Zoe Lofgren: “I want to highlight the bill's science funding. Because this is the bill that funds six different agencies, funding…”

“I want to highlight the bill's science funding. Because this is the bill that funds six different agencies, funding requests for veterans and the homeless are pitted against science programs and space exploration. Unfortunately, this is an institutional reality the members of the Appropriations Committee face every year. Given that reality Chairman Walsh and Ranking Member Mollohan have succeeded in providing additional funding for science and technology. The National Science Foundation and NASA have received a 9 percent increase in funding and 4.5 percent increase over current year funding respectively. While some Members and members of the scientific community wanted more--this bill is a good start to proper science funding. It is noteworthy that the committee has funded more than $200 million to educate K-12 students and their teachers in math, science and technology education. The Congress is doing the heavy lifting that the President failed to do in his budget blueprint. I am very concerned about the President's priorities when it comes to science.”