CONTENTS
BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS, TAX ISSUES
- Behind-the-Scenes Work Continues on FY16 Omnibus Funding Bill
- Lankford “Federal Spending Fumbles” Includes Research Grants
BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS, TAX ISSUES
BEHIND-THE-SCENES WORK CONTINUES ON FY16 OMNIBUS FUNDING BILL
Congressional negotiators are expected to work through the weekend seeking a compromise on the FY16 omnibus appropriations package. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers (R-KY) has said he hopes to file the text of an agreement on Monday, December 7. Congressional leaders so far have provided little public information about the bill, so filing the text would be the first opportunity for the public to see its policy provisions and the allocation of funding among the appropriations subcommittees and programs.
With the current short-term continuing resolution (CR) set to expire on December 11, Congress may need to approve another CR, probably lasting through the following week.
Republican leaders have taken the contentious policy rider on Planned Parenthood off the table, reports Roll Call, but outstanding policy issues remain over such areas as energy and water rules and financial and workplace regulations.
Other legislation that could be attached to the must-pass FY16 funding bill include an extension of expiring and expired tax provisions, a strengthening of the U.S. visa waiver program, and removal of the ban on U.S. oil exports.
LANKFORD “FEDERAL SPENDING FUMBLES” INCLUDES RESEARCH GRANTS
Senator James Lankford (R-OK) on November 30 released his inaugural wasteful government spending publication, “Federal Fumbles,” in which he highlights 100 ways the federal government has “dropped the ball.” The report cites several research studies funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Education.
AAU has responded to similar past reports through its Scientific Enquirer, which features stories of odd-sounding science that turned out to be important to society. Likewise, the Golden Goose Award honors research that might have been viewed as obscure or odd-sounding, but which has provided significant benefits to society.