House Passes Math and Science Omnibus Bill

On Monday, the House passed H.R. 2272, an omnibus bill that incorporates several bills focused on improving U.S. global competitiveness in math and science. The bill includes language from previously passed bills (H.R. 362, H.R. 363, H.R. 1867, H.R. 1868, H.R. 1068) and is now set to go to conference with S. 761, the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science (COMPETES) Act, which passed the Senate by vote of 88-8 on April 25.

The House bill reauthorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) at $21 billion through fiscal 2010. The bill also reauthorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the first time in more than a decade, at a total of $2.5 billion through fiscal 2010. The bill also authorizes $1.5 billion through fiscal 2012, including $664 million in scholarships for math and science majors who commit to teaching those subjects in “high-need” schools, and authorize federal grants through 2012 for early-career scientists and engineers at universities and other organizations. Congress has not set a conference time for the bill yet, but the White House has already spoken out against the “excessive” funding levels.
Congressional leaders have stated their intent to have the bill signed this year, but negotiations over the cost of the omnibus bill and a tightening legislative calendar threaten to undermine this promise.
Resources:
Kathryn A. Wolfe, “Proposed House Math-Science Omnibus Could Ease Conference With Senate,” CQ Today, May 18, 2007.
Kathryn A. Wolfe, “House Wraps Science, Math Bills Into Omnibus,” CQ Today, May 21, 2007.
Author: SAS