trauma Informed Youth Dona Ana County, NM.... Families and Youth 675,000 Heinrich
Diversion Program. Innovations Plus
(FYI+).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Sierra County Children's Sierra County, NM...... La Pinon Sexual 56,000 Heinrich
Advocacy Center. Assault Recovery
Services.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Walking IN Grace with Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Las Cumbres Community 360,000 Heinrich
Survivors of Torture Rio Arriba, Taos, and Services.
(WINGS). Dona Ana counties., NM.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Child Abuse and Neglect Bernalillo, Sandoval, New Mexico Child 150,000 Heinrich
Prevention. and Valencia counties, Advocacy Networks
NM. (NMCAN).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... New Mexico Crime Gun Farmington, Gallup, Las Office of the New 1,150,000 Heinrich
Intelligence Center. Cruces, and Roswell, Mexico Attorney
NM. General.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Santa Fe Forensic Santa Fe, NM........... New Mexico Department 500,000 Heinrich, Lujan
Laboratory DNA Analysis. of Public Safety.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Hanai Pilot Project...... Hawaii County; City and Establish............. 700,000 Hirono, Schatz
County of Honolulu;
Kauai County; Maui
County, HI.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Victims of Crime and Hawaii County; City and Kapili Like Inc....... 1,010,000 Hirono, Schatz
Trafficking Safe Hale County of Honolulu;
Project. Kauai County; Maui
County; Northwestern
Hawaiian Islands, HI.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Academy.. Copiah and Lincoln Copiah Lincoln 20,000 Hyde-Smith
Counties, MS. Community College.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Scalable Rural Digital Statewide, MS.......... University of Southern 3,000,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Forensics. Mississippi.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Enrichment and Discipline Statewide/Multiple An Achievable Dream... 1,961,000 Kaine, Warner
Reduction Program. Locations, VA.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Virginia Initiative for Statewide/Multiple Enough is Enough...... 974,000 Kaine, Warner
the Prevention of the Locations, VA.
Online Exploitation of
Children.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Chesapeake & Portsmouth City of Portsmouth, VA. Local Initiatives 500,000 Kaine, Warner
Safety Coordinator. Support Corporation
(LISC) Hampton Roads.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police-Referred Mediation Statewide/Multiple Resolution Virginia... 853,000 Kaine, Warner
Pilot Project. Locations, VA.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Southside Center for Statewide/Multiple STEPS, Inc............ 949,000 Kaine, Warner
Violence Prevention. Locations, VA.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Servant Officer Training. Washington County, VA.. Town of Marion........ 208,000 Kaine, Warner
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Body Cameras and Crime Bisbee, AZ............. City of Bisbee........ 210,000 Kelly, Sinema
Response.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Negotiation Peoria, AZ............. City of Peoria........ 103,000 Kelly, Sinema
Response Vehicle.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... SWAT Team Response Parker, AZ............. La Paz County 305,000 Kelly, Sinema
Vehicle. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Holbrook, AZ........... Navajo County......... 2,307,000 Kelly, Sinema
Interoperability
Communication Project
(Phase II).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Pima County Adult Tucson, AZ............. Pima County Sheriff's 458,000 Kelly, Sinema
Detention Complex. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Dispatch Florence, AZ........... Town of Florence...... 1,230,000 Kelly, Sinema
Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Critical Incident Queen Creek, AZ........ Town of Queen Creek... 1,948,000 Kelly, Sinema
Management Resources.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Pre-Charge Diversion Anoka County, MN....... Anoka County 89,000 Klobuchar, Smith
Program. Attorney's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Minneapolis Community Minneapolis, MN........ City of Minneapolis... 2,500,000 Klobuchar, Smith
Violence Intervention.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Minnesota Third Judicial Third Judicial Minnesota Third 1,500,000 Klobuchar, Smith
District--County District, MN. Judicial District--
Attorney Electronic County Attorney
Evidence Collaborative. Electronic Evidence
Collaborative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Ramsey County Radios..... St. Paul, MN........... Ramsey County......... 2,965,000 Klobuchar, Smith
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Chaves County CASA Chaves County, Chaves County CASA 500,000 Lujan
Program Trauma Southeastern NM, Program.
Intervention Project. Roswell, NM.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Edgewood Police Town of Edgewood, NM... Edgewood Police 800,000 Lujan
Department Emergency Department--NM.
Vehicle Fund.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Recreational, Albuquerque, Bernalillo Metro Police Athletic 10,000 Lujan
Educational, and County, NM. League.
Cultural Activities for
At-Risk Youth.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Sandoval County Sandoval County, NM.... Sandoval County....... 200,000 Lujan
Behavioral Health
Planning Grant.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Assisted Santa Fe County, NM.... Santa Fe County....... 339,000 Lujan
Diversion (LEAD) Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Leon Sullivan Way Safety Charleston, WV......... City of Charleston, 301,000 Manchin
Initiative. West Virginia.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... WV Wesleyan Center for Buckhannon, WV......... West Virginia Wesleyan 795,000 Manchin
Ethical Professional College.
Development in Criminal
Justice.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Policy Development & Cambridge, MA.......... Strategies for Youth, 185,000 Markey
Training to Improve Inc.
Massachusetts Law
Enforcement/Youth
Interactions.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... The Phoenix Reentry Boston, MA............. The Phoenix........... 650,000 Markey, Warren
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Veterans Legal Support Lawrence, KS........... University of Kansas 1,600,000 Moran
Clinic. School of Law.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Community-Based Victim Statewide, AK.......... Council on Domestic 4,000,000 Murkowski
Services Program. Violence and Sexual
Assault.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Urgent Casualty Care..... City of Soldotna, AK... Soldotna Police 110,000 Murkowski
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Community Violence Burien, WA............. Choose Freedom........ 552,000 Murray
Prevention Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Municipal Therapeutic Tacoma, WA............. City of Tacoma 500,000 Murray
Court. Municipal Court.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Courthouse Security Ephrata, WA............ Grant County District 1,500,000 Murray
Upgrades. Court.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Municipal Therapeutic Spokane, WA............ Spokane Municipal 982,000 Murray
Court. Court.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Adult Therapeutic Courts. Colville, WA........... Stevens County 450,000 Murray
District Court.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Body-Worn Camera Fulton County, GA...... Fulton County 298,000 Ossoff
Technology Upgrades. Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Body-Worn Augusta-Richmond Augusta-Richmond 690,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Camera Technology County, GA. County.
Upgrades.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Mental Health Response Augusta-Richmond Augusta-Richmond 317,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Team. County, GA. County.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Expanding Violence Atlanta, GA............ CHRIS 180, Inc........ 331,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Reduction Programs in
South Atlanta.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Family Advocacy Center... Cobb County, GA........ Cobb Family Advocacy 1,550,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Expanding Access to the Atlanta, GA............ Morehouse College..... 1,636,000 Ossoff, Warnock
Andrew Young Center's
Higher Education in
Prisons Initiative.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Enhancement East Lansing, MI....... City of East Lansing.. 1,500,000 Peters
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Modular Vehicle Muskegon, MI........... City of Muskegon...... 190,000 Peters
Barrier System.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Law Enforcement Emergency Farmington Hills, MI... Farmington Hills 65,000 Peters
Vehicle Operation. Police Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Cameras........... Utica, MI.............. Utica................. 153,000 Peters
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Child Sexual Abuse Statewide, RI.......... Day One............... 220,000 Reed
Prevention Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Habitat for Justice...... Pawtucket, RI.......... Justice Assistance.... 420,000 Reed
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Evidence Collection Providence, RI......... Providence Police 225,000 Reed
Vehicle. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Scaling Pathways to the Providence, RI......... The Community College 350,000 Reed
Workforce. of Rhode Island.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Fitness Initiative....... Charlestown, RI........ The Narragansett 430,000 Reed
Indian Tribe.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Vehicles... Tiverton, RI........... Tiverton Police 280,000 Reed
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Community Engagement..... Warwick, RI............ YMCA of Greater 220,000 Reed
Providence (GPYMCA).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Replacement of Transport Cranston, RI........... Rhode Island 1,200,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Vehicles. Department of
Corrections.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Rhode Island Correctional Cranston, RI........... Rhode Island 500,000 Reed, Whitehouse
Industries program. Department of
Corrections.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Burlington Community Burlington, VT......... City of Burlington.... 300,000 Sanders
Justice Center.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Center for Council Statewide, VT.......... Vermont Department of 1,900,000 Sanders
Vermont Public Safety Public Safety.
Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Community Restorative Brattleboro and Bellows Youth Services, Inc... 979,000 Sanders
Practices Project. Falls, VT.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Shining the Light on Sex Hawaii County; City and Ho'ola Na Pua......... 1,000,000 Schatz
Trafficking in Hawaii. County of Honolulu;
Kauai County; Maui
County, HI.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Cybercrime Unit Vehicle.. City and County of Honolulu Police 500,000 Schatz
Honolulu, HI. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Police Athletic/ Syracuse, NY........... City of Syracuse...... 415,000 Schumer
Activities League Teen
Program Expansion.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Community Care and New York, NY........... Metro-IAF / Manhattan 200,000 Schumer
Recovery. Together.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Survivor Support System.. New York, NY........... Not Another Child, 500,000 Schumer
Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... NYC Youth Forward........ Brooklyn, NY........... NYPD's Fighting Finest 150,000 Schumer
Inc..
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Body Worn Camera Project. Alton, NH.............. Alton, NH Police 255,000 Shaheen
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Evidence Equipment and Concord, NH............ Concord Police 73,000 Shaheen
Training. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Acquisition of Body Worn Derry, NH.............. Derry Police 586,000 Shaheen
Camera (BWC), In-car Department.
Video (ICV), and
Facility Cameras.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Body Worn Camera Project. Franklin, NH........... Franklin Police 208,000 Shaheen
Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Virtual Simulation Hampton Falls, NH...... Hampton Falls Police 38,000 Shaheen
Training Equipment. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Enhanced Criminal Justice Hampton, NH............ Hampton, NH Police 200,000 Shaheen
Response Team. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... De-Escalation Program.... Hillsborough County, NH Hillsborough County 276,000 Shaheen
Sheriff.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Active Attack CRCC Manchester, NH......... Manchester School 48,000 Shaheen
Training. District.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... In-Car Camera Replacement Rochester, NH.......... Rochester, NH Police 123,000 Shaheen
Project. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Active Threat Incident Stratham, NH........... Stratham Police 53,000 Shaheen
Equipment. Department (SPD).
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Acquisition of Body Worn Mont Vernon, NH........ Town of Mont Vernon... 25,000 Shaheen
Cameras.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... New Hampton Public Safety New Hampton, NH........ Town of New Hampton... 80,000 Shaheen
Cruiser.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Training Kent County, MI........ Grand Rapids Community 1,000,000 Stabenow
Center Equipment. College.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Center Security Sector & Oakland County, MI..... The Zekelman Holocaust 1,100,000 Stabenow
Law Enforcement Center.
Professional Education
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Communications Upgrade... Beaufort, NC........... Beaufort County....... 893,000 Tillis
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Rapid DNA for Concord, NC............ Concord Police 188,000 Tillis
Investigations. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Equipment and Technology Greenville, NC......... Greenville Police 1,400,000 Tillis
Upgrades. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Security Upgrades........ Halifax County, NC..... Halifax County........ 225,000 Tillis
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Bomb Squad Upgrades...... Henderson County, NC... Henderson County 234,000 Tillis
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Raleigh, NC............ Raleigh Police 629,000 Tillis
Intelligence Management Department.
System.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Veterans Treatment Court. Rowan County, NC....... Rowan County.......... 546,000 Tillis
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Security Upgrades........ Sampson County, NC..... Sampson County 220,000 Tillis
Sheriff's Office.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Body-Worn and Vehicle Statesville, NC........ Statesville Police 410,000 Tillis
Cameras. Department.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment.. Elon, NC............... Town of Elon.......... 102,000 Tillis
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Huntsville, AL......... Alabama Agricultural 375,000 Tuberville
for University Law and Mechanical
Enforcement. University.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Blount County, AL...... Blount County 400,000 Tuberville
for Local Law Commission.
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Butler County, AL...... Butler County 120,000 Tuberville
for Local Law Commission.
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Chilton County, AL..... Chilton County 300,000 Tuberville
for Local Law Commission.
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Combatting Fentanyl...... Fairhope, AL........... City of Fairhope...... 200,000 Tuberville
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Russellville, AL....... City of Russellville.. 500,000 Tuberville
for Local Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Sheffield, AL.......... City of Sheffield..... 495,000 Tuberville
for Local Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Trussville, AL......... City of Trussville.... 150,000 Tuberville
for Local Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Tuscumbia, AL.......... City of Tuscumbia..... 325,000 Tuberville
for Local Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Colbert County, AL..... Colbert County 250,000 Tuberville
for Local Law Sheriff's Office.
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Dallas County, AL...... Dallas County 250,000 Tuberville
for Local Law Sheriff's Office.
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Franklin County, AL.... Franklin County 200,000 Tuberville
for Local Law Sheriff's Office.
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Marengo County, AL..... Marengo County 185,000 Tuberville
for Local Law Commission.
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment.. Morgan County, AL...... Morgan County 595,000 Tuberville
Commission.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Talladega County, AL... Talladega County 200,000 Tuberville
for Local Law Commission.
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Equipment Troy, AL............... Troy University....... 150,000 Tuberville
for University Law
Enforcement.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Pre-Trial Diversion Douglas County, GA..... Douglas County........ 95,000 Warnock
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Georgia Justice Project-- Fulton County, GA...... Georgia Justice 475,000 Warnock
Second Chance Desk. Project.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Behavioral Health & Laurens County, GA..... The Community Service 1,356,000 Warnock
Overdose Reduction Board of Middle
Initiative. Georgia.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... RI HOPE Initiative-- Statewide, RI.......... Friends of the HOPE 450,000 Whitehouse
Statewide Law Initiative.
Enforcement Opioid
Overdose Deflection
Program.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Public Safety Vehicle and Pawtucket, RI.......... Pawtucket Police 335,000 Whitehouse
Equipment Upgrade. Department, City of
Pawtucket.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Updating Law Enforcement Starkville, MS......... Mississippi State 1,800,000 Wicker
Data in Mississippi. University.
DOJ-OJP Byrne....................... Advanced Policing Jackson, MS............ University of 380,000 Wicker
Operations and Mississippi Medical
Technologies. Center.
NASA-SSMS........................... Ecological Prediction Crested Butte, CO...... Rocky Mountain 975,000 Bennet, Hickenlooper
Lab: Airborne Coverage Biological Laboratory
to Inform Water and (RMBL).
Forest Health Management.
NASA-SSMS........................... Ground-based Simulator Newark, NJ............. New Jersey Institute 566,000 Booker, Menendez
for In-space Refueling of Technology.
Cryogenic Propellants.
NASA-SSMS........................... Laser-Induced Morgantown, WV......... West Virginia 465,000 Capito, Manchin
Fluorescence Diagnostic. University.
NASA-SSMS........................... Acquisition of a High- Morgantown, WV......... West Virginia 1,500,000 Capito, Manchin
Performance CPU Cluster University.
for Research and
Education in WV.
NASA-SSMS........................... Robotics Lab Equipment... Morgantown, WV......... WVU Chestnut Ridge 1,000,000 Capito, Manchin
Research Center.
NASA-SSMS........................... Space Mission Education Bangor, ME............. Challenger Learning 2,186,000 Collins, King
Simulators for Maine Center of Maine.
Students.
NASA-SSMS........................... Artemis in 3D--A STEAM Albuquerque, statewide, University of New 840,000 Heinrich, Lujan
Challenge and Training NM. Mexico.
Program.
NASA-SSMS........................... Air and Space Law Program Oxford, MS............. University of 1,500,000 Hyde-Smith, Wicker
Mississippi.
NASA-SSMS........................... McAuliffe Simulation Lab Framingham, MA......... Framingham State 1,000,000 Markey, Warren
at Framingham State University.
University's Christa
McAuliffe Center.
NASA-SSMS........................... NASA STEM Engagement at Worcester, MA.......... Worcester Natural 856,000 Markey, Warren
the EcoTarium. History Society
EcoTarium.
NASA-SSMS........................... Advanced Manufacturing Wichita, KS............ Wichita State 10,000,000 Moran
Technology and Equipment. University / National
Institute for
Aviation Research.
NASA-SSMS........................... Alvirne High/Palmer Hudson, NH............. Aviation Museum of New 90,000 Shaheen
Center Student Plane- Hampshire.
Build.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2024
[In thousands of dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Committee recommendation
compared with (+ or -)
Item 2023 Budget estimate Committee -----------------------------------
appropriation recommendation 2023
appropriation Budget estimate
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
Operations and administration................................. 625,000 724,815 637,000 +12,000 -87,815
Offsetting fee collections.................................... -12,000 -12,000 -12,000 ................ ................
Direct appropriation...................................... 613,000 712,815 625,000 +12,000 -87,815
Bureau of Industry and Security
Operations and administration................................. 94,911 83,233 51,817 -43,094 -31,416
CWC Enforcement (Defense)................................. 96,089 139,183 139,183 +43,094 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Bureau of Industry and Security................ 191,000 222,416 191,000 ................ -31,416
=========================================================================================
Economic Development Administration
Economic Development Assistance Programs...................... 430,000 704,500 371,000 -59,000 -333,500
Economic Development Assistance Programs (emergency)...... ................ ................ 25,000 +25,000 +25,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Economic Development Assistance Programs.... 430,000 704,500 396,000 -34,000 -308,500
Salaries and expenses......................................... 68,000 99,509 70,000 +2,000 -29,509
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Economic Development Administration................ 498,000 804,009 466,000 -32,000 -338,009
=========================================================================================
Minority Business Development Agency
Minority Business Development................................. 70,000 110,000 70,000 ................ -40,000
Economic and Statistical Analysis
Salaries and expenses......................................... 130,000 154,028 130,000 ................ -24,028
Bureau of the Census
Current Surveys and Programs.................................. 330,000 375,673 346,000 +16,000 -29,673
Periodic censuses and programs................................ 1,155,000 1,230,331 1,155,000 ................ -75,331
Censuses and Survey Programs.................................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Bureau of the Census............................... 1,485,000 1,606,004 1,501,000 +16,000 -105,004
=========================================================================================
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Salaries and expenses......................................... 62,000 109,665 60,000 -2,000 -49,665
Facilities Management & Construction.......................... ................ 7,612 2,000 +2,000 -5,612
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Telecommunications and Information 62,000 117,277 62,000 ................ -55,277
Administration...........................................
=========================================================================================
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Salaries and expenses, current year fee funding............... 4,253,404 4,195,799 4,195,799 -57,605 ................
Offsetting fee collections.................................... -4,253,404 -4,195,799 -4,195,799 +57,605 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, United States Patent and Trademark Office.......... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
=========================================================================================
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Scientific and Technical Research and Services................ 953,000 994,948 1,021,263 +68,263 +26,315
(transfer out)............................................ (-9,000) (-9,000) (-9,000) ................ ................
Industrial Technology Services................................ 212,000 374,872 212,000 ................ -162,872
Manufacturing extension partnerships...................... (175,000) (277,202) (175,000) ................ (-102,202)
Manufacturing USA......................................... (37,000) (97,670) (37,000) ................ (-60,670)
Construction of research facilities........................... 462,285 262,148 164,542 -297,743 -97,606
Construction of Research Facilities (emergency)........... ................ ................ 50,000 +50,000 +50,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Construction of Research Facilities 462,285 262,148 214,542 -247,743 -47,606
reclassification.....................................
Working Capital Fund (by transfer)............................ (9,000) (9,000) (9,000) ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Institute of Standards and Technology..... 1,627,285 1,631,968 1,447,805 -179,480 -184,163
=========================================================================================
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Operations, Research, and Facilities.......................... 4,500,997 4,616,549 4,513,430 +12,433 -103,119
Operations, Research, and Facilities (emergency).......... ................ ................ 15,000 +15,000 +15,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Operations, Research, and Facilities........ 4,500,997 4,616,549 4,528,430 +27,433 -88,119
(by transfer)......................................... (344,901) (355,081) (365,022) (+20,121) (+9,941)
Promote and Develop Fund (transfer out)............... (-344,901) (-355,081) (-365,022) (-20,121) (-9,941)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal.......................................... 4,500,997 4,616,549 4,528,430 +27,433 -88,119
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction..................... 1,653,630 2,139,794 1,747,061 +93,431 -392,733
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (emergency)..... ................ ................ 180,235 +180,235 +180,235
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Reclassification of Procurement, Acquisition 1,653,630 2,139,794 1,927,296 +273,666 -212,498
and Construction.....................................
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery............................... 65,000 65,000 65,000 ................ ................
Fishermen's Contingency Fund.................................. 349 349 349 ................ ................
Fisheries Disaster Assistance................................. 300 300 300 ................ ................
Fisheries Finance Program Account............................. -19,000 -15,000 -15,000 +4,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.... 6,201,276 6,806,992 6,506,375 +305,099 -300,617
=========================================================================================
Departmental Management
Salaries and expenses......................................... 95,000 125,323 95,000 ................ -30,323
Renovation and Modernization.................................. 1,142 16,521 1,142 ................ -15,379
DOC Nonrecurring Expenses Fund................................ 35,000 ................ ................ -35,000 ................
Office of Inspector General................................... 48,000 53,326 48,000 ................ -5,326
Collection from the Public Safety Trust Fund.............. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Public Safety Trust Fund transfer......................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Expenditure transfer...................................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Departmental Management........................ 179,142 195,170 144,142 -35,000 -51,028
=========================================================================================
Total, title I, Department of Commerce................ 11,056,703 12,360,679 11,143,322 +86,619 -1,217,357
=========================================================================================
(by transfer)......................................... 353,901 364,081 374,022 +20,121 +9,941
(transfer out)........................................ -353,901 -364,081 -374,022 -20,121 -9,941
TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Justice Operations, Management, and Accountability
Salaries and expenses......................................... 145,000 212,497 140,000 -5,000 -72,497
Justice Information Sharing Technology........................ 138,000 193,630 50,000 -88,000 -143,630
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, General Administration............................. 283,000 406,127 190,000 -93,000 -216,127
=========================================================================================
Executive Office for Immigration Review....................... 860,000 1,455,316 869,000 +9,000 -586,316
Transfer from immigration examinations fee account........ -4,000 -4,000 -4,000 ................ ................
Direct appropriation.................................. 856,000 1,451,316 865,000 +9,000 -586,316
Office of Inspector General................................... 139,000 151,636 142,000 +3,000 -9,636
United States Parole Commission
Salaries and expenses......................................... 14,591 15,104 15,000 +409 -104
Legal Activities
Salaries and expenses, general legal activities............... 1,138,000 1,331,046 1,157,300 +19,300 -173,746
Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund........................ 31,738 31,738 22,700 -9,038 -9,038
Salaries and expenses, Antitrust Division..................... 225,000 324,821 278,000 +53,000 -46,821
Offsetting fee collections--current year.................. -190,000 -278,000 -278,000 -88,000 ................
Direct appropriation.................................. 35,000 46,821 ................ -35,000 -46,821
Salaries and expenses, United States Attorneys................ 2,632,000 2,870,374 2,670,000 +38,000 -200,374
United States Trustee System Fund............................. 255,000 276,771 257,000 +2,000 -19,771
Offsetting fee collections................................ -269,000 -230,000 -230,000 +39,000 ................
Direct appropriation.................................. -14,000 46,771 27,000 +41,000 -19,771
Salaries and expenses, Foreign Claims Settlement Commission... 2,504 2,610 2,600 +96 -10
Fees and expenses of witnesses................................ 270,000 270,000 270,000 ................ ................
Salaries and expenses, Community Relations Service............ 25,024 28,121 25,500 +476 -2,621
Assets Forfeiture Fund........................................ 20,514 20,514 20,514 ................ ................
Office for Access to Justice.................................. ................ 13,688 ................ ................ -13,688
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Legal Activities................................... 4,140,780 4,661,683 4,195,614 +54,834 -466,069
=========================================================================================
United States Marshals Service
Salaries and expenses......................................... 1,705,000 1,924,488 1,660,235 -44,765 -264,253
Salaries and expenses (emergency)......................... ................ ................ 63,765 +63,765 +63,765
Salaries and expenses reclassification (emergency).... 1,705,000 1,924,488 1,724,000 +19,000 -200,488
Construction.................................................. 18,000 24,260 18,000 ................ -6,260
Federal Prisoner Detention.................................... 2,129,789 2,125,724 1,950,000 -179,789 -175,724
Federal Prisoner Detention (emergency)........................ ................ ................ 150,000 +150,000 +150,000
Federal Prisoner Detention reclassification (emergency)... 2,129,789 2,125,724 2,100,000 -29,789 -25,724
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, United States Marshals Service................. 3,852,789 4,074,472 3,842,000 -10,789 -232,472
=========================================================================================
National Security Division
Salaries and expenses......................................... 133,512 144,788 135,000 +1,488 -9,788
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces
Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement........................ 550,458 550,458 550,458 ................ ................
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Salaries and expenses......................................... 4,331,253 4,594,195 4,291,703 -39,550 -302,492
Salaries and expenses (emergency)......................... ................ ................ 100,000 +100,000 +100,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Salaries and expenses....................... 4,331,253 4,594,195 4,391,703 +60,450 -202,492
CR funding (Public Law 117-180) (Sec 121) (emergency). 6,212 ................ ................ -6,212 ................
Counterintelligence and national security..................... 6,344,747 6,729,925 6,433,297 +88,550 -296,628
Counterintelligence and national security reclassification ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
(emergency)..............................................
CR funding (Public Law 117-180) (Sec 121) (emergency). 9,088 ................ ................ -9,088 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total , Salaries and expenses..................... 10,691,300 11,324,120 10,825,000 +133,700 -499,120
=========================================================================================
Construction.................................................. 651,895 61,895 60,000 -591,895 -1,895
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Bureau of Investigation.................... 11,343,195 11,386,015 10,885,000 -458,195 -501,015
=========================================================================================
Drug Enforcement Administration
Salaries and expenses......................................... 3,144,603 3,280,924 2,890,719 -253,884 -390,205
Salaries and expenses (emergency)......................... ................ ................ 320,000 +320,000 +320,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Salaries and expenses....................... 3,144,603 3,280,924 3,210,719 +66,116 -70,205
Diversion control fund................................ -581,487 -620,000 -621,719 -40,232 -1,719
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Drug Enforcement Administration............ 2,563,116 2,660,924 2,589,000 +25,884 -71,924
=========================================================================================
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Salaries and expenses......................................... 1,672,000 1,875,466 1,618,000 -54,000 -257,466
Salaries and expenses (emergency)......................... ................ ................ 71,000 +71,000 +71,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Salaries and expenses....................... 1,672,000 1,875,466 1,689,000 +17,000 -186,466
Construction.................................................. 75,000 ................ ................ -75,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 1,747,000 1,875,466 1,689,000 -58,000 -186,466
=========================================================================================
Federal Prison System
Salaries and expenses......................................... 8,392,588 8,644,290 8,477,000 +84,412 -167,290
Buildings and facilities...................................... 108,000 179,762 30,000 -78,000 -149,762
Buildings and Facilities (emergency)...................... ................ ................ 179,000 +179,000 +179,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Buildings and Facilities.................... 108,000 179,762 209,000 +101,000 +29,238
Limitation on administrative expenses, Federal Prison 2,700 2,700 2,700 ................ ................
Industries, Incorporated.....................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Federal Prison System.............................. 8,503,288 8,826,752 8,688,700 +185,412 -138,052
=========================================================================================
State and Local Law Enforcement Activities
Office on Violence Against Women:
Prevention and prosecution programs....................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
(by transfer)......................................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Crime Victims Fund (transfer out)......................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Violence Against Women Prevention & Prosecution Programs.. 700,000 1,000,000 732,000 +32,000 -268,000
Office of Justice Programs:
Research, evaluation and statistics....................... 77,000 141,000 78,000 +1,000 -63,000
State and local law enforcement assistance................ 2,416,805 2,438,130 2,101,139 -315,666 -336,991
State and local law enforcement assistance (emergency) ................ ................ 100,000 +100,000 +100,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, State and local law enforcement assistance.. 2,416,805 2,438,130 2,201,139 -215,666 -236,991
Juvenile justice programs................................. 400,000 760,000 415,000 +15,000 -345,000
Public safety officer benefits:
Death benefits........................................ 133,000 174,000 174,000 +41,000 ................
Disability and education benefits..................... 34,800 34,800 34,800 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal.......................................... 167,800 208,800 208,800 +41,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office of Justice Programs..................... 3,061,605 3,547,930 2,902,939 -158,666 -644,991
=========================================================================================
Community Oriented Policing Services:
COPS programs............................................. 662,880 651,000 534,879 -128,001 -116,121
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, State and Local Law Enforcement Activities..... 4,424,485 5,198,930 4,169,818 -254,667 -1,029,112
=========================================================================================
Sec 218....................................................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, title II, Department of Justice.................... 38,551,214 41,403,671 37,956,590 -594,624 -3,447,081
=========================================================================================
(by transfer)............................................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
(transfer out)............................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
TITLE III--SCIENCE
Office of Science and Technology Policy....................... 7,965 8,195 7,965 ................ -230
National Space Council........................................ 1,965 2,018 1,965 ................ -53
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Science....................................................... 7,795,000 8,260,800 7,340,920 -454,080 -919,880
Aeronautics................................................... 935,000 995,800 935,000 ................ -60,800
Space Technology.............................................. 1,200,000 1,391,600 1,118,000 -82,000 -273,600
Deep Space Exploration Systems................................ 7,468,850 7,971,091 7,456,300 -12,550 -514,791
Deep Space Exploration Systems (emergency)................ ................ ................ 280,000 +280,000 +280,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Deep Space Exploration System............... 7,468,850 7,971,091 7,736,300 +267,450 -234,791
Space Operations.............................................. 4,250,000 4,534,609 4,200,000 -50,000 -334,609
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Engagement.. 143,500 157,800 143,500 ................ -14,300
Safety, Security and Mission Services......................... 3,129,451 3,369,400 3,100,000 -29,451 -269,400
Construction and environmental compliance and restoration..... 47,300 453,700 83,000 +35,700 -370,700
Construction and environmental compliance and restoration ................ ................ 296,000 +296,000 +296,000
(emergency)..............................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Construction and environmental compliance 47,300 453,700 379,000 +331,700 -74,700
and restoration......................................
Office of Inspector General................................... 47,600 50,200 47,600 ................ -2,600
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Aeronautics and Space Administration...... 25,016,701 27,185,000 25,000,320 -16,381 -2,184,680
=========================================================================================
National Science Foundation
Research and related activities............................... 6,931,136 8,915,900 7,086,287 +155,151 -1,829,613
Research and related activities (emergency)............... ................ ................ 420,000 +420,000 +420,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal, Research and related activities............. 6,931,136 8,915,900 7,506,287 +575,151 -1,409,613
Defense function...................................... 90,000 102,000 102,000 +12,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal.......................................... 7,021,136 9,017,900 7,608,287 +587,151 -1,409,613
Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction.......... 187,230 304,670 187,230 ................ -117,440
Education and Human Resources................................. 1,154,000 1,496,180 1,228,000 +74,000 -268,180
Agency Operations and Award Management........................ 448,000 503,870 448,000 ................ -55,870
Office of the National Science Board.......................... 5,090 5,250 5,090 ................ -160
Office of Inspector General................................... 23,393 26,810 23,393 ................ -3,417
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Science Foundation........................ 8,838,849 11,354,680 9,500,000 +661,151 -1,854,680
=========================================================================================
Total, Title III, Science................................. 33,865,480 38,549,893 34,510,250 +644,770 -4,039,643
=========================================================================================
TITLE IV--RELATED AGENCIES
Commission on Civil Rights
Salaries and expenses......................................... 14,350 15,587 14,350 ................ -1,237
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Salaries and expenses......................................... 455,000 481,069 455,000 ................ -26,069
International Trade Commission
Salaries and expenses......................................... 122,400 127,400 122,400 ................ -5,000
Legal Services Corporation
Payment to the Legal Services Corporation..................... 560,000 800,000 560,000 ................ -240,000
Marine Mammal Commission
Salaries and expenses......................................... 4,500 5,040 4,500 ................ -540
Office of the US Trade Representative
Salaries and expenses......................................... 61,000 62,868 61,000 ................ -1,868
Trade Enforcement Trust Fund.................................. 15,000 15,000 15,000 ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Office of the US Trade Representative.............. 76,000 77,868 76,000 ................ -1,868
=========================================================================================
State Justice Institute
Salaries and expenses......................................... 7,640 7,640 7,640 ................ ................
Commission on the State of the US Olympics and Paralympics
Salaries and expenses......................................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, title IV, Related Agencies......................... 1,239,890 1,514,604 1,239,890 ................ -274,714
=========================================================================================
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Crime Victims Fund (transfer out) (Sec 510)................... (-10,000) (-10,000) (-10,000) ................ ................
Department of Justice OIG (by transfer)................... (10,000) (10,000) (10,000) ................ ................
DOC, NOAA Operations, Research, and Facilities (rescission)... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Economic Development Assistance Programs (rescission)......... -10,000 -25,000 -25,000 -15,000 ................
DOC, Nonrecurring Expenses Fund............................... -50,000 ................ -11,000,000 -10,950,000 -11,000,000
DOJ, Working Capital Fund (rescission)........................ -705,768 -82,572 -122,572 +583,196 -40,000
Federal Prison System, Buildings and Facilities (rescission).. ................ -953,884 -19,000 -19,000 +934,884
DOJ, Federal Prison System, Buildings and Facilities ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
(rescission).................................................
Office of Justice programs (rescission)....................... -75,000 -100,000 -100,000 -25,000 ................
COPS (rescission)............................................. -15,000 -15,000 -15,000 ................ ................
DOJ, Violence against women prevention and prosecution -15,000 -5,000 -5,000 +10,000 ................
programs.....................................................
DOJ, Assets Forfeiture Fund (rescission)...................... -500,000 ................ -500,000 ................ -500,000
HAVANA Act Payments (NDD)..................................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
HAVANA Act Payments (Def)..................................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, title V, General Provisions........................ -1,370,768 -1,181,456 -11,786,572 -10,415,804 -10,605,116
=========================================================================================
OTHER APPROPRIATIONS
THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT, 2022
(Public Law 117-58)
DIVISION J--APPROPRIATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Digital Equity................................................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Appropriations available from prior year advances 550,000 550,000 550,000 ................ ................
(emergency)..............................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Telecommunications and Information 550,000 550,000 550,000 ................ ................
Admin................................................
=========================================================================================
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Operations, Research, and Facilities.......................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Appropriations available from prior year advances 515,584 515,583 515,583 -1 ................
(emergency)..............................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Operations, Resarch and Facilities............. 515,584 515,583 515,583 -1 ................
=========================================================================================
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery............................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Appropriations available from prior year advances 34,400 34,400 34,400 ................ ................
(emergency)..............................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 549,984 549,983 549,983 -1 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2022... 1,099,984 1,099,983 1,099,983 -1 ................
=========================================================================================
BIPARTISAN SAFER COMMUNITIES SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT,
2022
(Public Law 117-159)
DIVISION B--APPROPRIATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Office of Justice Programs
State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance.................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Appropriations available from prior year advances 280,000 280,000 280,000 ................ ................
(emergency)..............................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance..... 280,000 280,000 280,000 ................ ................
=========================================================================================
Community Oriented Policing Services Programs (STOP School ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
Violence Act)................................................
Appropriations available from prior year advances 20,000 20,000 20,000 ................ ................
(emergency)..............................................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Community Oriented Policing Services........... 20,000 20,000 20,000 ................ ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, 2022......... 300,000 300,000 300,000 ................ ................
=========================================================================================
Less prior year appropriations (emergency).................... -1,399,984 -1,399,983 -1,399,983 +1 ................
DISASTER RELIEF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023 (Public
Law 117-328)
DIVISION N
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economic Development Administration
Economic Development Assistance Programs (emergency).......... 1,118,000 ................ ................ -1,118,000 ................
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Scientific and Technical Research and Services (emergency).... 40,000 ................ ................ -40,000 ................
Industrial Technology Services (emergency).................... 27,000 ................ ................ -27,000 ................
Manufacturing extension partnerships...................... (13,000) ................ ................ (-13,000) ................
Manufacturing USA......................................... (14,000) ................ ................ (-14,000) ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Institute of Standards and Technology. 67,000 ................ ................ -67,000 ................
=========================================================================================
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Operations, Research, and Facilities (emergency).............. 91,000 ................ ................ -91,000 ................
Procurement, Acquisition and Construction (emergency)......... 436,539 ................ ................ -436,539 ................
Fisheries Disaster Assistance (emergency)..................... 300,000 ................ ................ -300,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.... 827,539 ................ ................ -827,539 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Department of Commerce................................. 2,012,539 ................ ................ -2,012,539 ................
=========================================================================================
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Federal Prison System
Building and Facilities (emergency)........................... 182,000 ................ ................ -182,000 ................
SCIENCE
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration 556,400 ................ ................ -556,400 ................
(emergency)..................................................
National Science Foundation
Research and Related Activities (emergency)................... 820,662 ................ ................ -820,662 ................
STEM Education (emergency..................................... 217,000 ................ ................ -217,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, National Science Foundation........................ 1,037,662 ................ ................ -1,037,662 ................
=========================================================================================
Total, Science............................................ 1,594,062 ................ ................ -1,594,062 ................
=========================================================================================
RELATED AGENCIES
Legal Services Corporation
Payment to the Legal Services Corporation (emergency)......... 20,000 ................ ................ -20,000 ................
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total, Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 3,808,601 ................ ................ -3,808,601 ................
2023 Div N...............................................
=========================================================================================
Total, Other Appropriations........................... 3,808,601 ................ ................ -3,808,601 ................
=========================================================================================
Grand total................................................... 87,151,120 92,647,391 73,063,480 -14,087,640 -19,583,911
=========================================================================================
Appropriations............................................ (84,647,987) (93,828,847) (71,600,052) (-13,047,935) (-22,228,795)
Rescissions............................................... (-1,320,768) (-1,181,456) (-786,572) (+534,196) (+394,884)
Emergency appropriations.................................. (3,823,901) ................ (2,250,000) (-1,573,901) (+2,250,000)
Emergency advance appropriations.......................... ................ ................ ................ ................ ................
(by transfer)................................................. 363,901 374,081 384,022 +20,121 +9,941
(transfer out)................................................ -363,901 -374,081 -384,022 -20,121 -9,941
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand total excluding Other Appropriations.................... 83,342,519 92,647,391 73,063,480 -10,279,039 -19,583,911
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