Federal Budget R&D Highlights

Tracking Appropriations; Advocating for the Future

By Matthew Summy, President & CEO
Illinois Science & Technology Coalition

In the September 2009 edition of ISTC Catalyst, I commented on President Obama's pledge to increase funding for scientific research and development (R&D). During a speech to the National Academy of Sciences in April, President Obama said, "…we will exceed the level achieved at the height of the space race through policies that invest in basic and applied research, create new incentives for private innovation, promote breakthroughs in energy and medicine, and improve education in math and science. This represents the largest commitment to scientific research and innovation in American history."

Three months ago I wrote that while we are at the cusp of a new era of scientific discovery and economic prosperity, these discoveries would only happen if we provide the prerequisite resources for growth. What is the status today? Are the investments flowing into R&D programs? Since Congress is the primary gatekeeper for these resources, we are devoting this month's ISTC Catalyst to a quick review of activity on Capitol Hill. 

While select aspects of the FY 2010 federal budget authorizations remain under consideration by Congress, in this issue of ISTC Catalyst we are focused primarily on highlighting the progress that has been made with respect to the goal (R&D expenditures greater than three percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product) that the President articulated in April. We also provide links to web sites that identify projects still in deliberations on Capitol Hill. [read more]

Catalyst Exclusive: Guest Commentaries

The Path to 3.0%
Patrick J. Clemins
Director, R&D Budget and Policy Program
American Association for the Advancement of Science

The path to the national goal of investing 3.0% of GDP in research and development, set by President Obama during his April 27th, 2009 speech at the National Academy of Sciences annual meeting, will be challenging.  In 2007, the U.S. invested 2.68% of GDP ($369 billion) in R&D, amounting to a $44 billion shortfall from 3.0%.  While this is not an insurmountable obstacle, these funds are not easily found in the current economic climate.  [read more]

Investing in R&D a High Priority
Dan Berglund, President
State Science & Technology Institute

The President's call and move to dramatically increase federal R&D spending holds great promise for the nation's economic future. A key to our economic recovery is going to be accelerating the support for the elements that are required for a tech- and information-based economy: increasing federal R&D spending is one of the most important. [read more]

U.S. Department of Energy

• $27.1 billion overall  ($318 million above 2009)
• Office of Science: $4.9 billion ($131 million above 2009)
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: $2.24 billion  ($314 million above 2009)
• Fossil Energy Research and Development: $672,383,000
• Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability: $171,982,000
• Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program: $20,000,000

U.S. Department of Agriculture

• Agricultural Research Service: $1.18 billion ($63 million above 2009)
• National Institute of Food and Agriculture: $788 million ($121 million above 2009) 
• Rural Utilities Service: $400 million for boadband telecommunication loans.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

• $10.3 billion overall ($2.7 billion above 2009)
• Science and Technology: $846,049,000
• Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which will involve the coordination and collaboration of 16 Federal agencies, the States of the Great Lakes Region, local government, and citizens groups in an effort to restore the source of 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water: $475,000,000.

U.S. Department of the Interior

• U.S. Geological Survey:   $1,111,740,000
  • Global Climate Change Research Program: $58,177,000
  • Geographic Research and Remote Sensing: $145,590,000

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

• Science and Technology: $1.006 billion ($121 million above 2009)
  • National Center for Biomedical Research and Training: $23,000,000 
  • National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility: $32,000,000, of which up to $2,000,000 may be obligated for the National Academy of Sciences.