26–350 PDF 

Calendar No. 186 

115TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! SENATE 1st Session 115–139 

DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE AND JUSTICE, SCIENCE, 

AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2018 

JULY 27, 2017.—Ordered to be printed 

Mr. SHELBY, from the Committee on Appropriations, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany S. 1662] 

The Committee on Appropriations reports the bill (S. 1662) making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, 

Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 

30, 2018, and for other purposes, reports favorably thereon and recommends that the bill do pass. 

Total obligational authority, fiscal year 2018 

Total of bill as reported to the Senate 1 .................. $65,022,000,000 

Amount of 2017 appropriations ............................... 65,218,000,000 

Amount of 2018 budget estimate ............................ 59,941,833,000 

Bill as recommended to Senate compared to— 

2017 appropriations .......................................... ¥196,000,000 

2018 budget estimate ........................................ ∂5,080,167,000 1This level does not include ¥$11,317,000,000 in adjustments that the Congressional Budget Office [CBO] scores to the bill. With these scorekeeping adjustments, 

the bill totals $53,366,000,000 in discretionary budget authority. 
(2) 

C O N T E N T S 

Page 

Purpose of the Bill ................................................................................................... 3 

Summary of the Bill ................................................................................................ 3 

Fighting Waste, Fraud, and Abuse ........................................................................ 5 

Reprogrammings, Reorganizations, and Relocations ............................................ 6 

Congressional Budget Justifications ...................................................................... 7 

Reporting Requirements ......................................................................................... 8 

Reductions-in-Force ................................................................................................. 8 

Appropriations Liaisons .......................................................................................... 8 

Title I: Department of Commerce ........................................................................... 9 

Title II: Department of Justice ............................................................................... 58 

Title III: Science ...................................................................................................... 100 

Office of Science and Technology Policy ......................................................... 100 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration .......................................... 101 

National Science Foundation ........................................................................... 114 

Title IV: Related Agencies ....................................................................................... 122 

Commission on Civil Rights ............................................................................. 122 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ................................................ 122 

International Trade Commission .................................................................... 123 

Legal Services Corporation .............................................................................. 124 

Marine Mammal Commission .......................................................................... 124 

Office of the United States Trade Representative ......................................... 125 

State Justice Institute ...................................................................................... 126 

Title V: General Provisions ..................................................................................... 127 

Compliance With Paragraph 7, Rule XVI of the Standing Rules of the 

Senate ................................................................................................................... 130 

Compliance With Paragraph 7(c) Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the 

Senate ................................................................................................................... 133 

Compliance With Paragraph 12, Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the 

Senate ................................................................................................................... 134 

Budgetary Impact of Bill ......................................................................................... 134 

Comparative Statement of Budget Authority ........................................................ 135 
(3) 

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 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 International Trade Commission [ITC], the Legal Services Corporation [LSC], the Marine Mammal Commission, the Office of the 

United States Trade Representative, and the State Justice Institute [SJI]. 

SUMMARY OF THE BILL

The total amount of discretionary budget authority recommended by the Committee for fiscal year 2018 is $53,366,000,000, which is 

$3,189,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

The Committee’s recommendation is consistent with the allocation for the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. Within these boundaries, the Committee has 

achieved a careful balance between the competing priorities of law 

enforcement, national security, economic development, scientific research, and space exploration. 

The Department of Commerce is charged with addressing several 

critical functions for our nation, which include: operating weather 

satellites and forecasting severe storms; enforcing trade laws to ensure American businesses can compete on a level playing field; 

completing a timely and accurate census; working with distressed 

communities to spur economic development; and properly managing our Nation’s fisheries. The President’s fiscal year 2018 request for the Department of Commerce is $1,423,270,000 below the 

2017 enacted level, representing a 15-percent cut in the department’s budget. While the bill adopts some of the requested cost 

saving measures, the Committee does not support some of the proposed cuts to core programs, such as advanced weather forecasting 

operations and research. The administration also proposes to eliminate important external competitive grant programs that partner 

with States and local communities across the nation, and which 

use matching funds to maximize any Federal investment. In contrast, the bill retains many of these grant programs which allow 

States and communities to steer financial priorities through a bottom-up approach instead of Federal agencies driving local decisions 

from afar. 

The constantly changing landscape of criminal activity at home 

and abroad tests the Department of Justice’s ability to deal with 

emerging threats. The Committee believes that our Federal law enforcement agencies must work together—particularly in tough 
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budget environments—to focus limited resources in a manner that 

safeguards taxpayer dollars while preserving public safety. Despite 

the overall reduction in discretionary spending in fiscal year 2018, 

this bill provides increased funding for Federal law enforcement 

agencies, United States Attorneys, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review, while maintaining strong funding for State and 

local justice grants. 

The bill provides $3,636,000,000 to victims and victim services 

through the Crime Victims Fund [CVF], which is $1,063,000,000 

above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $636,000,000 above 

the request. The Committee notes that the Congressional Budget 

Office estimates of the fund’s annual collections increased in fiscal 

year 2018. The Committee has ensured that the amount disbursed 

from the fund matches the 3-year average of deposits into the CVF, 

a metric for CVF spending that has been called for by the Senate 

Budget Committee. 

While the Committee strives to disburse the appropriate 

amounts to victims and survivors of victims, the Committee is also 

mindful of the nature of collections deposited into the fund. The 

CVF was established to receive a broad array of different types of 

collections from offenders convicted of Federal crimes including 

criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, and special assessments collected by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices. However, the dramatic increase 

in deposits into the fund during fiscal year 2017 highlights the 

need for accountability to monitor the scope of funds deposited into 

the CVF compared to other accounts in the Treasury that receive 

similar settlements. Therefore, the Committee directs that the DOJ 

submit a quarterly report to the Committee detailing the amount 

and source of each deposit made into the Fund. 

Balancing the Committee’s consistent support for increased CVF 

spending with the Committee’s concerns for fiscal oversight, this 

bill once again offsets $379,000,000 from the CVF for victim-related 

discretionary grants in the DOJ’s State and local accounts. The 

stagnant fiscal climate, coupled with high spending out of the CVF 

and increased demand to provide higher funding for grant programs, makes supporting important victim-related programs with 

discretionary funding unsustainable. As a result of this offset, overall funding for all of these DOJ grant programs, which are widely 

supported by many members of the Committee, remains close to 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted levels in this bill. 

For the science agencies, the administration proposes a reduction 

of 3 percent below the fiscal year 2017 spending level to NASA, and 

11 percent to NSF. This budget request attempts to navigate a 

challenging fiscal environment, but the deep cuts to these science 

agencies would dramatically curtail ongoing missions and research, 

and, for NASA, delay future exploration for years to come. While 

leveraging some strategic reductions, this bill makes it possible for 

NASA and NSF to achieve balanced and cost-effective operations. 

NASA in particular will have sufficient financial resources to 

achieve its management plans and launch schedules for the agency’s science and exploration missions, many of which will reach 

critical stages of development during fiscal year 2018. 
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FIGHTING WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE

The departments, agencies, boards, 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, 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 has continued 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 Departments of Commerce and Justice, NASA, NSF, and the Legal Services Corporation to conduct reviews of grant and contract funds to 

ensure funds are being spent appropriately. For projects with persistent accountability issues, such as the decennial census and 

weather satellites, special funding is provided for additional Inspector General scrutiny. 

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 governmentwide provisions. These include: requiring each department, agency, 

board, and commission funded in this act to report spending on 

large conferences to the Inspectors General for audit; requiring all 

departments and agencies funded in this act 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 Government Accountability Office [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 National Science Foundation, and separate reviews of the 

James Webb Space Telescope, with reports to the Committee on a 

biannual basis. 

Agencies shall provide access to all necessary data, as determined by the GAO, in order for these reviews to be completed and 
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provided in a timely manner to the Committee. 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. 

Representation Funds.—The Committee has reduced official reception and representation funds by 25 percent since fiscal year 

2011. Modest representation funds are included for agency executives to provide necessary courtesies to our diplomatic partners and 

hold events to honor fallen officers, or to mark historic occasions 

such as space exploration missions or significant discoveries. However, savings can and should be achieved by reducing the costs of 

executive meetings, receptions, ceremonies, and conferences, and by 

purchasing fewer promotional items such as T-shirts, hats, mugs, 

key chains, and other similar items. 

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, along with 

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, provides procedures for the reprogramming of funds. To reprogram is 

to change the use of funds from the specific purposes provided for 

in the act and the accompanying report 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 act, provided under 
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previous appropriations acts that remain available for obligation or 

expenditure in fiscal year 2018, or provided from any accounts in 

the Treasury available to the agencies funded by this act. Section 

505 requires that the Committee on Appropriations 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 2019 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 2018 and 2019. 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 2019 

budget, particularly within the departmental operations and management accounts. 

The Committee expects that the fiscal year 2019 submissions will 

include sufficient detail to justify all programs, projects, and activities contained in each department, agency, or commission budget 

request. Budget justifications are prepared not for the use of the 

agencies but are the primary tool of the Committee to evaluate the 
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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. 
(9) 

TITLE I 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

The Committee recommends a total of $9,160,528,000 for the Department of Commerce [DOC]. The recommendation is $76,441,000 

below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $1,346,829,000 above 

the budget request. 

The Department of Commerce 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, 2017 ............................................................................. $495,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 455,500,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 495,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $495,000,000 for the 

International Trade Administration [ITA]. The recommendation is 

equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $39,500,000 above 

the budget request. The discretionary appropriation is offset by 

$13,000,000 in fee collections. 

Offsetting Fee Collections.—ITA shall continue to identify and include an accurate assessment of expected fee collections and corresponding expenditures in its fiscal year 2018 spending plan and 

in its fiscal year 2019 budget request. 

Trade Enforcement.—The Committee provides $2,000,000 above 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level for the Office of Enforcement and 

Compliance. ITA should make enforcement of antidumping and 

countervailing duties [AD/CVD] a priority, including thoroughly investigating dumping and subsidies causing injury to domestic businesses and expeditiously reducing trade remedy case backlogs. 

Additionally, the Committee is supportive of the Administration’s 

request to self-initiate AD/CVD cases, as is authorized under current law. The process of preparing and filing a petition is time-consuming and expensive and, frequently, industry has already suffered injury in order to meet the statutory standard for initiating 
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an AD/CVD investigation. ITA is encouraged to use funding under 

Enforcement and Compliance to provide direct assistance to industries in support of self-initiated cases and other AD/CVD enforcement. 

Trade Fraud and Evasion.—The Committee encourages ITA to 

coordinate with appropriate agencies, such as Customs and Border 

Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the International Trade Commission, and the Departments of Justice and 

State, in order to report to the Committee on legislative remedies 

that may be needed to support U.S. Government-wide efforts to 

combat trade fraud and evasion. 

Additionally, the Committee notes that funding formerly requested for the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center has been 

moved from ITA to the Office of the United States Trade Representative for the Interagency Center on Trade Implementation, 

Monitoring, and Enforcement, following passage of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (Public Law 114– 

125). As such, no funds are provided for these activities in ITA, but 

ITA shall continue to collaborate with all other Federal trade agencies to ensure U.S. trade laws and agreements are enforced fairly. 

U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service.—The U.S. and Foreign 

Commercial Service [US&FCS] provides significant value to U.S. 

businesses looking to expand overseas export opportunities. The 

Committee rejects the proposed cuts to the US&FCS and directs 

ITA to fund US&FCS, and its core mission of export promotion, at 

the highest possible level in fiscal year 2018, and at no less than 

the amount provided in fiscal year 2017. At this funding level, the 

Committee does not anticipate the closure of any foreign or domestic offices. No offices shall be closed in fiscal year 2018 unless the 

Committee approves a reprogramming request to close such office 

or offices. Additionally, the Committee will not approve requests to 

close any domestic offices, called U.S. Export Assistance Centers, 

if such Center is the only one located in a given State. 

Additionally, ITA is directed to submit, in its fiscal year 2018 

spending plan and 2019 budget request, a breakdown of Global 

Markets funding for the US&FCS and for other activities. 

Report on Export Successes.—The Committee directs ITA to submit, not more than 90 days after enactment of this act, a plan to 

account for and publish U.S. export successes resulting from interactions with the US&FCS or other entities at ITA, to include information relating to industry, value, and States involved in such exports. 

SelectUSA.—Up to $10,00,000 is provided for SelectUSA, except 

that none of the funds provided may be used to facilitate foreign 

direct investment in the United States unless an updated protocol 

to ensure that SelectUSA activities do not encourage such investments in the United States by State-owned entities is delivered to 

the Committee within 30 days of enactment of this act. 

China AD/CVD.—The Committee provides no less than 

$16,400,000 for China AD/CVD enforcement and compliance activities. 

Capture and Trade Enforcement.—The Committee has long supported and valued the importance of trade enforcement for ensuring American businesses and products can enter the global market-
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place on a level playing field. The objectivity of trade officials at 

ITA is essential for the success of our trade enforcement laws. The 

Committee is aware that the nature of trade enforcement activities 

involves the risk of ‘‘capture,’’ which is the process in which regulating officials begin to identify with regulated parties. Capture is 

often unintentional and develops over long periods of time, but can 

significantly influence regulators’ decisionmaking. To better ensure 

the objectivity of enforcement decisions against foreign entities, including decisions not to enforce trade laws, the Committee directs 

ITA to provide a report to the Committee and the Office of Inspector General [OIG] reviewing the policies and procedures the agency 

has in place to prevent capture of its Enforcement and Compliance 

employees. The report shall focus on those employees that interact 

most often with foreign regulated parties and the risk of capture 

for these types of employees with regard to the foreign businesses 

they regulate, and shall be delivered to the Committee and the OIG 

within 180 days of enactment of this act. 

Survey of International Air Travelers [SIAT].—The Committee 

does not adopt the administration’s proposal to seek alternative 

funding sources for SIAT and directs ITA to continue funding SIAT 

out of its base budget. Within funds provided, ITA is encouraged 

to increase the sample size for SIAT. 

BUREAU OF INDUSTRY AND SECURITY

OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $112,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 113,500,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 112,500,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $112,500,000 for the 

Bureau of Industry and Security [BIS]. The recommendation is 

equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $1,000,000 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 the President’s export control reform initiative. The Export Enforcement Division detects, prevents, investigates, and assists in the sanctioning 

of illegal exports of such items. 

Export Control Reform.—The Committee recognizes the importance of completing the Export Control Reform Initiative, which is 

designed to enhance U.S. national security and the competitiveness 

of American businesses in the global economy by simplifying and 

streamlining the export control system. The Committee directs BIS 

to continue to work with the Department of State, in consultation 

with the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Foreign Relations, 

and Banking, and with other interested parties to conclude work 

on the remaining categories on the U.S. Munitions List and directs 

the Department to provide a summary of its progress within 180 

days of enactment of this act. 

Restrictive Regulations.—The Committee recognizes the rapid 

growth of technologies controlled under Category XII of the U.S. 

Munitions List and Category 6 of the Commerce Control List 

[CCL]. Photonic components such as optics, sensors, fibers, lasers, 
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photodetectors, and light modulators constitute $182,000,000,000 

global industry, supporting 190,000 jobs in the United States alone. 

Overly restrictive regulation on dual-use technologies create barriers to business, research, and workforce development for U.S. 

manufacturers and exporters. Well-written, precise regulations that 

account for international availability and commercial uses of controlled technologies are critical to U.S. competitiveness, especially 

for small- and mid-size companies in the United States. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $276,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 30,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 254,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $254,000,000 for the 

Economic Development Administration [EDA]. The recommendation is $22,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$224,000,000 above 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 and inequities in 

broadband access. Funding amounts for the two appropriations accounts under this heading are displayed below. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $237,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... ........................... 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 215,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $215,000,000 for Economic Development Assistance Programs. The recommendation is 

$22,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$215,000,000 above the budget request. EDA is directed 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 of 

funds 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 ......................................................................................................................................................... 100,00 

Economic Adjustment Assistance ........................................................................................................................ 37,000 

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms .............................................................................................................. 13,000 

Regional Innovation Program ............................................................................................................................... 21,000 

Partnership Planning ........................................................................................................................................... 33,000 

Technical Assistance ............................................................................................................................................ 9,500 
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Committee recommendation 

Research and Evaluation ..................................................................................................................................... 1,500 

Total ........................................................................................................................................................ 215,000 

Economic Adjustment Assistance [EAA].—EAA is EDA’s most 

flexible economic development program, which provides access to 

appropriate funding for everything from disaster recovery to business accelerators and incubators. Within funding for EAA, the 

Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 enacted level 

to support EDA’s collaborations with the Delta Regional Authority 

and the Appalachian Regional Commission to assist distressed 

communities. In addition, $3,000,000 is provided for EDA to collaborate with the Northern Border Regional Commission to support 

the development of markets for wood products. The Committee encourages EDA to work with communities researching and developing new construction technologies, such as engineered wood products. 

Historic Railroad Corridors.—The Committee notes that projects 

to preserve historic railroad corridors through development of 

shared-use pedestrian, bicycle, and transit paths may be eligible for 

EDA funding. EDA is encouraged to consider such projects when 

consistent with a region’s Comprehensive Economic Development 

Strategy. 

Regional Innovation Program [RIP].—The Committee provides 

$21,000,000 to EDA for grants under RIP as authorized under the 

Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014 

(Public Law 113–235). RIP awards competitive grants to regional 

entities in support of innovation and entrepreneurship. 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. 

University-based Business Incubators.—Within funding provided 

under RIP, the Committee directs EDA to invest in universitybased, high-tech business incubators to encourage entrepreneurship and promote technology commercialization through business 

startups. Funding awards should include support for incubator 

projects where Federal labs and universities are collaborating to 

stimulate commercialization of research. Furthermore, this activity 

should support private-public partnerships for economic growth 

and job creation in areas of high unemployment. 

New Forest Products.—The Committee notes that many forestbased economies have experienced disruption and decline in recent 

years. EDA is encouraged to work with communities and regions 

that have been adversely impacted by rapid changes in the timber 

marketplace 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 co-
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ordination of economic development efforts across multiple States 

or Economic Development Districts. Additionally, the Committee 

reiterates that communities facing job losses are eligible for all 

EDA programs. 

Denali Commission Federal Co-Chairperson.—The Committee 

notes that under the Denali Commission’s enabling statute, the 

Federal Co-chairperson is specifically granted authority to respond 

to the Commission’s work plan and is required to do so not later 

than 30 days after such plan has been published in the Federal 

Register. The Committee believes that the requirements of this 

statute might be met more efficiently by housing the Federal Cochairperson in the Office of the Secretary. Not later than 45 days 

following enactment of this act, the Department shall review and 

report to the Committee on ways in which the Commission’s work 

plans will be consistently and more efficiently responded to by the 

statutory deadline. 

STEM apprenticeships.—The Committee notes that over the past 

decade, the growth in jobs requiring sophisticated science, technology, engineering, and math [STEM] skills was three times faster 

than growth in non-STEM jobs. Yet, U.S. employers have struggled 

to fill jobs in these fields. Because more than 50 percent of jobs 

that require STEM skills do not require a bachelor’s degree, nontraditional higher education, such as apprenticeships, will be instrumental in meeting the urgent demand for a STEM-literate 

workforce. The Committee encourages EDA to provide grants to 

communities to create and expand STEM apprenticeship and other 

workforce training models, as directed in section 312 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, Public Law 114–329. 

Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership Program 

[IMCP].—The Committee notes that no funding has been requested 

and no funding is provided for the IMCP for fiscal year 2018. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $39,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 30,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 39,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $39,000,000 for salaries and expenses. The recommendation is the same as the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $9,000,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee is concerned by the number of vacancies at EDA, 

particularly in its six regional offices. The Department is reminded 

that budget requests to Congress do not supersede current appropriations, and the Committee directs EDA to expedite its efforts to 

fill all outstanding vacancies regardless of any current or future 

budget requests. 

MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $34,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 6,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 34,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $34,000,000 for the 

Minority Business Development Agency [MBDA]. The recommenda-
15 

tion is equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and is 

$28,000,000 above 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 

to increase revenues and create jobs. 

Annual Report.—The Committee recognizes the disparities in access to capital for minority-owned firms and businesses, including 

lower loan amounts, loan denials, and liquidated constraints. 

MBDA is encouraged to submit an annual report to Congress on 

the state of minority-owned businesses, which may include policy 

recommendations to ensure fair access to credit between minorityowned businesses and non-minority-owned businesses. 

Indian Tribes.—Within funds provided, MBDA is encouraged to 

address barriers to economic development for tribes and American 

Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian populations, including 

full implementation of Public Laws 106–447 and 106–464. 

ECONOMIC AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $107,300,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 97,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 99,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $99,000,000 for Economic and Statistical Analysis [ESA]. The recommendation is 

$8,300,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $2,000,000 

above the budget request. ESA conducts research to provide a better understanding of the U.S. economy, which helps Government 

make more informed policy decisions. 

The Committee does not object to the Department’s proposed consolidation of the Economics and Statistics Administration and the 

Bureau of Economic Analysis [BEA]; however, the proposed consolidation will not be approved until a reprogramming package detailing the planned consolidation is approved by the Committee. The 

reprogramming should include additional information about the 

impacts of the consolidation, including whether Gross Domestic 

Product [GDP] estimates and other critical economic reports will be 

released by BEA or by the Office of the Secretary; an accounting 

of which positions will be moved to BEA or to the Office of the Secretary, or will be eliminated entirely; and how the Under Secretary 

of Commerce for Economic Affairs will oversee BEA, the Bureau of 

the Census, and activities conducted within the Office of the Secretary. 

The Committee provides funding for continued development of 

the Regional Economic Dashboard, including improved local area 

statistics and providing GDP data by county. The Department is directed to continue development of these products. Additionally, the 

Committee encourages the Department to strengthen coordination 

with authorities and commissions, such as the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, and Northern Border 

Regional Commission, to improve economic development reporting 

and support State and local decision makers who use these data 

products to catalyze private sector investments in rural and geographically challenged areas. 
16 

The Committee continues to support the Department’s ongoing 

collaboration with the Federal Recreation Council and other Federal agencies to quantify the outdoor recreation sector’s contributions to the U.S. economy and encourages the Department to 

prioritize existing resources to complete the analysis before the 

statutory deadline of December 8, 2018. The Department shall provide a written update on its efforts to fulfill the requirements of 

Public Law 114–249 within 30 days of enactment of this act, and 

semiannually thereafter, until such data products are released. 

BUREAU OF THE CENSUS

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $1,470,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,497,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,521,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $1,521,000,000 for the Census Bureau. The recommendation is $51,000,000 above the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $24,000,000 above the budget request. 

CURRENT SURVEYS AND PROGRAMS

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $270,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 246,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 270,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $270,000,000 for current surveys and programs. The recommendation is equal to the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $24,000,000 above 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. 

PERIODIC CENSUSES AND PROGRAMS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $1,200,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,251,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,251,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $1,251,000,000 for 

periodic censuses and programs. The recommendation is 

$51,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to 

the budget request. 

This account provides for the constitutionally mandated Decennial Census as well as other cyclical programs. Additionally, individual surveys are conducted for other Federal agencies on a reimbursable basis. 

While the Committee provides the full requested amount for 

Periodic Censuses and Programs, the Committee is seriously concerned that the request may not be adequate to meet the Bureau’s 

planning, testing, and development needs for the 2020 Decennial 

Census, particularly in light of the 47-percent increase in the 

lifecycle cost estimate for the Census Enterprise Data Collection 

and Processing [CEDCaP]. The Committee understands that the 

Secretary of Commerce and the Office of Management and Budget 

[OMB] are in the process of reexamining the budget request, and 
17 

the Committee will reevaluate any proposed changes to the request 

for Periodic Censuses and Programs when this assessment is complete. The Office of the Secretary and the Census Bureau are directed to work with OMB to complete their review as expeditiously 

as possible, and to consider the impact of fiscal year 2018 testing 

and development on total lifecycle cost. 

To help ensure the Census Bureau is on track and managing its 

key decisions that still need to be made, Information Technology 

[IT] systems that need to be delivered, and risks that need to be 

managed, the Census Bureau shall provide the Committee and 

GAO with the following information not later than 60 days after 

enactment of this act: (1) a list of all operations and IT systems, 

functionality, or infrastructure still being considered for the 2020 

Census; (2) a list of all operations and IT systems, functionality, or 

infrastructure being considered for the 2020 Census that will not 

be in the 2018 End-to-End Test, as well as the current estimates 

of when those elements will be operationally tested, if at all; (3) a 

list of all operations and IT systems, functionality, or infrastructure for which it is known that what or how it is being tested in 

the 2018 End-to-End test differs from what or how those elements 

will be used for the 2020 Census; (4) plans to manage and mitigate 

each ‘‘red’’ program-level risk identified for either the 2020 Census 

or CEDCaP programs; (5) a spend plan for the 2018 End-to-End 

Test, including quarter-by-quarter expected obligations, and (6) an 

updated life-cycle cost estimate for the 2020 Census. 

Oversight of Periodic Census Programs.—The Committee’s recommendation provides $2,580,000 for the OIG to continue oversight 

and audits of periodic censuses and to provide the Bureau and Congress with independent recommendations for improving operations, 

which will be useful for oversight of the 2020 Decennial Census. 

The Committee directs the Bureau to follow the OIG’s recommendations. 

Quarterly Status Reports.—The Census Bureau is directed to continue its quarterly status reports to the Committee as it prepares 

for the 2020 Decennial Census. As the 2020 Decennial Census approaches, the Bureau is reminded that these quarterly reports 

must be scheduled on a timely basis to keep the Committee informed of the progress in executing the Bureau’s plans, to identify 

ongoing and emerging risks, and to provide early warnings when 

goals and cost schedules are not being achieved. 

2020 Decennial Census.—The Census Bureau is directed to 

prioritize spending for activities that have the greatest potential to 

reduce cost and risk for the 2020 Decennial Census. Controlling 

costs for the 2020 Decennial Census remains a top oversight concern for the Committee. The Bureau shall continue to work to bring 

down the cost of the 2020 Decennial Census to a level less than the 

2010 Census, not adjusting for inflation. 

Administrative Records.—The Census Bureau plans to save 

money during the 2020 Decennial Census cycle by using existing 

records and data to reduce unnecessary and costly duplication and 

to conduct more efficient non-response follow up. The Bureau is directed to work with Federal, State, tribal, local, and other partners 

to obtain the necessary records. In order to identify progress and 

gaps in administrative records access, the Bureau is directed to 
18 

provide the Committee, within 30 days of enactment of this act, a 

report that details which records the Bureau currently has access 

to and which additional records the Bureau is seeking, including 

the purpose of each category of records, a summary of their impact 

on reducing cost or burden in the 2020 Decennial Census, and 

steps taken to acquire them. 

Undercounting.—The Committee urges the Census Bureau to ensure that the impact of new enumeration methods do not negatively affect demographic groups identified in its 2010 Census Coverage Measurement Survey as undercounted and directs the Bureau to provide a report within 60 days of enactment of this act 

providing the measures that are being taken to ensure potential 

undercounts of these groups are appropriately mitigated. 

American Community Survey [ACS].—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 

will help to save money and reduce risk during the 2020 Decennial 

Census cycle. The Committee also notes that 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, 

including the needs of veterans, retirees, and families with schoolage children, in order to reliably serve those communities. The ACS 

is especially important to Americans who live in small towns and 

rural areas, as this survey often provides the only reliable and consistent source of information about these communities, and the Bureau should ensure that rural areas are covered with the same accuracy as urban areas to the maximum extent practicable. The 

Committee further expects the Bureau to continue providing updates to the Committee on efforts to evaluate and, where possible, 

to reduce the number of questions included in the ACS, and the 

steps being taken to ensure that the ACS is conducted as efficiently 

and unobtrusively as possible. 

Local Service Organizations.—The Bureau should consider working with local service organizations as part of the overall strategy 

to maximize survey response, especially for homeless and displaced 

populations in rural areas. 

Asian American and Pacific Islanders.—Within funds provided, 

the Bureau is encouraged to continue collecting data and reporting 

on the homeownership rates of Asian American and Pacific Islanders and to include this data in a separate column in the Census 

Quarterly Press Release on Homeownership Rates by Race and 

Ethnicity of Householder. 

NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION

ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $32,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 36,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 32,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $32,000,000 for National Telecommunications and Information Administration [NTIA] 

salaries and expenses. The recommendation is the same as the fis-
19 

cal year 2017 enacted level and $4,000,000 below the budget request. 

The Committee retains language from previous years allowing 

the Secretary of Commerce 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, 2018, 

detailing the collection of reimbursements from other agencies. 

Next Generation Broadband in Rural Areas.—The Committee remains concerned that next-generation broadband technologies have 

not been sufficiently deployed in rural areas of the nation. The 

Committee directs NTIA, in coordination with the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee and the Broadband Opportunity Council, to study the impact that next-generation broadband 

technologies can have on rural areas and to report to the Committee no later than 1 year after enactment of this act on policies 

to promote deployment of broadband technologies in rural areas, 

including identification of critical gaps in broadband access, hurdles to deployment, and establishment of goals and benchmarks by 

which to measure progress in future years. 

Federal Spectrum Management.—The Committee directs NTIA to 

continue to evaluate options for repurposing spectrum for 

broadband in support of making 500 megahertz [MHz] of spectrum 

available for wireless broadband use. NTIA shall also provide the 

Committee with quarterly updates on the progress in making 500 

MHz of spectrum available for commercial mobile use, including 

the strategy for freeing up additional spectrum from Federal agencies. 

Accelerating Spectrum Transitions.—Permitting Federal entities 

to accept certain payments, including in-kind payments and services, from private entities may expedite the implementation of Federal transition plans after spectrum auctions. The Committee directs NTIA to evaluate whether permitting eligible Federal entities 

to accept such payments could result in access to auctioned spectrum frequencies sooner than would otherwise occur without such 

payments, including any necessary legislative changes. NTIA is directed to report to the Committee and to the Senate Committee on 

Commerce, Science, and Transportation no later than 180 days 

after the enactment of this act on the results of its evaluation. 

Spectrum Management for Science.—Preserving access to key 

portions of radio spectrum important for radio astronomy observations and other scientific uses is essential for scientific discovery. 

The Committee encourages NTIA, in coordination with the Federal 

Communications Commission [FCC] and other appropriate stakeholders, to continue ensuring spectrum access for radio astronomy 

as commercial use of radio spectrum increases. 

Low Power Television Translators.—The Committee directs NTIA 

to continue providing any requested technical assistance to the 

FCC in its efforts to address the needs of low power broadcasters. 

Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers 

[ICANN].—The Committee directs NTIA to remain a strong advocate for American companies, consumers, and government interests 

through its participation within the Governmental Advisory Committee and other mechanisms within ICANN. The Committee di-
20 

rects NTIA to ensure that the principles of accountability, transparency, security, and stability of the Internet are protected for 

consumers, businesses, and Government users. NTIA shall report 

semiannually to the Committee on adopted ICANN policies, including whether or not NTIA supported any changes, and to report on 

any changes that affect the .gov, .mil, .edu, and .us domains. 

FirstNet.—The Committee is supportive of FirstNet continuing a 

funding agreement with the Department of Commerce’s Inspector 

General for the purposes of oversight and accountability of FirstNet 

through the end of fiscal year 2018. 

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. 

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $3,230,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 3,500,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,500,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $3,500,000,000 for 

the United States Patent and Trademark Office [USPTO], which is 

$270,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to 

the budget request, to be derived from offsetting fee collections. 

Since fiscal year 2005, the Committee has refused to divert patent 

fees to other purposes. 

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. 

Budget Execution.—The Committee continues to allow USPTO 

full access to patent and trademark fees and provides bill language 

allowing USPTO to retain any revenue in excess of appropriated 

levels. 

Transfer to Office of Inspector General [OIG].—The Committee 

provides $2,000,000 for OIG to continue oversight and audits of 

USPTO operations and budget transparency, and USPTO is directed to work with the Department of Commerce 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 2018. Any deviations from the funding distribution provided 

for, including carryover balances, are subject to the standard reprogramming procedures set forth in section 505 of this act. 

USPTO is directed to provide, as part of the spending plan required in section 533 of this act, all carryover balances from previous fiscal years and a description of any changes to the patent 
21 

or trademark fee structure. Any changes from the spending plan 

shall also be subject to section 505 of this act. USPTO is directed 

to submit all reprogramming requests, spending plans, and budget 

justifications to the Committee through the Department of Commerce. 

Intellectual Property [IP] Attache ́s.—The Committee is concerned 

by reports that USPTO’s IP attache ́s 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, the US&FCS, and the Department of State to ensure that 

the attache ́s are appropriately utilized, including in discussions 

and negotiations at the Counselor rank and above. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $952,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 725,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 944,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $944,000,000 for the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST]. The recommendation is $8,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level 

and $219,000,000 above the budget request. Up to $9,000,000 may 

be transferred from the Scientific and Technical Research and 

Services 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. 

A description of each NIST account and the corresponding Committee recommendation follows in the subsequent three headings. 

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $690,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 600,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 695,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $695,000,000 for 

NIST Scientific and Technical Research and Services [STRS]. The 

recommendation is $5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $95,000,000 above the budget request. The Committee directs NIST to provide a detailed spending plan for NIST’s highest 

priority laboratory programs describing resources used for each 

program, project, or activity. 

Cybersecurity.—No less than the fiscal year 2017 amount is provided for cybersecurity research, outreach, industry partnerships, 

and other activities at NIST. Within funds provided, NIST is encouraged to update and enhance the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. 

National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence [NCCoE].—The Committee is still awaiting the report directed in fiscal year 2017 regarding the NCCoE’s absorption of the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace mission, personnel, and funding. No 

less than $33,000,000 is provided for the expanded NCCoE. NIST 
22 

shall provide a detailed accounting for the NCCoE’s budget and activities in its fiscal year 2018 spend plan. 

Internet of Things [IoT].—The Committee provides up to $2,000,000 to develop an IoT cybersecurity research initiative and 

partner, as appropriate, with academic entities and industry to address vulnerabilities of IoT devices. The initiative shall seek to improve security of IoT devices in consumer and industrial settings, 

including new designs, protocols, algorithms, system architectures, 

identity and lifecycle strategies, system hardware features, and 

proposed security standards. 

Forensic Sciences.—The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 amount for forensic science research. Additionally, 

the Committee provides $3,000,000 to support the Organization of 

Scientific Area Committees and $1,000,000 to support technical 

merit evaluations previously funded by transfer from DOJ. 

Disaster Resilient Buildings.—The Committee continues to recognize the importance of industry and municipal standards to better 

mitigate the impact of natural disasters and extreme weather 

events. However, because the private sector can provide meaningful contributions to these advancements, the Committee believes 

this program should be reduced by not less than $5,000,000 from 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted amount. Furthermore, no funding 

shall be provided through competitive external awards under STRS 

for Disaster Resilient Buildings. 

Helmet Safety.—The Committee is aware of scientific data that 

demonstrates a correlation between football-related collisions and 

concussions, as well as other traumatic brain injuries that can lead 

to debilitating neural diseases such as dementia and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The Committee encourages NIST to investigate an effective national testing standard to better scientifically 

understand the inadequacies of sports helmets while exploring future product designs that can safely reduce the neural risk of playing football, hockey, and other high-impact sports. The academic 

community has substantial knowledge of these issues and NIST 

should work cooperatively with the academic community by funding research for advanced helmets and equipment and in developing new testing standards to ensure player safety. Additionally, 

NIST should consider establishing an effective national testing 

standard to inform the development of youth-specific helmet safety 

standards. 

Metals-Based Additive Manufacturing.—The Committee provides 

up to $5,000,000 for competitive external grants for academic institutions to support research, development, and workforce training to 

overcome barriers to high-volume additive manufacturing of metals. While the Committee is aware of recent breakthroughs in metals-based additive manufacturing, major technical barriers still 

exist to dramatically improving build rates that would enable commercial markets to benefit from high-volume, metals-based additive 

manufacturing. 

Plastics and Polymeric Materials.—The Committee recognizes 

the significant contributions that plastics have made to virtually all 

sectors of the economy, including in healthcare, infrastructure, 

food, and cosmetics, among many others. However, plastics take 

significant time to degrade in the environment due to their dura-
23 

bility—a feature that makes them valuable for various societal 

uses. The Committee believes advancements in creating products 

from recycled plastics could provide a more sustainable option for 

their use. Many hurdles remain in manufacturing products from 

recycled plastics with the same strength, color, odor, and malleability of new plastic products. Therefore, the Committee provides 

up to $5,000,000 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. 

Pyrrhotite in Concrete Aggregate.—NIST shall consider establishing standards for acceptable levels of pyrrhotite in concrete aggregate, and shall continue providing technical assistance to those 

interested in pyrrhotite detection, prevention, and mitigation tools. 

Regenerative Medicine Standards.—The Committee recognizes 

the important role of standards in spurring the discovery and development of new, innovative therapies in regenerative medicine, 

cell and gene therapy. The Committee applauds NIST for its continued leadership and collaboration with the recently established 

Standards Coordinating Body [SCB], which facilitates standards 

development for the regenerative medicine, cell and gene therapy, 

and tissue engineering sectors. The Committee notes the SCB has 

formed a public-private partnership with NIST and encourages 

NIST to continue its work through the SCB with the Food and 

Drug Administration [FDA], regenerative medicine, cell and gene 

therapy product developers, contract manufacturers, standards development organizations, and other stakeholders. Further, as required under the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114–255), 

the Committee directs NIST to continue its work with FDA and 

relevant stakeholders to engage in a public process to come up with 

standards for the development, evaluation, and review of regenerative medicines. 

Spectrum Challenge Prize.—The Committee encourages NIST, 

subject to the availability of funds, to conduct prize competitions to 

dramatically accelerate the development and commercialization of 

technology that improves spectrum efficiency and is capable of costeffective deployment. NIST is encouraged to work with the Defense 

Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Federal Communications 

Commission, and other relevant Federal agencies to assist in the 

design of the prize competitions. 

Urban Dome Program.—The Committee notes the value of 

NIST’s Urban Dome program and the importance of accurate measurement science for environmental monitoring and human health, 

as more than half the world’s population is living in urban areas, 

and this concentration is expected to intensify over the coming decades. The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 

amount for the Office of Special Programs to maintain and consider 

expanding the number of urban dome locations in fiscal year 2018. 

Baldrige Performance Excellence.—The Committee provides 

$2,200,000 for costs associated with NIST’s current level of per-
24 

sonnel support and expertise that contribute to the Baldrige program. However, the Committee has previously directed the program to become self-sufficient and self-funded, and believes that 

with adequate fundraising and private sector support, appropriated 

funds will not be needed in future fiscal years. The Committee encourages the Secretary to work with the Baldrige program’s private 

sector foundation to conduct a fundraising campaign to support the 

program as authorized in section 3(f) of Public Law 100–107. 

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $153,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 21,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 145,000,000 

The Committee provides $145,000,000 for Industrial Technology 

Services. The recommendation is $8,000,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level and $124,000,000 above the budget request. 

Supporting the Nation’s manufacturers, especially small businesses, is critical to keeping America innovative in a global marketplace. 

Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program 

[MEP].—The Committee rejects the proposed elimination of MEP 

and instead provides $130,000,000 for the program. The Committee 

supports MEP’s focus on strengthening the existing network of 

MEP centers and providing additional support to centers based on 

the documented performance of the center’s activities and the manufacturing capacity of the area served by the center. 

Manufacturing USA.—The Committee provides the full request 

of $15,000,000 for NIST’s activities in the National Network for 

Manufacturing Innovation [NNMI] (also known as ‘‘Manufacturing 

USA’’), to include no more than $5,000,000 for coordination activities. The Manufacturing USA program promotes American 

competiveness by fostering the development of new manufacturing 

techniques and fields, accelerating commercialization, and providing technical assistance to U.S. companies. Within funding provided, NIST shall strive to minimize administrative costs in order 

to provide more direct support for research and development. 

CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH FACILITIES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $109,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 104,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 104,000,000 

The Committee provides $104,000,000 for construction of research facilities. The recommendation is $5,000,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget request. The funding provided includes $60,000,000 for the continued renovation of 

NIST’s radiation physics laboratories. Additionally, NIST is directed to request sufficient funds in fiscal year 2019 to accelerate 

completion of the Building 1 renovation, which has been underway 

since 2010 and is currently scheduled for completion in 2028. 
25 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $5,675,425,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 4,770,699,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 5,590,284,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $5,590,284,000 for 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]. 

The recommendation is $85,141,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $819,585,000 above the budget request. The Committee commends the Department for its work to bring down the 

costs of NOAA’s Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction [PAC] 

accounts, which have continuously consumed nearly half of NOAA’s 

budget. These costs were driven primarily by budget overruns and 

schedule slips in NOAA’s flagship weather satellite programs, 

which limited the resources available for NOAA’s other mission 

areas. The decrease in PAC resource needs in fiscal year 2018 reflects the Department’s and the Committee’s concerted efforts to 

rein in the cost of NOAA’s satellite programs and put them on a 

sustainable path. While overall funding for NOAA is below the fiscal year 2017 level, the reduction in PAC resource needs alleviates 

the strain on other operations and research areas critical to 

NOAA’s core mission. This allowed for an increase above the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level in NOAA’s Operations, Research, and Facilities accounts. 

OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $3,367,875,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,965,549,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,416,401,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $3,416,401,000 for 

NOAA’s operations, research, and facilities. The recommendation is 

$48,526,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$450,852,000 above the budget request. 

NOAA NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE

The Committee’s recommendation provides $533,219,000 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 ................................................................................................ 153,947 

Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts .................................................................................................. 30,000 
26 

NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Committee 

recommendation 

Integrated Ocean Observing System—Regional Observations ................................................................ 33,700 

Total, Navigation, Observations and Positioning ................................................................................. 217,647 

Coastal Science and Assessment: 

Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and Restoration ....................................................................... 74,472 

Competitive External Research ................................................................................................................. 11,000 

Total, Coastal Science and Assessment .............................................................................................. 85,472 

Ocean and Coastal Management and Services: 

Coastal Zone Management and Services ................................................................................................. 42,500 

Coastal Management Grants .................................................................................................................... 85,000 

Coral Reef Program ................................................................................................................................... 26,600 

National Estuarine Research Reserve System .......................................................................................... 25,000 

National Marine Sanctuaries .................................................................................................................... 51,000 

Total, Ocean and Coastal Management and Services ......................................................................... 230,100 

GRAND TOTAL NOS ................................................................................................................................ 533,219 

Navigation, Observations and Positioning.—The Committee 

strongly supports activities under Navigation, Observations and 

Positioning, including the full operational funding for NOAA’s 

Navigation Response Teams. 

Hydrographic Surveys and Contracts.—The Committee continues 

to be concerned with NOAA’s slow progress in reducing the backlog 

of hydrographic survey work for navigationally significant U.S. waters. Within the amount provided for Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts, NOAA is directed to accelerate the acquisition of 

survey data and the preparation of navigation charts needed to 

minimize the risks associated with increased maritime traffic. In 

addition, not more than 5 percent of funds available for the Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts program may be used for internal Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts program management costs. 

Hydrographic Charting in the Arctic.—Hydrographic survey work 

in the Arctic is subject to a shorter operational season than other 

U.S. coastal regions. The Committee believes Arctic surveys could 

be completed more efficiently through the use of locally available 

resources and expertise. 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. In addition, where feasible, 

NOAA should consider awarding adjoining survey areas to a single 

contract provider to decrease logistical costs. 

Geospatial Modeling Grants.—The Committee provides $8,000,000 within Navigation, Observations and Positioning for the 

competitive Geospatial Modeling Grants program for which all 

funding shall be distributed externally. 

Hydrographic Research and Technology Development.—The Committee supports the intended use of funds requested for Hydrographic Research and Technology Development. In addition, the 
27 

Committee provides $2,000,000 above the request for NOAA to designate and continue supporting joint ocean and coastal mapping 

centers in other areas of the country to be co-located with an institution of higher education as authorized by the Omnibus Public 

Land Management Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–11). The Committee emphasizes that additional funding is provided for the designation of other joint ocean and coastal mapping centers and 

therefore shall not decrease funding levels for any existing centers. 

Integrated Ocean Observing System [IOOS].—The Committee directs NOAA and the IOOS regions to work with Federal agencies 

collecting regional observations to better integrate and disseminate 

information with the goal of reducing duplication of effort and to 

provide users with streamlined access to observational information. 

In addition, within funding provided above the request for IOOS, 

NOS shall work to complete and operate the National High Frequency Radar System. Within funds provided for IOOS grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts, the Committee directs each regional entity to assess current spending practices for resources that 

become damaged or unworkable as a result of hurricanes or other 

significant storms, including continually replacing damaged assets 

instead of repairing them or seeking to use hardened designs, and 

provide a cost-benefit analysis to the Committee on such practices 

within 120 days of enactment of this act. 

Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and Restoration.—Within 

the funds provided for Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and 

Restoration, $2,372,000 shall be for operations and staffing of the 

Gulf of Mexico Disaster Response Center [DRC]. The DRC shall 

continue to serve as the Gulf Coast hub for NOAA’s emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations. Furthermore, within 

funds provided, NOAA is directed to expand regional emergency 

preparedness training and to develop and disseminate best practices for using data from past environmental disasters to better 

prepare for, respond to, and assess the environmental impacts of 

future events. 

Marine Debris.—The Committee provides an increase of $500,000 

above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level for NOAA’s Marine Debris 

Program. The Committee strongly supports ongoing efforts to address marine debris around the country including projects in rural 

and remote communities, as well as projects in urban communities 

that include removal of abandoned vessels and pilings that harm 

the ecosystem and hinder recreational fishing. Activities under the 

Marine Debris program should help lead to the development of 

cost-effective programmatic solutions to address land-generated 

marine debris. 

Harmful Algal Blooms [HABs].—The Committee recognizes the 

need to support local efforts to address [HABs]. Within funding for 

Coastal Science and Assessment, the Committee provides up to 

$3,000,000 to accelerate deployment of effective methods of intervention and mitigation to reduce the frequency, severity, and impact of harmful algal bloom events in freshwater systems. 

HABs Regional Watershed Integrated Assessments and Action 

Strategies.—The Committee recognizes the importance of the Great 

Lakes Integrated Assessment and Action Strategy to harmful algal 

bloom prevention, control, and mitigation efforts in the Great 
28 

Lakes region, and encourages the Federal Inter-agency Task Force 

on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia, established under section 

4001 of title 33, and the Interagency Working Group tasked with 

implementing the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and 

Control Act to identify and prioritize additional watersheds that 

would benefit from the development of regionally-specific Integrated Assessments and Action Plans, including those regions that 

have been impacted by freshwater and saltwater harmful algal 

blooms. 

Integrated Water Prediction.—Within funding provided for Coastal Zone Management and Services, the Committee provides no less 

than the fiscal year 2017 level for NOS to continue supporting the 

development and operation of the Integrated Water Prediction program with NOAA’s National Weather Service. 

Coastal Management Grants.—The Committee provides 

$85,000,000 for Coastal Management Grants. This includes 

$70,000,000 for Coastal Zone Management Grants and $15,000,000 

for Regional Coastal Resilience Grants [RCRG], which is equal to 

the fiscal year 2017 level. NOAA is encouraged to continue developing the RCRG program in coordination with other ocean and 

coastal funding opportunities to ensure that the broadest array of 

projects, geographic regions, and research needs for oceans, coasts, 

and Great Lakes are met. NOAA is also encouraged to prioritize 

projects that are coordinated between State, Federal, and tribal 

partners; non-governmental organizations; and academia. However, 

NOAA may only award these funds to coastal State projects that 

have written support from the State’s Governor. 

As NOAA explores ways to make coastal areas more resilient, 

NOAA should consider depositing up to $10,000,000 from the 

RCRG into the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund for 

grants as authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 

(Public Law 114–113), subject to the reprogramming procedures set 

forth in section 505 of this act. 

Coral Reef Program.—As part of its research to assess the impacts of acidification and increasing temperatures on coral reefs, 

the Committee encourages NOAA to include temperate and cold 

water corals, such as the Northern Star Coral. 

Marine National Monuments.—Within funding provided for National Marine Sanctuaries, up to $500,000 may be used for competitive research and management grants for existing marine national 

monuments administered by NOS, provided such grants are subject 

to a 100 percent non-Federal match. 

National Estuarine Research Reserve System.—The Committee 

provides $25,000,000 for the National Estuarine Research Reserve 

System [NERRS], which is $25,000,000 above the President’s request and $1,500,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

NERRS sites provide mixed-use areas that are protected for longterm research, monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship. The 

program is a positive example of State and Federal partnership. 

NOAA is further encouraged to work with its NERRS and National Marine Sanctuary partners on efforts for early detection, 

rapid response, and control of invasive species, especially those 

that jeopardize endangered or threatened native species. 
29 

NOAA NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE

The Committee’s recommendation provides $867,034,000 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 ................................................................................ 113,342 

Species Recovery Grants ......................................................................................................................... 7,000 

Atlantic Salmon ....................................................................................................................................... 6,224 

Pacific Salmon ........................................................................................................................................ 62,000 

Total, Protected Resources Science and Management ...................................................................... 188,566 

Fisheries Science and Management: 

Fisheries and Ecosystem Science Programs and Services ..................................................................... 141,327 

Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys and Assessments .......................................................................... 164,749 

Observers and Training ........................................................................................................................... 43,655 

Fisheries Management Programs and Services ...................................................................................... 117,051 

Aquaculture ............................................................................................................................................. 15,000 

Salmon Management Activities .............................................................................................................. 35,469 

Regional Councils and Fisheries Commissions ...................................................................................... 35,871 

Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants ......................................................................................................... 3,004 

Total, Fisheries Science and Management ........................................................................................ 556,126 

Enforcement ..................................................................................................................................................... 69,000 

Habitat Conservation and Restoration ............................................................................................................ 53,342 

GRAND TOTAL NMFS ........................................................................................................................... 867,034 

Marine Mammal Protection.—The Committee supports NMFS’s 

mission under this activity to monitor, protect, and recover at-risk 

marine mammal species listed under the Endangered Species Act 

[ESA] in 2005, but whose populations continue to decline. The 

Committee encourages NMFS to utilize funding for the protection 

and recovery of marine mammal species at risk due to factors such 

as limited prey species, water-borne toxin accumulation, and vessel 

and sound impacts. 

Hawaiian Monk Seals and Sea Turtles.—Within funding for Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, and Other Species, the Committee provides NOAA no less than the fiscal year 2017 amount for Hawaiian 

Monk Seals and Hawaiian Sea Turtles. 

Prescott Grants.—Within Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles, and 

Other Species, no less than the fiscal year 2017 enacted amount is 

provided for the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance grant program. 

Atlantic Salmon.—NOAA has identified major threats to Atlantic 

salmon, including interrelated effects of freshwater salmon habitat 

loss, lost prey buffering, and marine derived nutrients from declines of co-evolved diadromous species. Within funding provided 
30 

for Atlantic Salmon, the Committee directs NOAA to enable a 

broader use of funds for restoration of diadromous species and 

habitats that support salmon recovery by providing ecological functions critical to the Atlantic salmon life cycle. The Committee further directs NOAA to ensure that adequate resources continue to 

be provided for State agencies to implement the recovery strategy 

effectively. 

Pacific Salmon.—Within funding provided for Pacific salmon, 

NOAA shall consider expanding salmonid monitoring activities, including through the use of tags and acoustic tracking to utilize 

real-time monitoring to avoid impacts to protected species. NOAA 

is also encouraged to work with partners to address the backlog of 

hatchery genetic management plans and expedite approval. 

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. None of the funds may be used for 

internal NOAA or DOC management, but rather funds may only be 

used for activities that directly benefit U.S. fisheries and fishery 

communities. Specifically, these funds may only be used for: cooperative research; annual stock assessments; efforts to improve data 

collection, including catch monitoring and reporting for commercial, 

charter, and recreational fisheries; interjurisdictional fisheries 

grants; and Fisheries Information Networks. 

As part of the fiscal year 2018 spending plan, NOAA shall include a clear accounting 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.—The Committee rejects the Administration’s proposal to eliminate the S–K grant program and further directs that not less than 15 percent of the total 

amount of the transferred funds shall be provided for the competitive S–K grant program. The Committee also directs NOAA to obligate no less than 80 percent of the S–K grant program funds externally through a competitive grant process. NOAA shall consult 

with a diverse group of industry participants representing the entirety of the supply chain, from all regions of the country, to identify funding priorities. Prior to obligating these funds, NOAA shall 

provide the Committee with a detailed spending plan describing 

which fisheries activities will be funded in each of the regions and 

how the plan incorporates regional priorities. The Committee further encourages NOAA to prioritize marketing and development of 

the seafood industry, as was the original intent of the S–K grant 

program. 

NMFS Staffing.—The Committee encourages NMFS regional offices to locate research staff within their respective research regions to the greatest extent possible. 

Aleutian Island Pollock.—When Congress created the 2005 Pollock allocation for the economic improvement of Adak, Alaska, provided in section 803 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and 

State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 

2004 (division B of Public Law 108–199), it recognized the difficult 
31 

task of making a viable community and attempted to provide a revenue stream to offset the burdens of a remote location. Due to the 

Stellar Sea Lion’s Endangered Species Act listing in 1990 and subsequent protective measures put into place, fishery restrictions 

closed nearly all vital fishing grounds in the Aleutian Islands. 

Thus, the allocation could not be utilized at any point and the community of Adak has not realized any economic benefits or prosperity from the Pollock fishery. The Committee agrees that the intended beneficiaries should have a right to derive these lost benefits by assigning their Pollock allocation to others for monetary remuneration. Therefore, NMFS is directed to help Adak receive the 

economic benefits of their originally designated Pollock allocation 

and shall provide a report to the Committee on such action within 

120 days of enactment of this act. 

Red Snapper Management Activities.—Within the amount provided for Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and Assessments, the 

Committee provides $5,000,000 to continue the State-led pilot programs for reef fish management in the Gulf of Mexico, which Congress initially funded in fiscal year 2017. These State-led pilot programs should serve as a test-bed for alternative approaches to reef 

fish management in off-shore zones designated by each Gulf State 

in consultation with NMFS. In addition, the Committee continues 

to direct NMFS to incorporate agency-independent and alternative 

approaches to stock assessments into the agency’s own stock assessments used for the management of reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Furthermore, all stock assessments used by NMFS for Gulf 

reef fish should include fishery data collected on artificial reefs, offshore oil platforms, and other offshore fixed energy infrastructure. 

Not later than 60 days after enactment of this act, NOAA shall report to the Committee on how the State-led pilot programs are progressing. 

In addition, if an increase is made to the acceptable biological 

catch for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of the direction provided in this report for stock assessments, the Committee 

urges NOAA to consider allocating not less than 80 percent of any 

total above 10 million pounds of quota to the recreational sector. 

While all sectors have faced challenges in the gulf red snapper fishery, the private-boat recreational sector has been especially impacted. 

Ecosystem Imbalance.—NOAA shall take into consideration any 

imbalance in the ecosystem that may be occurring between larger 

red snapper and other fish species before accepting amendments to 

existing regulations or implementing new regulations that directly 

affect red snapper quotas in the Gulf of Mexico. 

South Atlantic Reef Fish.—NMFS shall consider employing 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 notes 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 the selectivity and potential bias of different gears used 
32 

to assess reef fish populations in the South Atlantic region, which 

should build on recent work being conducted by state agencies on 

red snapper. Specifically, the study should address whether the use 

of certain gear by the South Atlantic Marine Resources Monitoring, 

Assessment, and Prediction survey, 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. 

Epipelagic Apex Predators.—The Committee acknowledges growing evidence that yellowfin tuna and other epipelagic apex predators are aggregating at offshore oil platforms in a similar manner 

to their more traditional aggregation points. These offshore platforms may alter yellowfin or other epipelagic apex predator movements, diet, diseases, growth, age at maturity, and spawning. However, NOAA lacks fundamental data on how this new association 

may impact these important species. Within funding provided, 

NOAA shall continue to examine the impact of offshore oil platforms on the biology of highly migratory species, such as yellowfin 

tuna, and report to the Committee on such activities within 60 

days of enactment of this act. 

Fisheries Information Networks.—Within funding provided for Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys, and Assessments, $22,500,000 

is provided for Fisheries Information Networks. 

Marine Recreational Information Program [MRIP].—The Committee recognizes the ongoing improvements being made to MRIP, 

but is concerned that these changes will be insufficient to meet 

management requirements for many offshore recreational fisheries, 

such as reef fish. Significant advances in technology, such as 

smartphone apps, allow anglers to electronically record their catch. 

The recent adoption of mobile electronic records technologies by 

State fish and wildlife agencies has demonstrated that these programs can provide comparable and compatible data to current 

MRIP estimates with faster collection and analyses. However, additional studies are needed to fully understand the suitability of angler-provided electronic data as a supplement to MRIP. 

Not later than 1 year after enactment of this act, NOAA shall 

provide a report to the Committee on electronic data collection as 

an option for the Fishing Effort Survey, including through use of 

smartphone apps, electronic diaries for prospective data collection, 

and an online option for anglers. The study should list specific actions the agency has taken to date and identify additional steps to 

be taken in the future, including pilot studies to explore the suitability of electronic data collection as a supplement to MRIP. Furthermore, NOAA should consider providing technical assistance to 

States currently employing such electronic data collection systems 

and expedite approval of these programs as a supplement or replacement to MRIP. 

Northeast Groundfish Research.—The Committee is 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 Ecosystem Science Programs and Services, the 
33 

Committee provides $2,000,000 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 and stock boundaries. This funding is intended 

to support research conducted by the Northeast Fisheries Science 

Center, research conducted separately by or in collaboration with 

outside partners such as higher education institutions or State 

agencies, and research conducted in cooperation with the fishing 

industry. 

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, surveys, 

and improved research is critical. The Committee encourages the 

NMFS to continue to prioritize long-time series surveys that are 

conducted cooperatively with industry and States. NMFS is also 

encouraged to focus on improved understanding of natural mortality and relative gear efficiency to ensure accurate measures of 

catchability. The Northeast Fisheries Science Center is directed to 

work collaboratively with the fishing industry to update and publish the Northeast Cooperative Research Strategic Plan, including: 

the identification of science priorities; a process for greater involvement of fishermen in data collection; and better communication of 

how the results of cooperative fisheries research are used. 

Baseline Data for Gulf of Mexico.—The Committee directs NOAA 

to continue supporting baseline research for fisheries health in the 

Gulf of Mexico, including studies of pelagic species. NOAA is encouraged to increase and continue collaborations in the Gulf to establish an integrated and comprehensive ecosystem-level fisheries 

monitoring enterprise and sentinel species program. 

Charter Vessels.—To help improve the quality and abundance of 

fishery data used for stock assessments, the Committee continues 

to encourage NOAA to expand the agency’s activities in chartering 

commercial fishing vessels to serve as research and fishery survey 

vessels. Other parts of NOAA, including the National Ocean Service and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research line offices, 

are also encouraged to charter commercial fishing vessels, when 

appropriate, to augment ongoing survey and research activities. 

Electronic Monitoring and Reporting.—Within Fisheries Ecosystem Science Programs and Services, the Committee provides no 

less than the fiscal year 2017 amount for Electronic Monitoring 

and Electronic Reporting [EM/ER] to support the development, 

testing, and installation of EM/ER technologies across the country. 

The Committee recognizes that advancements in EM/ER have the 

potential to cut costs and improve data collection for most U.S. 

fisheries. NMFS is directed to prioritize EM/ER implementation in 

fiscal year 2018, and expedite to the fullest extent practicable the 

transition to full EM/ER. Within the funds provided for these activities, not less than $3,500,000 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. Dur-
34 

ing the development and implementation of electronic reporting 

and monitoring programs, NOAA shall consult directly with industry and work through the Fishery Management Councils (established under sections 1851 and 1852 of title 16) 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 2018 

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; 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. 

Northeast Multispecies Fishery.—The Committee recognizes that 

the New England groundfish fisheries in particular have struggled 

to bear monitoring costs in recent years. Section 537 of the bill directs NOAA to prioritize payment of At Sea Monitors prior to payment for standardized bycatch reporting methodology requirements 

monitors. However, NOAA is directed to submit a plan to the Committee not less than 180 days after enactment of this act that will 

establish fully operational electronic monitoring and reporting procedures for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery not later than September 30, 2021. The plan should include NOAA’s proposal to cover 

vessel equipment and installation costs, with daily, half-day, or 

quarter-day operational costs to be borne by the fishing vessels. 

The Committee notes that while participation in EM/ER observer 

coverage will remain voluntary after the September 30, 2021 deadline, vessels not participating in EM/ER coverage will also be required to cover their daily, half-day, or quarter-day observer costs 

after that date. 

EM/ER Central Repository and Cost Estimations.—NOAA shall 

develop a central repository for EM/ER documentation and information sharing to facilitate regional access to complete, organized, 

and accurate information. NOAA shall also consider developing an 

EM/ER cost estimation template, to include all necessary cost components, which shall be shared with regions and Fishery Management Councils and used to determine further deployment of EM/ 

ER technologies. 

Market Rate Observer Coverage.—The Committee is concerned by 

reports that NOAA is paying above-market rates for fisheries observers in certain regions and sectors. NOAA is directed to work 

with the Councils and the Commissions to negotiate the lowest possible rates, including half-day and quarter-day rates, for the 2018 

fishing season, and to report to the Committee on those rates not 

later than 30 days before the start of any fishing season. 

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated [IUU] Fishing.—Under 

Fisheries Management Programs and Services, the Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 amount to combat IUU fishing. NOAA is directed to continue strengthening its efforts to detect 

and deter illegally harvested and improperly documented seafood, 

including working with other U.S., international, and foreign agencies to ensure fair competition for our country’s domestic fishermen 

and safety for American consumers. 
35 

The Committee encourages NOAA to work with U.S. Customs 

and Border Protection to improve and expand efforts to identify 

high-risk shipments and collect critical import data in order to increase enforcement of import restrictions on IUU seafood products 

and expand investigations of foreign IUU hotspots. 

Additionally, the Committee supports NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement and its efforts to combat IUU fishing. NOAA is directed 

to consider how innovative remote sensing technology could help 

fulfill its mission, including satellite imaging and traceability, and 

shall consider developing a comprehensive IUU enforcement strategy in consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard. NOAA may also 

confer with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center 

[FLETC] and may contract with FLETC to assess and provide technical assistance to improve NOAA’s current law enforcement strategy. 

Bycatch Reduction.—The development and implementation of 

practical bycatch solutions is a priority for U.S. and international 

fisheries management and protected species conservation. The 

Committee supports the requested amount for reducing bycatch, of 

which NMFS is directed to make no less than the fiscal year 2017 

amount available for competitive grants to non-Federal researchers 

working with U.S. fishermen on the development of improved fishing practices and innovative gear technologies. 

Bowhead Whale Health.—Within funding provided for Fisheries 

Management Programs and Services, up to $720,000 may be used 

to document bowhead whale health, as may be required for efficient and humane subsistence harvest of bowhead whales, and to 

fulfill other U.S. obligations for such activities as regulated by the 

International Whaling Commission. 

Regional Aquaculture Coordinators.—The Committee encourages 

NMFS to designate a Regional Aquaculture Coordinator [RAC] for 

each of the six National Marine Fisheries Regions, to be located at 

each respective regional office. The goal of each RAC should be to 

liaise with aquaculture stakeholders and industry as well as relevant Federal, State, local, and tribal government entities; assist 

with Federal grants management and training programs; and foster science collaborations among stakeholders, academics, and governments within their designated fisheries region. 

Regional Pilots in Sustainable Aquaculture.—The NMFS Aquaculture Office is directed to continue regional pilot programs for 

partnerships between the seafood industry and community partners that can develop, validate, and deploy economically and environmentally sustainable aquatic farming techniques and regional 

business practices to grow domestic seafood production. To maximize the impact of these pilot grants, NMFS is encouraged to give 

priority consideration to promising but less commercially developed 

technologies, such as those targeting shellfish, seaweed, and other 

relative newcomers to the domestic aquaculture industry. The 

Committee provides $2,500,000 in the NMFS Aquaculture budget 

for this purpose. This funding is in addition to the laboratory funding for NOAA’s fisheries science centers engaged in aquaculture research, which shall be funded at no less than the fiscal year 2017 

enacted level. 
36 

Aquaculture Activities at Fisheries Science Centers.—The Committee is concerned by reports that NMFS fisheries science centers 

are cutting resources and staff positions dedicated to aquaculture 

research. NOAA is expected to maintain viable financial and personnel resources at the Northeast and Northwest Fisheries Science 

Centers, including refraining from cutting aquaculture funding or 

staff resources and expeditiously filling open positions. 

Oyster Aquaculture, Research, and Restoration.—Within the increased funds provided for NMFS Aquaculture, the Committee provides up to $5,000,000 to support ongoing research in off-bottom 

oyster production in coastal areas, particularly those new to this 

method of production, including the Gulf of Mexico, and encourages 

NMFS to dedicate resources for further research in oyster genetics, 

disease, and economic modeling. NMFS is also encouraged to support regional partnerships to classify and preserve natural genetic 

variation in oysters. 

In addition, the Committee recognizes that the shellfish farming 

industry is composed of thousands of small farmers who are unable 

to fund critical research in the fields of shellfish disease, food safety, warming waters, and ocean acidification. To improve coordination and consistency, the Committee directs NMFS Aquaculture to 

engage and partner with industry, academic institutions, and 

States to conduct collaborative research to address the challenges 

facing this growing industry. 

Salmon Management Activities.—Within the amount provided for 

Salmon Management activities, the Committee recommends 

$14,000,000, an increase of $2,000,000 above fiscal year 2017, to 

enable States and tribal communities to implement necessary Pacific Salmon Treaty agreements. The Committee fully supports all 

other aspects of the budget request for Salmon Management activities that are essential to meeting these treaty obligations. The 

Committee also provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 amount 

for the operation and maintenance of Mitchell Act hatcheries. 

In addition, the Committee again notes the number of California 

Sea Lions in the Columbia River Estuary and their impact on endangered wild salmon survival. NMFS has authorization for the lethal removal of sea lions in accordance with provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, meant to reduce the impacts of sea 

lion predation on salmon stocks. The Committee directs NMFS to 

review the current lethal removal program in order to monitor and 

assess the impacts of removal efforts on adult spring salmon migration survival within the Columbia River Estuary and to report its 

findings to Congress within 60 days of enactment of this act. 

Fishery Councils and Commissions.—No less than $35,871,000 is 

provided to support the Regional Fishery Management Councils, 

Interstate Marine Fisheries Commissions, and International Fisheries Commissions, provided any increase above the fiscal year 

2017 enacted amounts shall be distributed only among the Interstate Marine Fisheries Commissions and International Fisheries 

Commission. 

Furthermore, 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 
37 

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. 

Economics and Social Sciences Research.—The Committee recognizes that saltwater recreational and commercial fisheries are significant contributors to the Nation’s economy and is concerned that 

economic information is not sufficiently taken into account when 

fisheries management decisions are made that may adversely impact fishing communities. The Committee believes that the Regional Fishery Management Councils may lack sufficient guidance 

and procedures for how economic impacts should be factored into 

management decisions, and therefore fail to consider how to mitigate social, cultural, and economic impacts. Within 1 year of enactment of this act, NOAA shall provide the Committee with a description of procedures for how socioeconomic information could be 

better considered and weighed by the Councils and NMFS in the 

development and amending of Fishery Management Plans. 

Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund.—The Committee directs NOAA to provide, within 90 days of enactment of this act, a 

complete account of the last 5 years of funding activity of the Western Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund, and any other fund or 

grant program controlled or managed by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, including the use of such 

funds to influence administrative processes in any State or Territory. NOAA is further directed to conduct such accountings annually and to publish the reports online. 

Horseshoe Crab Survey.—The Committee remains concerned 

about the inability to estimate the abundance of the mid-Atlantic 

horseshoe crab population. Adequate data is 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 encourages NMFS to continue this important survey to generate the data necessary to ensure the mid-Atlantic horseshoe crab 

stock remains on a sustainable path. 

Seafood Reporting.—The United States leads the world in responsibly managed fisheries and aquaculture, and the Committee 

supports NOAA’s activities to inform consumers about our Nation’s 

sustainable fisheries through the agency’s FishWatch program. 

However, the Committee is concerned that the exclusive use or recognition of third-party certifications for seafood sustainability by 

the Department could have unintended consequences for various 

domestic fisheries. The Committee acknowledges that some U.S. 

fisheries voluntarily utilize third-party seafood sustainability certification schemes, but believes it is not the Department’s role to 

adopt such certification schemes when doing so could result in the 

Department arbitrarily influencing the U.S. domestic seafood market. The Committee believes support for third-party certifications is 

best presented in non-governmental forums. Therefore, the Committee directs the Department not to adopt, use, or promote any 

third-party certification scheme for seafood sustainability but to instead continue providing consumers with independent and accountable information generated from within the Department. 
38 

Economic Impact of Turtle Excluder Devices [TEDs].—The Committee understands NMFS is considering a new rule to require all 

skimmer trawls, pusher-head trawls, and wing nets rigged for fishing to use TEDs. The Committee expects NMFS to ensure that any 

potential rule on this issue be based on meritorious, evidence-based 

science. Further, the Committee notes that these potential changes 

will have a significant negative impact on small fishing businesses, 

as stated by NOAA in its Draft Economic Impact Statement. Within 45 days of enactment of this act, NOAA shall provide a report 

to the Committee outlining specific steps NMFS would consider to 

eliminate the negative economic effects of any newly proposed rule 

requiring TEDs. 

Technical Drafting Assistance.—The Committee understands that 

several members have requested NOAA to provide assistance in 

drafting language that would authorize a more streamlined process 

for fishery buyback implementation and loans, including for refinancing existing buyback loans, but the agency has failed to respond. The Committee directs NOAA to respond to these congressional member requests and supply language appropriate for technical drafting assistance within 45 days of the enactment of this 

act. 

Habitat Conservation and Restoration.—The Committee provides $53,342,000 for Habitat Conservation and Restoration activities. 

Within the amount provided, NOAA is encouraged to include funding for the multi-year Habitat Blueprint Focus Area partnership 

agreements developed under the Habitat Blueprint initiative. The 

Committee encourages NOAA to include a broader ecosystem-based 

management philosophy; expand criteria to include recreational 

species, managed commercial species, and forage species; and 

prioritize proposals that engage local communities. NOAA should 

continue to emphasize the value of partnerships when evaluating 

grant applications. 

NOAA OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

The Committee’s recommendation provides $477,725,000 for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research [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: 

Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes ............................................................................................... 60,000 

Regional Climate Data and Information .............................................................................................. 38,000 

Climate Competitive Research .............................................................................................................. 60,000 

Total, Climate Research ................................................................................................................... 158,000 
39 

OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH OPERATIONS, RESEARCH AND FACILITIES—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Committee 

recommendation 

Weather and Air Chemistry Research Programs: 

Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes ............................................................................................... 75,000 

U.S. Weather Research Program ........................................................................................................... 18,600 

Tornado Severe Storm Research/Phased Array Radar .......................................................................... 12,622 

Joint Technology Transfer Initiative ...................................................................................................... 2,000 

Total, Weather and Air Chemistry Research .................................................................................... 108,222 

Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Research: 

Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes ............................................................................................... 36,000 

National Sea Grant College Program .................................................................................................... 65,000 

Marine Aquaculture Research ............................................................................................................... 11,500 

Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring ................................................................................... 42,823 

Integrated Ocean Acidification ............................................................................................................. 11,000 

Ocean Exploration ................................................................................................................................. 30,000 

Oceans, Coastal and Great Lakes Joint Technology Transfer Initiative [O-JTTI] ................................. 3,000 

Total, Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Research ........................................................................... 199,323 

High Performance Computing Initiatives ....................................................................................................... 12,180 

GRAND TOTAL OAR ............................................................................................................................ 477,725 

Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.—The Committee provides $4,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level for Ocean, 

Coastal and Great Lakes Research Laboratories and Cooperative 

Institutes and expects the administration to fully fund Cooperative 

Institutes at appropriate levels in future years, including those currently supporting NOAA ’s coastal resilience mission. 

Additionally, not less than 90 days after enactment of this act, 

NOAA is directed to update its ‘‘Prospectus for Cooperative Institutes in the 21st Century’’ plan to include the procedures under 

which a university or other academic institution can apply for Cooperative Institute status. The Committee continues to strongly 

support well established institutes, including those focused on watershed effects on marine ecosystems, remote sensing, and longterm monitoring of oil spill impacts on marine ecosystem health. 

Autonomous Glider Demonstration.—Within increased funding 

provided for Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Research, OAR is directed to demonstrate how an autonomous ocean glider could address critical gaps in NOAA’s physical, chemical, biological, and 

other observational needs, particularly those observational needs of 

NOAA’s IOOS program. OAR shall report to the Committee within 

180 days of enactment of this act on the progress of achieving the 

Committee’s directive. 

Climate Research.—The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 enacted amount for supporting and expanding the 

National Integrated Drought Information System, including the Regional Drought Early Warning Information System. 

Arctic Research.—The Committee provides no less than the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted amount for arctic research funded under OAR’s 

Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes and Regional Climate Data and Information. 
40 

Weather & Air Chemistry Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.—The Committee rejects OAR’s proposed elimination of the 

Air Resources Laboratory [ARL], as well as OAR’s proposed closing 

of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems [UAS] Program Office. The 

Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

amount for ARL and the UAS Program Office and encourages arctic research activities using UAS assets. 

Multi-Function Phased Array Radar [MPAR] Program.—The 

Committee recognizes the importance of the MPAR program in the 

development and implementation of the next generation weather 

and aircraft radar surveillance network. The Committee directs 

NOAA to maintain its leadership in the MPAR research and development effort as the program transitions to the Spectrum Efficient 

National Surveillance Radar [SENSR] program, and encourages 

continued work on a Memorandum of Understanding among 

NOAA, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of 

Defense, and the Department of Homeland Security that delineates 

each agency’s or Department’s needs regarding the function and 

timeline of a joint multi-use and multi-function radar system. 

Vortex-Southeast [Vortex-SE].—The southeast United States commonly experiences devastating tornadoes under variables and conditions that differ considerably from the Midwest, where tornado 

research has historically been focused. Within funds provided for 

Weather and Air Chemistry Research Programs, no less than 

$5,000,000 is provided for OAR to continue collaborating with the 

National Science Foundation’s Vortex-SE initiative to better understand how environmental factors that are characteristic of the 

southeast United States affect the formation, intensity, and storm 

path of tornadoes for this region. 

Remote Sensing for Snowpack and Soil Moisture.—The Committee strongly supports NOAA’s continued development of the National Water Model to improve operational forecasts at NOAA’s National Water Center. Within funding provided for OAR’s U.S. 

Weather Research Program, no less than $6,000,000 is for research 

activities to improve fine and large-scale measurements of snow 

depth and soil moisture data that can be used to expand and improve the National Water Model and contribute directly to the mission of NOAA’s National Water Center. 

Airborne Phased Array Radar [APAR].—Within funding for 

NOAA’s U.S. Weather Research Program, no less than $2,600,000 

is provided to research and develop aircraft-based hazardous 

weather observing systems, such as APAR. NOAA shall coordinate 

these research and development activities with the National 

Science Foundation. 

Infrasonic Weather Monitoring Research.—Within funding provided for the U.S. Weather Research Program, the Committee provides up to $2,000,000 to support external research opportunities 

with academic institutions in infrasonic monitoring methods of violent weather. The Committee believes that advanced infrasound 

signal processing methodologies and studies, deployed through a 

network of infrasound arrays to detect tornadoes and hurricanes, 

have the potential to improve forecast accuracy. 

National Sea Grant College Program.—The Committee flatly rejects the administration’s proposed elimination of NOAA’s Sea 
41 

Grant program. Instead, the Committee provides an increase of 

$2,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted amount for Sea 

Grant and its research, education, extension, and outreach activities, which are critical for coastal communities and benefit the entire nation. This level of funding supports the key focus areas in 

the program’s strategic plan: sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, 

resilient communities and economies, healthy coastal ecosystems, 

environmental literacy, and workforce development. In addition, 

the Committee directs NOAA to continue funding all Sea Grant 

STEM education and fellowship programs. Further, NOAA is directed to continue its partnership with academic programs that 

provide legal expertise related to Sea Grant’s mission. 

Not later than 90 days after enactment of this act, NOAA will 

provide a report to the Committee detailing how the Sea Grant program aligns with the agency’s core missions, the number of jobs 

created by the Sea Grant program across participating states since 

its inception, and the role Sea Grant will play in the administration’s stated efforts to boost domestic production of seafood to lower 

the United States’ abysmal seafood trade deficit. 

Additionally, the Committee understands that the Sea Grant pro- gram provides no less than $1,000,000 in annual base funding, or 

$4,000,000 over the course of the 4-year grant cycle, to each Sea 

Grant program with Institutional or College Program status. 

NOAA is directed to continue this funding model for Sea Grant programs receiving Institutional or College Program status in fiscal 

year 2018. 

Sea Grant Fellowship Program.—NOAA’s Sea Grant is reminded 

that the Committee’s broad support is due to the program’s historically objective standards, State-driven goals, and non-partisan priorities. Within NOAA’s Sea Grant program, the National Sea 

Grant Fellowship program serves as a valuable pipeline for our Nation’s future ocean science and policy experts. The Fellowship program should remain objective and apolitical, and should increase 

its efforts to recruit qualified, non-partisan candidates who are 

committed to working on oceans and coastal issues for any Member 

of Congress, regardless of political affiliation. 

Fisheries-Related Research.—The Committee remains concerned 

about the negative impacts of the short recreational fishing season 

for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. While the relief provided by 

the administration for the 2017 fishing season is welcomed, the 

Committee notes it is only a short-term solution with the potential 

to further restrict fishing access in the future. Additional data 

sources and assessment approaches are needed and should be pursued by entities other than NOAA’s regulating line office, NMFS. 

Therefore, the Committee continues to provide up to the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level within Sea Grant to research and develop alternative approaches to data collection and analyses. 

American Lobster Research.—In 2015, lobster represented the 

species of highest landed value in the nation, with over 95 percent 

of landings coming from the Gulf of Maine American lobster fishery. If current water temperature trends continue, the Gulf of 

Maine/Georges Bank stock could face recruitment failure similar to 

the Southern New England lobster stock. Therefore, the Committee 

directs NOAA’s Sea Grant to support Gulf of Maine and Georges 
42 

Bank American lobster research priorities, including studying the 

effects of environmental changes on migration, growth, and maturity of the American lobster. 

Aquaculture Research.—The Committee provides $11,500,000 for 

marine aquaculture research. NOAA is directed to support marine 

aquaculture research and development in partnership with universities. Similar research efforts have led to beneficial outcomes such 

as the development and commercialization of new technologies to 

meet the domestic demand for seafood, including finfish, shrimp, 

and oysters. As the administration strives to reduce our Nation’s 

significant trade deficit in aquaculture-raised seafood, NOAA shall 

report to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this act on 

the important contributions Aquaculture Research grants have 

made to domestic seafood production. 

Ocean Exploration.—The Committee directs NOAA to use a portion of the funding provided for Ocean Exploration to make competitive external awards to academic institutions that have 

partnered with OAR’s Ocean Exploration program in the past. This 

includes those institutions with ocean-going assets, such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles [AUV], to support new exploration missions, expeditions, and deep-sea research in the Gulf of Mexico. 

NOAA is also encouraged to work with the Department of Defense 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. Furthermore, the Committee encourages 

NOAA to leverage partnerships with universities to increase capacity for deepwater AUVs as a means to sustain utility of AUV assets. The Committee also encourages NOAA to work with the Department of Defense, especially the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, to leverage assets and facilities to support 

deepwater AUV program development. 

Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Research Joint Technology 

Transfer Initiative [O–JTTI].—The Committee provides $3,000,000 

for OAR to identify, prioritize, and fund the transition of the most 

promising research into operations, applications, and commercialization. However, no funding under this heading shall be used 

to support ‘‘research-to-operations’’ [R2O] projects that are not directly related to NOAA’s core mission areas as funded within 

Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Research. In addition to funds 

provided for O–JTTI, OAR shall continue to leverage other NOAA 

funding to accelerate R2O. 

NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

The Committee’s recommendation provides $987,491,000 for the 

National Weather Service [NWS]. NWS programs provide timely 

and accurate meteorologic, hydrologic, and oceanographic warnings 

and forecasts to ensure the safety of the population, mitigate property losses, 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: 
43 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Committee 

recommendation 

Observations ..................................................................................................................................................... 224,363 

Central Processing ........................................................................................................................................... 92,790 

Analyze, Forecast, and Support ....................................................................................................................... 487,325 

Dissemination ................................................................................................................................................... 46,013 

Science and Technology Integration ................................................................................................................ 137,000 

GRAND TOTAL NWS ............................................................................................................................. 987,491 

Information Technology Officers [ITOs].—The Committee does 

not approve the NWS proposal to consolidate ITOs in fiscal year 

2018. NWS was invited to submit a proposal in its 2018 spending 

plan for a single pilot Regional Enterprise Application Development 

and Integration [READI] team comprised of volunteer ITOs. However, the Committee has not yet received such a proposal. Should 

NWS decide to submit a plan for a single pilot READI team project, 

its subsequent successes and challenges will assist the Committee 

in evaluating the larger consolidation proposal if resubmitted in future fiscal years. 

NWS Staffing.—The Committee is very concerned with the continued number of NWS employee vacancies. Given the importance 

of the NWS mission to protect the lives and property of our Nation’s citizens, extended vacancies are unacceptable—particularly 

when the Committee has provided more than adequate resources 

and direction to fill vacancies expeditiously for the past several fiscal years. Because NWS has failed to respond satisfactorily to the 

Committee’s concerns regarding these vacancies, NOAA is directed 

to present a separate accounting of all NWS filled and open positions, including the length of time the positions have been unfilled, 

in its fiscal year 2018 spend plan. The spend plan shall also include the specific funding proposed for all NWS employees and associated expenses that are separate from other program costs. 

The Committee also recognizes that some vacant NWS positions 

may be redundant and invites the Department to submit a justification for eliminating redundant unfunded vacancies in its fiscal 

year 2019 budget request, to include a full list of positions proposed 

for elimination, including reasoning for each elimination. Until 

such time as a plan to eliminate those vacancies is approved, NWS 

is directed to continue efforts to fill all vacancies as expeditiously 

as possible. 

Operations and Workforce Analysis [OWA].—The Committee approves the requested decrease resulting from reduced testing, evaluation, and implementation of the OWA initiated in fiscal year 

2014. Results from the OWA should be used to address the Committee’s concerns for staffing and provide guidance for the Department’s request for NWS staffing in fiscal year 2019. 

Report on NWS Staffing in Alaska.—Within 60 days of enactment of this act, the Committee directs NWS to provide a report 

on staffing cuts in the State of Alaska and how NWS plans to 

maintain or improve forecasting and communication around the 

State, especially in the most remote areas. 
44 

National Mesonet Program.—The Committee provides $19,000,000 for the continuation and expansion of the National 

Mesonet Program. Funds should be made available through a competitive weather data procurement that sustains coverage of areas 

currently included within the national mesonet, as well as an expansion of coverage in high risk areas. NOAA is also encouraged 

to add new observations such as total lightning data, regional aircraft observations, and vertical column measurements in tornadoprone areas. Additionally, within funds provided, NOAA is encouraged to incorporate state mesonet data into the national mesonet 

network. NOAA should require that awardees provide mesonet 

data in formats that can be integrated by NWS for use in forecasts 

and severe weather alerts. Of the funds provided, up to $500,000 

may be used for Meteorological Assimilation Data Ingest System 

activities, and up to $500,000 may be used for costs associated with 

the National Mesonet Program Office. The Committee views the 

national mesonet as an important component of any effort to effectively develop a ‘‘Weather-Ready Nation’’ and expects that future 

NOAA budget requests will continue to reflect it as a priority. 

National Centers for Environmental Prediction [NCEP].—The 

Committee does not adopt the NWS proposal to consolidate centers 

under NCEP in fiscal year 2018. 

Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Services Expansion [AHPS].— The Committee rejects NWS’s proposal to slow the expansion of 

AHPS, which will enable greater information on the magnitude and 

likelihood of floods and droughts across certain areas of the nation. 

No less than the fiscal year 2017 amount is provided for AHPS activities. 

National Data Buoy Center [NDBC].—The Committee provides 

sufficient funding to maintain, at a minimum, NDBC operations at 

80 percent data availability. The Committee directs NOAA to provide adequate funding to support maintenance and service of the 

Tropical Atmosphere/Ocean Array [TAO] and Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis [DART] array across the equatorial Pacific. The Committee further directs NOAA to include a 

schedule to restore existing data buoy operability and its strategy 

to minimize outages in the future as part of the agency’s spending 

plan. 

Tsunami Warning Program.—The Committee rejects NWS’s proposed cut to the Tsunami Warning Program. Funding is provided 

at no less than the fiscal year 2017 amounts, including for the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation program grants, to ensure highquality tsunami watches, warnings, and advisories are issued to 

safeguard lives and property. 

Integrated Water Prediction [IWP] and the National Water 

Model.—The Committee does not approve the requested decrease to 

the IWP program, which is funded across multiple NWS budget 

lines. Instead, the Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 

2017 amount for IWP. Similarly, the Committee rejects slowing the 

development of the National Water Model and provides no less 

than the fiscal year 2017 level for its continued and expedited development. 

National Water Center.—The Committee provides no less than 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level for operations and staffing of the 
45 

National Water Center [NWC] to develop and operate IWP. NWS 

shall leverage this funding with resources provided to NOS for IWP 

and resources provided to OAR for remote sensing of snowpack and 

soil moisture measurements. 

The Committee is pleased with research-to-operations efforts at 

the NWC between NWS and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. This relationship highlights how separate entities 

and agencies can work together to transfer research into operational solutions that benefit the nation. The NWC serves as the 

first ever clearinghouse for research and operational forecasting of 

all water-related issues facing our Nation, including: severe floods, 

storm surge, droughts, and water quality, among others. Given the 

importance of NWC to better protect lives and property of our Nation’s citizens, NOAA is directed to expedite staffing and operations 

at NWC to achieve full operating capability as soon as possible. 

The Committee directs NOAA to provide a report no less than 45 

days after enactment of this act with an updated staffing plan that 

includes an update on commitments from partner agencies and a 

timeline for achieving baseline operating capability in the first 

quarter of fiscal year 2018. 

Consumer Option for an Alternative System To Allocate Losses 

[COASTAL] Act Implementation.—Within funding provided for 

Science and Technology Integration, the Committee provides not 

less than $5,000,000 for the continued development and implementation of the COASTAL Act, which was included in the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2012 (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. Furthermore, NOAA 

is directed to provide the Committee with updates every 6 months 

on progress made and challenges related to implementation, as 

well as any proposed solutions. 

Science and Technology Integration.—The Committee provides no 

less than the fiscal year 2017 level for Mid-Range Weather Outlooks, including seasonal to subseasonal forecasting, and Investments in Numerical Weather Prediction Modeling, which provides 

critical support to Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project, among 

other important forecasting activities. Furthermore, the Committee 

urges NOAA to expedite the project plan described by the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Act (Public Law 115–25). The Committee encourages NWS to reduce errors in tracking and intensity 

forecasts of hurricanes by identifying technology and methods 

available to significantly improve hurricane forecasting. 

NWS Radar and Satellite Spectrum Studies.—As NOAA begins 

its study to evaluate sharing the 1675–1680 MHz GOES band, the 

Committee directs the agency to consult with private industry 

about the potential application of spectrum sharing technology for 

shared commercial use. Furthermore, NOAA is encouraged to study 

opportunities for early entry and flexible access to the 1300–1350 

MHz spectrum band through use of private sector spectrum sharing technologies that protect Federal incumbents while making 

spectrum available for commercial use. The Committee believes 
46 

such a study may provide additional options for the Spectrum Efficient National Surveillance Radar [SENSR] program to both enable 

commercial use of the 1300–1350 MHz spectrum band and reduce 

technology risk in the multistakeholder SENSR program. 

NOAA NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND

INFORMATION SERVICE

The Committee’s recommendation provides $234,330,000 for National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service 

[NESDIS] operations. NESDIS programs operate environmental 

polar-orbiting and geostationary 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 ............................................................................................ 143,214 

Product Development, Readiness & Application .................................................................................... 29,426 

Commercial Remote Sensing Licensing & Enforcement ........................................................................ 1,200 

Office of Space Commercialization ......................................................................................................... 800 

Group on Earth Observations [GEO] ....................................................................................................... 500 

Total, Environmental Satellite Observing Systems ............................................................................ 175,140 

National Centers for Environmental Information ............................................................................................. 59,190 

GRAND TOTAL NESDIS ......................................................................................................................... 234,330 

National Centers for Environmental Information [NCEI].—The 

Committee recommends $59,190,000 for NCEI, which consolidated 

several programs previously funded separately. While the Committee supports the current budget structure for NESDIS, it is essential to ensure that key programs continue to receive adequate 

funding. Specifically, the Committee provides not less than the fiscal year 2017 enacted levels of $6,000,000 for Regional Climate 

Services, $3,650,000 for Regional Climate Centers, and an increase 

of $933,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level for Coastal 

Data Development. Within NCEI, the Committee encourages 

NOAA to fully support critical international partnerships, including 

the Global Climate Observing System. 

NOAA MISSION SUPPORT

The Committee’s recommendation provides $265,032,000 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. These programs 

also support NOAA’s Education Office consistent with the recommendations of the Joint Ocean Commission. The facilities sub-
47 

activity provides for repair and maintenance to existing facilities, 

planning and design, and environmental compliance. 

Committee recommendations are displayed in the following table: 

PROGRAM SUPPORT OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Committee 

recommendation 

Corporate Services: 

Executive Leadership ............................................................................................................................... 27,000 

Mission Services and Management ........................................................................................................ 147,982 

IT Security ............................................................................................................................................... 10,050 

Payment to DOC Working Capital Fund .................................................................................................. 53,000 

Total, Corporate Services .................................................................................................................... 238,032 

NOAA Education Program ................................................................................................................................. 27,000 

GRAND TOTAL, MISSION SUPPORT ...................................................................................................... 265,032 

Corporate Services.—Within the increased funding provided for 

Corporate Services, NOAA is directed to focus on improving workforce management, particularly expediting the hiring process to fill 

extended vacancies with highly qualified candidates across the 

agency’s line offices. NOAA shall also focus on improving its management of acquisition and grant services. 

Facilities.—NOAA’s requested cut for facilities under Mission 

Services and Management is not approved at this time. While the 

Committee generally supports NOAA’s proposal to have individual 

line offices account for their respective facilities costs, such proposal should come with a transparent accounting for the necessary 

increases to line office budgets. NOAA failed to clearly account for 

the facility cost increases that would result from this proposal in 

its budget request. Therefore, the Committee provides no less than 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level for facilities repair and maintenance under Mission Services and Management. 

Education.—The Committee rejects the proposal to eliminate 

NOAA’s Office of Education. Within the funds provided for NOAA’s 

Education Program, $5,000,000 is for competitive educational 

grants, which includes continued support for Environmental Literacy Grants and for improving geographic literacy; $14,500,000 is 

for the Educational Partnership Program with minority-serving institutions; and $7,500,000 is for Bay-Watershed Education and 

Training regional programs. 

Outstanding Loan Balances.—The Committee encourages NOAA 

and its respective line offices to work with communities and businesses, on a case-by-case basis, to resolve outstanding balances in 

a manner that considers the borrower’s current financial ability but 

remains fair to American taxpayers. 

NOAA OFFICE OF MARINE AND AVIATION OPERATIONS

The Committee’s recommendation provides $213,070,000 for 

NOAA’s marine and aviation operations. The Office of Marine and 

Aviation Operations provides aircraft and marine data acquisition, 

repair, and maintenance of the existing fleet; planning of future 
48 

modernization; and technical and management support for NOAAwide 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 ............................................................................................................... 178,838 

Aviation Operations .......................................................................................................................................... 34,232 

GRAND TOTAL, OMAO .......................................................................................................................... 213,070 

Capital Assets.—Any decisions related to laying up any vessels, 

grounding any aircraft, or decommissioning any capital asset are 

subject to the standard reprogramming procedures set forth in section 505 of this act. Any changes from the spending plan shall also 

be subject to section 505 of this act. NOAA shall continue to provide the Committee with a monthly operational status of the fleet 

and aircraft. 

Aviation Operations.—The Committee provides the full amount 

requested for NOAA’s Aircraft Operations Center [AOC]. The Committee maintains its direction for NOAA to provide a comprehensive plan to find a permanent, cost-effective home in the Gulf Coast 

region, potentially co-located with a Federal partner that can meet 

NOAA’s operational needs. 

Unmanned Surface Vehicles [USVs].—The Committee is concerned about NOAA’s ability to meet the demand for at-sea research days with its current combination of an aging fleet and 

charter vessels, as well as responding to emerging mission requirements. The Committee recognizes that USVs are not a replacement 

for manned research ships, but are a synergistic complement to 

manned ships’ capabilities, and encourages NOAA to examine competitive acquisition of unmanned surface vehicle data as a cost-effective augmentation for relevant research missions and fisheries 

data collection. Not later than 1 year after enactment of this act, 

NOAA shall report to the Committee on USV technology and the 

best application to NOAA mission requirements and operational 

considerations, including an assessment of how USVs could lower 

operational costs across NOAA line offices. 

Feasibility of Monitoring Atmospheric Rivers.—Not later than 

120 days after enactment of this act, NOAA shall submit a report 

to the Committee regarding the feasibility and potential benefit of 

using airborne assets to conduct regular storm monitoring off the 

West Coast of the United States, particularly with regard to Atmospheric Rivers. 

NOAA PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION, AND CONSTRUCTION

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $2,242,610,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,807,801,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 2,111,534,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $2,111,534,000 for 

NOAA’s procurement, acquisition, and construction. The rec-
49 

ommendation is $131,076,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $303,733,000 above 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 ............................................................................... 1,900 

Marine Sanctuaries Construction/Acquisition ......................................................................................... 2,000 

Total National Ocean Service—PAC .................................................................................................. 3,900 

Ocean and Atmospheric Research: 

Research Super Computing .................................................................................................................... 41,000 

National Weather Service: 

Observations ............................................................................................................................................ 32,755 

Central Processing .................................................................................................................................. 66,761 

Dissemination .......................................................................................................................................... 34,619 

WFO Construction .................................................................................................................................... 7,650 

Total, National Weather Service—PAC .............................................................................................. 141,785 

National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Services: 

Geostationary Systems [GOES–R] ........................................................................................................... 518,532 

Joint Polar Satellite System [JPSS] ......................................................................................................... 775,777 

Polar Follow-on ........................................................................................................................................ 419,000 

Cooperative Data and Rescue Services [CDARS] ................................................................................... 5,000 

Space Weather Follow-on ........................................................................................................................ 5,000 

COSMIC–2 ............................................................................................................................................... 6,100 

Satellite Ground Services ........................................................................................................................ 53,000 

System Architecture and Advanced Planning ......................................................................................... 4,929 

Projects, Planning, and Analysis ............................................................................................................ 37,185 

Satellite CDA Facility .............................................................................................................................. 2,450 

Commercial Weather Data Pilot .............................................................................................................. 2,000 

Total, NESDIS—PAC ........................................................................................................................... 1,828,973 

Mission Support: 

NOAA Construction .................................................................................................................................. 13,498 

Total, Mission Support—PAC ............................................................................................................. 13,498 

Office of Marine and Aviation Operations: 

Fleet Capital Improvements & Tech Infusion ......................................................................................... 12,878 

New Vessel Construction ......................................................................................................................... 75,000 

Aircraft Recapitalization ......................................................................................................................... 12,000 

Total, OMAO—PAC ............................................................................................................................. 99,878 

Unobligated balances from prior years ........................................................................................................... ¥17,500 

GRAND TOTAL, PAC ............................................................................................................................. 2,129,034 

National Estuarine Research Reserve [NERR] Construction.—The 

Committee provides an increase of $200,000 above the fiscal year 

2017 enacted amount for NERR Construction to support the expansion of the NERR system. Furthermore, the Committee remains 

concerned about the increased costs and lack of transparency associated with certain third-party green building rating systems. The 

use of certain green building standards can arbitrarily discriminate 
50 

against domestic building materials such as wood that could be locally sourced, thereby increasing costs to taxpayers without significant benefits in energy and water savings. The Committee again 

directs NOAA to use funding provided for NERR Construction subject only to green building rating systems or standards that are voluntary consensus standards; have achieved American National 

Standard Institute [ANSI] Designation; or were developed by an 

ANSI Audited Designator, and take into consideration the environmental and economic benefits of building materials through 

lifecycle analysis. Not later than 90 days after enactment of this 

act, NOAA shall notify the Committee of any new, existing, or 

planned construction projects at NERRS sites that receive accreditation for energy savings from a third-party green building rating 

system. 

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. Within 

funding provided for OAR Research Supercomputing, $15,000,000 

shall be used to continue to develop a dedicated high performance 

computing facility in collaboration with partners that have existing 

high performance computing expertise and scientific synergies. 

NWS Observations.—The Committee provides no less than the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level for Observations under NWS PAC, 

which includes the full funding for the Automated Surface Observing System and Next Generation Weather Radar Service Life Extension Programs. 

Integrated Water Prediction [IWP].—The Committee provides no 

less than the fiscal year 2017 enacted level for Central Processing 

under NWS PAC, which includes not less than $4,500,000 to procure operational high performance computing resources to enable 

modeling improvements associated with the IWP initiative. 

Weather Satellites.—The Committee provides full funding for the 

continued procurement and acquisition of the Joint Polar Satellite 

System [JPSS] and the Geostationary Operational Environmental 

Satellite R-series [GOES–R], NOAA’s flagship weather satellite 

programs. NOAA is directed to prioritize satellite programs directly 

related to weather forecasting and that result in the greatest reduction of risk to lives and property. Keeping JPSS and GOES–R 

programs on budget and on schedule is critical, as is maintaining 

their respective cost controls, particularly when NOAA’s satellite 

missions continue to dominate the agency’s annual budget requirements. The Committee reiterates its previous direction to NOAA to 

find savings from operating expenses and to reduce duplicative 

Government overhead shared with the National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration [NASA]. 

Polar Follow-On [PFO].—The Committee strongly rejects the administration’s proposed cut to PFO, which would be more than a 

45 percent reduction from the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. Funding for PFO is critical for maintaining polar orbiting satellite data, 

which is already at risk for a potential gap due to program mismanagement and funding shortfalls in PFO’s predecessor programs. These satellites provide 85 percent of data required for the 

National Weather Service’s Numerical Weather Prediction models. 

These data are required for accurate forecasts 3–7 days in advance 
51 

of a severe weather event, including hurricanes and superstorms. 

Accurate forecasts allow emergency managers and communities to 

make timely decisions to protect lives and property. In light of the 

critical role that these satellites play in protecting American lives 

and property, the Committee finds it perplexing that the Department of Commerce and NOAA would propose to cut this program. 

This cut, and the proposed but unspecified postponement of the 

JPSS–3 and JPSS–4 satellites, would introduce a weather forecasting risk that this Committee is unwilling to accept. Therefore, 

the Committee provides $419,000,000 for PFO, which represents 

the full amount required in fiscal year 2018 to keep the program 

on its original schedule as determined in the Department’s December 2016 PFO Milestone Decision Memorandum. 

Space Weather Follow-On.—The Committee provides $5,000,000 

for space weather follow-on activities. The Federal Government 

needs an operationalized space weather architecture that allows 

sufficient warning times to protect our communications and electrical infrastructure from severe space weather events. In 

architecting the follow-on missions, NOAA should consider using 

lower cost satellites, following NASA’s Explorer class model. The 

Committee expects a detailed account of how this funding will be 

spent and accompanying deliverables to be submitted to the Committee with the fiscal year 2018 spend plan and for NOAA to coordinate with NASA on the nation’s space weather research needs, 

as discussed under the NASA Heliophysics section of this report. 

Satellite CDA Facility.—The Committee provides NESDIS’s full 

requested increase to accelerate electrical infrastructure renewal at 

the Fairbanks Command and Data Acquisition Station [FCDA]. 

Electrical infrastructure failures have plagued the site since early 

2015, interrupting and damaging satellite ground systems. NOAA 

is directed to address these failures at FCDA as soon as possible 

to ensure its important mission can be conducted without impediments caused by electrical power outages. 

Metop-C.—The Committee provides NESDIS’s full request for 

Projects, Planning, and Analysis to support pre-launch testing and 

Ground Support Equipment of U.S. instruments on Metop-C, which 

is scheduled for launch in October 2018. These instruments will 

provide complementary data to the JPSS morning orbit in polar 

satellite data and are critical for maintaining Numerical Weather 

Prediction model accuracy for 3–7 day forecasts. 

Commercial Weather Data Pilot.—The Committee provides 

$2,000,000 to support the assessment and potential use of commercial data in NOAA’s weather modeling and forecasting through 

pilot purchases of commercial data. 

NOAA Satellite Reporting.—The Committee directs NOAA to provide quarterly programmatic and procurement status reports of all 

satellites actively orbiting, in space but in standby mode, and 

under development unless any reprogramming, system failure, construction delay, or other extraordinary circumstance warrants an 

immediate update. As part of the agency’s quarterly satellite briefing, NOAA shall include updates on preparations and enhancements necessary to accommodate an increased volume of satellite 

data and shall compare initial cost estimates to actual expenditures. 
52 

NOAA Fleet Recapitalization.—In November 2016, the Committee approved NOAA’s updated Fleet Recapitalization Plan, 

which established a foundation for new vessel construction over the 

next 10 years. The Committee is pleased that NOAA’s fiscal year 

2018 budget request includes $75,000,000 for new vessel construction, which follows the Committee’s direction and tempo for revitalizing the agency’s aging fleet. The Committee commends NOAA’s 

plan to leverage work done by the U.S. Navy to reduce design risk, 

ship acquisition cost, and vessel delivery time. The Committee further urges NOAA to continue efforts to find additional ship acquisition efficiencies. Furthermore, in recognition of the economic and 

national security importance of the domestic shipbuilding industrial base, the Committee urges NOAA to make every effort to acquire, consistent with its schedule and cost competition requirements, only U.S. manufactured components of the following type: 

auxiliary equipment (including pumps) for shipboard services; propulsion equipment (including engines, reduction gears, and propellers); shipboard cranes; and spreaders for shipboard cranes. NOAA 

is directed to continue providing the Committee quarterly updates 

on progress and plans to recapitalize the fleet. 

NOAA Aircraft Recapitalization.—NOAA operates nine aircraft, 

including hurricane hunter observation platforms and several unmanned aerial vehicles that are critical for forecasting severe 

weather, conducting emergency response, and supporting research 

missions. Some of these platforms are rapidly approaching their 

operational life expectancy, including the aging jet prop aircraft 

that conducts valuable soil moisture, water resources, and gravitybased vertical datum survey missions. The Committee provides 

$12,000,000 to replace this asset with a comparable aircraft that 

provides better uniformity within NOAA’s current inventory. Within 120 days of enactment of this act, NOAA shall submit an updated NOAA Aircraft Recapitalization Business Case and Timeline 

to the Committee that encompasses the agency’s entire aerial assets and associated mission requirements and shall include any 

changes in risk related to unscheduled repairs to the Gulfstream 

IV during the 2016 hurricane season. As part of the report, NOAA 

is directed to consider options for augmenting its airborne capabilities to conduct primary mission work or to provide secondary 

backup capacity. In addition to procuring new aircraft, NOAA 

should evaluate leasing or contracting assets, consistent with the 

requirements of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation 

Act of 2017 (Public Law 115–25). 

NOAA Marine Operation Facilities.—The Committee provides 

$2,000,000 under Mission Support PAC to continue the necessary 

environmental assessments, permitting activities, and design work 

for new berthing facilities at Newport, Rhode Island, which will 

permanently accommodate the NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow and 

other vessels in future fiscal years. Within 120 days of enactment 

of this act, NOAA shall submit a comprehensive plan to the Committee outlining the cost, scope, and timeline for constructing and 

outfitting this facility, which is co-located on United States Navy 

property. As part of this plan, NOAA shall outline its partnership 

with the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard 
53 

on the associated shared responsibilities for constructing and using 

this facility. 

Mission Support, Facilities Initiative.—Within funding provided 

under Mission Support PAC for NOAA Construction, $10,500,000 is 

for wet lab and syphon system repairs and construction at NOAA’s 

Mukilteo fisheries laboratory, in accordance with funding requested 

and provided for these activities in fiscal year 2017. 

Fishing Community Presence.—NOAA shall consider all viable 

ports when undertaking capital planning reviews, including those 

that do not currently have a significant NOAA presence. 

PACIFIC COASTAL SALMON RECOVERY FUND

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $65,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... ........................... 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 65,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $65,000,000 for the 

Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund. The recommendation is 

equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $65,000,000 above 

the budget estimate. Funds are 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. 

FISHERMEN’S CONTINGENCY FUND

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $350,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 349,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 349,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $349,000 for the 

Fishermen’s Contingency Fund. The recommendation is $1,000 

below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the President’s request. 

FISHERIES FINANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. ¥$410,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... ¥3,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. ¥3,000,000 

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 $100,000,000, 

which is the same as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and budget 

request. 

OTHER 

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $58,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 63,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 58,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $58,000,000 for Departmental Management Salaries and Expenses. The recommenda-
54 

tion is equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $5,000,000 

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. 

Not less than 90 days after enactment of this act, the Department shall submit to the Committee a report detailing actions 

taken to cut costs and a detailed account of funds saved by such 

actions across the Department’s bureaus. 

Working Capital Funds.—For each of the three working capital 

funds within DOC, the following are to be provided to the Committee and the Office of Inspector General by November 30 of each 

fiscal 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; (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, nonFederal reimbursable authority, amounts held for future asset replacement, and other categories. 

Concrete Masonry Products.—The Committee recognizes that 

concrete block is a durable product used in the construction of public infrastructure, commercial facilities, and homes. The Committee 

recognizes the need for legislation to enable concrete masonry manufacturers to establish, finance, and carry out a coordinated program of research, education, and promotion of markets for concrete 

masonry products and that would give the Department legal authority for the program’s operation and to maintain oversight. 

Small Business Innovation Research.—The Committee recognizes 

the importance of the Small Business Innovation Research [SBIR] 

program and its previous accomplishments in facilitating commercial successes from federally funded research and development 

projects. The SBIR program encourages small domestic businesses 

to engage in Federal research and development and creates jobs in 

the smallest firms. The Committee therefore directs the DOC to 

place an increased focus on awarding SBIR grants to firms with 

fewer than 50 people. 

Unobligated Balances.—The Committee remains concerned about 

the amount of unobligated funding within DOC. As directed in section 507 of this act, the Department is directed to continue reporting all unobligated balances to the Committee on a quarterly basis. 

Spending Plans.—Under section 533 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 programs, projects, 

and activities 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 a detailed accounting of each bureau’s 

spending, including reimbursable, fee-funded, or working capital 
55 

fund spending, particularly with regard to specific programs, 

projects, and activities described in the bill and accompanying report. The Department shall continue to work with the Committee 

to ensure that its spending plans provide adequate information for 

continued oversight of the Department. 

RENOVATION AND MODERNIZATION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $4,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,000,000 

The Committee recommendation provides $1,000,000, which is $3,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to 

the budget request, for building renovation at the Department. 

Furthermore, unobligated balances of discretionary funds appropriated for DOC may be transferred to and merged with this account subject to certain limitations and the procedures set forth in 

section 505 of this act. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $32,744,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 32,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 32,744,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $32,744,000 for the 

Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The recommendation is equal to 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $744,000 above the budget 

request. 

In addition to funds provided under this heading, the Committee has recommended transfers to the OIG: $2,000,000 from the U.S. 

Patent and Trademark Office; $1,302,000 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and $2,580,000 from the 

Census Bureau for oversight and audits of those activities. The 

Committee directs the OIG to continue strict oversight activities for 

satellite procurements, cybersecurity, and the decennial census. 

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 Inspector General shall pay particular attention to 

the increasing amounts of funding needed to support the Department’s Office of General Counsel, 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 OIG. 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 
56 

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

Section 101 makes Commerce 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 of Commerce 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 for 

the NOAA satellite programs. 

Section 105 provides authority for the Secretary of Commerce to 

furnish certain services within the Herbert C. Hoover Building. 

Section 106 clarifies that grant recipients under the Department 

of Commerce 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 minimus 

copying and mailing fee. 

Section 109 allows the Secretary of Commerce to waive the bond 

requirement for research vessel repair and construction contracts 

that would align Commerce’s authorities with those of other Federal agencies and address difficulties NOAA has experienced in obtaining competitive bids for ship repairs. 

Prior to exercising waiver authority under section 109 of this act, 

the Secretary of Commerce shall promulgate regulations specifying 

criteria under which waiver authority may be used, including the 

types of contracts eligible for consideration, surety alternatives, 

and acceptable risk profiles in order to protect the taxpayer and ensure that NOAA maximizes cost-savings. The Department is directed to notify the Committee not less than 15 days prior to any 

waiver issued under this section. In addition, the Department 

shall, not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this 

act, prepare a report including the actual costs of repairing, rehabilitating, and replacing vessels in fiscal years 2014, 2015, 2016, 
57 

2017, 2018, and annually thereafter, including an indication of 

those vessels for which NOAA waived the Miller Act. 

Section 110 allows NOAA to be reimbursed by Federal and nonFederal 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 111 provides authority for the programs of the Bureau of 

Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census to enter into cooperative 

agreements in order to assist in improving statistical methodology 

and research. 
(58) 

TITLE II 

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

The Committee recommends a total of $29,068,210,000 for the 

Department of Justice [DOJ]. The recommendation is $120,713,000 

above the fiscal year 2017 funding level and $739,705,000 above 

the budget request. The Committee’s recommendation emphasizes 

key priorities regarding funding for the Department’s critical ongoing missions and activities to protect the safety, security, and 

rights of our citizens. 

Countering the Heroin and Opioid Epidemic.—The Committee 

continues its commitment to helping States and local communities 

in the fight against heroin and the illegal use of opioids through 

comprehensive programs covering law enforcement, prevention, 

and treatment. A total of $174,000,000 is provided for these purposes, including $158,000,000 in DOJ grant funding, to help our 

State and local partners tackle this epidemic. In addition, the Drug 

Enforcement Administration [DEA] is provided $2,535,351,000, of 

which $12,500,000 is provided to continue the four heroin enforcement teams funded in fiscal year 2017 for interdiction and intervention efforts including the support of DEA’s 360 Strategy. The 

Committee supports the Bureau of Prisons’ drug treatment programs, including the Residential Drug Assistance Program, at no 

less than the fiscal year 2017 level of $116,000,000. Rather than 

take critical programming resources from the DEA’s Diversion Control Fee Account, the Executive Office of the United States Attorneys [EOUSA] is directed to dedicate Assistant U.S. Attorneys to 

focus on criminal and civil diversion cases. 

Trafficking in Persons.—The fight against human and sex trafficking, including the apprehension of perpetrators who use classified ads on Web sites to facilitate the sexual exploitation of children, crosses many jurisdictions within the Department. The Department shall dedicate no less than the fiscal year 2017 level for 

the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit [HTPU] and the Committee encourages HTPU and the Anti-Trafficking Coordination 

Teams to continue working with victim service providers and nongovernmental organizations to ensure victim needs are prioritized 

as part of the overall strategy to combat human trafficking and 

forced labor in the United States. Furthermore, the Committee directs the HTPU to provide a report on human trafficking victims, 

as specified in Senate Report 114–239 and codified by Public Law 

115–31, to the Committee no later than 90 days following enactment of this act. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] is directed to provide 

no less than the fiscal year 2017 level to investigate severe forms 

of trafficking in persons. As the lead Federal law enforcement 

agency, the FBI’s ability to combat trafficking and forced labor re-
59 

quires resources devoted specifically to the growing problem of trafficking and forced labor. Funding shall be used for investigations 

into human trafficking and forced labor and providing victim witness coordinators when needed on an emergency basis through the 

Office of Victim Assistance via the Office of Victims of Crime. The 

Committee also directs that the FBI designate a lead agent in each 

field office as a point of contact for slavery and human trafficking 

investigations. 

In addition, the Committee directs the FBI to submit a report for 

Innocence Lost Operations encompassing the previous 5 years that 

details the: (1) number of traffickers arrested, (2) the number of 

adults arrested on charges of prostitution, (3) the number of minor 

victims identified, (4) the number of minor victims criminally 

charged, and (5) the placement and social service support secured 

for each child in each State operation within 180 days of enactment 

of this act. 

The EOUSA and the FBI shall continue to follow direction as 

outlined by the Committee in Senate Report 114–66 regarding designated points of contact and improved processes for T-visas for 

EOUSA and support for victims of trafficking through Continued 

Presence for the FBI. 

The Committee is disturbed by recent reporting on the use of 

labor that may have been subject to human trafficking to harvest 

fish in international waters. Due to the complex legal and jurisdictional issues involved, the Committee directs the DOJ to lead a 

multi-agency task force to address this issue. The task force should 

convene experts from Federal agencies that handle law enforcement, labor law and international issues to develop a coordinated 

response regarding the proper application of U.S. law and resolution of any jurisdictional issues. The Department is directed to report back to the Committee on the establishment and progress of 

this multi-disciplinary task force not later than 90 days after the 

date of enactment of this act and issue a final report along with 

any related funding, policy recommendations and legal decisions 

within 1 year of enactment of this act. 

Intellectual Property Rights [IPR] Enforcement.—The Committee 

expects the Department to continue to make IPR enforcement an 

investigative and prosecutorial priority. Sophisticated, often 

transnational, criminal enterprises engage in a range of illegal activity, including identity theft, connected to the theft of copyrighted 

content. Given the strong links to other illegal activity, the Department’s IP-dedicated personnel should investigate U.S.-based sites 

and apps that are engaged in such criminal activity. The FBI shall 

submit a report to the Committee, not later than 90 days after enactment of this act, detailing the activities of its dedicated agents 

investigating IPR cases, particularly in the area of creative content 

theft. 

The Committee reminds United States Attorneys Offices [USAO] 

to remain focused on IPR crimes. Based on a new wave of digital 

copyright piracy involving devices and software that connect televisions directly to copyright-theft sites, the Committee directs the 

USAOs to place an emphasis on the investigation and prosecution 

of criminal enterprises distributing such illicit copyright-theft devices. 
60 

Cybersecurity.—The Department has several offices with 

cybersecurity responsibilities, including those within the FBI, the 

National Security Division, the Criminal Division, and USAO. At 

a minimum, the Committee directs the Department to maintain its 

cybersecurity posture at no less than the fiscal year 2017 level to 

defend and respond to current and emerging attacks that threaten 

its own infrastructure and activities. In other cases, such as with 

the USAO, DEA, and the FBI, the Committee has specific direction 

detailed later in this report to provide increased funding for cyberrelated investigations and to prosecute additional cybercrimes. 

Throughout this title, the Committee directs the Department to 

provide no less than the fiscal year 2017 level for cybersecurity-related activities. 

Strengthening Police-Community Relations.—The Committee continues to recognize and support the important need for lasting collaborative relationships between local police and the public and directs that no less than the fiscal year 2017 funding level be allocated towards these efforts. $92,500,000 is provided for State and 

Local and Community Oriented Policing Services [COPS] Office 

grant programs. Strong partnerships between the police and the 

communities they protect reduce crime, ensure that citizens’ civil 

rights are protected, and improve officer safety. 

The Committee supports the FBI’s June 10, 2016, guidance affirming the Criminal Justice Information Services [CJIS] Advisory 

Policy Board recommendation that all law enforcement agencies be 

National Incident-Based Reporting System [NIBRS] compliant by 

January 1, 2021. The FBI’s NIBRS captures detailed crime incident 

data, beyond what the Uniform Crime Reporting System currently 

tracks, such as arrests and officer-involved shootings, is not only 

critical in aiding State and local law enforcement agencies as they 

work to keep our communities safe, but also increases transparency 

and accountability of law enforcement to the public. To assist in 

this effort, the Committee again funds the National Crime Statistics Exchange [NCS–X] at $5,000,000 to help additional law enforcement agencies make the transition into NIBRS and allow the 

Bureau of Justice Statistics to produce nationally representative 

estimates of crimes known to the police that can be disaggregated 

by victim-offender characteristics, the circumstances of the crime, 

victim-offender relationship, and other important elements of criminal events. 

Federal Water Usage Violations.—The Committee is aware that 

the Department should receive notifications from the U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers [USACE] regarding violations of Federal water 

contracts involving multi-State river basins. The Committee directs 

the Department to provide a report within 60 days of enactment of 

this act that includes: an audit of all Federal water contract violations in multi-State water basins since 2005; an audit of any contract violation notifications DOJ has received from USACE regarding all multi-State river basins since 2005; a record of how DOJ 

has handled these violations and notifications; and a comprehensive plan for how DOJ intends to enforce the law and respond to 

these contract violations now and in the future. The Committee 

also directs the Department to enter into an agreement with 

USACE whereby the Department contemporaneously receives all 
61 

water contract violation notifications produced or issued by the 

USACE, in whatever form. Upon receipt of any contract violations, 

the Attorney General shall ensure that the information is provided 

to the appropriate United States Attorney’s offices of jurisdiction to 

determine if civil or criminal prosecution is warranted. 

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, through 

a partnership among the Civil Rights Division [CRT], the FBI, the 

Community Relations Service [CRS], State and local law enforcement officials, and other eligible entities. To continue supporting 

Emmett Till activities, the Committee urges the Department to: 

use such sums as may be necessary from within the base budget 

for the CRT’s Cold Case Initiative; for the FBI to pursue Emmett 

Till Act cold cases; and for the CRS to partner with law enforcement agencies and communities to help resolve conflicts resulting 

from the investigation of unsolved civil rights era cases. Additionally, the Committee directs the National Institute of Justice, the 

Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the Office for Victims of Crime 

to continue providing grants for cold case DNA investigations to aid 

State and local law enforcement agencies in their investigation and 

prosecution of unsolved civil rights cold cases. 

Working Capital Fund [WCF].—The Committee expects the Department to execute funding to the fullest extent possible without 

any carryover balances. The Committee directs DOJ to continue to 

use the WCF only as a repository for reimbursable funds from components and to obligate and execute that funding expeditiously. 

The DOJ shall provide a report to the Committee within 45 days 

of enactment of this act regarding balances in the WCF including 

carryover funds, the intended uses of those funds, and a spending 

plan. The spending plan shall include: the amount each component 

contributes to the WCF; a detailed accounting of collections into the 

WCF from appropriations, reimbursable funds, and alternative 

sources of funding including the Three Percent Fund; a list of settlements and collections from the Three Percent Fund in excess of 

$3,000,000 and a categorical accounting of obligations out of the 

WCF including a breakdown of services provided from the Department to each component. The Department is further directed to 

provide quarterly updates on the WCF to the Committee. 

Cell-Site Simulator [CSS] Technology.—Funds provided in this 

act shall be used only to deploy or facilitate the use of CSS technology for criminal investigations if such use complies fully with 

DOJ’s guidance issued on September 3, 2015. The Department 

shall ensure that this guidance is followed strictly by Federal, 

State, and local entities that receive funding under this act, to include compliance with requirements of the Fourth Amendment and 

the Pen Register Act. As directed in the guidance, CSS technology 

must be configured only as pen registers and may not be used to 

collect content of any communication or subscriber account information. In addition, the departmental guidance requires comprehensive and consistent training on the appropriate use of CSS 

technology; adopting rigorous practices for handling and retaining 
62 

data acquired through the use of this technology; and scrupulously 

auditing the use of such technology. The Committee directs the Department to submit a report, within 120 days of enactment of this 

act, on DOJ’s use of CSS technology and its compliance with the 

guidance. 

Crime Victim and Sexual Assault Survivor Rights Implementation.—The Committee strongly supports the Department’s continued efforts to promote the rights of crime victims, including new 

rights for sexual assault survivors enacted as part of the Survivors’ 

Bill of Rights Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–70). Sexual assault remains one of the most underreported crimes in our criminal justice 

system. Formal recognition of the rights of survivors remains a 

critical component of the larger effort to increase reporting of these 

crimes by creating an environment that allows survivors to feel 

comfortable coming forward. To that end, the Committee directs 

the Department to report within 90 days of enactment of this act 

on its efforts to update its prosecution, victim, and witness assistance guidelines, protocols, procedures, and other relevant regulations in order to be consistent with recent changes in the law associated with crime victims and sexual assault survivors rights, including those victim and survivor rights that apply regardless of 

whether the victim participates in a subsequent investigation or 

whether or not a report results in a formal charge or indictment. 

Travel Scams.—The Committee is aware of rising incidences of 

online hotel booking scams targeting U.S. citizens. The Committee 

encourages the Department to collaborate with the Federal Trade 

Commission to develop a strategy to reduce and prevent incidences 

of consumers being subjected to booking scams, with a particular 

focus on deceptive websites and call centers that pose as legitimate 

hotel or travel companies. 

Compliance with Recently Enacted Laws.—The Committee reminds the Department of the recent enactment of the Justice for 

All Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–324) and Title 

XIV of the 21st Century Cures Act (Public Law 114–255), titled 

‘‘Mental Health and Safe Communities,’’ and expects the Department to fully comply with these laws in administering the funding 

provided under this act. 

Spending Plan.—In compliance with section 533 of this act, the 

Committee directs the Department to submit a spending plan, 

signed by the Attorney General, within 45 days of enactment of 

this act. 

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $114,124,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 114,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 114,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $114,000,000 for General Administration salaries and expenses. The recommendation is 

$124,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the 

budget request. 

The General Administration account provides funding for senior 

policy officials responsible for departmental management and pol-
63 

icy development. The specific offices funded by this account include: 

the immediate Office of the Attorney General; the immediate Office 

of the Deputy Attorney General; 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]. 

Wildlife Trafficking.—The Committee notes the dramatic and 

disconcerting increase of criminal activity involving wildlife that includes the illegal trade in rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory, 

poaching of wild animals for their parts, illegal capture and transport of endangered animals, and illegally harvested 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. 

The Committee directs the Attorney General to continue to report on the specific steps the Department is taking to further address wildlife trafficking and the illegal natural resources trade, as 

specifically outlined in Senate Report 114–239 and codified in Public Law 115–31. The report should also include the investigative efforts of INTERPOL programs like Operation Worthy II and Operation Paws, as well as the issuance of Red Notices for criminals engaging in these activities, and efforts to carry out the new authorities and penalties under the Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt 

Wildlife Trafficking Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–231), which allows the Federal Government to seek stronger penalties under existing money laundering statutes in order to prosecute high-value 

criminal violations of wildlife trafficking laws. 

Office of Legislative Affairs.—While the Committee primarily 

communicates with the Department through JMD, it reserves the 

right to call upon any individual or organization within its jurisdiction for requests for information, including the Department’s Office 

of Legislative Affairs [OLA]. The Committee again reminds DOJ 

that it has both budgetary and oversight capabilities, and requests 

for additional information from the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, or 

Ranking Members or their staffs to OLA should be treated as a priority for the Department and responded to both courteously and expeditiously. 

Special Counsel.—The Committee directs the leadership of the 

Department to adhere faithfully to all of its established processes 

and regulations regarding the operations of any Special Counsel. 

DOJ’s Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety and 

Subcommittee on Forensics.—The Committee directs the Department to provide a report not later than 90 days after enactment of 

this act with the following: an explanation of the methods and programs by which the DOJ will be assisting the State, local, and tribal forensic science community in tackling the opioid crisis through 

the work of the Subcommittee on Forensics; a plan as to how the 

Office of Forensic Investigative Sciences, within the National Institute of Justice, will solicit the input of State, county, local and tribal forensic science service providers, agencies and practitioners re-
64 

garding grant programs; and how the DOJ plans to coordinate with 

NIST’s Organization of Scientific Area Committees. 

Native Children’s Commission.—The Committee supports the 

need to address issues affecting Native children and directs DOJ 

to continue to support the important work of the Commission on 

Native Children as specified in the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter 

Soboleff Commission on Native Children’s Act (Public Law 114– 

244). 

JUSTICE INFORMATION SHARING TECHNOLOGY

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $31,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 30,941,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 30,941,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $30,941,000 for Justice Information Sharing Technology [JIST]. The recommendation 

is $59,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the 

budget request. 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $440,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 1 500,397,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 500,397,000 

1The budget request for the Executive Office for Immigration Review is requested within a 

separate heading that includes other accounts. 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $500,397,000 for the Executive Office for Immigration Review, of which $4,000,000 is a 

transfer from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 

[USCIS] Immigration Examiners Fee Account. The recommendation is $60,397,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and is 

the same as the budget request. 

This account funds the Executive Office for Immigration Review 

[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. 

EOIR Backlog of Cases and Immigration Judge Hiring.—The 

Committee directs EOIR to promptly resume submitting monthly 

performance and operating reports, which have provided the Committee with clear statistics on the dire situation at EOIR with regard to the backlog of cases and the hiring of new Immigration 

Judge [IJ] Teams to process them. In fiscal year 2017, these mandatory reports have not been transmitted in a timely manner pursuant to the Committee’s direction. EOIR’s immigration court caseload continues to escalate as a result of heightened border enforcement efforts, and at the end of June 2017 the backlog of cases 

pending adjudication had reached a crisis level of 607,755. 

For fiscal year 2017, the Committee provided funding to hire 10 

new IJ Teams and equipped them with the necessary technology 

and support to do their jobs efficiently, and the requested increase 

in funding provided for fiscal year 2018 is for an additional 65 new 
65 

IJ teams. The Committee is concerned, however, about the Department’s ability to expeditiously fill these and many other vacant positions at EOIR. The Committee directs EOIR to ensure that all 

newly hired IJs are highly qualified and trained to conduct fair, impartial hearings consistent with due process and are drawn from 

a diverse pool of candidates that includes a balance of candidates 

with non-governmental, private bar experience in addition to government experience. 

In Senate Report 114–239, the Committee directed the Department to prioritize hiring new immigration judges as a primary 

means to reverse the alarming growth in the caseload backlog. The 

Committee was pleased to learn that the Department is developing 

a revised, expedited hiring process for new IJs, but the Committee 

is troubled that the key details of this plan have not been shared. 

Left unanswered are questions regarding the applicant pool for 

new hires and the means by which candidate vetting will be accelerated while remaining thorough. Furthermore, the Department 

has announced plans to surge IJs to areas with the largest case 

backlogs, but the Committee is still awaiting important information 

regarding this announcement in order to properly perform its oversight responsibilities. Within 30 days of enactment of this act, the 

Committee directs EOIR to submit their streamlined IJ hiring 

plan, to detail the number of IJs being reassigned to the southwest 

border and where they are being moved from, and to explain how 

the caseload of IJs reassigned to the southwest border will be covered. 

Immigration Judge Training.—The Committee was alarmed by 

EOIR’s recent cancellation of continued training and education 

courses for IJs. Given the ever changing landscape of immigration 

laws, orders, policies and court cases, it is critical that IJs receive 

continuous training throughout the length of their careers. This 

training helps to ensure they have the most up-to-date information 

on not only rules and regulations, but how to best handle cases 

with vulnerable populations, such as children, as well as ethics 

courses. Within 90 days of enactment of this act, the Committee directs a report detailing the level of training each IJ receives when 

entering EOIR service, and the annual number of hours of training 

and courses required for IJs currently on the bench. 

Legal Orientation Program [LOP].—The Committee’s recommendation maintains the fiscal year 2017 level of no less than 

$10,400,000 for LOP. This includes funding for LOP for Custodians 

[LOPC], 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. Recognizing that LOP currently 

serves detained individuals in a limited number of States, the Committee directs that attention be paid to geographic equity as LOP 

expands the reach of its services to additional detention centers. 

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. 
66 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $95,583,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 95,328,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 96,500,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $96,500,000 for the 

Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The recommendation is $917,000 

above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $1,172,000 above 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. 

Oversight of Crime Victims Fund Grants.—Section 510 of this act 

maintains $10,000,000 for the OIG to continue its expanded audits 

of the Crime Victims Fund [CVF] including funding set aside for 

Indian tribes. The Committee remains concerned that the Department is not doing enough to proportionately adjust its grant monitoring activities to reflect significant changes in CVF spending in 

order to avoid waste, fraud and abuse. The Committee directs the 

OIG to continue its audits of CVF awards and assist the Department to ensure these important funds are used appropriately and 

effectively. 

UNITED STATES PAROLE COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $13,308,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 13,283,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 13,308,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $13,308,000 for the 

United States Parole Commission. The recommendation is equal to 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $25,000 above the budget request. 

LEGAL ACTIVITIES

SALARIES AND EXPENSES, GENERAL LEGAL ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $897,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 899,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 897,500,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $897,500,000 for General Legal Activities salaries and expenses. The recommendation is 

equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $1,500,000 below 

the budget request. 

This bill funds the establishment of litigation policy, conduct of 

litigation, and various other legal responsibilities through the Office of the Solicitor General, the Tax Division, the Criminal Division [CRM], the Civil Division, the Environmental and Natural Resources Division, the Civil Rights Division [CRT], the Office of 

Legal Counsel, and INTERPOL Washington. 
67 

INTERPOL Washington.—From within funds provided for General Legal Activities, the Committee directs the Department to provide no less than the fiscal year 2017 level for INTERPOL Washington. The Committee has provided no-year authority in the 

amount of $685,000 to ensure sufficient resources are available for 

INTERPOL Washington’s dues payments and help the Department 

better manage fluctuations in currency exchange rates. INTERPOL 

Washington’s command center [IOCC] operates 24 hours a day, 7 

days a week, 365 days a year, responding to requests for international criminal investigative and humanitarian assistance from 

more than 18,000 U.S. law enforcement agencies and their counterparts in 189 other INTERPOL-member countries. INTERPOL 

Washington’s responsibility to respond to increasing foreign and domestic requests places additional operational demands on the resources of this organization. 

Civil Rights.—The Committee provides no less than the fiscal 

year 2017 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 the CRT 

to increase efforts to investigate and address violations of the Civil 

Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act in State and local prisons 

and jails. The Committee directs the CRT to use such sums as necessary from amounts appropriated in fiscal year 2018 to address 

such issues in State and local prisons and jails. 

Human Rights Crimes.—The Committee remains concerned by 

the large number of suspected human rights violators from foreign 

countries who have found safe haven in the United States and directs the CRM to continue its efforts to investigate and prosecute 

serious human rights crimes, including genocide, torture, use or recruitment of child soldiers, and war crimes. For this purpose, the 

Committee’s recommendation supports continued funding for the 

CRM to investigate and prosecute individuals who violate Federal 

laws regarding serious human rights abuses. 

Enforcement of Federal Hate Crime Laws.—The Committee is 

concerned by reports of increased incidents of bias-motivated 

crimes and directs the Civil Rights Division to aggressively prosecute hate crimes and work with the FBI, U.S. Attorneys, and the 

Community Relations Service to improve hate crime reporting and 

prevent hate crimes from taking place in the first instance. 

International Training.—The Committee remains concerned 

about the instability of budget and staffing challenges faced by the 

Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and 

Training [OPDAT] and International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program [ICITAP] programs under the current 

funding structure provided via the Department of State. While the 

Committee encourages the Departments of Justice and State to 

maintain open communications regarding programmatic and re-
68 

source needs to truly execute their missions, OPDAT and ICITAP 

should ideally receive a transfer of funds from State within 90 days 

of enactment of this act. Should an immediate source of funding be 

needed ahead of a completed transfer of funds, the Committee suggests that the Department of Justice notify the Committee immediately. 

THE NATIONAL CHILDHOOD VACCINE INJURY ACT

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $10,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 9,340,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 10,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides a reimbursement of $10,000,000 for legal costs. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and is $660,000 above the budget request. 

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, 2017 ............................................................................. $164,977,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 164,663,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 164,977,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $164,977,000 for the 

Antitrust Division. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level and is $314,000 above the budget request. This 

appropriation is offset by $126,000,000 in pre-merger filing fee collections, resulting in a direct appropriation of $38,977,000. 

UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $2,035,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,057,252,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 2,057,252,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $2,057,252,000 for 

the Executive Office for United States Attorneys [EOUSA] and the 

94 U.S. Attorneys [USAs] offices. The recommendation is 

$22,252,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and is equal 

to the budget request. 

As in past years, the Committee directs the USAs to focus their 

efforts on those crimes where the unique resources, expertise, or jurisdiction of the Federal Government can be most effective. 

Diversion of Opioids.—In order to take steps to eliminate overprescribing and diversion of opioids, the Committee directs that no 

less than $2,500,000 be used for EOUSA to conduct criminal and 

civil prosecutions into the illegal prescribing and dispensing of 

opioids. The Committee believes that the existing structure of 

EOUSA, rather than the creation of a new DEA prosecutorial force 

using Diversion Control Fee Account funding, is the appropriate 

way to target these complex cases which often involve Medicare 

and Medicaid fraud. 

Adam Walsh Act Implementation.—The Committee expects the 

EOUSA to continue to focus on investigations and prosecutions re-
69 

lated to the sexual exploitation of children, as authorized by the 

Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Public Law 

109–248), and as part of Project Safe Childhood. The recommendation fully funds the budget request of $48,341,000 for this purpose 

in fiscal year 2018. 

Combating Financial and Mortgage Fraud.—The Committee directs the EOUSA to prioritize resources and provide no less than 

the fiscal year 2017 level to conduct criminal investigations and 

prosecutions of mortgage and financial fraud, including financial 

fraud against seniors; predatory lending; and market manipulation 

matters to ensure that reports of financial fraud are thoroughly addressed and the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice. 

Civil Rights Prosecutions.—The Committee’s recommendation 

provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 level for continued civil 

rights enforcement that will advance both criminal and civil litigations, including the prosecution of sex and labor trafficking. 

Cybercrime.—As national and international cyber threats become 

increasingly sophisticated, our Federal prosecutors must become 

better versed in digital forensic evidence. The Committee’s recommendation provides no less than $59,968,000, which is equal to 

the fiscal year 2017 level and $4,875,000 above the budget request, 

for cybercrime activities. The USAO will be able to increase the 

number of investigations and prosecutions of cyber attacks and 

cyber intrusions, and provide the high-caliber level of training on 

cybercrime and digital evidence needed for Assistant U.S. Attorneys to be able to analyze and present digital evidence across all 

types of criminal cases. 

The Committee does not support proposed funding cuts for Intellectual Property and Child Pornography activities, and instead directs USAO to provide no less than the fiscal year 2017 funding 

level for prosecution of these cyber-related crimes. 

Annual Report for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.—The Committee is troubled by reports that the 

USA’s Office for the District of Columbia has failed to provide basic 

information regarding its investigation and prosecution of sexual 

assault cases to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Lack of transparency regarding the conduct of Federal prosecutors not only creates a culture of mistrust and frustration among local advocates, 

survivors, and the general public, but it can also frustrate this 

Committee’s ability to conduct constitutionally mandated oversight. 

To that end, the Committee directs the Department to review recent data disclosures from the USA’s Office for the District of Columbia to determine whether information provided regarding investigation and prosecution of sexual assaults is consistent with other 

USAOs. The Committee further directs the Department to ensure 

that moving forward any criminal justice data in its Annual Report 

for the USA’s Office for the District of Columbia includes the same 

information as its other offices, particularly with respect to investigation and prosecution of sexual crimes. 

UNITED STATES TRUSTEE SYSTEM FUND

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $225,908,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 225,479,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 225,908,000 
70 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $225,908,000 for the 

United States Trustee System Fund. The recommendation is equal 

to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $429,000 above the budget 

request. The appropriation is offset by $135,000,000 in fee collections. 

The United States Trustee Program, 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, 2017 ............................................................................. $2,374,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,409,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 2,409,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $2,409,000 for the 

Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The recommendation is 

$35,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and is equal to 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, 2017 ............................................................................. $270,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 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 the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and the 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, 2017 ............................................................................. $15,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 14,419,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 15,500,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $15,500,000 for the 

Community Relations Service [CRS]. The recommendation is equal 

to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $1,081,000 above the 

budget request. 
71 

The Community Relations Service, established by title X of the 

Civil Rights Act of 1964, provides assistance to communities and 

persons in the prevention and resolution of disagreements arising 

from discriminatory practices. 

Hate Crimes Prevention.—Within funds provided, the Committee 

provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 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 the CRS’s mandate, requiring that it 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, 2017 ............................................................................. $20,514,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 21,475,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 20,514,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $20,514,000 for the 

Assets Forfeiture Fund [AFF]. The recommendation is equal to the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $961,000 below the budget request. 

UNITED STATES MARSHALS SERVICE

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $2,713,454,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,802,971,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 2,820,971,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides a total of 

$2,820,971,000 for the United States Marshals Service [USMS]. 

The recommendation is $107,517,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and is $18,000,000 above the budget request. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $1,249,040,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,252,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,270,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $1,270,000,000 for 

USMS salaries and expenses. The recommendation is $20,960,000 

above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $18,000,000 above 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. 

In addition to receiving direct appropriations, the Committee is 

aware that USMS also receives funding from the Department’s Assets Forfeiture Fund [AFF] to augment salaries and expenses that 

are intended to directly administer AFF-related activities like the 

management and sale of forfeited assets. In an effort to increase 

transparency to USMS’s use of AFF funding, the Department is directed to provide the Committee with quarterly reports that include: a detailed list of USMS’s AFF expenditures; the number of 
72 

Federal employees and contractor staff, including the assigned division for each, for any personnel expenses using AFF funds; and justifications for each expenditure, including connections with AFF-related operations. 

Investigative Operations.—The Committee directs USMS to provide no less than the fiscal year 2017 levels to maintain its missions regarding gang enforcement, International Megan’s Law, and 

sex offender apprehension. The Committee expects USMS to continue efforts to strengthen support for its aircraft fleet, a key part 

of the agency’s fugitive apprehension mission. Per Senate Report 

114–239, the Committee expects USMS to continue the process to 

establish an additional Regional Fugitive Task Force. 

Judicial Protection.—With increasing threats on the Federal judiciary, the Committee is concerned that USMS’s budget to meet 

its judicial security mission is stretched thin. Should USMS need 

additional resources to fully fund this effort, the Committee reminds the Department that it may submit a reprogramming request for use of unobligated balances for this important function. 

International Operations.—Given that fugitives know no geographical bounds when it comes to attempting to evade the law, 

the Committee was disappointed not to see an enhanced request for 

resources to assist with international operations. Within 90 days of 

enactment of this act, the Committee requests that USMS provide 

a report on its extradition program detailing workload to include 

the number of extraditions and deportations, district cooperation, 

and extradition requests made by foreign counterparts. The Committee directs the Department to pursue danger pay for deputy 

U.S. marshals [DUSMs] through the authorization process and to 

provide requested travel resources to ensure DUSMs can safely 

travel while tracking fugitives outside of the United States, particularly when traveling through dangerous portions of Mexico. 

CONSTRUCTION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $10,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 14,971,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 14,971,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $14,971,000 for construction in space controlled, occupied, or utilized by the 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 $4,971,000 above the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level and equal to the budget request. 

FEDERAL PRISONER DETENTION

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $1,454,414,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,536,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,536,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $1,536,000,000 for 

Federal Prisoner Detention [FPD]. The recommendation is 

$81,586,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, including off-
73 

setting funds from other accounts, and is equal to the budget request. 

The Committee expects USMS to anticipate the true funding 

needs for this account in order to avoid funding shortfalls and the 

need for emergency reprogrammings to avert deficiencies. The 

Committee directs USMS to report to the Committee on a quarterly 

basis the current number of individuals in the detention system, 

the projected number of individuals, and the associated annualized 

costs. 

NATIONAL SECURITY DIVISION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $96,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 101,031,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 101,031,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $101,031,000 for the 

National Security Division [NSD]. The recommendation is 

$5,031,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to 

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 the U.S. Attorneys. Its primary function is to prevent acts of 

terrorism and espionage from being perpetrated in the United 

States by foreign powers. 

Combating Cyber Threats to National Security.—The Committee’s recommendation provides not less than the fiscal year 2017 

level for cybersecurity activities within the NSD for investigative, 

prosecutorial, intelligence collection, and oversight abilities that 

support the Intelligence Community in identifying and disrupting 

cyber threats to national security. 

Foreign Agents Registration Act.—The Committee acknowledges 

the Office of the Inspector General’s September 2016 audit of the 

National Security Division’s enforcement and administration of the 

Foreign Agents Registration Act [FARA], which included important 

recommendations for legislative authorities to improve the FARA 

Office’s ability to administer and enforce the act. The Committee 

supports further consideration of these recommendations, including 

authorizing civil investigative demand authority for the FARA Office. 

INTERAGENCY LAW ENFORCEMENT

INTERAGENCY CRIME AND DRUG ENFORCEMENT

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $517,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 526,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 517,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $517,000,000 for 

Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement. The recommendation is 
74 

equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $9,000,000 below 

the budget request. 

The Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement account funds the 

Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces [OCDETF]. 

The mission of the OCDETF 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. 

International Drug Enforcement.—OCDETF is urged to continue 

to coordinate with the DEA and other Federal law enforcement 

partners to play a role in the interception and disruption of foreign 

drug shipments, including working with international law enforcement agencies on eradication of poppy fields, methamphetamine 

labs, and fentanyl production facilities before these illicit substances make it to the United States. 

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $8,767,201,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 8,722,582,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 8,832,201,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $8,832,201,000 for 

the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] salaries and expenses. 

The recommendation is $65,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $109,619,000 above the budget request. 

Criminal Justice Information Services [CJIS].—The Committee 

recommends the full funding request for CJIS, including fee collections. The recommendation provides up to $121,000,000 for the FBI 

to continue improvements to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System [NICS] to increase the capacity and efficiency of the existing NICS system to perform background checks 

on prospective firearms buyers. The Committee’s recommendation 

does not support the full request to rescind funds from the CJIS 

fee collections and instead directs the FBI to invest an appropriate 

amount of the fee collections into making necessary upgrades to 

CJIS’s systems. 

Cybersecurity.—The FBI remains the only agency with the statutory authority, expertise, and ability to combine counterterrorism, 

counterintelligence, and criminal investigatory resources to neutralize, mitigate, and disrupt illegal domestic computer-supported 

operations. The Committee supports the requested adjustments-tobase and programmatic increases for cybersecurity activities 

throughout the FBI. 

Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center [TEDAC].—The 

Committee’s recommendation provides no less than the fiscal year 

2017 level for full operational funding to TEDAC and the additional operational support associated with the TEDAC campus in 

fiscal year 2018, which will continue to strengthen the role of 

TEDAC as the U.S. Government’s strategic-level improvised explosive device exploitation center and provide the resources necessary 

to fully staff the facility. 
75 

Hazardous Devices School [HDS].—HDS is the only U.S. Government entity for accrediting and certifying U.S. public safety bomb 

squads and bomb technicians. The Committee supports the budget 

request for HDS and the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate 

[WMDD], and provides full funding for operations at not less than 

the fiscal year 2017 level and includes not less than $10,000,000 

to support the Bureau’s ongoing development of a WMDD detector 

canine operation and technological innovation program. 

Human Rights Violations.—The Committee directs the FBI to 

continue its efforts to investigate and support the DOJ’s criminal 

prosecution of serious human rights crimes committed by foreign 

nationals, including genocide, torture, use or recruitment of child 

soldiers, and war crimes. The Committee’s recommendation continues funding this effort at the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

Innocent Images National Initiative.—The Committee’s recommendation provides the fiscal year 2017 base level of 

$87,056,000 for the Innocent Images National Initiative, which is 

$5,943,000 above the requested level, allowing the FBI to target 

and investigate sexual predators on the Internet. The Committee 

is concerned that the proposed reductions to the base program are 

insufficient to cover the current Innocent Images caseload that 

combat child sexual exploitation and child victimization. 

Law Enforcement Medical Demonstration.—Within 60 days of enactment of this act, the FBI shall submit a plan to the Committee 

on formalizing existing external partnerships within the Operational Medicine Program to aid in development of methods, standards and research in public safety operational medical planning for 

Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and medical 

centers. The plan shall leverage existing technologies and practices, 

in partnership with a civilian academic medical center, and utilize 

existing infrastructures, including a statewide medical communications system and Level I trauma center to support contingency 

planning and improve the delivery of medical care for high risk law 

enforcement missions. 

CONSTRUCTION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. 1 $420,178,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 51,895,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 155,000,000 

1The total $420,178,000 of fiscal year 2017 appropriations for this account included 

$239,178,000 in direct appropriations and $181,000,000 derived by transfer from the Department of Justice’s Working Capital Fund. 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $155,000,000 for FBI construction. The recommendation is $265,178,000 below the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level and $103,105,000 above the budget request. 

FBI Headquarters Consolidation.—The Committee is disappointed with the Administration’s July 11, 2017, decision to cancel the procurement for the new FBI headquarters consolidation 

project. The Administration cited financial concerns as the underlying reason for the cancelation despite the fact that in fiscal year 

2017 Congress committed to moving forward with additional appropriations for the new facility in fiscal year 2018. Congress endorsed 

the project and was willing to work with the FBI and the General 
76 

Services Administration to explore financial solutions to make the 

project a success, whereas the Administration failed to adapt to the 

reality that securing $1,405,000,000 in a single fiscal year in this 

financial environment was simply unattainable. Rather than adjust, the Administration abandoned a 10-year planning process, 

and now the FBI is left with no plan for a new procurement and 

no path forward on how to make its currently deteriorating headquarters facility structurally sustainable. 

Within 30 days of enactment of this act, the FBI shall provide 

the Committee with a report on: the plan for consolidating into a 

new headquarters facility; the necessary FBI employees that are 

currently dispersed between the J. Edgar Hoover building and approximately 13 leased offices in the National Capital region; a justification for the project’s cancellation; the scope and cost for keeping the current FBI headquarters operational until a move occurs; 

and a justification for how the fiscal year 2017 funding appropriated for the new headquarters will be spent. 

21st Century Facilities.—The Committee continues to support the 

FBI’s long-term vision for improving its operations that compliments the eventual transition into a new headquarters and 

takes into consideration its changing footprint at Quantico. The recent decision to cancel the procurement for the new FBI headquarters consolidation project only exacerbates the need to secure 

viable space for supporting a variety of missions, workforce, and 

land requirements. The Committee recommendation provides 

$103,000,000 to further support the FBI’s 21st Century Facility 

plans to better leverage current agency investments in the co-location of TEDAC, HDS, and Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate explosives-related training operations. As part of this 21st 

Century Planning, the FBI should consider public-private partnership opportunities, provided that the annual lease and operating 

costs are reasonable and the facilities can be securely constructed 

and maintained at a level that meets the FBI’s requirements. 

DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $2,485,638,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,583,625,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 2,535,351,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides total resources of 

$2,535,351,000 for the Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA], of 

which $419,574,000 is derived from the DEA’s Diversion Control 

Fee Account [DCFA]. The recommendation is $49,713,000 above 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $48,274,000 below the budget request. Within the funds provided, $10,000,000 is for assistance 

to State and local law enforcement for proper removal and disposal 

of hazardous materials at clandestine methamphetamine labs, and 

to initiate container programs. 

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 
77 

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. 

DCFA Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys.—While the Committee 

strongly supports efforts to fight the heroin and illegal opioid epidemic, it does not approve of DEA using DCFA funding for the use 

of Special U.S. Attorneys. Rather than creating a new prosecutorial 

force within DEA, a function that is outside of DEA’s mission, the 

Committee believes the proper prosecutorial channel for cases involving over-prescription and illegal diversion is through EOUSA. 

Drug Diversion at Veterans Health Administration Facilities.— The Committee remains alarmed by the rates of prescription drug 

opioid abuse and related overdoses among veterans, as well as allegations of diversion of prescription opioids from Veterans Health 

Administration [VHA] facilities into the illicit drug market. According to a February 2017 Government Accountability Office report, 

the oversight of controlled substances within VHA remains a significant problem. That VHA facilities continue to be a source for 

the illicit distribution and use of opioids is extremely concerning, 

and the Committee directs the DEA to ensure that investigations 

of drug diversion in VHA facilities remain a priority. As stated in 

Senate Reports 114–66 and 114–239, the Committee continues to 

expect the DEA to take steps to ensure that sufficient resources are 

allocated for investigations of drug diversion at VHA facilities. 

Pending Applications.—The Committee is concerned with the 

delay in DEA’s consideration of applications filed pursuant to 21 

CFR Part 1301 and directs DEA to move expeditiously to resolve 

pending applications. 

Cooperation with State and Local Forensic Crime Laboratory 

Community.—The Committee encourages the DEA to collaborate 

and share any available resources with State and local forensic 

crime laboratories in their critical efforts to combat the growing 

use of synthetic drugs. 

Cybersecurity.—Within the funding provided, the Committee does 

not support the proposed funding cuts to cybersecurity activities at 

DEA and instead provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 level 

of $30,750,000. 

BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $1,258,600,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 1,273,776,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,273,776,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $1,273,776,000 for 

the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives [ATF]. 

The recommendation is $15,176,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget request. ATF has diverse law 

enforcement responsibilities, and the funding increase is provided 

to allow ATF to carry out these duties and to fill existing positions 

that are currently vacant. 

ATF reduces the criminal use of firearms and illegal firearms 

trafficking, and assists other Federal, State, and local law enforce-
78 

ment 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 

Firearms Intelligence Groups for investigations and document successful prosecutions as a result of NIBIN. 

United States-Mexico Firearms Trafficking.—The Committee continues to support the ATF’s efforts to combat weapon trafficking on 

the border. The ATF shall continue to provide the Committee with 

annual data on the total number of firearms recovered by the Government of Mexico, and of those, the number for which an ATF 

trace is attempted, the number successfully traced, and the number 

determined to have originated in the United States prior to being 

recovered in Mexico. 

National Center for Explosives Training and Research 

[NCETR].—The Committee supports the enhancements at NCETR, 

including additional advanced explosives disposal techniques 

courses for public safety bomb technicians. Given that NCETR 

serves as the Bureau’s Center of Excellence for arson and explosives training, the Committee supports co-locating the Bureau’s canine training operations for explosives and accelerant detection at 

NCETR in fiscal year 2018 and directs ATF to provide details on 

the merger as part of the Department’s spending plan. The Committee also supports NCETR’s research expertise and encourages 

further investigations into the functions and effects of explosive devices in order to better exploit design weaknesses. Within the increased funds provided for ATF in fiscal year 2018, up to 

$2,500,000 may be made available for an advanced counter explosive device research program focusing on hypervelocity impact and 

hypervelocity flight dynamics. 

FEDERAL PRISON SYSTEM

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $7,008,800,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 7,085,248,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 7,080,248,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $7,080,248,000 for 

Bureau of Prisons [BOP] salaries and expenses. The recommendation is $71,448,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 
79 

$5,000,000 below the budget request. The Committee supports the 

Department’s request to increase funding for BOP’s cybersecurity, 

including improving network defenses and mitigating insider 

threats. 

BOP Hiring.—The Committee is concerned that the Department 

has maintained the January 20, 2017, Federal Government hiring 

freeze for BOP when the Department has since lifted the moratorium for other DOJ agencies. The inmate to correctional officer 

ratio is currently 8.3 to 1, a level that is unsafe for staff and should 

immediately be corrected. The Committee urges DOJ to revise this 

policy to ensure BOP is able to appropriately staff its facilities 

across the United States, particularly hiring of correctional officers 

at medium- and high-security facilities without being hindered by 

an arbitrary staffing level. 

Augmentation.—While BOP reports that there is a higher incidence of serious assaults by inmates on staff at high- and mediumsecurity institutions than at the lower security facilities, to meet 

staffing needs, the BOP still routinely uses a process called ‘‘augmentation’’, whereby a non-custody employee is assigned custody 

responsibilities. The Committee directs the BOP to curtail its overreliance on augmentation and instead hire additional full-time correctional staff before continuing to augment existing staff. BOP is 

further directed to submit quarterly reports to the Committee on 

the inmate-to-correctional officer ratios at each facility. 

Alleviating Overcrowding at High-Security Facilities.—The overcrowding rate at high-security prisons remains high at 25 percent. 

The Committee supports BOP’s efforts to alleviate overcrowding at 

high-security facilities through the process of activating additional 

prisons. The Committee expects BOP to adhere to the activation 

schedule included in BOP’s budget submission regarding these 

prison facilities, including the acceptance of high-security inmates 

at the United States Penitentiary [USP] in Thomson, Illinois, as 

BOP estimates overcrowding at high-security facilities to be reduced to 19 percent with the full opening of USP Thomson. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment Expansion.—The Committee directs that no less than the fiscal year 2017 level be provided for 

BOP to continue the medication-assisted treatment program for inmates with heroin and opioid addiction. This voluntary pilot program treats approximately 200 inmates in residential reentry centers. The Department is directed to immediately assist BOP with 

fully staffing this program for its expansion into the Northeast Region. 

Federal Detainers.—In an effort to ensure that criminal aliens 

are not improperly released into our communities, the Committee 

directs BOP to offer Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] 

the first opportunity to take into custody and remove an individual 

with a Federal detainer instead of BOP and ICE automatically deferring to States and municipalities who are seeking custody of the 

same individual. ICE’s decision to exercise this right of first refusal 

with BOP will be informed, in part, by the State or municipality’s 

willingness to cooperate with Federal authorities on ICE detainers. 

Compassionate Release.—The Committee notes that BOP expanded the grounds for and streamlined the process of considering 

requests for compassionate release in 2013. The Committee is also 
80 

aware that the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General 

[OIG] recommended additional reforms to the compassionate release program in a 2013 review of the program. In 2016, the U.S. 

Sentencing Commission [USSC] amended the criteria for compassionate release and encouraged BOP to file a motion for those prisoners who meet the criteria the Commission identified. 

Within 60 days of enactment of this act, the Committee directs 

BOP to submit to the Committee the following: (1) any steps taken 

by BOP to implement the OIG and USSC’s recommendations; (2) 

for those recommendations not met, BOP’s plan for meeting them 

or reasons why they cannot be implemented; (3) the number of 

prisoners granted and denied compassionate release during each of 

the last 5 years; (4) for each year, the number of requests initiated 

by or on behalf of prisoners, categorized by the criteria relied on 

as grounds for a reduction in sentence; (5) for each year, the number of requests approved by the Director of the BOP, categorized 

by the criteria relied on as grounds for a reduction in sentence; (6) 

for each year, the number of denials by the Director of the BOP, 

categorized by the criteria relied on as grounds for a reduction in 

sentence and the reason given for the denial; (7) for each year, the 

time elapsed between the date the request was received by the 

warden and the final decision, categorized by the criteria relied on 

as grounds for a reduction in sentence; and (8) for each year, the 

number of prisoners who died while their compassionate release requests were pending and, for each, the amount of time that had 

elapsed between the date the request was received by the warden. 

BOP Contract Prisons.—In August 2016, the OIG issued ‘‘Review 

of the Federal Bureau of Prisons Monitoring of Contract Prisons.’’ 

The report found, ‘‘that in a majority of the categories we examined, contract prisons incurred more safety and security incidents 

per capita than comparable BOP institutions’’ and ‘‘that the BOP 

needs to improve the way it monitors contract prisons.’’ For example, none of BOP’s procedures for monitoring contract compliance 

with regard to health services measured whether inmates actually 

received basic medical care. The OIG cited numerous incidents and 

made four recommendations to improve monitoring and oversight 

of contract prisons. 

Within 90 days of enactment of this act, BOP is directed to provide a report to the Committee describing BOP’s use of contract facilities for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. The report shall include the 

number of contract facilities utilized by BOP, to include the companies providing these services, the status of these contracts explaining any terminations or renewals during the periods under review, 

and compliance status of any remedial or corrective actions recommended by BOP or OIG for each company and contract; details 

of inspections, evaluations, or incident reports, including the number of safety and security incidents at each facility, whether these 

incidents resulted in injury or death, and any evaluations of incidents conducted in response to the OIG recommendation, issued by 

BOP or OIG regarding any of these facilities during the period 

under review, including a current analysis of the condition of each 

facility under contract and whether BOP believes that such facilities remain suitable for use; the percentage of both U.S. citizens 

and foreign nationals housed in each facility; verification of wheth-
81 

er each facility is providing basic medical services such as medical 

exams and immunizations; verification of actual correctional officer 

staffing levels as compared to contracted levels; a detailed accounting of the progress made in addressing the OIG’s recommendations; 

and any information regarding announced changes in contract 

specifications for current or future contracts for each facility, including bed capacity limits, and the justification for and budgetary 

impact of such changes. 

Residential Reentry Centers.—The Committee is concerned with 

recent actions by the Bureau of Prisons [BOP] to cancel and modify 

contracts for Residential Reentry Centers [RRCs) without consultation with the Committee or BOP contractors. A recent Department 

of Justice Inspector General report found that between October 

2013 and April 2016, 74,100 inmates were placed in RRCs or home 

confinement. The Committee recognizes that RRCs play a vital role 

in transitioning individuals back to the community after incarceration by employing evidence-based practices that reduce recidivism. 

The Committee expects BOP to maintain its support for RRCs and 

requires BOP to alert the Committee before adopting any significant change in policy or practice involving RRCs or other recidivism-reduction measures. 

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $130,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 113,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 60,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $60,000,000 for the 

construction, modernization, maintenance, and repair of prison and 

detention facilities housing Federal prisoners. The recommendation 

is $70,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$53,000,000 below the budget request. The Committee notes that 

BOP has a high level of unexpended balances in this account. 

The Committee includes bill language in Title V—General Provisions stipulating that no BOP resources may be used for facilities 

to house detainees from the United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 

Reporting.—The Committee believes that the consideration of 

any new facility or facility expansion should be based upon a longterm strategic plan which incorporates a robust capital planning 

process including leading capital planning practices as outlined in 

OMB and GAO guidance. The Committee directs the BOP to continue providing quarterly reports to the Committee on the progress 

of its efforts, including funding for new prison construction if merited in future requests. 

The Committee also directs the BOP to continue providing the 

Committee with the most recent monthly status of construction report, and to notify the Committee of any deviations from the construction and activation schedule identified in that report, including detailed explanations of the causes of delays and actions proposed to address them. 
82 

FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

(LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $2,700,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,695,000 

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 the fiscal year 2017 

enacted level and is $5,000 above the budget request. 

STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES

In total, the Committee recommends $2,334,300,000 for State 

and local law enforcement and crime prevention grant programs, 

including: $1,955,300,000 in discretionary appropriations and in 

mandatory appropriations, and $379,000,000 from funds provided 

under section 510 of this act. The total is $59,500,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $247,000,000 above the budget estimate. 

Management and Administration Expenses.—The Department 

shall, in preparing its fiscal year 2018 spending plan, assess management and administration [M&A] expenses compared to program 

funding. The Committee directs the Department to ensure that its 

assessment methodology is equitable and, for programs funded 

through the Crime Victims Fund, 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 in order to maximize the amount of 

funding that can be used for grants or training and technical assistance. The Committee reiterates the direction provided in Public 

Law 113–76 that the Department shall detail, as part of its budget 

submission for fiscal year 2019 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. 

Compliance with Federal Laws.—The Committee directs the Department to ensure that all applicants for Edward Byrne Memorial 

Justice Assistance Grants [Byrne JAG], Community Oriented Policing Services [COPS] grants, and State Criminal Alien Assistance 

Program [SCAAP] funds are required to attest and certify that the 

potential grant recipients are in compliance with all applicable 

Federal laws, and shall be required to continue to remain compliant throughout the duration of their grant award period. 

Duplication of DOJ Grant Programs.—The Committee believes 

that, as the Federal budget continues to experience fiscal constraints, there is an ever-increasing need to ensure that governmental resources, including those awarded through grants and subgrants, are appropriately targeted and that unnecessary duplication is mitigated. Recent GAO reports have found that, as established in statute, some of the grant programs administered by the 

Office of Justice Programs [OJP], Office on Violence Against 
83 

Women [OVW], and the COPS Office are similar in scope and grant 

applicants can apply for and receive grant awards from more than 

one program. Moreover, grant recipients may choose to award a 

portion of their grant to subgrantees. These subgrantees may also 

apply directly to Justice for funding through other grant programs 

for the same or similar purposes. 

Yet, the Department’s ability to characterize the landscape of potential duplicative programs and overlapping award opportunities 

remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, the Attorney General shall continue to submit a report to the Committee within 90 days of enactment of this act that includes the parameters and direction prescribed in Senate Report 114–239, which was codified in Public 

Law 115–31. 

Grant Funding Set-Asides.—The Committee notes the significant 

number of reductions in grant funding allowable for various purposes, including training, technical assistance, research, evaluation 

and statistics activities with set-asides ranging anywhere from 2 

percent to 10 percent of total grant funding provided. To that end, 

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 OJP, 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, High Poverty Areas.—The Committee is 

concerned about the needs of rural, high poverty 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, high poverty communities when making 

grant awards through the numerous programs funded under this 

act. 

Flexible Tribal Assistance.—The Committee recommends funding 

tribal grant programs by permitting 7 percent of discretionary 

grant and reimbursement program funds, a total of $110,705,000 

made available to the OJP and COPS, to be used for tribal criminal 

justice assistance, and continues to strongly support efforts to help 

tribes improve the capacity of their criminal justice systems. The 

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 the OJP to submit, as part 

of the Department’s spending plan for fiscal year 2018, a plan for 

the use of these funds that has been informed by such consultation. 

The Committee notes that the bill includes additional grant funding for tribal victim assistance programs through OVW, and a 5 

percent set aside within the CVF. 
84 

Submission of Officer Training Information.—The Committee directs the Department to continue following direction provided in 

fiscal year 2017 regarding the submission of officer training data 

as part of the Byrne-JAG and COPS hiring grant process. 

Financial Exploitation.—The Committee commends the work of 

the Office for Victims of Crime [OVC] to address the issue of financial exploitation of older Americans by guardians, conservators, and 

other fiduciaries. The Committee encourages OVC to continue 

working with stakeholders to develop mechanisms to preserve, recoup, or minimize loss of the assets of individuals subject to conservatorship. In addition, OVC shall work to improve access to the 

legal system by victims of conservatorship exploitation, and develop 

a list of best practices to help train victim advocates. 

OFFICE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION

PROGRAMS

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. 1 $481,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 2 480,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3 483,500,000 

1Of the $481,500,000 provided in this heading, $326,000,000 is derived by transfer from funding available under section 510 of this act. 2Of the $480,000,000 provided in this heading, $445,000,000 is requested to be derived from 

funding available under section 510 of this act. 3Of the $483,500,000 provided in this heading, $379,000,000 is derived by transfer from funding available under section 510 of this act. 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $483,500,000 for 

OVW grants. The recommendation is $2,000,000 above the fiscal 

year 2017 enacted level, and $3,500,000 above 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, 

LGBT victims, college students, youths, and public housing residents. 

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] 

Program Committee recommendation 

STOP Grants ....................................................................................................................................................... 215,000 

Transitional Housing Assistance ........................................................................................................................ 31,000 

National Institute of Justice Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women ....................................... 3,000 

Consolidated Youth Oriented Program ............................................................................................................... 11,000 

Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies .................................................................................................................. 53,000 

Homicide Reduction Initiative ................................................................................................................... [4,000 ] 

Sexual Assault Victims Services ........................................................................................................................ 35,000 

Rural Domestic Violence Assistance Grants ...................................................................................................... 36,000 

Violence on College Campuses .......................................................................................................................... 20,000 

Civil Legal Assistance ........................................................................................................................................ 45,000 

Elder Abuse Grant Program ............................................................................................................................... 5,000 

Family Civil Justice ............................................................................................................................................ 16,000 

Education and Training for Disabled Female Victims ...................................................................................... 6,000 

National Center on Workplace Responses ......................................................................................................... 500 

Research—Violence Against Indian Women ..................................................................................................... 1,000 

Sex Assault in Indian Country Clearinghouse ................................................................................................... 500 
85 

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Program Committee recommendation 

Tribal Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction .................................................................................... 4,000 

Rape Survivor Child Custody Act ....................................................................................................................... 1,500 

Total ...................................................................................................................................................... 483,500 

STOP Grants.—Within the discretionary budget authority appro- priated, $215,000,000 is for formula grants to the States. This is 

equal to the budget request and equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level. The recommendation supports increasing access to comprehensive legal services for victims, providing short-term housing 

assistance and support services for domestic violence victims, and 

education and training to end violence against and abuse of women 

with disabilities. 

Sexual Assault Services Act [SASA].—The Committee’s recommendation provides $35,000,000, which is equal to the budget 

request and the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, to directly fund the 

needs of sexual assault victims. 

As part of VAWA 2005 and reauthorized by VAWA 2013, the 

Sexual Assault Services Program addresses considerable gaps in 

services to sexual assault victims. The Committee supports a dedicated stream of funding to provide a broad range of services to 

male, female, and child sexual assault victims and their families 

through the well-established and well-regarded system of community-based rape crisis centers throughout the United States, and 

maintains its strong commitment to ensuring that these rape crisis 

centers have access to technical assistance, training, and support. 

Campus Sexual Assault.—The Committee supports the Department’s continued development and testing of a pilot campus climate survey. The pilot’s results suggest the majority of campus 

sexual assaults are not reported to authorities, do not come to the 

attention of university officials and, therefore, are not represented 

in official Federal statistics. The Committee encourages the Department to examine expanding this survey, possibly through the 

assistance of the research set-aside provided in section 212 of this 

bill, and developing a cost-effective, standardized, and methodologically rigorous nationwide research program on campus sexual assault. 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

The Office of Justice Programs [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 pro-
86 

gram results; and disseminating these findings and other information to State, local, and tribal governments. The Committee directs 

the OJP to submit a quarterly report on grant programs that have 

not received a sufficient number of qualified applicants. 

Gang Prevention Grants and Crime Rates.—The Committee remains concerned about gang activity and violent crime throughout 

the country, noting that Federal partnership with law enforcement 

is essential not only in our largest cities, but also in suburban and 

rural jurisdictions, where gang activity and violent crime rates can 

exceed national averages. To strengthen Federal partnerships 

across all jurisdictions, the Committee directs OJP to review the 

criteria by which OJP awards discretionary grants relating to gang 

violence and prevention under the State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance and Juvenile Justice Programs on a per capita 

basis of applicant cities and jurisdictions where gang activity and 

violent crime rates exceed national averages. 

The Committee recognizes the threat posed by foreign-influenced 

gangs in small, rural communities and the need for greater coordination among Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies to 

address this problem. Such gang activity has the potential to overwhelm local law enforcement resources in rural areas, particularly 

in communities with populations under 25,000. The Committee 

urges OJP to find ways to assist these communities within existing 

State and local assistance programs for reducing criminal gang activity in small, rural communities. 

Combating Online Crime, Hate, and Terror Groups.—The Committee encourages OJP to provide funding within existing grant opportunities targeted at expanding the ability of academic forensic 

technology programs to assist in identifying and profiling online 

crime, hate, and terror groups. 

RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND STATISTICS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $89,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 111,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 85,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $85,000,000 for the 

Research, Evaluation and Statistics account. The recommendation 

is $4,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$26,000,000 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] 

Program Committee recommendation 

Bureau of Justice Statistics ........................................................................................................................... 45,500 

NCS–X Implementation Program .......................................................................................................... [5,000 ] 
87 

RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND STATISTICS—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Program Committee 

recommendation 

National Institute of Justice .......................................................................................................................... 39,500 

Domestic Radicalization Research ........................................................................................................ [4,000 ] 

TOTAL, Research, Evaluation and Statistics .................................................................................... 85,000 

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 and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, respectively, for approval by the Committee prior to the obligation of any such funds. 

Bureau of Justice Statistics [BJS].—The Committee’s recommendation provides $45,500,000 for the BJS. Within the funds 

provided, $5,000,000 is provided for the National Crime Statistics 

Exchange [NCS–X]. NCS–X will improve the collection and reporting into the National Incident-Based Reporting System [NIBRS], 

which provides more detailed criminal data such as officer-related 

shooting incidents. 

National Institute of Justice [NIJ].—The Committee’s recommendation provides $39,500,000 for the NIJ, in addition to 

$4,000,000 transferred from the OVW for research and evaluation 

on violence against women and Indian women. Within the funds 

provided for NIJ, $4,000,000 is provided for domestic radicalization 

research. The NIJ’s mission is to advance scientific research, development, and evaluation to advance the administration of justice 

and public safety. 

Justice Reform.—From within funds available for the NIJ, the 

Committee directs NIJ to provide a program, ideally partnering 

with an institution of higher learning, to educate and train the 

next generation of justice leaders. The program shall engage postsecondary students as well as criminal justice professionals and 

academics wishing to broaden their understanding of justice systems and restorative approaches either through a degree program, 

a summer institute, short courses, or other means. 

Forensic Initiative.—Due to the sunset of DOJ’s National Commission on Forensic Science on April 23, 2017, direct funding for 

Scientific Working Groups is provided in Title I under the National 

Institute of Standards and Technology. 

STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $1,258,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 1 940,500,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 1,171,000,000 

1The request includes $73,000,000 to be derived by transfer from funds provided under section 510 of this act. 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $1,171,000,000 for 

State and local law enforcement assistance. The recommendation is 
88 

$87,500,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, and 

$230,500,000 above the budget request. 

The Committee’s recommendations are displayed in the following 

table: 

STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Program Committee 

recommendation 

Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants .................................................................................................... 404,500 

Officer Robert Wilson III VALOR Initiative ............................................................................................ [7,500 ] 

Smart Policing ....................................................................................................................................... [5,000 ] 

Smart Prosecution ................................................................................................................................. [2,500 ] 

NamUS ................................................................................................................................................... [2,400 ] 

National Training Center to improve Police-Based Responses to People with Mental Illness ........... [2,500 ] 

Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction .............................................................................................. [6,500 ] 

John R. Justice Grant Program ............................................................................................................. [2,000 ] 

State Criminal Alien Assistance Program ..................................................................................................... 100,000 

Victims of Trafficking Grants ........................................................................................................................ 45,000 

Capital Litigation and Wrongful Conviction Review ...................................................................................... 2,500 

Economic, High-tech, White Collar and Cybercrime Prevention .................................................................... 14,000 

Intellectual Property Enforcement Program .......................................................................................... [2,500 ] 

Cybercrime Prosecutor Pilot Program ................................................................................................... [1,000 ] 

Digital Investigation Education Program .............................................................................................. [1,000 ] 

Adam Walsh Act Implementation .................................................................................................................. 20,000 

Bulletproof Vests Partnerships ...................................................................................................................... 22,500 

Transfer to NIST/OLES ........................................................................................................................... [1,500 ] 

National Sex Offender Public Website ........................................................................................................... 1,000 

National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Initiative ....................................................... 73,000 

NICS Act Record Improvement Program ............................................................................................... [25,000 ] 

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science .................................................................................................................... 13,500 

DNA Initiative ................................................................................................................................................. 125,000 

Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grants ....................................................................................................... [117,000 ] 

Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing Grants ........................................................................ [4,000 ] 

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Program Grants ................................................................................... [4,000 ] 

Community Teams to Reduce the Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Backlog ........................................................... 45,000

CASA–Special Advocates ................................................................................................................................ 9,000 

Second Chance Act/Offender Reentry ............................................................................................................ 70,000 

Smart Probation .................................................................................................................................... [6,000 ] 

Children of Incarcerated Parents Demo Grants ................................................................................... [5,000 ] 

Pay for Success ..................................................................................................................................... [7,500 ] 

Project HOPE Opportunity Probation with Enforcement ........................................................................ [4,000 ] 

Comprehensive School Safety Initiative ......................................................................................................... 50,000 

Community Trust Initiative ............................................................................................................................ 65,000 

Body Worn Camera Partnership Program ............................................................................................. [22,500 ] 

Justice Reinvestment Initiative ............................................................................................................. [25,000 ] 

Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program ......................................................................................... [17,500 ] 

Opioid Initiative .............................................................................................................................................. 111,000 

Drug Courts ........................................................................................................................................... [43,000 ] 

Veterans Treatment Courts ................................................................................................................... [7,000 ] 

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment .............................................................................................. [14,000 ] 

Prescription Drug Monitoring ................................................................................................................ [14,000 ] 

Mentally Ill Offender Act ....................................................................................................................... [12,000 ] 

Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program (COAP) .................................................................................... [21,000 ] 

TOTAL, State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance ..................................................................... 1,171,000

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.—The 

Committee recommends $404,500,000 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 with evidence-based strategic plans developed through broad stakeholder 
89 

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 between 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. 

In order to meet challenges faced by prosecutors, the Committee 

provides $2,500,000 within the Byrne-JAG program for the Smart 

Prosecution program, which supports partnerships between prosecutors and researchers focused on developing and implementing 

innovative prosecution-based criminal justice programs and strategies that are effective, efficient, and economical. The Committee encourages OJP to remind awardees that many prosecutorial technology and case management modernization needs may be addressed through the Byrne-JAG program. 

Training for Forensic Services.—The Committee is interested in 

solution-based approaches to train local law enforcement officers 

and utilize available technology to reduce court backlogs and prosecutions. To the extent appropriate, OJP should explore ways to 

provide resources for multi-jurisdictional forensic service providers, 

in collaboration with universities and nonprofits, to provide access 

to forensic expertise, assistance, and continuing education to law 

enforcement agencies. The Committee encourages OJP to remind 

awardees that these objectives could also be met through the 

Byrne-JAG program. 

VALOR Initiative.—The Committee’s recommendation provides 

$7,500,000 within Byrne-JAG for the Officer Robert Wilson III Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement Officer Resilience and 

Survivability Initiative [VALOR]. The Committee expects Federal 

law enforcement agencies to continue and expand on efforts to provide local police with information as to whether or not 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 $7,500,000 is provided under the COPS heading 

for Protecting Our Lives by Initiating COPS Expansion [POLICE] 

Act (Public Law 114–199) programs which help to provide active 

shooter training programs for State and local law enforcement officers. 

National Instant Criminal Background Check System [NICS] Initiative Grants.—The Committee funds the program at $73,000,000, 

which is $5,000,000 above the budget request, 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 
90 

to track whether grant recipients are submitting data in a timely 

manner into the NICS system. 

Grants to Combat Human Trafficking.—Trafficking victims are 

subjected to physical, mental, and sexual abuse and need various 

types of assistance to begin healing and recovery, including counseling, housing, medical care, support groups, and legal assistance. 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $45,000,000 for services 

and task force activities for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and 

foreign nationals who are victims of trafficking. The OJP shall consult with stakeholder groups in determining the overall allocation 

of Victims of Trafficking funding and shall provide to the Committee a plan for the use of these funds as part of the Department’s 

fiscal year 2018 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. 

Funding to assist State and local law enforcement in strengthening and expanding the investigation and prosecution of human 

trafficking and training law enforcement personnel on the identification of trafficking victims was authorized under VAWA 2013. 

The Committee recommends that funds be made available for 

human trafficking task forces, particularly those that combat the 

sex trafficking of minors in High Intensity Child Prostitution areas 

identified by the FBI. Trafficking task forces can also use funding 

for innovative technological instruments to assist in the rescue of 

trafficking victims. 

Bulletproof Vests.—Within the $22,500,000 provided for bullet- proof vests, $1,500,000 is to be transferred directly to the NIST Office of Law Enforcement Standards [OLES] to continue supporting 

ballistic- and stab-resistant material compliance testing programs. 

The Committee expects the BJA to continue strengthening internal 

controls to manage the Bulletproof Vest Partnership 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. 

Second Chance Act Grants and Drug Treatment.—The recommendation provides $70,000,000 for Second Chance Act [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 safe and successful reentry 

back to their communities of adults released from prisons and jails. 

The SCA supports activities such as employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, 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. 

The Committee continues to support the Office of Management 

and Budget’s scoring mechanism for SCA grant funding as it relates to opioid abuse and the heroin epidemic. In addition, when 

awarding SCA grants the Committee directs the OJP to consider 

the impact of reentry of prisoners on communities in which a dis-
91 

proportionate number of individuals reside upon release from incarceration. The 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. 

DNA Backlog and Crime Lab Improvements.—The Committee is 

once again extremely disappointed that the Department’s budget 

request slashes funding by $20,000,000 for critical grant programs 

to help State and local agencies address their backlogs and test forensic evidence. The Committee continues its strong support for 

DNA backlog and crime lab improvements by recommending 

$125,000,000 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 funds provided, 

$117,000,000 is for Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Reduction grants, 

$4,000,000 is for Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing 

grants, and $4,000,000 is for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners 

grants. 

From within the funding provided for Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Reduction grants, the Committee expects the Department to 

prioritize reducing rape kit backlogs, given that it is the primary 

reason why the Committee continues to provide robust funding for 

these grants. As clarified in the Justice For All Reauthorization Act 

of 2016 (Public Law 114-324), the Committee directs the Department to provide not less than 75 percent of the total grant amounts 

for direct testing activities to reduce the backlog. The Committee 

further directs DOJ to provide at least 5 percent of funds to law 

enforcement agencies to conduct audits of their backlogged rape 

kits and to prioritize testing in those cases in which the statute of 

limitations will soon expire, as authorized by the Sexual Assault 

Forensic Evidence Reporting Act of 2013 (Public Law 113–4). 

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 to the Committee as 

part of its spending plan for State and Local Law Enforcement Activities a plan with respect to funds appropriated for DNA-related 

and forensic programs, including the alignment of appropriated 

funds with the authorized purposes of the Debbie Smith DNA 

Backlog Grant Program. 

Reducing the Rape Kit Backlog.—The Committee’s recommendation includes $45,000,000 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. The NIJ shall 

provide competitively awarded grants with a comprehensive community-based approach to addressing the resolution of cases in the 

backlog. The Committee directs the NIJ to provide a report not 

later than 90 days after enactment of this act on its progress in developing a strategy and model to serve as best practices for discov-
92 

ering and testing kits, training law enforcement, and supporting 

victims throughout the process as required by Public Law 113–235. 

Comprehensive School Safety.—The Committee’s recommendation 

includes $50,000,000 to continue a competitive grant program as 

part of the Comprehensive School Safety Initiative [CSSI] started 

in fiscal year 2014. The NIJ shall provide competitively awarded 

grants with strong research and evaluation components to local 

school districts and State educational agencies to support the implementation of school safety interventions under the existing construct. The Committee urges NIJ that schools participating in 

grants funded through CSSI shall employ an evidence-based school 

threat assessment and intervention program. The Committee directs the NIJ to provide a report not later than 90 days after enactment of this act, on the continued development of a strategy and 

model for comprehensive school safety. 

Economic, High-Tech, White Collar, and Cybercrime Prevention.—The Committee recommends $14,000,000 to assist State and 

local law enforcement agencies in the prevention, investigation, 

and prosecution of economic, high-tech, and Internet crimes. Given 

the importance of protecting our Nation’s new technologies, ideas, 

and products, the Committee includes the request of $2,500,000 for 

competitive grants that help State and local law enforcement tackle 

intellectual property [IP] thefts, such as counterfeiting and piracy. 

With the growing prevalence of cybercrimes and the ubiquitous 

nature of the existence of digital evidence in nearly every crime 

committed, the Committee is concerned that insufficient training 

and support of law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges could 

hinder the investigation and prosecution of cyber and traditional 

crimes. Within the funds provided, $1,000,000 is for the continuation of a Cybercrime and Digital Evidence Resource Prosecutor 

Pilot Program to provide State and local prosecutors with training 

and trial experience in cybercrimes and digital evidence. 

Additionally, the Committee recognizes the need to expand opportunities for computer and digital forensics education at both the 

undergraduate and graduate levels in order to prepare for these 

challenges. Within the funds provided, $1,000,000 shall be dedicated to establish a partnership with an institution for higher 

learning for the purposes of furthering educational opportunities 

for students training in computer forensics and digital investigation. 

Community Trust Initiative.—The Committee’s recommendation 

provides $65,000,000 for the Community Trust Initiative programs 

aimed at building cooperation and trust between law enforcement 

agencies and the communities they serve. Funding is provided for 

three programs within this Initiative at levels of (1) $22,500,000 for 

the Body-Worn Camera Partnership Program, to be used for 

matching grants to equip law enforcement officers with body-worn 

cameras, and jurisdictions must illustrate that training has been 

provided in the proper use of body-worn cameras and have privacy 

and data retention policies already in place; (2) $25,000,000 for the 

Justice Reinvestment Initiative, a data driven approach to improving public safety; and (3) $17,500,000 for the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program, which provides demonstration grants in 

communities to support innovative, evidence-based approaches to 
93 

fighting crime and improving public safety, as well as addressing 

underlying problems. 

Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act [CARA] Programs.— The Committee provides a total of $111,000,000 for CARA programs, including $43,000,000 for drug courts; $7,000,000 for veterans treatment courts; $14,000,000 for Residential Substance 

Abuse Treatment; $14,000,000 for prescription drug monitoring; 

$12,000,000 for the Mentally Ill Offender Act; and $21,000,000 for 

the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program [COAP] comprised of 

other programs authorized by CARA. 

While OJP is in the process of finalizing awards made under 

COAP for fiscal year 2017, OJP believes the demand for grants in 

this area far exceeds the availability of funding, resulting in only 

14 to 19 percent of COAP applicants receiving funding. In order to 

meet this demand, the Committee provides an increase of 

$8,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 level. Of the $21,000,000 for 

COAP no less than $2,500,000 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. 

JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $247,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 1 229,500,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 260,000,000 

1The request includes $92,000,000 to be derived by transfer from funds provided under section 510 of this act. 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $260,000,000 for juvenile justice programs. The recommendation is $13,000,000 above 

the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $30,500,000 above 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 to prevent 

juvenile delinquency and ensure 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 atrisk and vulnerable youth and their families. 

The Committee’s recommendations are displayed in the following 

table: 

JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Program Committee recommendation 

Part B–State Formula Grants ............................................................................................................................ 60,000 

Emergency Planning-Juvenile Detention Facilities ................................................................................... [500 ] 

Youth Mentoring Grants ..................................................................................................................................... 80,000 

Title V–Delinquency Prevention Incentive Grants .............................................................................................. 19,000 

Gang and Youth Violence Education and Prevention ............................................................................... [4,000 ] 

Children of Incarcerated Parents Web Portal ........................................................................................... [500 ] 

Girls in the Justice System ....................................................................................................................... [2,000 ] 
94 

JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Program Committee 

recommendation 

Community-Based Violence Prevention Initiatives ................................................................................... [8,000 ] 

Victims of Child Abuse Programs ...................................................................................................................... 21,000 

Missing and Exploited Children Programs ........................................................................................................ 76,000 

Training for Judicial Personnel .......................................................................................................................... 2,000 

Improving Juvenile Indigent Defense ................................................................................................................. 2,000 

TOTAL, Juvenile Justice ......................................................................................................................... 260,000 

Any deviation from the above plan is subject to the reprogramming requirements of section 505 of this act. 

Part B: State Formula Grants.—The Committee provides 

$60,000,000 for grants to implement comprehensive State juvenile 

justice plans, including community-based prevention and intervention programs and activities for juvenile offenders. This amount is 

$5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $2,000,000 

above the budget request. 

Within the amount provided, the Committee recommends 

$500,000 for competitive demonstration grants for State, local, and 

tribal juvenile justice detention facilities and systems to meet the 

needs of children and adolescents housed in detention facilities in 

preparation for, during, and after a disaster, as detailed in the 

2011 emergency planning guidance issued by the Office of Juvenile 

Justice and Delinquency Prevention [OJJDP]. 

The Committee directs the OJP to submit as part of its spending 

plan for State and Local Law Enforcement Activities a plan for the 

administration of Part B State Formula Grants. The Committee expects this plan to include details pertaining to the formulas utilized 

in awarding grants under this heading. 

The Committee urges DOJ to encourage title II grant recipients 

to coordinate with their State education agencies to support continuity of education opportunities for adjudicated youth. 

The Committee notes that nearly two-thirds of children in the 

U.S. have been exposed to violence, which can impact development, 

health, and educational outcomes and perpetuate the cycle of violence. The Committee supports efforts to provide services and 

training, increase awareness, and conduct research on State collaboration to identify and support children exposed to violence and 

encourages the Department to continue to give grant consideration 

to organizations performing such activities. 

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 

$80,000,000 for competitive, peer-reviewed youth mentoring grants. 

Within 45 days of enactment of this act, the OJP is directed to provide a report and spend plan to the Committee detailing the criteria and methodology that will be used to award these grants, as 

well as an explanation of any deviations from the criteria and Committee directions used in fiscal year 2017. 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. 
95 

The Committee expects OJP to explore how OJJDP may expand 

eligibility for local mentoring programs, particularly in rural areas, 

that are unaffiliated with national mentoring organizations. The 

Committee also expects OJP and OJJDP to collaborate with mentoring stakeholders to expand youth mentoring services in rural 

areas inordinately effected by substance abuse, particularly heroin 

and opioids, and that are considered at-risk. 

Preventing Trafficking of Girls and Involvement 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 homeless, are at an increased risk of becoming 

victims of domestic human trafficking. The Committee provides 

$2,000,000 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 vulnerable to trafficking and 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 longterm contribution to society. 

Victims of Child Abuse Act.—The Committee’s recommendation 

provides $21,000,000 for the various programs authorized under 

the Victims of Child Abuse Act (Public Law 101–647) and directs 

the OJJDP to ensure that not less than 90 percent of the grants 

awarded are for the purposes of developing and maintaining child 

advocacy centers, including training and accreditation. Within the 

funds provided, $5,000,000 shall be for Regional Children’s Advocacy Centers [RCACs] Programs. The RCACs were established to 

provide information, consultation, training, and technical assistance to communities, and to help establish child-focused programs 

that facilitate and support coordination among agencies responding 

to child abuse. 

The Committee recognizes the excellent work of Children’s Advocacy Centers [CAC] in coordinating State and local agencies’ intervention in cases of child abuse, and the valuable collaboration that 

has arisen between CACs and military installations through memoranda of understanding. The Committee encourages CACs to continue to explore ways in which their unique model and expertise 

can be leveraged to help military installations address cases of 

child abuse, and provides $1,000,000 from within the funds provided to continue to support a pilot project to identify, develop, and 

operationalize best practices. 

Missing and Exploited Children Programs.—The Committee recommends $76,000,000 for Missing and Exploited Children Programs and expects the Department to allocate no less than the current funding level for task force grants, training and technical assistance, research and statistics, and administrative costs for the 

Internet Crimes Against Children [ICAC] program. The Committee 

directs the OJP to provide a spending plan for the use of these 

funds as part of the Department’s spending plan for fiscal year 

2018, which shall include only investments in authorized national 
96 

programs that serve as a resource center and clearinghouse on 

missing and exploited children. 

The DOJ’s National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention 

and Interdiction, published in April 2016, identified key investigative objectives for continuing the fight against child exploitation. 

Within funds provided, the Committee directs up to $3,000,000 for 

a competitive grant 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 

pornography, exploitation and sex trafficking. The Committee directs the OJJDP to continue providing training and technical assistance to improve forensic interview training for investigation 

and prosecution professionals, evidence-based community prevention programs for child protection professionals, and undergraduate 

and graduate curricula on the maltreatment and exploitation of 

children. 

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS BENEFITS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $89,300,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 108,300,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 108,300,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $108,300,000 for public safety officers benefits. The recommendation is $19,000,000 

above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and equal to the budget 

estimate. 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, $92,000,000 is for death 

benefits for survivors, an amount estimated by the Congressional 

Budget Office and considered mandatory for scorekeeping purposes. 

The Committee also recommends $16,300,000, 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

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $221,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 218,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 226,500,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $226,500,000 for community oriented policing services. The recommendation is 

$5,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $8,500,000 

above the budget request. 

Local law enforcement is not only essential to ensuring the safety 

of the public, but also plays a critical role in preventing and responding to terrorist threats. Since its creation, the Community 

Oriented Policing Services [COPS] Office has assisted State and 

local law enforcement agencies by providing grants, training, and 
97 

technical assistance that not only ensure public safety from traditional crime, but also better enable law enforcement officers to address the growing threat from terrorist organizations. 

The Committee’s recommendations are displayed in the following 

table: 

COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Program Committee recommendation 

COPS Hiring Grants ............................................................................................................................................ 207,500 

Community Policing Development/Training and Technical Assistance ............................................................. [5,000 ] 

Collaborative Reform Model ............................................................................................................................... [10,000 ] 

Regional Information Sharing Activities ............................................................................................................ [36,000 ] 

POLICE Act ......................................................................................................................................................... [7,500 ] 

Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces .................................................................................................................. 7,000 

Anti-Heroin Task Forces ..................................................................................................................................... 12,000 

TOTAL, Community Oriented Policing Services ..................................................................................... 226,500 

Any deviations from the above plan are subject to the reprogramming requirements of section 505. 

COPS Hiring Program.—The Committee recommends 

$207,500,000 for COPS Hiring grants to help State, local, or tribal 

law enforcement agencies to create and preserve police officer positions and to increase community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. As in the request, the 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. 

Regional Information Sharing Activities.—The Committee recommends $36,000,000, an increase of $6,000,000 above the budget 

request and $1,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level, to 

support activities that enable the sharing of nationwide criminal 

intelligence and other resources with State, local, and other law enforcement agencies and organizations. Such activities should address critical and chronic criminal threats, including gangs, terrorism, narcotics, weapons and officer safety or ‘‘event 

deconfliction,’’ and should reflect regional as well as national threat 

priorities. In addition, funds shall be available to support local-tolocal law enforcement data and information sharing efforts focused 

on solving routine crimes by sharing law enforcement information 

not categorized as criminal intelligence. All activities shall be consistent with national information-sharing standards and requirements as determined by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. 

Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces.—The Committee’s recommendation provides $7,000,000 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 activi-
98 

ties such as precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine 

traffickers. 

Anti-Heroin Task Forces.—The Committee reiterates concerns 

over the dramatic rise of heroin abuse, 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 program within the COPS Office in fiscal 

year 2015, continually providing funding in succeeding fiscal years. 

Despite the plea for additional resources from law enforcement as 

well as the interest of the Committee, the Department eliminated 

this program as part of the fiscal year 2018 budget request. The 

Committee provides $12,000,000 for the COPS Office to make competitive grants to law enforcement agencies in States with high per 

capita levels of primary treatment admissions for both heroin 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. Priority shall be given to those drug task forces, managed 

and operated by the State, serving a majority of counties in the 

State. 

Policing Practices and Accountability Initiative.—The Committee 

supports the COPS Office’s efforts to integrate the Task Force on 

21st Century Policing recommendations and urges the Policing 

Practices and Accountability Initiative to continue its work across 

Department of Justice programs and agencies to provide support 

and best practices for law enforcement agencies working to address 

issues of public trust. 

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 speci-
99 

fied 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 3 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 permits up to 7 percent of discretionary grant and 

reimbursement program funds made available to OJP and COPS to 

be used for tribal criminal justice assistance. The Committee continues to strongly support efforts to help tribes improve the capacity of their criminal justice systems. 

Section 214 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 215 waives the requirement that the Attorney General 

reserve certain funds from amounts provided for offender incarceration. 

Section 216 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 217 permits the Department of Justice to participate in 

Performance Partnership Pilot collaboration programs. 
(100) 

TITLE III 

SCIENCE 

OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $5,555,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 5,544,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 5,544,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $5,544,000 for the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The recommendation is 

$11,000 less than the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and the same 

as the budget request. 

The Office of Science and Technology Policy [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. 

Scientific Review.—The Committee maintains a firm belief that 

a long-standing investments in basic research have resulted in 

transformational discoveries and dramatic improvements in the 

economy, healthcare, infrastructure, communications, national security, and many other sectors. Much of this success can be attributed to the process of peer review for the allocation of research 

funding and publication, and on community prioritization, such as 

through utilizing decadal surveys, which provide clear priorities for 

Federal investment and valuable oversight benchmarks. The Committee directs OSTP to ensure Federal science agencies continue to 

rely on peer review and prioritization efforts from the scientific 

community. 

Open Access to Federal Research.—The Committee has received 

reports by OSTP on the progress of all Federal agencies in developing and implementing policies to increase public access to federally funded scientific research. The Committee is pleased by the 

progress, but previously instructed OSTP to have all relevant departments’ and agencies’ plans approved by the end of calendar 

year 2014 with implementation occurring by early calendar year 

2017. OSTP is directed to continue providing quarterly reports to 
101 

the Committee in order to keep Congress apprised of the remaining 

progress needed to make federally funded research accessible to the 

public as expeditiously as possible. 

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education.— 

The Committee continues to support effective mission-oriented 

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics [STEM] education programs at NASA, NOAA, NSF, and NIST within this bill, 

and encourages OSTP to work with non-Federal education and outreach communities. 

Emerging Contaminants.—Emerging contaminants are increasingly being detected at low levels in drinking water systems across 

the country. Prolonged exposure to unregulated drinking water 

contaminants may pose human health risks, and the lack of research on potential health effects has hindered Federal and State 

efforts to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of drinking 

water advisories or standards for these materials. The OSTP Director shall identify current research gaps in addressing these issues 

and submit to the Committee, within 180 days of enactment of this 

act, a coordinated cross-agency plan for addressing critical research 

gaps related to emerging contaminants. 

National Science and Technology Council Subcommittee.—The 

Committee understands the importance of engaging and recruiting 

a diverse talent pool to work in STEM fields. The Committee also 

believes that limited Federal budgets require innovative approaches that are collaborative and build upon existing training to 

promote a diverse Federal workforce and make the most efficient 

use of limited resources. The Committee directs the OSTP to continue its work with the Office of Personnel Management, the NSF, 

and the National Institute of Standards and Technology [NIST] to 

create a NIST Council Subcommittee to build on existing efforts 

and develop and implement STEM inclusion training for use in 

both the Federal Government and academe. The training should 

address advancement barriers for underrepresented groups in 

STEM careers, including implicit bias, stereotype threat, and work/ 

life balance and caregiving issues so as to foster more inclusive 

workplace environments. Related legal requirements, including 

those under title IX, should also be addressed. 

National Space Council.—The bill provides for the funding of the 

National Space Council [NSC] which was reinstated through Executive Order 13803, signed on June 30, 2017. The Committee understands that the newly reconstituted NSC is in the early phases of 

standing up its staffing and operations, and expects that further information on the appropriate funding levels will be presented to 

the Committee before the end of the current fiscal year. In the absence of that information, the Committee has chosen to initially 

fund the NSC in fiscal year 2018 through OSTP and will consider 

separate funding as further information is presented in the coming 

months. 

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $19,653,300,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 19,092,200,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 19,529,300,000 
102 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $19,529,300,000 for 

the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA]. The 

recommendation is $124,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $437,100,000 above 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 leader in world 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 solar system, and the universe; and research, develop, verify, and transfer 

advanced aeronautics and space technologies. 

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 planet. The Committee expects NASA to continue 

making progress on the recommendations of the National Academies’ decadal surveys, now and in the future. 

The Committee believes this bill represents a solid path forward 

for human spaceflight that reaches beyond low-Earth orbit with 

NASA developed crew and launch vehicles; invests in the burgeoning domestic launch industry that is bringing cargo, and eventually crew, to the International Space Station; and supports 

NASA’s science and technology programs. These elements should 

be viewed as complementary pieces of a balanced whole. 

NASA utilizes a broad variety of launch vehicles, from suborbital 

to heavy configurations, in order to successfully execute its missions. The Committee encourages NASA to choose those launch vehicles that prioritize their manifests such that NASA has a high 

confidence level that missions can be reliably launched on schedule. 

NASA is directed to continue providing the Committee with a quarterly launch schedule, by mission, that describes 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. 

The Committee is supportive of NASA’s STEM education efforts 

that provide hands-on learning experiences at NASA centers for 

middle, high school, and college students, including space launch 

activities, and therefore rejects the proposed cancellation of education programs. These types of programs allow students to experience the full range of STEM-related skills involved in designing, 

testing, and launching vehicles and payloads to deepen their interest in science and engineering fields. 

The Committee is counting on NASA to maintain focus on improving oversight and accountability throughout the agency. 

NASA’s acquisition management continues to be on the GAO ‘‘high 

risk’’ list. The Committee notes that NASA is making progress in 

strengthening its financial management. GAO’s most recent assessment of NASA’s large-scale projects found the agency’s cost and 

schedule performance on major projects has improved since GAO’s 
103 

first assessment in 2009. NASA is directed to cooperate fully and 

to provide timely program analysis, evaluation data, and relevant 

information to the GAO so that GAO can report to Congress shortly 

after the annual budget submission of the President and semiannually thereafter on the status of large-scale NASA programs, 

projects, and activities based on its review of this information. 

In addition, NASA is directed to provide the Committee, 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 reflect the most 

recent NASA analysis and expectation. Keeping the Committee up 

to date should reduce NASA’s propensity to submit spending plans 

that disregard Congressional direction. 

The Federal funding priorities for NASA set forth in this bill and 

report should not be interpreted as a suggestion from the Committee. Rather they should be interpreted like any other statutory 

requirement levied upon NASA. The Committee objects to NASA’s 

efforts in recent fiscal years to redirect funding away from priorities clearly set by the Congress in law. NASA’s continued use of 

section 505 of this bill in this manner will result in limited funding 

flexibility in the future. 

The Committee has chosen to articulate the funding levels of programs, where appropriate, in the form of tables and, if necessary, 

supplemented with explanatory report language. 

SCIENCE

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $5,764,900,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 5,711,800,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 5,571,800,000 

The Committee provides $5,571,800,000 for Science, which is 

$193,100,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$140,000,000 below the budget request. The Science account encompasses: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Astrophysics, the 

James Webb Space Telescope, Heliophysics, and Education. 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 

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 
104 

recommendations of decadal surveys in Earth Science, 

Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. 

SCIENCE 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Committee 

recommendation 

Earth Science ................................................................................................................................................... 1,921,000 

Planetary Science ............................................................................................................................................. 1,611,900 

Astrophysics ..................................................................................................................................................... 816,700 

James Webb Space Telescope .......................................................................................................................... 533,700 

Heliophysics ...................................................................................................................................................... 688,500 

Education ......................................................................................................................................................... [44,000 ] 

Total, Science ..................................................................................................................................... 5,571,800 

Earth Science.—Within the amount for Earth Science, the Committee recommendation includes $198,000,000 for Landsat 9 to 

maintain a 2020 launch profile, $147,000,000 for the Plankton, 

Aerosol, Cloud ocean Ecosystem [PACE] mission to maintain a 

2022 launch date, $28,000,000 for CLARREO Pathfinder to continue progress on a Tier-1 decadal survey recommendation, 

$9,500,000 for OCO–3, and $1,900,000 for NASA instruments on 

the Deep Space Climate Observatory. The amount provided for 

PACE reflects the project’s successful passage of Key Decision 

Point B in July 2017. The recommendation fully supports Earth 

Venture and NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar at no less 

than the request level. 

Radiation Budget Instrument.—The Committee is aware of challenges reported by GAO on NASA’s Radiation Budget Instrument 

[RBI] program, to include problems controlling scope of requirements against desired costs and maintaining schedule to meet the 

JPSS–2 need date with sufficient time for integration on the satellite and testing prior to the JPSS–2 launch. NASA shall report 

in writing to the Committee within 14 days of the date of enactment whether RBI can meet the launch date under the development parameters that the Committee had already established for 

this instrument in previous appropriations bills, and does not meet 

the programmatic cost overruns outlined in section 521 of this act. 

If such conditions are favorably met, then NASA shall continue the 

RBI program in fiscal year 2018 with appropriated funds within 

Earth Science subject to section 505 reprogramming guidelines. 

NASA shall update the Committee on RBI cost and schedule immediately after the completion of the Critical Design Review in September 2017. 

The Committee is also supportive of efforts for the development 

of aircraft instrumentation and arrays that can conduct remote 

sensing for scientific and operational research, and directs the 

agency to continue partnering with non-Federal researchers to test 

new technologies for analyzing snow, ice and soil moisture. 

Planetary Science.—The Committee recommendation includes 

$660,000,000 for Mars Exploration and $66,000,000 for Near Earth 

Object Observations, including no less than the fiscal year 2017 

amount for Double Asteroid Redirection Test [DART]. The Near 

Earth Object Observations program supports a network of search 
105 

and characterization observatories and the data processing and 

analysis required to understand the near-Earth population of small 

bodies. The Committee urges NASA to meet the congressionally 

mandated goal of detecting and characterizing at least 90 percent 

of the potentially hazardous Near Earth Objects [NEO] 140 meters 

or larger by 2020. NASA shall develop a plan for its planetary defense activities, including DART and subsequent activities, which 

will support successive space-based surveys/surveillance missions 

and/or technology demonstration and rapidly advance the Nation’s 

planetary defense capabilities. 

Green Bank Observatory.—The Committee recognizes the significant investment the NSF has made to develop the world-class scientific facility at the Green Bank Telescope Observatory [GBO]. 

NASA is encouraged to continue its use of GBO to support its Planetary Science Research program, including orbital debris monitoring activities, and to coordinate with NSF and other government 

agencies to develop potential multi-agency management plans for 

GBO. NASA shall include in its fiscal year 2019 budget request 

any planned support for the subsequent 5 fiscal years. 

Astrophysics.—The Committee recommendation includes no less 

than $98,300,000 for the Hubble Space Telescope, no less than 

$10,000,000 for search for life technology development, and 

$150,000,000 for the Wide-Field InfraRed Survey Telescope [W– 

FIRST]. The Committee supports the independent analysis of W– 

FIRST and other large projects to ensure sustainable cost and 

schedule and encourages NASA to establish a cost cap for W– 

FIRST based on that analysis. The Committee reiterates its expectation that NASA will streamline W–FIRST science operations to 

take advantage of scientific and operational experience and 

synergies with Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope, including linking science operations and the science archive. 

James Webb Space Telescope.—The Committee maintains its 

strong support for the completion of the James Webb Space Telescope [JWST], and provides $533,700,000, the same as the budget 

request. The bill maintains an overall development cost ceiling for 

JWST at $8,000,000,000, and the Committee intends to hold NASA 

and its contractors to that commitment. The Committee expects to 

be kept fully informed on issues relating to program and risk management, achievement of cost and schedule goals, and the program’s technical status. The Committee appreciates GAO’s continuing work to monitor JWST progress, costs, and schedule. 

Heliophysics.—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 the ground- and space-based platforms that strengthen 

our national security, economic competitiveness, and scientific 

prowess. As recommended by the National Research Council 

Decadal Survey, the Committee directs NASA to implement a 2- 

year cadence of alternating Small Explorer [SMEX] and Mid-sized 

Explorer [MIDEX] missions, and enable a regular selection of Missions of Opportunity [MOs] to allow heliophysics researchers to 

rapidly respond to and participate in missions both inside and outside of NASA. The Committee also supports implementation of the 

Diversify, Realize, Integrate, Venture, Educate [DRIVE] initiative, 
106 

a top priority of the National Research Council Decadal Survey, 

which would increase the competitive Heliophysics research program from 10 percent to 15 percent of the budget request to enable 

the development of new technologies, and establish competitivelyawarded Heliophysics Science Centers. The Committee recognizes 

the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of Heliophysics, and so 

seeks to provide researchers with the necessary tools to enable continued scientific progress in this field. 

Space Weather Research.—In response to the Space Weather Action Plan and the recommendations of the Decadal Survey, the 

Committee recommendation provides $10,000,000 for establishing a 

space weather research program. NASA should coordinate with 

NOAA 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 that 

are expected to come on line, such as the Daniel K. Inouye Solar 

Telescope. 

Science Mission Directorate, Education.—The Committee pro- vides no less than $44,000,000 for education as reflected in a more 

transparent single line within the SMD funding chart. The Committee supports the recommendation that the Astrophysics program administer this SMD-wide education funding. The Committee 

encourages SMD-funded investigators to be directly involved in 

outreach and education efforts. NASA should continue to prioritize 

funding for on-going education efforts linked directly to its science 

missions. 

AERONAUTICS

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $660,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 624,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 650,000,000 

The Committee provides $650,000,000 for Aeronautics, which is 

$10,000,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$26,000,000 above 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, and research 

that supports the Next Generation Air Transportation System in 

partnership with the Joint Planning and Development Office. 

The Committee is encouraged by NASA’s proposal for a Low 

Boom Flight Demonstrator X-plane, referred to as the Low Boom 

Flight Demonstrator [LBFD], with an anticipated first flight in fiscal year 2021. NASA’s work to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight 

over land should assist in eliminating the technical barriers to 

practical, commercial supersonic flight. The Committee also believes that additional subsonic flight demonstrations can contribute 

to continued U.S. leadership in the global aerospace industry and 

directs NASA to provide a report within 180 days of enactment on 

the plan, including resources needed, for additional X-plane demonstrations beyond LBFD. 

Advanced Materials Research.—The Committee recognizes the 

role NASA and university research institutions play in developing 
107 

advanced materials platforms for next generation air and space vehicles. NASA is encouraged to partner with academic institutions 

that have strong capabilities in aviation, aerospace structures, and 

materials testing and evaluation to advance aeronautics materials 

research. 

Unmanned Aerial Systems [UAS] Research.—NASA conducts research to reduce technical barriers associated with integrating UAS 

into the National Airspace System [NAS]. This research remains a 

national priority with the potential to increase public safety and 

bring economic benefits to a wide range of industries. The Committee provides $5,000,000 for NASA to conduct further research in 

a broad range of public safety applications over land and maritime 

environments at the Federal Aviation Administration’s Unmanned 

Aircraft Systems Centers of Excellence on UAS use. 

Advanced Composites.—To address the ongoing need for improved methods, tools, and protocols to reduce the development and 

certification timeline for composite materials and structures, the 

Committee funds advanced composites at the fiscal year 2018 request level. 

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $686,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 678,600,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 700,000,000 

The Committee provides $700,000,000 for Space Technology, which is $13,500,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$21,400,000 above the budget request. The Space Technology Program funds basic research that can advance multi-purpose technologies to enable new approaches to NASA’s current missions. It 

includes 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, the laser communications relay demonstration, and composite 

tanks and structural materials. These key supporting technologies 

will provide enabling capabilities for multiple robotic and human 

exploration missions. 

Satellite Servicing/RESTORE–L.—The Committee recommends 

$130,000,000 for continued formulation activities and acquisition of 

the mission’s bus module to maintain a schedule that targets a 

launch in calendar year 2019 allowing Landsat-7 to be refueled before its original fuel supply is depleted. This project is built upon 

three decades of on-orbit satellite rendezvous, capture and servicing experience and involves substantially more robust technological maturity and capability. By focusing on low-Earth orbiting 

satellites, it avoids competing against industry and holds the potential to save money by allowing government satellites longer 

operational life. The Committee believes this work is complementary to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency [DARPA] work 

in geostationary orbit and encourages NASA to share expertise and 

lessons learned with DARPA and to accept any financial contributions from DARPA to its work. 
108 

Nuclear Propulsion.—NASA is continuing its work to develop the 

foundational technologies and advance low-enriched uranium nuclear thermal propulsion systems that can provide significantly 

faster trip times for crewed missions than non-nuclear options. The 

Committee provides $75,000,000 for ongoing nuclear thermal propulsion technologies for space transportation and exploration. This 

funding is provided for NASA to work towards the goal of being 

able to conduct a propulsion subscale ground test by 2020. 

Laser Communications.—The Committee recognizes the potential 

technological breakthroughs enabled by laser communications that 

provide much higher data rates for connections between spacecraft 

and Earth. The Committee directs NASA to continue its investments in optical communication research, development, and testing 

to support NASA missions and potentially to create spin off technologies that advance American leadership in communications 

technologies and support rural broadband deployment. 

Flight Opportunities Program.—The recommendation includes up to $20,000,000 for the Flight Opportunities Program. 

Advanced Propulsion Research.—The Committee notes that 

NASA has funded preliminary fusion energy research that could 

eventually assist in shortening transit time for interplanetary missions. The Committee strongly encourages NASA to pursue academic led research opportunities as continued early technology development is advanced. 

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. The SBIR program encourages domestic small 

businesses to engage in Federal research and development, and 

creates jobs. The Committee therefore directs NASA to place an increased focus on awarding SBIR awards to firms with fewer than 

50 employees. 

EXPLORATION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $4,324,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 3,934,097,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,395,000,000 

The Committee provides $4,395,000,000 for Exploration, which is 

$71,000,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$460,903,000 above 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 low-Earth orbit and 

throughout the solar system. The Committee believes the Nation 

deserves a safe and robust human spaceflight program to explore 

beyond low-Earth orbit. 

EXPLORATION 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Committee 

recommendation 

Space Launch System ........................................................................................................................................ 2,150,000 

Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle ..................................................................................................................... 1,350,000 

Exploration Ground Systems .............................................................................................................................. 545,000 
109 

EXPLORATION—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Committee recommendation 

Exploration Research and Development ............................................................................................................ 350,000 

TOTAL .................................................................................................................................................... 4,395,000 

The Space Launch System [SLS], Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle [Orion], and Exploration ground systems are all critical infrastructure for the development and sustainment of the Nation’s 

human exploration goals. These investments will enable the human 

exploration of space beyond low Earth orbit, and provide flexibility 

for a variety of mission destinations. 

NASA’s human exploration program is made up of three distinct, 

but equally important pieces: SLS heavy-lift launch vehicle, Orion, 

and the supporting ground systems that process and launch these 

vehicles. If any of these activities are delayed, then the entire exploration enterprise of launching humans beyond low Earth orbit 

by NASA is also hindered. Therefore, it is important to view these 

programs as part of a complete system and to budget accordingly 

so that the Nation can advance its exploration goals. 

The Committee provides: $2,150,000,000 for SLS, of which no 

less than $300,000,000 is for development of the Exploration Upper 

Stage [EUS] engine; $1,350,000,000 for Orion; and $545,000,000 for 

Exploration Ground Systems. In addition to this funding, 

$95,900,000 is further provided under Construction of Facilities for 

Exploration related construction, bringing the total for ground systems to $640,900,000. The Committee notes that the fiscal year 

2018 request for SLS includes $59,000,000 planned for RS–25 and 

SLS core stage green run testing as part of a longer-term testing 

plan leading to EUS testing and qualification activities to be conducted in fiscal year 2019 and beyond. Of the funds provided for 

EUS, $20,000,000 is for advance planning and preliminary test 

stand engineering for associated follow-on testing and engine qualification for the EUS. NASA is directed, within 60 days of enactment, to provide the Committee its preliminary plan for EUS testing and qualification that incorporates the funding provided within 

this Act. These funding levels reflect consistent programmatic 

funding to ensure the earliest possible crewed launch, as well as 

prepare for future crewed launches. 

It is important to note that the funding levels provided by the 

Committee support the development of multiple iterations of 

launch and crew test articles and flight vehicles that are being developed and produced during fiscal year 2018. Together these comprise a complete system that includes work needed for future 

launches beyond Exploration Missions 1 and 2. 

The Committee understands that NASA will determine the initial launch date for Exploration Mission 1 after a review of the program currently being conducted and expects NASA to provide the 

Committee with details of this analysis at the conclusion of the review. 

To allow for NASA to transition SLS, Orion, and their associated 

ground infrastructure from a developmental program to an oper-
110 

ating launch system, the Committee has included bill language permitting NASA to continue to acquire crew vehicles, launch vehicles, 

ground systems and their associated components under incremental funding within appropriation limits for the duration of 

these programs. 

Advanced Exploration Systems.—The amount provided for Advanced Exploration Systems enables NASA to continue current activities within NASA and with industry related to VASIMR propulsion technology, In Situ Resource Utilization, and Lunar CATALYST. The Committee also encourages NASA to continue to study 

and quantify potential exposure to cosmic rays through initiatives 

such as the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. The Committee further 

includes the request level of $119,700,000 for habitat systems research and development. The Committee expects NASA to establish 

in fiscal year 2018 a habitat development program office at a center that holds proficiency and heritage in habitation, life support 

systems development, and science operations to oversee and support NASA’s current and future in-space habitat development activities. 

SPACE OPERATIONS

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $4,950,700,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 4,740,803,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,751,500,000 

The Committee provides $4,751,500,000 for Space Operations, which is $199,200,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$10,697,000 above the budget request. The Space Operations account funds the International Space Station [ISS] and the supporting functions required to conduct operations in space. The ISS 

is a complex of research laboratories in low-Earth orbit in which 

American, Russian, and international partner astronauts conduct 

unique scientific and technological investigations in a microgravity 

environment. 

Space Transportation.—The Committee provides the requested 

amounts of $1,683,200,000 for the delivery of cargo and payments 

for current and future crew services to the ISS, and up to 

$731,900,000 for payment of successfully completed crew development milestones. 

The Committee notes that the GAO has reported in ‘‘NASA: Assessments of Major Projects’’ that an analysis by the Commercial 

Crew Program indicates the certification of both contractors will 

likely be delayed until 2019 and that despite a fixed price contract, 

payments to contractors have increased by a combined 

$138,000,000 through the use of reserve funds. The Committee encourages NASA to regain the ability to launch astronauts to ISS 

from the United States in a safe and timely manner but is concerned that further delays to the crew program will lead to additional unanticipated crew transportation costs beyond the current 

payments to other crew transportation providers in the future. 

NASA shall inform the Committee of the causes of any delays to 

certification dates and any additional associated costs, including 

additional payments for alternative transportation services, at the 

time they are determined by NASA, and not wait to disclose them 

as part of the regular quarterly reporting requirement. 
111 

Rocket Propulsion Test Program.—The Committee recommends 

the fiscal year 2018 requested amount for the NASA Rocket Propulsion Test program to ensure test infrastructure remains adequate to support the Space Launch System and other propulsion 

development programs. 

Testing Infrastructure.—The Committee encourages NASA to develop plans to fully utilize NASA-owned rocket testing infrastructure for commercially developed launch vehicles to ensure that 

these vehicles are not only tested in the same manner as Government-developed launch vehicles, but also at the same facilities, to 

ensure consistency in testing across all potential vehicles. 

Space and Flight Support Launch Services.—The Committee believes that the small launch vehicle development will lead to a capability that will maximize benefits to the government, the private 

sector, and universities while promoting increased participation in 

the small launch market. The recommendation includes 

$30,000,000 for NASA to continue activities through the appropriate program office to advance technologies for launch vehicles of 

small payloads to increase opportunities for improved access to 

suborbital and orbital launch opportunities once the current round 

is completed. 

Solid Rocket Motor Materials.—Within 60 days of enactment of 

this bill, NASA shall provide a briefing to the Committee regarding 

NASA’s strategy to procure large solid rocket motors at the best 

value to U.S. taxpayers. The briefing will include a description of 

their present supply chain, as well as future costs and availability 

of solid rocket motor input materials including ammonium perchlorate and spherical aluminum powder as well as anticipated impacts of existing, pending and planned contracts by NASA and 

other government entities. 

21st Century Launch Complex program.— The Committee notes 

that the 21st Century Launch Complex program ended in fiscal 

year 2017. The program helped to maintain multiple launch sites 

contribute to assured access to the ISS in case of natural disaster, 

national security event, or launch accident. With the end of this 

program, future funding requests for construction, maintenance, 

and revitalization of multiple launch facilities to maintain this capability are expected to be funded through the Construction account where capital improvements to NASA’s infrastructure are located. 

EDUCATION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $100,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 37,300,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 100,000,000 

The Committee provides $100,000,000 for Education, which is 

the same as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $62,700,000 

above the budget request. The Education account funds science, 

technology, engineering, and mathematics [STEM] education activities to educate and inspire our next generation of explorers and 

innovators. 

The Committee does not agree with the proposed cancellation of 

the activities within Education and has provided funding for the 

programs for the upcoming fiscal year. However, if NASA deter-
112 

mines that the programs would be better managed, executed, and 

evaluated in other places within NASA, the Committee is not 

averse to considering funding these activities either within a revised Education directorate or other alternative locations. The 

Committee directs NASA to use fiscal year 2018 to review the Education Mission Directorate, along with its other education-related 

activities, in order to inform the appropriate location and activities 

NASA should undertake in future years. As part of this activity, 

NASA is directed to consider maintaining administrative costs at 

no more than five percent and provide the Committee a report on 

the results of this comprehensive review not less than 90 days from 

enactment of this Act. 

The funds provided are to ensure continuity in the ongoing programs as NASA evaluates its role in STEM education and development of students in science and engineering fields. 

EDUCATION 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Committee 

recommendation 

NASA Space Grant ................................................................................................................................................ 40,000 

Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research [EPSCOR] .................................................................. 18,000 

Minority University Research and Education Project ........................................................................................... 32,000 

STEM Education and Accountability Projects ...................................................................................................... 10,000 

TOTAL ........................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Space Grant.—The Committee provides $40,000,000 for Space 

Grant and directs NASA to support an extension of the current 

Space Grant program, and to allocate the entire funding amount 

for consortia-led institutions in all 52 participating jurisdictions according to the percentage allocation provided to States in the current 5-year grant award. 

Competitive Program.—The Committee provides up to 

$10,000,000 for the Competitive Program for Science, Museums, 

Planetariums, and NASA Visitors Centers within the STEM Education and Accountability Projects. This competitive grant program 

creates interactive exhibits, professional development activities, 

and community-based programs to engage students, teachers, and 

the public in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

Space Law.—As the civilian space market continues to grow and 

national policies are developed for remote sensing and commercial 

space launches for cargo and crew, there is an increasing need for 

education on the legal aspects of human use of aerospace technologies. To encourage legal research in this area, the Committee 

provides up to $1,000,000 for space law education and outreach. 

NASA shall provide a spending plan to the Committee within 45 

days of enactment of this act on how NASA will implement this direction. 

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND MISSION SERVICES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $2,768,600,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,830,200,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 2,826,900,000 
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The Committee provides $2,826,900,000 for Safety, Security, and 

Mission Services, which is $58,300,000 above the fiscal year 2017 

enacted level and $3,300,000 below the budget request. The Safety, 

Security, and Mission Services account funds agency management, 

including 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 cross-agency support, the Committee 

recommends $39,100,000 for NASA’s IV&V Program. 

Cybersecurity.—The Committee’s recommendation includes the 

full request for Agency Information Technology [IT] Services to 

support shifting NASA’s IT model to one that enhances 

cybersecurity with strong governance and strong information security practices. 

National Center for Critical Information Processing and Storage.—The National Center for Critical Information Processing and 

Storage [NCCIPS], managed by NASA, was established to consolidate efforts across Federal agencies to store and secure data. The 

Committee encourages NASA to make agencies aware of NCCIPS 

capabilities in order to help the Federal Government reduce IT 

costs and more rapidly achieve IT modernization. The Committee 

urges NASA to offer NCCIPS to other agencies in order to take full 

financial advantage of this secure data facility, to help the Federal 

Government reduce IT costs, and to more rapidly achieve IT modernization. 

NASA Shared Services Center.—The Committee is aware that 

NASA is considering a divestment of the NASA Shared Services 

Center [NSSC] and transitioning it to another Federal shared services provider or designating it as an independent performance 

based organization. The Committee supports these efforts only if 

the final proposal adheres to ongoing government-wide data consolidation efforts, reduces hardware, software, and operating costs 

for its Federal customers, and aids in its ability to attract new Federal agencies. If NASA chooses to divest the NSSC, NASA shall 

provide the Committee its justification for divestment and the plan 

for implementation. 

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $360,700,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 496,100,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 496,100,000 

The Committee provides $496,100,000 for Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration, which is $135,400,000 

above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and the same as 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. 
114 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $37,900,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 39,300,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 38,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $38,000,000 for the Office of Inspector General [OIG], which is $100,000 above the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $1,300,000 below the budget request. The Office is responsible for promoting efficiency and preventing and detecting crime, fraud, waste, and mismanagement. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

The Committee includes bill language regarding the availability 

of funds for certain prizes. 

The Committee also includes bill language regarding transfers of 

funds between accounts and the NASA spending plan for fiscal 

year 2018. 

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $7,472,215,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 6,652,888,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 7,311,083,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $7,311,083,000 for 

the National Science Foundation [NSF]. The recommendation is 

$161,132,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$658,195,000 above the budget request. 

The National Science Foundation 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. The Foundation also 

supports unique domestic and international large-scale research facilities. 

RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $6,033,645,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 5,361,650,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 5,917,803,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $5,917,803,000. The recommendation is $115,842,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted 

level and $556,153,000 above the budget request. 

The Research and Related Activities [R&RA] appropriation funds 

scientific discovery, trains a dynamic workforce, and supports 

broadly accessible state-of-the-art tools and facilities. Research activities will contribute to the achievement of these outcomes 

through expansion of the knowledge base; integration of research 

and education; stimulation of knowledge transfer between academia and the public and private sectors; and international activities, and will bring the perspectives of many scientific disciplines 

to bear on complex problems important to the Nation. The Foundation’s discipline-oriented R&RA account includes: Biological 
115 

Sciences; Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Engineering; Geosciences; Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Social, 

Behavioral and Economic Sciences; Office of Cyberinfrastructure; 

Office of International Science and Engineering; Office of Polar 

Programs; Integrative Activities; and the U.S. Arctic Research 

Commission. 

The Committee’s fiscal year 2018 recommendation supports Federal long-term basic research that has the potential to transform 

our economy and our way of life in the context of a constrained 

Federal budget. 

Scientific Facilities and Instrumentation.—A critical component 

of the Nation’s scientific enterprise is the infrastructure that supports researchers in discovery science. Investments to advance the 

frontiers of research and education in science and engineering are 

critical to the Nation’s innovation enterprise. The Committee encourages the NSF to fully fund its U.S. scientific research facilities 

and instruments to adequately support scientists and students engaged in sustained, cutting-edge research. 

Astronomy.—U.S.-based astronomy researchers and facilities 

funded through NSF continue to make groundbreaking discoveries 

utilizing world-class scientific research instruments and facilities. 

NSF funding enables research in the U.S., at facilities across the 

globe, and at observatories operated by universities, including the 

National Optical Astronomy Observatories, the National Radio Astronomy Observatories, and the National Solar Observatory. As 

NSF determines the appropriate levels of support for astronomy research grants by scientists and students engaged in ground-breaking research and investments, the Committee expects the NSF to 

continue its support of world-class scientific research facilities and 

instrumentation to maximize its investments in research. In addition to this support, partnerships should be explored when feasible 

to maximize research capabilities at such facilities. 

Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 

[EPSCoR].—The Committee underscores the importance of the 

EPSCoR program in spurring innovation and strengthening the research capabilities of institutions that are historically underserved 

by Federal research and development [R&D] funding. The EPSCoR 

program is funded at no less than $160,000,000, the same amount 

as fiscal year 2017. NSF shall make every effort to achieve efficiencies to ensure that no more than 5 percent of the amounts provided for the program are used for administration and other overhead costs. 

Study of Woodland and Alpine Ecosystems and Ecoregions.—The 

Committee encourages NSF to support research on unique mountain and woodland ecosystems, and to advance research in this 

area in order to better understand and sustain the health and vitality of mountain ecosystems. 

Mathematical Sciences Institutes.—The Committee recognizes the 

importance of the NSF Mathematical Sciences Institutes across the 

country, which provide important basic research in multiple fields. 

VORTEX–SE.— NSF has been working in conjunction with the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] to build 

up to a full research campaign to study the unique characteristics 

of tornadoes in the southeast. The VORTEX–SE field campaigns in 
116 

calendar years 2016 and 2017 have provided important new insights into the observing strategy for the large VORTEX–SE field 

campaign expected to take place in spring of 2020. NSF currently 

plans on conducting additional workshops ahead of the full campaign to fully incorporate lessons learned from the initial field 

work that has recently been completed. In preparation for the 2020 

field campaign, the Committee expects that future budget requests 

for VORTEX–SE will include adequate budgetary resources for associated research and instrumentation. The Committee directs NSF 

to include a coordinated funding plan and timeline for conducting 

VORTEX–SE as part of future budget requests. 

As part of VORTEX–SE, the Committee directs NSF to look beyond the traditional research disciplines and programs utilized in 

previous Vortex programs and to include and utilize the collaborative opportunities of the Prediction of and Resilience against Extreme Events program 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. 

Ice Sheet Instability.—Within Office of Polar Programs, the Committee encourages NSF to prioritize research into the current stability of Antarctic ice sheets, including the West Antarctic Ice 

Sheet, and any impacts of future instability. 

High-Performance Computing.—The Committee commends NSF 

on its continuing commitment to its high-performance computing 

and data analysis capabilities and urges NSF to make timely and 

significant investments in high-performance computing. NSF 

should remain committed to developing and supporting systems 

that facilitate tremendous leaps in computational simulation and 

data analyses that enable a broad range of scientific research and 

encourages NSF to release a public roadmap outlining the scope 

and timing of these investments. 

Domestic Manufacturing.—The Committee encourages NSF to 

continue to support meritorious research on the U.S. steel industry. 

Cybersecurity.—The Committee’s recommendation includes no 

less than the fiscal year 2017 enacted level for cybersecurity research. 

Innovation Corps.—The Committee provides no less than the fiscal year 2017 amount for the Innovation Corps [I–Corps] program 

to build on the successes of its innovative public-private partnership model. Technology transfer is an important contributor to 

American innovation, and NSF plays a critical role in enabling our 

Nation’s brightest academic minds to bring their ideas and ingenuity to the marketplace. Scientists are trained in discovery but 

need help turning their research into real-world products and profits. Programs like I–Corps create jobs in our laboratories today and 

jobs in American industries tomorrow. The Committee encourages 

NSF to facilitate greater participation in the program from academic institutions in States that have not previously received 

awards. 

HBCUs Excellence in Research.—The Committee continues to believe in the importance of additional Federal research opportunities 

at Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCUs]. Because 

NSF’s primary research directorates continue to have a troubling 
117 

track record of funding HBCUs, the Committee provides 

$10,000,000 for the competitive HBCUs Excellence in Research program, to be separate and distinct from awards made to HBCUs 

under grant opportunities made available to all colleges and universities, and separate and distinct from programs to support 

HBCUs under the Education and Human Resources directorate. 

The goal of this program is to provide opportunities for both public 

and private HBCUs, particularly for those who have not been successful in larger NSF R&RA competitions, in order to stimulate 

sustainable improvement in their research and development capacity. NSF is further encouraged to use research infrastructure improvement grants, co-funding programs, and other innovative 

mechanisms to achieve these goals. NSF shall provide a detailed 

outline of the proposed execution of the HBCUs Excellence in Research program as part of its fiscal year 2018 spending plan. 

Engineering of Biomedical Systems [EBMS].—EBMS provides research opportunities to develop novel ideas into discovery-level and 

transformative projects that integrate engineering and life sciences 

in solving biomedical problems that serve humanity in the longterm. The Committee encourages NSF to find opportunities for minority serving institutions, such as HBCUs, to broaden participation in EBMS. 

Fire Research.—The Committee recognizes the significant impact 

that fire has on numerous industries in the United States, including the aerospace, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors. Improving the scientific understanding of fire will support key industries 

as well as improve communities’ ability to safeguard property and 

lives. The Committee encourages NSF to examine its current portfolio of fire research to ensure that it is adequately addressing this 

area and appropriately coordinating with academic, industry, and 

government experts in this field. 

Sustainable Chemistry Research.—The Committee continues to 

urge NSF to support sustainable chemistry, including developing a 

long-term vision for sustainable chemistry research and development, as authorized by Public Law 111–358, Section 509, and endorsed in Public Law 114–329, Section 114. 

Advancement of Women in Academic Science and Engineering 

Careers [ADVANCE].—The Committee is supportive of the ADVANCE program, which funds efforts to address the systemic barriers to women’s STEM careers. To maintain these efforts, the 

Committee provides $18,000,000, the same as the fiscal year 2017 

funding level. 

MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $209,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 182,800,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 182,800,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $182,800,000 for 

Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction [MREFC]. 

The recommendation is $26,200,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and the same as 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. 
118 

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’s recommendation includes funding at the requested level for the continued construction of the Daniel K. Inouye 

Solar Telescope and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, as well 

as the requested funding for planning and construction of three regional class research vessels. 

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. The 

Committee notes that MREFC has a ‘no cost overrun’ policy and 

expects GAO’s analysis to address any NSF adjustments to proposed activities and scope. 

EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $880,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 760,550,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 862,400,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $862,400,000 for this 

account. The recommendation is $17,600,000 below the fiscal year 

2017 enacted level and $101,850,000 above the budget request. 

The Education and Human Resources appropriation supports a 

comprehensive set of programs across all levels of education in 

STEM. The appropriation supports activities that unite school districts with institutions of higher learning to improve precollege 

education. Other precollege 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 

funding for Advanced Technological Education at not less than the 

fiscal year 2017 enacted level. 

Fellowships and Scholarships.—The Committee does not adopt 

the proposed funding reductions for the NSF Scholarships in 

STEM, Robert Noyce Scholarship Program, or the Graduate Research Fellowship and instead provides the fiscal year 2017 funding level for these programs. 

CyberCorps: Scholarships for Service.—The CyberCorps program 

has awarded more than 3,000 scholarships to train Federal 

cybersecurity professionals. Nearly half of the program’s graduates 

are placed in national security and defense agencies. The Com-
119 

mittee provides no less than $55,000,000 for the CyberCorps: Scholarships for Service program, of which not less than $7,500,000 

should be used to continue work with community colleges that have 

been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information 

Assurance 2–Year Education [CAE2Y] by the National Security 

Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, including 

through providing scholarships to students at CAE2Y’s who will 

not transfer into a 4-year program, such as career-changers who 

possess 4-year degrees and veterans of the Armed Forces. Additionally, the Committee urges NSF to collaborate with the National 

Initiative for Cybersecurity Education at NIST on their efforts to 

develop cybersecurity skills in the workforce, especially in support 

of non-traditional or technical degree qualifications. 

Informal Science Education.—The Committee maintains its 

strong support for NSF’s informal science education program and 

provides no less than $62,500,000 for Advancing Informal STEM 

Learning and $51,880,000 for STEM∂C Partnerships. 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 Education and Human Resources directorate 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. 

Division of Research on Learning [DRL] in Formal and Informal 

Settings.—As part of the research funded through the DRL, the 

Committee recognizes the importance of out-of-school time STEM 

mentor-led engagement programs, including STEM networks, festivals, and competitions. Such programs are highly effective in filling the higher education STEM pipeline. The Committee urges 

NSF to focus on populations underrepresented in the STEM fields 

and encourages NSF to fund out-of-school time STEM engagement 

program activities. 

Division on Human Resource Development.—The Committee recommends $35,000,000 for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCUs] Undergraduate Program, $8,000,000 for the Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate, $46,000,0000 

for the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation, 

$14,000,000 for the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program, and 

$24,000,000 for Centers for Research Excellence in Science and 

Technology. 

Hispanic-Serving Institutions [HSI] Program.—Hispanic Americans continue to be underrepresented in science and engineering 

disciplines. The Committee provides $15,000,000 as authorized 

under 42 U.S.C. 1862o–12 for NSF to implement an HSI Program 

that is designed to increase the recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of Hispanic students pursuing associate or baccalaureate 

degrees in STEM fields. 

AGENCY OPERATIONS AND AWARD MANAGEMENT

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $330,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 328,510,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 328,510,000 
120 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $328,510,000 for 

Agency Operations and Award Management. The recommendation 

is $1,490,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and the same 

as 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 evaluates how a 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 reports are affected. 

OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $4,370,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 4,370,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 4,370,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $4,370,000 for the Office of the National Science Board. The recommendation is the 

same as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and the same as 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. 

Operations and Maintenance Costs.—The Committee is concerned 

that operations and maintenance costs for NSF-funded research facilities require an increasingly large percentage of the funding for 

Research and Related Activities, especially in a budget environment where overall domestic spending is restrained and annual operations and maintenance costs increase faster than overall NSF 

spending. The Committee is waiting for the Board’s report, directed 

in fiscal year 2017, on whether this issue merits a change in NSF’s 

funding principles or budgetary formulation processes. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $15,200,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 15,008,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 15,200,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $15,200,000 for the 

Office of Inspector General [OIG]. The recommendation is the same 

as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $192,000 above the budget 

request. 
121 

The OIG appropriation provides audit and investigation functions to identify and correct deficiencies that could lead to instances of fraud, waste, or mismanagement. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION

The bill includes one administrative provision to allow limited 

transfers of funds among accounts. 
(122) 

TITLE IV 

RELATED AGENCIES 

COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $9,200,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 9,183,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 9,200,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $9,200,000 for the 

salaries and expenses of the Commission on Civil Rights, the same 

as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $17,000 above the request. 

State Advisory Committees [SAC].—The SACs represent the eyes 

and ears of the Commission in their respective States, and the significant proportion of unchartered SACs inhibits the Commission in 

carrying out its mission across the Nation. The Committee is 

pleased with the Commission’s progress in extending all existing 

SAC charters from 2 years to 4 years and looks forward to the improvements in work quality that can be attributed to this change. 

The Commission is directed to update its report to the Committee 

not later than 90 days after enactment of this act detailing the 

number of SAC charters covering 4 years remaining to be approved 

by the Commission, any SAC charters that were submitted but not 

approved by the Commission, and the criteria used by the Commission to approve or deny any charter submitted for approval. 

Donations..—The bill includes authority for the Commission to 

accept donations to carry out its mission, similar to authority provided to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 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, 2017 ............................................................................. $364,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 363,807,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 364,500,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $364,500,000 for 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] salaries and 

expenses. This recommendation is the same as the fiscal year 2017 

enacted level and $693,000 above the request. 

The EEOC is the leading Federal agency dedicated to eradicating 

employment discrimination in both the public and private sectors 
123 

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 Backlog Reduction.—At the end of fiscal year 2016 the 

EEOC had a private sector inventory of nearly 76,000 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. EEOC’s own budget submission states 

that justice delayed is justice denied. 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. 

State and Local Enforcement Assistance.—The Committee recommends up to $29,500,000 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, 2017 ............................................................................. $91,500,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 87,615,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 91,500,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $91,500,000. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and is 

$3,885,000 above the budget request. 

The International Trade Commission [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. 

The Committee reminds the administration and the Office of Management and Budget that Congress granted ITC specific bypass authority for submitting its budget estimate to the Legislative 

Branch, pursuant to section 175 of the Trade Act of 1974. Therefore, all future budget estimates for ITC should be transmitted to 

Congress without revision by the President, pursuant to such act. 
124 

LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

PAYMENT TO THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $385,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 33,000,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 385,000,000 

The Committee’s recommendation rejects the proposal to terminate the payment to the Legal Services Corporation [LSC] and provides $385,000,000 for payment to the LSC. The recommendation 

is the same as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $352,000,000 

above the President’s budget request. The Committee’s recommendation provides $352,000,000 for 

basic field programs, to be used for competitively awarded grants 

and contracts; $19,000,000 for management and administration; 

$4,000,000 for client self-help and information technology; 

$5,000,000 for the Office of the Inspector General [OIG]; $1,000,000 

for loan repayment assistance; and $4,000,000 for the LSC’s Pro 

Bono Innovation Fund. 

Governance and Management.—The 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 Inspector General of the LSC 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. 

Pro Bono Innovation Fund.—The Committee’s recommendation 

provides no less than $4,000,000 to continue the Pro Bono Innovation Fund. This fund will support innovative projects that promote 

and enhance pro bono initiatives throughout the Nation, as well as 

leverage Federal dollars to increase free legal aid for low-income 

Americans by engaging private attorneys. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION—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 illegal aliens; (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. 

MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $3,431,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 2,449,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 3,431,000 
125 

The Committee rejects the proposed elimination of the Marine Mammal Commission and instead provides $3,431,000. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and 

$982,000 above 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. 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, 2017 ............................................................................. $62,000,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 57,600,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 57,600,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $57,600,000 for the 

Office of the United States Trade Representative [USTR]. The recommendation is $4,400,000 below the fiscal year 2017 enacted level 

and equal to the budget request. The agreement provides up to 

$10,000,000 in funding for enforcement of trade agreements and 

other activities outlined in the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (19 U.S.C. 4405), subject to reprogramming 

requirements. 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 2018. 

De minimis thresholds.—The Committee recognizes that the current disparity in de minimis thresholds have a disproportionate impact on small businesses, who often take advantage of e-commerce 

to send low-value shipments to customers in foreign countries. 

USTR is encouraged to consider these impacts when negotiating 

with trading partners to address excessively low de minimis 

thresholds. 

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 

Committees 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 
126 

ongoing trade negotiations, enforcement activities, and objectives 

achieved for existing trade agreements. 

STATE JUSTICE INSTITUTE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Appropriations, 2017 ............................................................................. $5,121,000 

Budget estimate, 2018 ........................................................................... 5,111,000 

Committee recommendation ................................................................. 5,121,000 

The Committee’s recommendation provides $5,121,000 for the 

State Justice Institute. The recommendation is the same as the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $10,000 above the budget request. 

The Institute was created in 1984 to further the development 

and adoption of improved judicial administration in State courts. 
(127) 

TITLE V 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends the following general provisions for 

the departments, agencies and commissions funded in the accompanying act. Similar provisions were included in the fiscal year 

2017 act. 

Section 501 prohibits the use of appropriations for certain publicity and propaganda purposes. 

Section 502 prohibits any appropriations contained in this act 

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 act 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 act 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 

Appropriations Committees regarding unobligated balances. 

Section 508 requires agencies and departments funded in this act 

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 Department of Justice 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 Department of Justice funds for 

programs that discriminate against, denigrate, or otherwise under-
128 

mine the religious beliefs of students participating in such programs. 

Section 512 limits transfers of funds between agencies. 

Section 513 expedites a program for monitoring imported seafood. 

Section 514 requires the Inspectors General of the Departments 

of Commerce and Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the Legal Services Corporation to conduct reviews of activities funded in this act 

and requires certifications regarding conflicts of interest. 

Section 515 prohibits funds for 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 516 prohibits the use of funds to support or justify the 

use of torture. 

Section 517 limits funds pertaining to certain activities related to 

the export of firearms. 

Section 518 limits funds that would deny permits to import certain products. 

Section 519 prohibits funds for activities that seek to include certain language in new trade agreements. 

Section 520 prohibits funds to authorize a national security letter 

in contravention of the statutes authorizing the FBI to issue national security letters. 

Section 521 requires notification to the Committees in the event 

of cost overruns. 

Section 522 authorizes funds appropriated for intelligence activities for the Department of Justice during fiscal year 2018 until the 

enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 

2018. 

Section 523 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 524 specifies rescissions of prior appropriations. 

Section 525 prohibits the use of funds to purchase first class or 

premium airline travel in contravention of current regulations and 

improves reporting. 

Section 526 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. 

Section 527 prohibits the use of funds in this act for the transfer 

or release of certain individuals detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to or within the United States, its territories or 

possessions. 

Section 528 prohibits the use of funds in this act to construct, acquire, or modify any facility in the United States, its territories, or 

possessions to house certain individuals who, as of June 24, 2009, 

were located at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the purposes of detention or imprisonment in the custody or control of the 

Department of Defense. 
129 

Section 529 requires agencies funded in this act to report on 

undisbursed balances. 

Section 530 prohibits the use of funds by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA] or the Office of Science 

and Technology Policy [OSTP] 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 or OSTP have made 

a certification pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section. 

Section 531 prohibits funds made available by this act from being 

used to deny the importation of certain shotgun models. 

Section 532 prohibits the use of funds to establish or maintain 

a computer network that does not block pornography, except for 

law enforcement purposes. 

Section 533 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 534 prohibits the use of funds to implement the Arms 

Trade Treaty until the Senate approves a resolution of ratification 

for the Treaty. 

Section 535 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 act 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 536 prohibits the use of funds by the Department of Justice to prevent States from implementing laws related to a certain 

section of the Agricultural Act of 2014. 

Section 537 prioritizes the obligation of funds within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 
(130) 

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 

2018, either in whole or in part, and therefore fall under this rule: 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW—FISCAL YEAR 2018 

Agency/program Last year of 

authorization 

Department of Commerce: 

International Trade Administration: 

Export Promotion ................................................................................................................................ 1996 

Bureau of Industry and Security: 

Export Administration ......................................................................................................................... 2001 

Economic Development Administration: 

Salaries and Expenses ....................................................................................................................... 2008 

Economic Development Assistance Programs: 

Public Works and Economic Development ................................................................................ 2008 

Bureau of the Census: 

Salaries and Expenses ....................................................................................................................... 2015 

National Telecommunications and Information Administration: 

Salaries and Expenses ....................................................................................................................... 1993 

National Institute of Standards and Technology: 

Scientific and Technical Research and Services .............................................................................. 2013 

Industrial Technology Services ........................................................................................................... 2013 

Construction of Research Facilities ................................................................................................... 2013 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 

Operations, Research, and Facilities: 

National Ocean Service: 

Coral Reef Conservation .................................................................................................. 2004 

Hydrographic Services ...................................................................................................... 2007

Coastal Zone Management .............................................................................................. 1999 

Marine Protection, Research, Preservation & Sanctuaries .............................................. 2005 

National Marine Fisheries Service: 

Endangered Species Act Amendment .............................................................................. 1992 

Marine Mammal Protection .............................................................................................. 1999 

NOAA Marine Fisheries Program ...................................................................................... 2000 

Interjurisdictional Fisheries .............................................................................................. 2012

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management ........................................... 2013 

Estuary Restoration .......................................................................................................... 2012 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research: 

National Sea Grant College Program ............................................................................... 2008 

Procurement, Acquisition and Construction: 

National Ocean Service: 

Marine Protection, Research, Preservation & Sanctuaries .............................................. 2005 

Department of Justice: 

General Administration: 

Salaries and Expenses ....................................................................................................................... 2009 

Justice Information Sharing Technology ............................................................................................ 2009 
131 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW—FISCAL YEAR 2018—Continued 

Agency/program Last year of 

authorization 

Administrative Review & Appeals: 

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 

Antitrust Division: 

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 ....................................................................................................................... N/A 

Federal Prison Detention .................................................................................................................... N/A 

Construction ....................................................................................................................................... N/A 

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 ....................................................................................................................... N/A 

Construction ....................................................................................................................................... N/A 

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 ....................................................................................................................... N/A 

Buildings and Facilities ..................................................................................................................... N/A 

Office on Violence Against Women Programs: 

National Institute of Justice Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women ....................... N/A 

Consolidated Youth Oriented Program ............................................................................................... N/A 

Homicide Reduction Initiative ................................................................................................... N/A 

Research—Violence Against Indian Women ..................................................................................... 2015

Sexual Assault in Indian Country Clearinghouse .............................................................................. N/A

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 

Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program ...................................................................................... N/A 

Adam Walsh Act ................................................................................................................................. 2009 

State Criminal Alien Assistance Program ......................................................................................... 2011 

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment ........................................................................................... 2000 

Drug Courts ........................................................................................................................................ 2008 

Economic, High Tech, White Collar and Cybercrime Prevention ....................................................... N/A 

Second Chance Act/Offender Reentry ................................................................................................ 2010 

Smart Probation ........................................................................................................................ N/A 

Children of Incarcerated Parents Demo Grants ....................................................................... N/A 
132 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW—FISCAL YEAR 2018—Continued 

Agency/program Last year of 

authorization 

Pay for Success (Discretionary) ................................................................................................ N/A 

Pay for Success (Permanent Supportive Housing Model) ........................................................ N/A 

Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction ........................................................................................... N/A 

National Sex Offender Website .......................................................................................................... N/A 

National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) ........................................................... 2013 

Criminal Records Upgrade (NCHIP) ................................................................................................... 2007 

Veterans Treatment Courts Program ................................................................................................. N/A 

Rape Kit Backlog ............................................................................................................................... N/A 

Justice Reinvestment Initiative .......................................................................................................... N/A 

Project HOPE Opportunity Probation with Enforcement ..................................................................... N/A 

Comprehensive School Safety Initiative ............................................................................................. N/A 

Juvenile Justice Programs: 

Part B—State Formula ...................................................................................................................... 2007 

Emergency Planning in Juvenile Justice Facilities ................................................................... N/A 

Title V—Local Delinquency Prevention Incentive Grants .................................................................. 2008 

Gang/Youth Violence Education and Prevention ...................................................................... N/A; 2007 

Community-Based Violence Prevention Initiatives ............................................................................ N/A; 2007 

Missing and Exploited Children Programs ........................................................................................ 2004; 2018; 

2018 

Competitive Grants for Girls in the Justice System .......................................................................... N/A; 2007 

Children of Incarcerated Parents Web Portal .................................................................................... N/A 

COPS Programs: 

COPS Hiring Program ......................................................................................................................... 2009 

Regional Information Sharing Activities ............................................................................................ 2003 

Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces .................................................................................................. N/A 

Anti-Heroin Task Forces ..................................................................................................................... N/A 

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 Restoration ................................................................. 2017 

Office of the Inspector General .................................................................................................................. 2017 

National Science Foundation ............................................................................................................................... 2013 

Related Agencies: 

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: 

Salaries and Expenses ....................................................................................................................... 2000 

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 

1 NOAA authorizations are spread across over 60 separate statutory authorities. In many cases, the authorizations do not match exactly to 

specific programs. 
133 

COMPLIANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 7(c), RULE XXVI OF THE 

STANDING RULES OF THE SENATE 

Pursuant to paragraph 7(c) of rule XXVI, on July 27, 2017, the 

Committee ordered favorably reported a bill (S. 1662) making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, 

Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 

30, 2018, and for other purposes, provided, that the bill be subject 

to amendment and that the bill be consistent with the subcommittee funding guidance, 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 

30–1, a quorum being present. The vote was as follows: 

Yeas Nays 

Chairman Cochran Mr. Lankford 

Mr. McConnell 

Mr. Shelby 

Mr. Alexander 

Ms. Collins 

Ms. Murkowski 

Mr. Graham 

Mr. Blunt 

Mr. Moran 

Mr. Hoeven 

Mr. Boozman 

Mrs. Capito 

Mr. Daines 

Mr. Kennedy 

Mr. Rubio 

Mr. Leahy 

Mrs. Murray 

Mrs. Feinstein 

Mr. Durbin 

Mr. Reed 

Mr. Tester 

Mr. Udall 

Mrs. Shaheen 

Mr. Merkley 

Mr. Coons 

Mr. Schatz 

Ms. Baldwin 

Mr. Murphy 

Mr. Manchin 

Mr. Van Hollen 
134 

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 

guidance 1

Amount 

in bill 

Committee 

guidance 1

Amount 

in bill 

Comparison of amounts in the bill with Committee guidance to its subcommittees of amounts for 2018: Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related 

Agencies: 

Mandatory .................................................................... 339 339 350 2 350 

Discretionary ................................................................ 53,366 53,366 64,701 2 64,701 

Security ............................................................... 5,266 5,266 NA NA 

Nonsecurity ......................................................... 48,100 48,100 NA NA 

Projection of outlays associated with the recommendation: 

2018 ............................................................................. ...................... ...................... ...................... 3 42,284 

2019 ............................................................................. ...................... ...................... ...................... 13,399 

2020 ............................................................................. ...................... ...................... ...................... 3,484 

2021 ............................................................................. ...................... ...................... ...................... 1,407 

2022 and future years ................................................ ...................... ...................... ...................... 4,383 

Financial assistance to State and local governments for 

2018 ................................................................................. NA ¥9,015 NA 3¥291 

1 There is no section 302(a) allocation to the Committee on Appropriations for fiscal year 2018. 

2 Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

3 Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

NA: Not applicable. 
135 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2017 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee 

recommendation compared 

with (∂ or ¥) 

2017 

appropriation Budget estimate 

TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

International Trade Administration 

Operations and administration .................................................................................................................................. 495,000 455,500 495,000 ............................ ∂39,500 Offsetting fee collections ........................................................................................................................................... ¥12,000 ¥13,000 ¥13,000 ¥1,000 ............................

Direct appropriation ...................................................................................................................................... 483,000 442,500 482,000 ¥1,000 ∂39,500 

Bureau of Industry and Security 

Operations and administration .................................................................................................................................. 76,500 75,500 74,500 ¥2,000 ¥1,000 

Defense function ............................................................................................................................................... 36,000 38,000 38,000 ∂2,000 ............................

Total, Bureau of Industry and Security ........................................................................................................ 112,500 113,500 112,500 ............................ ¥1,000 

Economic Development Administration 

Economic development assistance programs ............................................................................................................ 237,000 ............................ 215,000 ¥22,000 ∂215,000 Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 39,000 30,000 39,000 ............................ ∂9,000 

Total, Economic Development Administration .............................................................................................. 276,000 30,000 254,000 ¥22,000 ∂224,000 

Minority Business Development Agency 

Minority business development .................................................................................................................................. 34,000 6,000 34,000 ............................ ∂28,000 

Bureau of Economic Analysis 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 107,300 97,000 99,000 ¥8,300 ∂2,000 

Bureau of the Census 

Current surveys and programs .................................................................................................................................. 270,000 246,000 270,000 ............................ ∂24,000 
136 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2017 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee 

recommendation compared 

with (∂ or ¥) 

2017 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Periodic censuses and programs ............................................................................................................................... 1,200,000 1,251,000 1,251,000 ∂51,000 ............................

Total, Bureau of the Census ........................................................................................................................ 1,470,000 1,497,000 1,521,000 ∂51,000 ∂24,000 

National Telecommunications and Information Administration 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 32,000 36,000 32,000 ............................ ¥4,000 

United States Patent and Trademark Office 

Salaries and expenses, current year fee funding ...................................................................................................... 3,230,000 3,500,000 3,500,000 ∂270,000 ............................Offsetting fee collections ........................................................................................................................................... ¥3,230,000 ¥3,500,000 ¥3,500,000 ¥270,000 ............................

Total, United States Patent and Trademark Office ...................................................................................... ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................ ............................

National Institute of Standards and Technology 

Scientific and technical research and services ........................................................................................................ 690,000 600,000 695,000 ∂5,000 ∂95,000 Industrial technology services .................................................................................................................................... 153,000 21,000 145,000 ¥8,000 ∂124,000 

Adjustment for prior year recoveries ................................................................................................................. (¥2,000 ) ............................ ............................ (∂2,000 ) ............................Manufacturing extension partnerships ............................................................................................................. (130,000 ) (6,000 ) (130,000 ) ............................ (∂124,000 ) National network for manufacturing innovation ............................................................................................... (25,000 ) (15,000 ) (15,000 ) (¥10,000 ) ............................

Construction of research facilities ............................................................................................................................. 109,000 104,000 104,000 ¥5,000 ............................Working Capital Fund (by transfer) ........................................................................................................................... (9,000 ) (9,000 ) (9,000 ) ............................ ............................

Total, National Institute of Standards and Technology ............................................................................... 952,000 725,000 944,000 ¥8,000 ∂219,000 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Operations, research, and facilities ........................................................................................................................... 3,367,875 2,965,549 3,416,401 ∂48,526 ∂450,852 

(By transfer) ...................................................................................................................................................... (130,164 ) (144,000 ) (144,000 ) (∂13,836 ) ............................
137 

Subtotal ......................................................................................................................................................... 3,367,875 2,965,549 3,416,401 ∂48,526 ∂450,852 

Procurement, acquisition and construction ............................................................................................................... 2,242,610 1,807,801 2,111,534 ¥131,076 ∂303,733 Pacific coastal salmon recovery ................................................................................................................................ 65,000 ............................ 65,000 ............................ ∂65,000 Fishermen’s Contingency Fund .................................................................................................................................. 350 349 349 ¥1 ............................Fisheries Finance Program Account ........................................................................................................................... ¥410 ¥3,000 ¥3,000 ¥2,590 ............................

Total, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ........................................................................... 5,675,425 4,770,699 5,590,284 ¥85,141 ∂819,585 

Departmental Management 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 58,000 63,000 58,000 ............................ ¥5,000 Renovation and modernization ................................................................................................................................... 4,000 1,000 1,000 ¥3,000 ............................Office of Inspector General ........................................................................................................................................ 32,744 32,000 32,744 ............................ ∂744 

Total, Departmental Management ................................................................................................................ 94,744 96,000 91,744 ¥3,000 ¥4,256 Total, title I, Department of Commerce ....................................................................................................... 9,236,969 7,813,699 9,160,528 ¥76,441 ∂1,346,829 

(By transfer) ......................................................................................................................................... 139,164 153,000 153,000 ∂13,836 ............................

TITLE II—DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

General Administration 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 114,124 114,000 114,000 ¥124 ............................Justice information sharing technology ..................................................................................................................... 31,000 30,941 30,941 ¥59 ............................

Total, General Administration ....................................................................................................................... 145,124 144,941 144,941 ¥183 ............................

Administrative review and appeals ........................................................................................................................... ............................ 505,367 ............................ ............................ ¥505,367 Executive Office for Immigration Review ................................................................................................................... 440,000 ............................ 500,397 ∂60,397 ∂500,397 

Transfer from immigration examinations fee account ..................................................................................... ¥4,000 ¥4,000 ¥4,000 ............................ ............................

Direct appropriation ................................................................................................................................. 436,000 501,367 496,397 ∂60,397 ¥4,970 

Office of Inspector General ........................................................................................................................................ 95,583 95,328 96,500 ∂917 ∂1,172 

United States Parole Commission 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 13,308 13,283 13,308 ............................ ∂25 

Legal Activities 

Salaries and expenses, general legal activities ........................................................................................................ 897,500 899,000 897,500 ............................ ¥1,500 Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund .................................................................................................................. 10,000 9,340 10,000 ............................ ∂660 
138 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2017 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee 

recommendation compared 

with (∂ or ¥) 

2017 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Salaries and expenses, Antitrust Division ................................................................................................................. 164,977 164,663 164,977 ............................ ∂314 

Offsetting fee collections—current year .......................................................................................................... ¥125,000 ¥126,000 ¥126,000 ¥1,000 ............................

Direct appropriation ................................................................................................................................. 39,977 38,663 38,977 ¥1,000 ∂314 

Salaries and expenses, United States Attorneys ....................................................................................................... 2,035,000 2,057,252 2,057,252 ∂22,252 ............................United States Trustee System Fund ........................................................................................................................... 225,908 225,479 225,908 ............................ ∂429 

Offsetting fee collections .................................................................................................................................. ¥163,000 ¥135,000 ¥135,000 ∂28,000 ............................New fees (Sec. 218) (legislative proposal) ....................................................................................................... ............................ ¥150,000 ............................ ............................ ∂150,000 

Direct appropriation ................................................................................................................................. 62,908 ¥59,521 90,908 ∂28,000 ∂150,429 

Salaries and expenses, Foreign Claims Settlement Commission .............................................................................. 2,374 2,409 2,409 ∂35 ............................Fees and expenses of witnesses ................................................................................................................................ 270,000 270,000 270,000 ............................ ............................Salaries and expenses, Community Relations Service .............................................................................................. 15,500 14,419 15,500 ............................ ∂1,081 Assets Forfeiture Fund ............................................................................................................................................... 20,514 21,475 20,514 ............................ ¥961 

Total, Legal Activities ................................................................................................................................... 3,353,773 3,253,037 3,403,060 ∂49,287 ∂150,023 

United States Marshals Service 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 1,249,040 1,252,000 1,270,000 ∂20,960 ∂18,000 Construction ............................................................................................................................................................... 10,000 14,971 14,971 ∂4,971 ............................Federal Prisoner Detention ......................................................................................................................................... 1,454,414 1,536,000 1,536,000 ∂81,586 ............................

Total, United States Marshals Service ......................................................................................................... 2,713,454 2,802,971 2,820,971 ∂107,517 ∂18,000 

National Security Division 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 96,000 101,031 101,031 ∂5,031 ............................

Interagency Law Enforcement 

Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement ................................................................................................................. 517,000 526,000 517,000 ............................ ¥9,000 
139 

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 3,556,853 3,538,751 3,582,853 ∂26,000 ∂44,102 

Counterintelligence and national security ........................................................................................................ 5,210,348 5,183,831 5,249,348 ∂39,000 ∂65,517 

Subtotal, Salaries and expenses .................................................................................................................. 8,767,201 8,722,582 8,832,201 ∂65,000 ∂109,619 

Construction ............................................................................................................................................................... 420,178 51,895 155,000 ¥265,178 ∂103,105 

Transfer from available balances of Working Capital Fund ............................................................................ ¥181,000 ............................ ............................ ∂181,000 ............................

Subtotal, Construction .................................................................................................................................. 239,178 51,895 155,000 ¥84,178 ∂103,105 Total, Federal Bureau of Investigation ......................................................................................................... 9,006,379 8,774,477 8,987,201 ¥19,178 ∂212,724 

Drug Enforcement Administration 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 2,485,638 2,583,625 2,535,351 ∂49,713 ¥48,274 

Diversion control fund ....................................................................................................................................... ¥382,662 ¥419,574 ¥419,574 ¥36,912 ............................

Total, Drug Enforcement Administration ...................................................................................................... 2,102,976 2,164,051 2,115,777 ∂12,801 ¥48,274 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 1,258,600 1,273,776 1,273,776 ∂15,176 ............................

Federal Prison System 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 7,008,800 7,085,248 7,080,248 ∂71,448 ¥5,000 Buildings and facilities .............................................................................................................................................. 130,000 113,000 60,000 ¥70,000 ¥53,000 Limitation on administrative expenses, Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated ..................................................... 2,700 2,695 2,700 ............................ ∂5 

Total, Federal Prison System ........................................................................................................................ 7,141,500 7,200,943 7,142,948 ∂1,448 ¥57,995 

State and Local Law Enforcement Activities 

Office on Violence Against Women: 

Prevention and prosecution programs .............................................................................................................. 155,500 35,000 104,500 ¥51,000 ∂69,500 

(By transfer) ............................................................................................................................................. (326,000 ) (445,000 ) (379,000 ) (∂53,000 ) (¥66,000 ) 

Office of Justice Programs: 

Research, evaluation and statistics ................................................................................................................. 89,000 111,000 85,000 ¥4,000 ¥26,000 State and local law enforcement assistance ................................................................................................... 1,258,500 867,500 1,171,000 ¥87,500 ∂303,500 

Edward Byrne Memorial Grants (Public Law 114–254, Div A, Sec. 154) ............................................... 7,000 ............................ ............................ ¥7,000 ............................(By transfer) ............................................................................................................................................. ............................ (73,000 ) ............................ ............................ (¥73,000 ) 
140 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2017 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee 

recommendation compared 

with (∂ or ¥) 

2017 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Juvenile justice programs ................................................................................................................................. 247,000 137,500 260,000 ∂13,000 ∂122,500 

(By transfer) ............................................................................................................................................. ............................ (92,000 ) ............................ ............................ (¥92,000 ) 

Public safety officer benefits: 

Death benefits .......................................................................................................................................... 73,000 92,000 92,000 ∂19,000 ............................Disability and education benefits ............................................................................................................ 16,300 16,300 16,300 ............................ ............................

Subtotal ................................................................................................................................................ 89,300 108,300 108,300 ∂19,000 ............................Total, Office of Justice Programs ........................................................................................................ 1,690,800 1,224,300 1,624,300 ¥66,500 ∂400,000 

Community Oriented Policing Services: 

COPS programs ................................................................................................................................................. 221,500 218,000 226,500 ∂5,000 ∂8,500 

Total, State and Local Law Enforcement Activities ..................................................................................... 2,067,800 1,477,300 1,955,300 ¥112,500 ∂478,000 Total, title II, Department of Justice ............................................................................................................ 28,947,497 28,328,505 29,068,210 ∂120,713 ∂739,705 

TITLE III—SCIENCE 

Office of Science and Technology Policy ................................................................................................................... 5,555 5,544 5,544 ¥11 ............................

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

Science ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5,764,900 5,711,800 5,571,800 ¥193,100 ¥140,000 Aeronautics ................................................................................................................................................................. 660,000 624,000 650,000 ¥10,000 ∂26,000 Space technology ........................................................................................................................................................ 686,500 678,600 700,000 ∂13,500 ∂21,400 Exploration .................................................................................................................................................................. 4,324,000 3,934,097 4,395,000 ∂71,000 ∂460,903 Space operations ........................................................................................................................................................ 4,950,700 4,740,803 4,751,500 ¥199,200 ∂10,697 Education .................................................................................................................................................................... 100,000 37,300 100,000 ............................ ∂62,700 Safety, security and mission services ....................................................................................................................... 2,768,600 2,830,200 2,826,900 ∂58,300 ¥3,300 
141 

Construction and environmental compliance and restoration .................................................................................. 360,700 496,100 496,100 ∂135,400 ............................Office of Inspector General ........................................................................................................................................ 37,900 39,300 38,000 ∂100 ¥1,300 

Total, National Aeronautics and Space Administration ............................................................................... 19,653,300 19,092,200 19,529,300 ¥124,000 ∂437,100 

National Science Foundation 

Research and related activities ................................................................................................................................. 5,966,125 5,290,650 5,846,803 ¥119,322 ∂556,153 

Defense function ............................................................................................................................................... 67,520 71,000 71,000 ∂3,480 ............................

Subtotal ......................................................................................................................................................... 6,033,645 5,361,650 5,917,803 ¥115,842 ∂556,153 

Major research equipment and facilities construction .............................................................................................. 209,000 182,800 182,800 ¥26,200 ............................Education and human resources ............................................................................................................................... 880,000 760,550 862,400 ¥17,600 ∂101,850 Agency operations and award management ............................................................................................................. 330,000 328,510 328,510 ¥1,490 ............................Office of the National Science Board ........................................................................................................................ 4,370 4,370 4,370 ............................ ............................Office of Inspector General ........................................................................................................................................ 15,200 15,008 15,200 ............................ ∂192 

Total, National Science Foundation .............................................................................................................. 7,472,215 6,652,888 7,311,083 ¥161,132 ∂658,195 Total, title III, Science .................................................................................................................................. 27,131,070 25,750,632 26,845,927 ¥285,143 ∂1,095,295 

TITLE IV—RELATED AGENCIES 

Commission on Civil Rights 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 9,200 9,183 9,200 ............................ ∂17 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 364,500 363,807 364,500 ............................ ∂693 

International Trade Commission 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 91,500 87,615 91,500 ............................ ∂3,885 

Legal Services Corporation 

Payment to the Legal Services Corporation ............................................................................................................... 385,000 33,000 385,000 ............................ ∂352,000 

Marine Mammal Commission 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 3,431 2,449 3,431 ............................ ∂982 

Office of the U.S. Trade Representative 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 62,000 57,600 57,600 ¥4,400 ............................
142 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 AND BUDGET ESTIMATES AND AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED IN THE BILL 

FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018—Continued 

[In thousands of dollars] 

Item 2017 appropriation Budget estimate Committee recommendation 

Senate Committee 

recommendation compared 

with (∂ or ¥) 

2017 

appropriation Budget estimate 

Trade Enforcement Trust Fund (non-add) ................................................................................................................. (15,000 ) ............................ (10,000 ) (¥5,000 ) (∂10,000 ) 

State Justice Institute 

Salaries and expenses ............................................................................................................................................... 5,121 5,111 5,121 ............................ ∂10 

Total, title IV, Related Agencies ................................................................................................................... 920,752 558,765 916,352 ¥4,400 ∂357,587 

TITLE V—GENERAL PROVISIONS 

DOC National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Operations, Research and Facilities (rescission) ........... ¥18,000 ............................ ¥20,000 ¥2,000 ¥20,000 DOC National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Procurement Acquisition and Construction (rescission) ¥5,000 ............................ ............................ ∂5,000 ............................Economic development assistance programs (rescission) ........................................................................................ ¥10,000 ¥47,000 ¥15,000 ¥5,000 ∂32,000 DOJ, Working Capital Fund (rescission) ..................................................................................................................... ¥300,000 ¥144,768 ¥399,627 ¥99,627 ¥254,859 DOJ, Assets Forfeiture Fund (rescission, temporary) ................................................................................................. ¥302,000 ............................ ¥152,000 ∂150,000 ¥152,000 DOJ, Assets Forfeiture Fund (rescission, permanent) ................................................................................................ ¥201,196 ¥304,000 ¥152,000 ∂49,196 ∂152,000 FBI, Salaries and expenses: 

(Fees) nondefense (rescission) .......................................................................................................................... ¥56,798 ¥79,111 ............................ ∂56,798 ∂79,111 (Fees) defense (rescission) ............................................................................................................................... ¥83,202 ¥115,889 ............................ ∂83,202 ∂115,889 Nondefense (rescission) .................................................................................................................................... ¥20,934 ............................ ¥63,042 ¥42,108 ¥63,042 Defense (rescission) .......................................................................................................................................... ¥30,666 ............................ ¥92,348 ¥61,682 ¥92,348 

Federal Prisoner Detention (rescission) ..................................................................................................................... ¥24,000 ............................ ............................ ∂24,000 ............................DOJ, Drug Enforcement Administration (rescission) .................................................................................................. ¥12,092 ............................ ............................ ∂12,092 ............................DOJ, Federal Prison System, Buildings and facilities (rescission) ............................................................................ ¥3,400 ¥444,000 ............................ ∂3,400 ∂444,000 Violence against women prevention and prosecution programs (rescission) ........................................................... ¥10,000 ¥15,000 ¥15,000 ¥5,000 ............................Office of Justice programs (rescission) ..................................................................................................................... ¥50,000 ¥40,000 ¥50,000 ............................ ¥10,000 Crime Victims Fund (rescission) ................................................................................................................................ ............................ ¥1,310,000 ............................ ............................ ∂1,310,000 COPS (rescission) ....................................................................................................................................................... ¥15,000 ¥10,000 ¥10,000 ∂5,000 ............................NASA Emergency Repairs (emergency) ...................................................................................................................... 109,000 ............................ ............................ ¥109,000 ............................
143 

Emergency Law Enforcement Assistance ................................................................................................................... 15,000 ............................ ............................ ¥15,000 ............................

Total, title V, General Provisions .................................................................................................................. ¥1,018,288 ¥2,509,768 ¥969,017 ∂49,271 ∂1,540,751 Grand total .................................................................................................................................................... 65,218,000 59,941,833 65,022,000 ¥196,000 ∂5,080,167 

Appropriations ...................................................................................................................................... (66,251,288 ) (62,451,601 ) (65,991,017 ) (¥260,271 ) (∂3,539,416 ) Rescissions .......................................................................................................................................... (¥1,142,288 ) (¥2,509,768 ) (¥969,017 ) (∂173,271 ) (∂1,540,751 ) Emergency appropriations ................................................................................................................... (109,000 ) ............................ ............................ (¥109,000 ) ............................

(By transfer) .................................................................................................................................................. (465,164 ) (763,000 ) (532,000 ) (∂66,836 ) (¥231,000 ) 

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