30–179 

115TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 115–704 

COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES 

APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2019 

MAY 24, 2018.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of 

the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. CULBERSON, from the Committee on Appropriations, 

submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

together with 

MINORITY VIEWS 

[To accompany H.R. 5952] 

The Committee on Appropriations submits the following report in 

explanation of the accompanying bill making appropriations for 

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal 

year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes. 

INDEX TO BILL AND REPORT 

Page number 

Bill Report 

Title I—Department of Commerce ............................................................ 2 6 

Title II—Department of Justice ................................................................ 23 30 

Title III—Science ........................................................................................ 61 58 

Office of Science and Technology Policy ............................................ 61 58 

National Space Council ...................................................................... 62 59 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration ............................. 62 59 

National Science Foundation ............................................................. 71 76 

Title IV—Related Agencies ........................................................................ 75 81 

Commission on Civil Rights ............................................................... 75 81 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission .................................. 76 81 

International Trade Commission ....................................................... 77 81 

Legal Services Corporation ................................................................ 77 82 

Marine Mammal Commission ............................................................ 78 82 

Office of the United States Trade Representative ........................... 79 82 

State Justice Institute ........................................................................ 80 83 

Title V—General Provisions ...................................................................... 80 83 

House of Representatives Reporting Requirements ................................ ..... 87 

Minority Views ........................................................................................... ........ 136 


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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL

The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee has jurisdiction over a diverse group of agencies responsible for combating gangs, violent crime, drug trafficking, financial 

fraud, terrorism, espionage, and cybercrime; enforcing trade laws; 

conducting periodic censuses; forecasting the weather; managing 

fisheries; exploring space; and advancing science. The activities of 

these agencies impact nearly every American and are integral to 

the operations of our government. 

The bill provides a total of $62,520,000,000 in discretionary 

budget authority for fiscal year 2019. Within the level of funds provided, the bill prioritizes funding for Federal law enforcement, national security, space exploration, science and the Constitutionally 

required 2020 Decennial Census. 

The bill provides substantial resources to address the opioid epidemic. To assist State and local governments, the bill provides 

$380,000,000, which is an increase of $50,000,000 over fiscal year 

2018 and $277,000,000 above fiscal year 2017, for grants authorized by the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. For Federal law enforcement, the bill provides funding increases for U.S. 

Attorneys, the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Prisoner Detention, 

the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement to 

enhance Federal law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute traffickers in opioids and other dangerous drugs. 

For school safety, the bill provides $100,000,000, a $25,000,000 

increase over the current year, to fully fund the STOP School Violence Act of 2018. In addition, the bill increases funding for other 

activities that will address school violence such as active shooter 

training for police, youth mentoring, and violent crime and gang reduction programs. The bill also fully funds the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System and increases funding 

for U.S. Attorneys and the U.S. Marshals to address violent crime. 

For human trafficking, the bill provides $100,000,000, an increase of $23,000,000 above the current year, for grants to State 

and local communities to provide services to victims and enhance 

enforcement initiatives. In addition, the bill provides a $5,000,000 

increase for U.S. Attorneys and a $25,000,000 increase for the FBI 

for Federal law enforcement to increase investigations and prosecutions of human traffickers. 

The bill provides an increase of $125,500,000 for the Executive 

Office of Immigration Review to annualize the 100 additional immigration judge teams funded in fiscal year 2018 and provide for an 

additional 100 new immigration judge teams in fiscal year 2019. 

This addition of 200 new immigration judge teams over a two year 

period should have a dramatic impact on reducing the immigration 

case backlog. 

For NASA, the bill includes $21,545,740,000, which is an increase of $809,600,000 above fiscal year 2018. The Committee believes that additional investment is needed to maintain American 

leadership in space exploration and science, and for NASA to successfully execute all of its activities and missions. A bold space exploration program that engages the nation will inspire new generations of scientists and engineers and contribute to the economic 


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success and space leadership of the country. The bill advances 

space exploration and ensures our nation remains the world’s leader in space exploration and technology, aeronautics research, and 

discovery in space and science. The bill provides for the continued 

development of the Orion crew vehicle, the Space Launch System, 

and Exploration Ground Systems that will one day send astronauts 

beyond low Earth orbit. The bill continues funding for critical scientific missions and fully funds the requested new lunar programs. 

For the National Science Foundation, the bill provides $8,174,890,000, increasing funding for both research grants and 

critical scientific infrastructure. 

Funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration prioritizes weather forecasting, ocean exploration, weather research, and fisheries management. 

For the Census Bureau to conduct the Constitutionally required 

2020 Decennial Census, the bill fully funds fiscal year 2019 requirements and provides for the first quarter of required costs in 

fiscal year 2020. 

OVERSIGHT AND BUDGET REVIEW

In furtherance of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities and 

to protect hard-earned taxpayer dollars, the Committee has included language that: • Withholds funds for information technology related to the 

2020 census until a comprehensive investment plan is provided 

to the Committee and the Government Accountability Office. • Caps total life-cycle costs for programs that have a record 

of poor performance, including weather satellites and the 

James Webb Space Telescope. • Prohibits funding for the National Technical Information 

Service to charge customers for a copy of a document generated 

by the Legislative Branch unless the customer is informed how 

to receive an electronic copy free online. • Requires monthly reporting on Immigration Judge performance. • Maintains limitations on the Department of Justice’s use 

of non-appropriated funds, including the Working Capital Fund 

and the Assets Forfeiture Fund. • Requires quarterly reporting of unobligated balances. • Requires agencies procuring sensitive information technology systems to conduct supply chain risk assessments. • Requires contractors and grantees receiving more than 

$5,000,000 to certify that they are not delinquent on their Federal taxes. 

• Prohibits funds from being used to purchase first class and 

premium airline travel. 

• Limits the number of agency staff who can attend overseas 

conferences. 

• Requires agencies to track undisbursed grant balances. 

• Requires agencies to submit spending plans for the Committee’s review. 

• Requires agencies to notify the Committee of project cost 

overruns and mitigation plans. 

• Limits certain NASA funds until long-term plans are formulated and adopted. 


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• Requires agency computer networks to block pornography. 

Paper Reduction Efforts.—The Committee urges the Departments 

of Commerce and Justice, the National Science Foundation, and 

NASA to work with the Office of Management and Budget to reduce printing and reproduction costs and directs each agency to report to the Committee within 60 days of enactment of this Act on 

the steps it has taken to achieve this goal. The report should specifically identify how much funding each agency expects to save by 

implementing these measures. 

Performance Measures.—The Committee directs each of the agencies funded by this Act to comply with title 31 of the United States 

Code, including the development of their organizational priority 

goals and outcomes such as performance outcome measures, output 

measures, efficiency measures, and customer service measures. 

Each of the agencies funded in this Act shall report on their plans 

to comply with the requirements of title 31 of the United States 

Code within 90 days of enactment of the Act. 

Federal Employee Conduct.—Public service is a public trust that 

requires Federal employees to place ethical principles above private 

gain. The Code of Federal Regulations (5 CFR 2635.101) specifies 

the basic obligation of public service. Each of the agencies funded 

in the Act shall ensure their employees understand and are in compliance with this obligation. 

Fix NICS Act of 2018.—The Fix NICS Act of 2018 requires the 

head of each Federal department or agency to certify to the Attorney General their compliance with their responsibility to report appropriate information to the National Instant Criminal Background 

Check System. The Act also requires the Attorney General to work 

with agencies in the development of plans that ensure the maximum coordination with the Department of Justice. The Act prohibits bonus pay for political appointees at Federal agencies that 

are not in compliance with record submission requirements. Each 

agency funded in this Act shall make compliance with the Fix 

NICS Act of 2018 a priority and report to the Committee on their 

compliance as part of the spending plan required by section 531 of 

this Act. 

REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURES

Section 505 of the bill contains language concerning the reprogramming of funds between programs, projects, and activities. 

The Committee reminds the departments and agencies funded in 

this bill that the reprogramming process is based on comity between the Congress and the Executive Branch. This process is intended to provide departments and agencies sufficient flexibility to 

meet changing circumstances and emergent requirements not 

known at the time of congressional review of the budget while preserving congressional priorities and intent. In the absence of comity 

and respect for the prerogatives of the Appropriations Committees 

and the Congress in general, the Committee may opt to include 

specific program limitations and details in legislation and remove 

language providing the flexibility to reallocate funds. Under these 

circumstances, programs, projects, and activities become absolutes 

and the Executive Branch shall lose the ability to propose changes 

in the use of appropriated funds except through legislative action. 


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Each department and agency funded in this bill shall follow the 

directions set forth in this bill and the accompanying report, and 

shall not reallocate resources or reorganize activities except as provided herein. Reprogramming procedures shall apply to funds provided in this bill, unobligated balances from previous appropriations Acts that are available for obligation or expenditure in fiscal 

year 2019, and non-appropriated resources such as fee collections 

that are used to meet program requirements in fiscal year 2019. As 

specified in section 505, the Committee expects that the Appropriations Subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related 

Agencies of the House and Senate will be notified by letter a minimum of 15 days prior to any reprogramming of funds that— 

(1) creates or initiates a new program, project, or activity; 

(2) eliminates a program, project, or activity; 

(3) increases funds or personnel by any means for any project or 

activity for which funds have been denied or restricted; 

(4) relocates an office or employees; 

(5) reorganizes or renames offices, programs, or activities; 

(6) contracts out or privatizes any functions or activities presently performed by Federal employees; 

(7) augments existing programs, projects, or activities in excess 

of $500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less, or reduces by 10 percent funding for any program, project, or activity, or numbers of 

personnel by 10 percent; or 

(8) results from any general savings, including savings from a reduction in personnel, which would result in a change in existing 

programs, projects, or activities as approved by Congress. 

Any reprogramming request shall include any out-year budgetary 

impacts and a separate accounting of program or mission impacts 

on estimated carryover funds. The Committee further expects any 

department or agency funded in this bill that plans a reduction-inforce to notify the Committee by letter at least 30 days in advance 

of the date of any such planned personnel action. 

RELATIONSHIP WITH BUDGET AND COMPTROLLER OFFICES

Through the years the Appropriations Committee has channeled 

most of its inquiries and requests for information and assistance 

through the budget offices or comptroller organizations of the various departments, agencies, and commissions. Such relationships 

are necessary to accomplish the work of the Committee. While the 

Committee reserves the right to call upon all organizations in the 

departments, agencies and commissions for information and assistance, the primary contact between the Committee and these entities must be through the budget offices and comptroller organizations, or through a legislative affairs unit designated by the Committee to work on appropriations and budget matters. 

The workload generated in the budget process is large and growing; therefore, a positive, responsive relationship between the Committee and the budget and/or comptroller offices is essential for the 

Committee to fulfill the Constitutional appropriations responsibilities of Congress. 


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TITLE I 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ADMINISTRATION

OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

The Committee recommends $491,000,000 in total resources for 

the programs of the International Trade Administration (ITA), 

which is $4,000,000 below fiscal year 2018 and $39,853,000 above 

the request. This amount is offset by $11,000,000 in estimated fee 

collections, resulting in a direct appropriation of $480,000,000. 

Trade enforcement.—The recommendation funds Enforcement 

and Compliance at the requested level of $88,500,000. The ITA 

shall make enforcement of antidumping and countervailing duties 

a priority, including by thoroughly investigating the extent of the 

harm caused to domestic industries and reducing case backlogs. 

Global Markets.—The recommendation provides $319,000,000 for 

Global Markets. The recommendation does not adopt the proposal 

to reduce U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service staff or close overseas offices or U.S. Export Assistance Centers. 

Industry and Analysis.—The recommendation provides $52,000,000 for Industry and Analysis. 

Executive Direction and Administration.—The recommendation 

provides $20,500,000 for Executive Direction and Administration. 

Business-to-Business Networks.—The Committee directs the ITA 

to conduct Business-to-Business Networks for industry clusters in 

Northern Mexico and Southern United States to promote regionally-driven economic development strategies that support advanced 

manufacturing and exports of American goods and services. 

Human rights.—The Committee is concerned with violence and 

threats shown towards human rights activists around the world, 

but particularly in nations with which we have trade agreements 

with enforceable protections. The Committee encourages the ITA to 

more actively engage with trade partner nations to end these 

human rights violations. 

BUREAU OF INDUSTRY AND SECURITY

OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

The Committee recommends $113,500,000 for the Bureau of Industry and Security, which is the same as fiscal year 2018. The recommendation provides $6,000,000 for Management and Policy Coordination; $56,000,000 for Export Administration; and $51,500,000 

for Export Enforcement. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

The Committee does not adopt the proposal to terminate the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and recommends 

$301,500,000 for the programs and administrative expenses of the 

EDA. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

The Committee provides $262,500,000 for the Economic Development Assistance Programs for grants to economically distressed 


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areas. The Committee expects EDA to work more closely with communities that are underserved. Funds are to be distributed as follows; any deviation of funds shall be subject to the procedures set 

forth in section 505 of this Act: 

Public Works ....................................................................................... $117,500,000 

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

Technical Assistance .......................................................................... 9,500,000 

Research and Evaluation ................................................................... 1,500,000 

Trade Adjustment and Assistance .................................................... 13,000,000 

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

Assistance to Coal Communities ....................................................... 30,000,000 

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

Total ............................................................................................. $262,500,000 

Assistance to coal mining communities.—The Committee appreciates that EDA is collaborating with local leaders and stakeholders, along with other Federal agencies, to develop comprehensive strategies to promote economic growth in coal mining communities. The Committee expects this effort to continue. Within the 

funds provided, the Committee directs EDA to continue assisting 

communities that have yet to develop an economic development 

strategy to begin the planning process. For communities that have 

economic development strategies, EDA shall continue providing assistance to implement the strategies, including by funding economic development projects. EDA shall continue to report to the 

Committee on its efforts to assist coal communities. The report 

shall include detailed information on how EDA and other Federal 

agencies have assisted coal mining communities to date and how 

the Federal government plans to assist them in the future. 

Regional Innovation Program.—The Committee encourages EDA 

to support the development of regional innovation clusters that 

focus on advanced wood products. 

Nuclear Power Plant Closures.—Recent closures of nuclear power 

plants throughout the United States have had a negative impact on 

the economic foundations of surrounding communities, and there is 

potential for additional plant closures in the coming years. The 

Committee urges EDA to increase its assistance to communities affected by nuclear power plant closures, including communities facing both significant job losses and significant loss to the local tax 

base. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The recommendation provides $39,000,000 for EDA salaries and 

expenses. 

MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The Committee provides $40,000,000 for the Minority Business 

Development Agency. At least 50 percent of funds provided shall be 

awarded through cooperative agreements, external awards, and 

grants. 


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ECONOMIC AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $99,000,000 for the Economics and 

Statistics Administration, which is the same as fiscal year 2018 

and $1,987,000 below the request. 

Within available resources, the Committee urges the Department 

to continue the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. 

BUREAU OF THE CENSUS

The Committee recommends a total of $4,799,698,000 for the Bureau of the Census, which is $1,985,698,000 above fiscal year 2018 

and $999,185,000 above the request. 

Puerto Rico and U.S. territories.—The Committee strongly urges 

the Census Bureau to include all citizens of the United States, including those in Puerto Rico and other offshore jurisdictions, in its 

estimates of U.S. resident population and other national statistics. 

The Committee notes that it awaits a report on the feasibility of 

expanding all decennial Census surveys to Guam, American 

Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

The Committee directs Census to provide this report expeditiously. 

The Committee directs Census to report, not later than 180 days 

after enactment of this Act, on the feasibility of including Puerto 

Rico in the following Census surveys: the Current Population Survey; the Economic Census; the American Housing Survey; the Construction Progress Reporting Survey; the Housing Vacancy Survey; 

the Manufactured Housing Survey; the Value of Construction Put 

in Place Survey; the Census of Governments (including associated 

annual and quarterly surveys); the Survey of Business Owners and 

Self-Employed Persons; the monthly Building Permits Survey; and 

the Quarterly Workforce Indicators. 

The Census Bureau shall coordinate with the Bureau of Justice 

Statistics (BJS) on this study, which shall also include the feasibility of inclusion of Puerto Rico in BJS data products. The Committee also notes concerns regarding the Census Bureau’s data collection capacity in Puerto Rico and directs this study to include a 

discussion of plans to improve this. Further direction on this matter is included under the Department of Justice, Research, Evaluation and Statistics section of this report. 

CURRENT SURVEYS AND PROGRAMS

The Committee recommends $270,000,000 for the Current Surveys and Programs, which is the same as fiscal year 2018 and 

$20,875,000 above the request. 

Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP).—Within the 

amounts provided, Census shall continue the level of effort for the 

SIPP at no less than the fiscal year 2018 level. 

PERIODIC CENSUSES AND PROGRAMS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends a total of $4,529,698,000 for Periodic Censuses and Programs, which is $1,985,698,000 above the fiscal year 2018 level and $978,310,000 above the request. 


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In October 2017, the Secretary of Commerce submitted an up- dated 2020 Census lifecycle cost estimate totaling $15,625,000,000, 

an increase of over $3,000,000,000 above the prior estimate. Given 

the magnitude of this overrun—and that the new estimate assumes 

a $1,182,000,000 contingency for unexpected costs—further cost 

overruns are unacceptable. 

Since the enactment of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, 

emergency funding has been provided to every census, either as a 

bailout for cost overruns or to provide needed increases to execute 

the decennial census. The Committee challenges the Census Bureau and the Administration to ensure this practice does not continue. Since around 70 percent of census costs will occur in fiscal 

years 2019 and 2020, stable funding will help reduce risk in executing the count. 

The fiscal year 2018 appropriations Act provided the Census Bureau with full funding for fiscal year 2018 and partial funding for 

fiscal year 2019. The recommendation provides for the remaining 

funding required in fiscal year 2019 and funding for a quarter of 

fiscal year 2020. The Census Bureau shall provide the Committees 

with notification 15 days before any spending it intends to incur in 

fiscal year 2019 that is above the amounts included in the October 

2017 lifecycle cost estimate for fiscal year 2019. The recommendation also provides for a transfer of $3,556,000 to 

the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General (OIG) for 

oversight of the Census Bureau. The Census Bureau is directed to 

ensure that its fiscal year 2019 partnership and communications 

activities in support of the 2020 Census are conducted at a level 

of effort no less than that conducted during fiscal year 2009 in 

preparation for the 2010 Decennial Census. 

Census risks.—The Committee is concerned that the 2020 Census 

is a Government Accountability Office (GAO) high-risk area. With 

limited time remaining until Census Day, the Census Bureau 

needs to: (1) ensure key innovations will function as planned; (2) 

strengthen the management and oversight of all IT programs, systems, and contractors supporting the decennial; and (3) develop reliable cost estimates. 

The Committee appreciates that Census leadership meets with 

GAO staff monthly to discuss the progress the Bureau is making 

toward the 2020 Census, including how it is addressing GAO’s open 

recommendations, and encourages these meetings to continue. To 

aid the Committee in its oversight function, the Bureau shall update the Committee quarterly on the status of implementing GAO 

recommendations regarding the 2020 Census. 

American Community Survey (ACS).—The Committee is very 

concerned about the burdensome nature of the ACS and directs 

Census to focus on its core, constitutionally mandated decennial 

Census activities. The Bureau shall continue to provide quarterly 

briefings to the Committee on efforts to ensure the necessity of all 

the questions on the ACS; on efforts to ensure that non-response 

follow-up is conducted in the least intrusive manner; and on congressional outreach conducted by the Respondent Advocate. 

Census Enterprise Data Collection and Processing (CEDCaP).— 

The Committee supports the Bureau’s efforts to develop a more 

flexible, automated and secure enterprise architecture that will enable Census to realize economies of scale to support data collection 


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efforts. The Bureau shall continue to provide quarterly briefings regarding the status of these efforts. Information in these briefings 

shall include, but not be limited to, the current system’s costs to 

maintain, the surveys supported, FTE associated with those systems, and the anticipated dates that various IT systems will be retired and data merged onto the larger enterprise architecture. Census shall provide these reports concurrently to the OIG and GAO. 

The recommendation also continues bill language withholding 50 

percent of the funds for information technology related to 2020 census delivery, including the CEDCaP program, until the Secretary 

submits to the Committees on Appropriations and the GAO an expenditure plan for CEDCaP. 

Language assistance and data on small population groups.—The 

Committee is concerned about the availability of data on small population groups and the availability of language assistance for respondents to the Census surveys, including those who speak Asian 

languages, Pacific Islander languages, American Indian and Alaska 

Native languages, African languages, Spanish, and other languages. The Committee directs Census to provide an updated report identifying the languages spoken by respondent populations 

most in need of language assistance, along with the availability of 

interviewers and materials for persons speaking these languages, 

and the steps the Bureau will take to reach these respondents and 

otherwise ensure the availability and accuracy of data for small 

population groups. The Bureau is directed to communicate this information on a regular basis to Census Telephone Centers and regional offices to address emerging needs. 

The Committee also directs Census to increase outreach activities to historically undercounted communities, including colonias. 

NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION

ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $39,500,000 for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). 

Domestic and International Policy .................................................... $8,000,000 

Spectrum Management ...................................................................... 7,600,000 

Advanced Communications Research ............................................... 8,200,000 

Broadband Programs .......................................................................... 8,200,000 

National Broadband Map Augmentation ......................................... 7,500,000 

Total ............................................................................................. $39,500,000 

National Broadband Map Augmentation.—The recommendation 

provides $7,500,000 to continue the broadband mapping effort 

started in fiscal year 2018. Thirty-nine percent of Americans living 

in rural areas lack sufficient access to broadband internet. An updated map will help identify regions with insufficient service for 

policy makers and providers. 

Rural Broadband Coordination.—The Committee directs NTIA to 

continue coordinating with the Rural Utilities Service, the Federal 

Communications Commission, and other appropriate Federal agencies to ensure that policies tied to one Federal program do not undermine the objectives and functionality of another. The Committee 

encourages NTIA to continue working with the rural communicaVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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tions industry to identify and pursue ways to continue broadband 

deployment and adoption. 

Outcome-Based Measures.—The Committee directs NTIA to include outcome-based goals and performance measures for its 

broadband adoption and availability work in its performance plan 

as soon as practicable. 

First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).—NTIA is encouraged to place equal priority on deploying the Nationwide Public 

Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) in rural communities as it 

does on deploying the NPSBN in urban communities. 

FirstNet Satellite Technology.—The Committee encourages NTIA, 

in cooperation with FirstNet, to leverage advanced satellite technology to enable emergency communications in environments 

where traditional infrastructure does not exist or where it has been 

compromised. NTIA shall report to the Committee within one year 

of enactment of this Act on how the advancement of satellite technology can be leveraged to provide additional benefits for the nation’s emergency preparedness and first responders. 

5G Strategy.—The Committee recognizes the importance of a robust, efficient and secure 5G network. The Committee encourages 

NTIA and other relevant agencies to promote policies to spur innovation and the next generation secured communications network, 

including developing a comprehensive strategy to achieve 5G and 

beyond. 

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $3,370,000,000 for the United 

States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO), the full amount of fiscal year 2019 fee collections estimated by the Congressional Budget 

Office. The bill continues language making available any fee collections above the estimated level and the amounts appropriated in 

this Act. PTO shall continue to provide monthly reports on its actual and projected fee collections, application volumes, performance, and staffing. 

Patent and Trademark Fee Reserve Fund.—The recommendation 

includes bill language regarding excess fees deposited in the Patent 

and Trademark Fee Reserve Fund. The Committee reminds PTO 

that prior to obligating reserve funds, PTO shall submit to the 

Committee a reprogramming notification with a detailed spending 

plan. The Committee expects that any such reprogramming will describe how spending reserve funds will improve patent quality, reduce the backlog of pending applications and appeals, improve the 

PTO’s information technology infrastructure, or otherwise improve 

the efficiency and effectiveness of PTO. 

Patents End-2-End (PE2E).—PTO shall continue to provide quarterly reports to the Committee on the status of PE2E, including the 

proposed retirement of legacy systems, cost savings associated with 

those retirements, and any efficiencies achieved in patent processing as a result of these investments. 

Patent quality and reliability.—Within 90 days of enactment of 

this Act, PTO shall submit a report to the Committee on steps 


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taken to improve patent quality and reliability in fiscal year 2018, 

and planned actions for fiscal year 2019. 

Intellectual Property Attache ́s.—The Committee supports the important work of the Intellectual Property Attache ́ Program. 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY

The Committee recommends $985,000,000 for NIST, which is 

$213,500,000 below fiscal year 2018 and $355,928,000 above the request. 

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH AND SERVICES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $720,000,000 for NIST’s scientific 

and technical programs, which is $4,500,000 below fiscal year 2018 

and $146,571,000 above the request. 

Laboratory programs.—The recommendation includes no less 

than the fiscal year 2018 amount for NIST Laboratory programs. 

Corporate services.—The recommendation includes $17,250,000 

for corporate services. 

Standards Coordination and Special Programs.—The recommendation includes $55,000,000 for standards coordination and 

special programs. The recommendation does not adopt the proposed 

reduction to forensic science. The recommendation terminates 

Urban Dome and Lab-to-Market. 

National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program.—The Committee supports NIST’s increased focus on post-impact disaster 

studies and pre-impact mitigation to protect against multi-hazard 

risk. As NIST moves forward with efforts to expand the resiliency 

of buildings, facilities, and communities in the face of multi-hazard 

risks, the Committee encourages the agency to fund extramural research and designate NIST testing partners from existing nationally designated windstorm testing facilities located at U.S. academic research institutions that are capable of testing large, holistic, multi-hazard structures and models. As recent disasters illustrate, the U.S. needs more focused research and development on 

how to make buildings, infrastructure, and communities more resistant and resilient to hurricane impacts, from both wind and 

storm surge. The Committee directs the agency to prioritize funding for extramural grants within the Engineering Division for these 

types of studies. 

Textile research.—The Committee recognizes the importance of 

the U.S. textile industry and encourages NIST to pursue advanced 

textile and apparel research and manufacturing activities. 

Internet of Things.—The Committee recognizes the importance of 

United States’ leadership in addressing security concerns for users 

and data within the Internet of Things and appreciates NIST’s ongoing work in this area. The Committee encourages NIST to continue strengthening its cybersecurity standard-setting efforts related to the Internet of Things. 

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

The Committee recommends $145,000,000 for Industrial Technology Services, which is $10,000,000 below fiscal year 2018 and 

$129,906,000 above the request. This amount includes 


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$140,000,000 for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) 

and $5,000,000 for the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. 

Program efficiencies.—The Committee is aware of efforts by MEP 

to examine ways to reduce administrative costs and provide more 

direct assistance to the centers. Accordingly, MEP shall provide to 

the Committee an updated report within 60 days of enactment of 

this Act detailing the amount of funds to be maintained at headquarters and the uses of those funds. NIST shall also provide the 

Committee with updates on the status of recompetition of the centers. 

CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH FACILITIES

The Committee recommends $120,000,000 for NIST construction, 

which is $199,000,000 below fiscal year 2018 and $79,451,000 

above the request. NIST shall continue to provide updates on the 

projects funded within this account, to include milestones and total 

amount of funding necessary for completion. 

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

The Committee recommends a total of $5,158,616,000 in discretionary funds for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

Extramural research.—The Committee continues to believe that 

NOAA benefits from collaboration with academia and the private 

sector through cooperative institutes and competitive research. 

These relationships build broad community engagement, leverage 

external funding for mission-oriented research, strengthen the 

science within NOAA, and advance scientific knowledge. 

Shellfish genetics.—The Committee includes up to $10,000,000 to 

improve shellfish survival and growth rates and to classify and preserve the natural genetic variation of shellfish. NOAA is encouraged to support regional partnerships to classify and preserve natural genetic variation in shellfish. 

Regional biosecurity plan for Micronesia and Hawaii.—The Committee looks forward to receiving the report required in the fiscal 

year 2018 appropriations Act and requires an update in fiscal year 

2019. 

NOAA Environmental Security Computing Center.—The Committee supports the NOAA Environmental Security Computing 

Center and expects it to be adequately funded. 

Disaster Funding.—The Committee expects the funds provided in 

fiscal year 2018 for disaster recovery efforts, including: repair and 

replacement of observing assets, Federal real property, and equipment; marine debris assessment and removal; mapping, charting 

and geodesy services; improving weather forecasting, hurricane intensity forecasting and flood forecasting and mitigation capabilities; 

improving operational and research supercomputing infrastructure; 

and repair and replacement of National Estuarine Research Reserves real property and observing assets to be used expeditiously. 


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OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND FACILITIES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends a total program level of 

$3,645,154,000 under this account for the coastal, fisheries, marine, 

weather, satellite, and other programs of NOAA. This total funding 

consists of $3,473,654,000 in direct appropriations, a transfer of 

$144,000,000 from balances in the ‘‘Promote and Develop Fishery 

Products and Research Pertaining to American Fisheries’’ account 

and $27,500,000 derived from recoveries of prior year obligations. 

The direct appropriation of $3,473,654,000 is $62,677,000 below fiscal year 2018 and $535,901,000 above the request. 

The following narrative and tables identify the specific activities 

and funding levels included in this Act. 

National Ocean Service (NOS).—The recommendation provides 

$552,679,000 for National Ocean Service, operations, research, and 

facilities. The recommendation supports the proposed increase for 

Disaster Preparedness programs to bolster NOS’ emergency response to coastal storms and other disasters. The recommendation 

does not adopt the proposed reduction for Integrated Water Prediction and funds it at the enacted level. 

NATIONAL OCEAN SERVICE 

Operations, Research, and Facilities 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Navigation, Observations and Positioning 

Navigation, Observations and Positioning .............................................................................................. $154,179 

Integrated Ocean Observing System Regional Observations .................................................................. 37,500

Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts ................................................................................................ 32,000 

Navigation, Observations and Positioning ....................................................................................................... 223,679 

Coastal Science and Assessment 

Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and Restoration ..................................................................... 78,500 

Competitive External Research ................................................................................................................ 20,000 

Coastal Science and Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 98,500 

Ocean and Coastal Management and Services 

Coastal Zone Management and Services ................................................................................................ 44,000 

Coastal Zone Grants ................................................................................................................................ 75,000 

Coral Reef Program ................................................................................................................................. 27,000 

Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas ................................................................................................ 57,500 

National Estuarine Research Reserve System ........................................................................................ 27,000 

Ocean and Coastal Management and Services ............................................................................................... 230,500 

Total, National Ocean Service, Operations, Research, and Facilities ............................................................. $552,679 

Navigation, Observations and Positioning.—The recommendation 

provides $223,679,000 for Navigation, Observations and Positioning. Within this amount, the Committee expects NOAA to 

prioritize its mission-critical responsibilities including mapping and 

charting, geodesy, tides, and current data activities. The Committee does not adopt the proposed reductions for the Regional 

Geospatial Modeling Grant program or Joint Ocean and Coastal 

Mapping Centers. 


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National Geodetic Survey.—The Committee provides $1,000,000 

above the requested level to support continued development and 

advancement of geospatial analytical and mapping techniques to 

precisely update shorelines in a common data format. 

Hydrographic Surveys and Contracts.—NOAA has a substantial 

backlog of hydrographic survey work in navigationally significant 

areas in the U.S. Within the amount provided for Hydrographic 

Survey Priorities/Contracts, NOAA is directed to accelerate the acquisition of survey data. 

Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS).—The recommendation includes $37,500,000 for IOOS regional observations. The 

Committee supports IOOS’ efforts to expand its use of underwater 

gliders. 

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).—The Committee directs NOAA to 

prioritize Harmful Algal Bloom Research within the funds provided 

above the enacted level for Competitive External Research. The 

Committee remains concerned about the increasing prevalence of 

HABs and the effect of the related toxins. NOAA should prioritize 

research to determine and mitigate the impact of HABs on human 

health and wellbeing as authorized by the Harmful Algal Bloom 

and Hypoxia Research and Control Act. Within additional funds 

provided for Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and Restoration, the Committee encourages NOAA to prioritize operational 

monitoring, modeling and forecasting. The Committee encourages 

NOAA to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security on 

Harmful Algal Blooms as appropriate. 

Marine Sanctuaries.—$3,500,000 is provided for NOAA to continue research using tele-presence technology to explore deep-water 

and uncharted regions of the National Marine Sanctuaries. This research should continue to explore the oceanography, marine habitats, cultural sites and living and non-living marine resources of 

these sanctuaries to better understand their biology, geology and 

potential cultural resources with a secondary emphasis on educational outreach. 

National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS).—The 

Committee recommends $27,000,000 for NERRS, which is an important partnership between NOAA and the coastal States that 

protects and studies estuarine systems. 

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).—The Committee recommends $875,260,000 for National Marine Fisheries Service operations, research, and facilities. 

NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE 

Operations, Research, and Facilities 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Protected Resources Science and Management 

Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles and Other Species ................................................................................. $113,500 

Species Recovery Grants .......................................................................................................................... 5,993 

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

Pacific Salmon ......................................................................................................................................... 67,000 

Protected Resources Science and Management ............................................................................................... 192,717 

Fisheries Science and Management 

Fisheries and Ecosystem Science Programs and Services ..................................................................... 144,196 


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NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE—Continued 

Operations, Research, and Facilities 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys and Assessments ........................................................................... 165,249 

Observers and Training ........................................................................................................................... 43,955 

Fisheries Management Programs and Services ...................................................................................... 112,643 

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

Salmon Management Activities ............................................................................................................... 37,000 

Regional Councils and Fisheries Commissions ...................................................................................... 37,000 

Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants ......................................................................................................... 3,500 

Fisheries Science and Management ................................................................................................................. 558,543 

Enforcement ...................................................................................................................................................... 70,000 

Habitat Conservation and Restoration ............................................................................................................. 54,000 

Total, National Marine Fisheries Service, Operations, Research, and Facilities ............................................. $875,260 

Protected Resources Science and Management.—The Committee 

recommends $192,717,000 for Protected Resources Science and 

Management programs. Within available resources, the Committee 

encourages NOAA to maintain marine mammal stranding grants. 

Permitting consultations.—The Committee is aware of sometimes 

significant delays associated with consultations requests received 

by NMFS from the Army Corps of Engineers. The Committee urges 

NMFS to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to improve this 

process. 

Skimmer trawl rule.—The Committee understands NMFS is considering issuing a new rule to require all skimmer trawls, pusherhead trawls, and wing nets rigged for fishing to use turtle excluder 

devices in their nets. The Committee expects NMFS to ensure any 

potential rule on this issue is based in meritorious, evidence-based 

science. Further, the Committee understands NOAA states in its 

Draft Economic Impact Statement that these potential changes will 

have a significant negative impact on small fishing businesses. The 

Committee requests a report on specific steps NMFS would consider in any potential rule to eliminate the negative economic impact at least 90 days prior to the release of a rule. 

Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans.—Within the funds pro- vided for Pacific Salmon, $5,000,000 is included to implement the 

Service’s comprehensive plan to address the backlog of Hatchery 

and Genetic Management Plans. The Committee remains concerned by the backlog of these plans and encourages NOAA to continue contracting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State 

agencies, Tribes, and the Hatchery Scientific Review Group, as appropriate, to expedite approval. 

Marine Recreational Information Program.—The Committee encourages NOAA to take into consideration the recommendations of 

the National Academy of Sciences report entitled Marine Recreational Information Program (2017). 

Stock assessments.—The Committee recognizes that NOAA fisheries stock assessments are the cornerstone of fishery conservation 

and management measurements, but the current stock assessment 

data inputs must be improved. The Committee continues to provide 

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ties in support of stock assessments, yet problems persist with the 

frequency of surveys, adequacy of the data, and the use of independent research in developing stock assessments. The Committee 

encourages NOAA to work to improve accuracy of population estimates of Gray Triggerfish, Greater Amberjack and Gag Grouper. 

Red Snapper.—The Committee commends the five Gulf States for 

developing Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) that will allow for improved recreational fishing access and directs NOAA to continue to 

work with the States to manage Red Snapper. Within Fisheries 

Data Collections, Surveys and Assessments, up to $10,000,000 is 

provided for the development, implementation and validation of 

electronic logbooks for the Federally permitted charter-for-hire sector in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA shall provide quarterly updates 

to the Committee on Red Snapper management on: the EFPs; the 

implementation of the electronic logbooks; the independent study to 

estimate Red Snapper abundance; NOAA’s plans to integrate the 

independent study into fishery management; and other appropriate 

items. 

Fish Information Networks.—The Committee supports the Fish 

Information Networks, the State-Federal cooperative programs that 

coordinate data collection, data management, and informational 

management essential for accurate monitoring of commercial and 

recreational fishing impacts. The recommendation includes 

$500,000 above the enacted level, and $613,000 above the request, 

for Fish Information Networks. 

Cooperative research.—The recommendation does not adopt the 

proposed reduction for this activity, and funds it at the enacted 

level. Cooperative research shall be used to support external, independent data collection and other research. The Committee expects 

that all funding provided shall be used for cooperative fisheries research and not for NOAA activities or administrative overhead 

costs. NOAA shall ensure that this research is ingested into fishery 

stock assessments in a timely manner. 

Lionfish.—The Committee encourages NOAA to award competitive grants to address Lionfish in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of 

Mexico. 

Highly Migratory Species.—NOAA is encouraged to continue its 

efforts to competitively award studies of highly migratory fish species. Additional research is needed to continue to improve management of these species. 

Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program 

(SEAMAP).—SEAMAP is designed to collect, manage, and disseminate fishery-independent data in the southeastern U.S. to better inform management decisions. The Committee supports SEAMAP, 

and encourages NOAA to ensure it has adequate resources to complete its mission. 

Horseshoe Crabs.—Adequate data is required to ensure States 

and interstate managers can effectively manage the Horseshoe 

Crab population, which is important to the biomedical and commercial fishing industries, as well as to the ecology of the Mid-Atlantic 

region. The Committee directs NMFS to continue the Horseshoe 

Crab survey to generate the data necessary to ensure that the 

Horseshoe Crab stock remains on a sustainable path. 

Atlantic Striped Bass.—The Committee continues to direct the 

Secretary of Commerce to review the Federal moratorium on AtlanVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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tic Striped Bass. The Department shall report to the Committee on 

the outcome of this review within one year of enactment of this 

Act. 

Oyster restoration.—The Committee encourages NOAA to seek to 

competitively select external partners to research alternative substrates for oyster restoration. NOAA shall consider survivability as 

part of the oyster restoration program in the Chesapeake Bay. The 

Committee includes $2,000,000 within Habitat Conservation and 

Restoration to support oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay. 

California operations.—The Committee is aware of the catastrophic drought in the State of California over the past several 

years and believes that impacted communities must have access to 

life-giving water. Section 4001(a) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act; Public Law 114–322) directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide maximum water supplies to the Central Valley Project and the California State Water 

Project. Furthermore, Section 4003 of the law directs the Secretary, 

in conjunction with the Secretary of the Interior, to increase water 

deliveries from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta above the 

maximum rate allowed under the applicable biological opinion to 

capture high flows during storm events for South-of-the-Delta 

water contractors. Accordingly, the Committee directs the Secretary, acting through the NOAA Administrator, to consult with 

the Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director to immediately implement the authorities provided under Sections 4001, 4002, 4003 of Public Law 114–322 to 

provide the maximum water supply possible under those sections. 

Furthermore, the Committee is concerned NMFS is requiring 

water to be held in the Shasta Reservoir, thereby reducing the ability of the Bureau of Reclamation to make deliveries to water contractors. Specifically, the Bureau of Reclamation notes that Northof-the-Delta contractors have not been provided an initial water allocation due in part to ‘‘uncertainty in the ability to manage Shasta 

Reservoir in a way that will provide adequate temperatures for the 

protection of endangered salmon species in the Sacramento River.’’ 

NMFS plays a key role in Shasta Reservoir operations. Consistent 

with the requirements of Section 4001(a) of Public Law 114–322, 

the Committee directs the Secretary, acting through the NOAA Administrator and the director of NMFS, to maximize water supplies 

to Federal and State water project contractors, in consultation and 

coordination with the Bureau of Reclamation, in the development 

and implementation of the Shasta Reservoir Temperature Management Plan for the 2018 and 2019 water years. 

In addition, the Committee requests that the Secretary, acting 

through the NOAA administrator and the director of NMFS, provide the Committee with a quarterly update, during the 2018 and 

2019 water years, on the progress of maximizing water supplies to 

Federal and State water project contractors consistent with the requirements of Section 4001(a) of Public Law 114–322. 

Biological Opinion Prioritization.—The Committee is aware of 

the ongoing reconsultation by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation with 

NMFS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the State of California, and local public agencies identified in Section 4004 of Public 

Law 114–322, on coordinated operations of the Central Valley 

Project and the California State Water Project. The Committee diVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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rects the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the NMFS Administrator, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Interior, to ensure 

completion of the biological opinions by May 31, 2020, consistent 

with Section 4004 of the WIIN Act. Furthermore, the Committee 

requests the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a 

timeline and plan for the deployment of resources and staff to ensure the biological opinions are completed by the above date, as 

well as regular subsequent updates until the biological opinions are 

finalized. In addition, given the complexities surrounding this 

issue, the Committee strongly encourages the Secretary of Commerce to work with the Secretary of the Interior to develop a joint 

biological opinion, to the extent practicable, to minimize conflicts 

between potential reasonable and prudent alternatives/measures 

imposed by a biological opinion issued by NMFS and a biological 

opinion imposed by FWS. 

In its notice of intent dated December 29, 2017, the Bureau of 

Reclamation stated the purpose of this reconsultation is ‘‘to evaluate alternatives that maximize water deliveries and optimize marketable power generation consistent with applicable laws, contractual obligations, and agreements; and to augment operational flexibility by addressing the status of listed species.’’ The Committee 

supports these objectives. 

Enforcement.—The Committee does not adopt the proposals to 

decrease the Cooperative Enforcement Program or to eliminate the 

funding for Joint Enforcement Agreements with State and territory 

partners. 

Tribal support.—The Committee encourages NOAA to support 

mitigation and relocation efforts of coastal tribal communities that 

are seeking to mitigate the threat of severe weather storms and 

promote public safety. 

Fishery Science Centers.—The President’s Budget did not request, nor does this recommendation include, any funds to permanently relocate any NMFS science centers to a new city. The Committee understands, however, that multiple fisheries science centers require substantial recapitalization or replacement. The Committee provides $10,000,000 in the NOAA construction account to 

partially address these needs. In developing proposals and plans 

for recapitalization, the Committee expects NMFS to pursue the 

most feasible options. 

Offshore Wind Impacts.—NOAA shall study the effects of offshore wind farm construction and operation on marine mammals 

and fish, including the need for any mitigation measures. NOAA 

should work with other appropriate agencies when completing this 

research. NOAA shall report to the Committee on this matter within two years of enactment of this Act. 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.—The Committee recommends $462,339,000 for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research 

(OAR) operations, research, and facilities. It is incumbent on 

NOAA to ensure that its research programs support the operational mission of each NOAA line office and that research efforts 

are an integral component in meeting line office program goals and 

milestones. 


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OFFICE OF OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH 

Operations, Research, and Facilities 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Climate Research 

Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes ................................................................................................. $72,972 

Regional Climate Data and Information ................................................................................................. 25,671 

Climate Research .............................................................................................................................................. 98,643 

Weather and Air Chemistry Research 

Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes ................................................................................................. 85,758 

U.S. Weather Research Program .............................................................................................................. 13,136 

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

Joint Technology Transfer Initiative ......................................................................................................... 20,000 

Weather and Air Chemistry Research ............................................................................................................... 131,516 

Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Research 

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

National Sea Grant College Program ...................................................................................................... 68,500 

Marine Aquaculture Program ................................................................................................................... 11,500 

Ocean Exploration and Research ............................................................................................................. 48,000 

Integrated Ocean Acidification ................................................................................................................ 13,000 

Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring ...................................................................................... 43,000 

Ocean, Coastal and Great Lakes Research ...................................................................................................... 220,000 

Information Technology Research and Development 

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

Total, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Operations, Research, and Facilities .......................... $462,339 

National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).—The 

recommendation includes $13,500,000 to support competitive research grants, maintain existing NIDIS activities, and develop and 

expand the Regional Drought Early Warning Information System. 

Weather and Air Chemistry Research.—The Committee includes 

$131,516,000 for Weather and Air Chemistry Research, which is 

$39,786,000 above the request. 

Infrasonic Weather Monitoring Research.—The Committee believes that advanced infrasound signal processing methodologies 

and studies have the potential to improve forecast accuracy and encourages NOAA to continue research in this area. 

Joint Technology Transfer Initiative.—The recommendation rejects the proposed termination of this program and funds it at 

$20,000,000. 

Severe weather studies.—The Southeastern United States commonly experiences devastating tornadoes under variables and conditions that differ considerably from conditions in other areas. OAR 

shall continue the VORTEX–SE initiative at the enacted level to 

better understand how environmental factors that are characteristic of the Southeast United States affect the formation, intensity and storm path of tornadoes. 

Cooperative Institutes.—The Committee has heard concerns that 

NOAA’s current Cooperative Institutes, labs and science centers do 

not fulfill NOAA’s needs for advanced monitoring and predictive 

modeling to explore deep water issues and their effect on the U.S. 

coastline. The NOAA Research Council shall, within 180 days of 


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enactment of this Act, submit to the Committee a report that includes an assessment of NOAA’s requirements and capabilities for 

research in these areas and a proposal on how NOAA could leverage external partners to meet any identified gaps. 

Coral Reefs.—The Committee supports collaboration between 

NOAA and external academic institutions that conduct scientific 

research for the conservation of corals and coral reef ecosystems 

within U.S. waters. The Committee recognizes that the science 

sponsored through such collaboration is important for management 

of these coral reefs and for effective implementation of the National 

Coral Reef Action Strategy, especially with regard to the identification of local action strategies for addressing key threats in each of 

the jurisdictions that have coral reefs within their boundaries. 

Ocean Exploration and Research.—The Committee recommends 

$48,000,000 for Ocean Exploration and Research. The Committee 

encourages NOAA to use not less than $7,000,000 to partner with 

non-government organizations, academic institutions, and other 

government agencies including the National Science Foundation, to 

fund ocean-going ships of exploration and support associated 

science through peer-reviewed processes for ocean exploration in 

unknown regions. The Committee supports using existing tele-presence technology, and applied exploration, to map critically important mineral deposits within America’s EEZ and sites of submerged 

human history, particularly in the Western Pacific. The Committee 

expects NOAA to expand exploration workshops. The Committee 

encourages NOAA to use a portion of the additional funds above 

the enacted level to leverage partnerships with universities to increase capacity for deep-water Autonomous Underwater Vehicles 

(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 deep-water AUV 

program development. 

Priority Vessel Assessments.—Many of the 87 wrecks identified as 

priority vessels in NOAA’s Risk Assessment for Potentially Polluting Wrecks in U.S. Waters have not been directly surveyed and 

have unknown or unconfirmed locations, conditions, orientation, 

and remaining contents. The Committee provides $1,000,000 within Ocean Exploration and Research for NOAA to work with government and private sector partners to fund additional surveys, and 

surveys of opportunity, to perform site inspections to refine assessments of the potential risk for pollution posed by these vessels, as 

recommended in the Risk Assessment. 

Integrated Ocean Acidification Research.—The Committee encourages NOAA, in coordination with the Office of Science and 

Technology Policy, to implement a program to competitively award 

prizes under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 

1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719) to stimulate innovation to advance the understanding, research, or monitoring of ocean acidification or its 

impacts or to develop management or adaptation options for responding to ocean acidification. In prize competitions, the Committee encourages NOAA to prioritize communities, environments, 

or industries that are currently in distress due to the impacts of 

ocean acidification. 


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National Weather Service (NWS).—The Committee recommends 

$1,015,000,000 for NWS operations, research, and facilities, which 

is $79,804,000 above the President’s Budget request. 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE 

Operations, Research, and Facilities 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Observations ..................................................................................................................................................... $236,000 

Central Processing ............................................................................................................................................ 90,000 

Analyze, Forecast and Support ......................................................................................................................... 500,000 

Dissemination ................................................................................................................................................... 52,000 

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

Total, National Weather Service, Operations, Research, and Facilities .......................................................... $1,015,000 

NWS staffing.—The recommendation provides not less than 

$625,000,000 for salaries and benefits of NWS employees, which 

fully funds the annualized civilian pay raise from fiscal year 2018. 

The Committee expects the National Weather Service to continue 

to hire in fiscal year 2019, and to have additional FTEs on board 

by the end of the fiscal year. The Committee expects that budget 

requests from the National Weather Service include all funds necessary to pay for staff, yet the Committee consistently hears of 

staffing and management challenges within NWS. NOAA and the 

Department of Commerce are directed to ensure that NWS fulfills 

its critical mission to protect the lives and property of our nation’s 

citizens. In its fiscal year 2019 spend plan, the NWS shall include 

a separate accounting of all NWS funded positions. In fiscal year 

2019, the Committee directs the NWS to continue the quarterly 

management, staffing and budget briefings first required in fiscal 

year 2018. 

Observations.—The recommendation provides $236,000,000 for 

observation activities. The recommendation includes $22,000,000 

for the National Mesonet Program, $14,500,000 above the request. 

The recommendation does not adopt the proposed reduction to the 

TAO array, and funds it at the enacted level. The recommendation 

assumes that the fiscal year 2018 requested technical adjustment 

to move the Observation Program Leads and the Port Meteorological Officers from Analyze, Forecast and Support to Observations 

was executed in fiscal year 2018 and is continued in fiscal year 

2019. 

Central Processing.—The recommendation includes $90,000,000 

for Central Processing. The recommendation fully funds the requested increase for Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System cyclical replacement. The recommendation does not adopt the 

proposal to slow the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Services Expansion. 

Analyze, Forecast, and Support.—The recommendation includes 

$500,000,000 for Analyze, Forecast, and Support activities. The recommendation does not adopt the proposed NWS workforce savings; 

nor does it adopt the proposed reduction in developing and implementing aviation tools and capabilities. This level includes 

$5,000,000 to address the backlog in facilities maintenance requirements. The recommendation assumes that the technical transfers 


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proposed in fiscal year 2018 were both executed in fiscal year 2018 

and continue in fiscal year 2019. 

Tsunamis.—As required in the Tsunami, Warning, Education 

and Research Act of 2017 (Public Law 115–25), this recommendation funds both the National Tsunami Warning Center and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. It fully supports the responsibilities 

for these centers enumerated in Section 504(d)(2) of that Act. 

Dissemination.—The recommendation provides $52,000,000 for 

Dissemination. The recommendation supports the proposed increase to fund upgrades and enhancements to the Integrated Dissemination Program systems. 

Science and Technology Integration.—The recommendation includes $137,000,000 for Science and Technology Integration activities. The Committee does not adopt the proposed decreases for numerical weather prediction modeling; the national water model; or 

Operations and Workforce Analysis testing and evaluation. This 

recommendation assumes that the technical transfer proposed in 

fiscal year 2018, to move misaligned Space Weather forecasters 

from Science Technology Integration to Analyze, Forecast and Support, was executed in fiscal year 2018 and continues in fiscal year 

2019. 

Hydrology and Water Resource Programs.—The recommendation 

continues to provide $6,000,000 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. These funds shall be executed in coordination with 

OAR to collaborate with external academic partners. 

Storm Surge Modeling Technology.—The Committee encourages 

NOAA to continue to pursue collaborations that will improve upon 

NOAA’s current Sea, Lake, and Overland Surge from Hurricanes 

model; and encourages NOAA to consider integrating improved 

technologies into standard modeling operations for storm surge, inland flooding, and the combination. 

National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service 

(NESDIS).—The Committee recommends $247,000,000 for NESDIS 

operations, research, and facilities. The recommendation does not 

adopt the proposed reduction to the regional centers. 

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE 

Operations, Research, and Facilities 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Environmental Satellite Observing Systems 

Satellite and Product Operations ............................................................................................................ $135,000 

NSOF operations ....................................................................................................................................... 15,000 

Office of Satellite and Product Operations ...................................................................................................... 150,000 

Product Development, Readiness and Application ........................................................................................... 36,500 

Group on Earth Observations .................................................................................................................. 500 

Environmental Satellite Observing Systems ..................................................................................................... 187,000 


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NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE, DATA AND INFORMATION SERVICE—Continued 

Operations, Research, and Facilities 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

National Centers for Environmental Information ............................................................................................. 60,000 

Total, National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service, Operations, Research, and Facilities ................................................................................................................................................................ $247,000 

Office of Satellite and Product Operations.—The recommendation 

includes $150,000,000 for the Office of Satellite and Product Operations. This activity funds the command and control of NOAA’s 

operational satellites. The recommendation supports the proposed 

increase for IT security. It is paramount that NOAA identify and 

mitigate vulnerabilities affecting the availability, integrity, security 

and delivery of NOAA’s data. The Committee expects the Comprehensive Large Array data Stewardship System to be adequately 

funded in order to support the long-term preservation of and access 

to data from NOAA’s observing systems. 

NOAA Satellite Observing System Architecture (NSOSA).—The 

Committee notes that the fiscal year 2017 Appropriations Act required NOAA to brief the Committee on the results of the NSOSA 

in fiscal year 2017 and yet the Committee has not received this 

briefing midway through fiscal year 2018. This is unacceptable. 

Mission Support.—The recommendation includes $265,626,000 

for Mission Support operations, research, and facilities. 

MISSION SUPPORT 

Operations, Research, and Facilities 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Mission Support 

Executive Leadership ............................................................................................................................... $27,500 

Mission Services and Management ......................................................................................................... 144,327 

IT Security ................................................................................................................................................ 10,050 

Payment to DOC Working Capital Fund .................................................................................................. 55,249 

Mission Support Services .................................................................................................................................. 237,126 

Office of Education 

BWET Regional Programs ........................................................................................................................ 7,500 

Education Partnership Program/Minority Serving Institutions ................................................................ 16,000 

NOAA Education Program Base ............................................................................................................... 5,000 

Office of Education ........................................................................................................................................... 28,500 

Total, Mission Support, Operations, Research and Facilities .......................................................................... $265,626 

Management and administrative costs.—The Committee notes 

that in addition to Mission Services, each line office includes its 

own ‘‘headquarters program support’’ costs. NOAA shall bolster efforts to standardize the treatment of management and administrative costs in each line office to maximize transparency and accountability, and reduce or eliminate unnecessary non-mission costs. 

Office of Education.—The Committee includes $28,500,000 for 

NOAA’s Office of Education. Of this amount, $16,000,000 is proVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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vided to continue the Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions, and $7,500,000 is provided to continue 

the Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B–WET) regional programs. 

Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.—The recommendation 

includes $227,250,000 for the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, operations, research, and facilities. 

OFFICE OF MARINE AND AVIATION OPERATIONS 

Operations, Research, and Facilities 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Office of Marine and Aviation Operations 

Marine Operations and Maintenance ...................................................................................................... $190,000 

Aviation Operations and Aircraft Services .............................................................................................. 37,250 

Total, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations ............................................................................................. $227,250 

Unmanned Surface Vehicles.—The recommendation includes no 

less than the enacted level for a competitive data acquisition program that uses Unmanned Surface Vehicles to augment NOAA’s 

observational suite. 

Increased Winter Storm Observations.—Atmospheric rivers are 

responsible for more than 40 percent of the precipitation on the 

West Coast. Improving the understanding and forecasting of atmospheric rivers is critical to improving water management and flood 

control on the West Coast. The recommendation includes 

$3,000,000 for increased winter storm observations to better observe and predict these extreme storm events. 

Fleet Deferred Maintenance.—The recommendations provides 

$6,785,000 above the request in Operations, Research, and Facilities, and $9,122,000 above the request in Procurement, Acquisition 

and Construction to address deferred maintenance of NOAA’s fleet. 

The Committee looks forward to receiving the briefing required in 

the fiscal year 2018 Appropriations Act regarding vessel maintenance requirements, and requires an updated report within 60 

days of enactment of this Act. 

PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends a total program level of 

$1,620,613,000 under this heading, of which $1,607,613,000 is appropriated from the general fund and $13,000,000 is derived from 

recoveries of prior year obligations. 

The following narrative descriptions and tables identify the specific activities and funding levels included in this Act. 

PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

National Ocean Service 

National Estuarine Research Reserve Construction ................................................................................ $1,900 


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PROCUREMENT, ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION—Continued 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Marine Sanctuaries Construction ............................................................................................................ 3,000 

Total, NOS - PAC .............................................................................................................................................. 4,900 

Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research 

Research Supercomputing/CCRI ..................................................................................................... 41,000 

National Weather Service 

Observations ................................................................................................................................... 16,250 

Central Processing .......................................................................................................................... 67,500 

Dissemination ................................................................................................................................. 35,500 

Subtotal, NWS, Systems Acquisition ........................................................................................................ 119,250 

Weather Forecast Office Construction ............................................................................................ 8,750 

Total, NWS - PAC .............................................................................................................................................. 128,000 

National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service 

GOES–R ........................................................................................................................................... 408,380 

Space Weather Follow-on ................................................................................................................ 10,000 

Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) ................................................................................................ 572,240 

Polar Follow-on ............................................................................................................................... 305,751 

CDARS ............................................................................................................................................. 500 

COSMIC 2/GNSS–RO ....................................................................................................................... 5,892 

Satellite Ground Services ................................................................................................................ 58,000 

System Architecture and Advanced Planning ................................................................................ 5,500 

Projects, Planning, and Analysis .................................................................................................... 40,000 

Commercial Weather Data Pilot ..................................................................................................... 6,000 

Subtotal, NESDIS Systems Acquisition .................................................................................................... 1,412,263 

Satellite CDA Facility ...................................................................................................................... 2,450 

Total, NESDIS - PAC ......................................................................................................................................... 1,414,713 

Mission Support 

NOAA Construction ................................................................................................................................... 10,000 

Office of Marine and Aviation Operations 

Fleet Capital Improvements and Technology Infusion ............................................................................ 22,000 

Total, OMAO - PAC ............................................................................................................................................ 22,000 

Total, Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction .......................................................................................... $1,620,613 

National Weather Service (NWS).—The recommendation supports 

the completion of the Automated Surface Observing System Service 

Life Extension Project (SLEP) by 2024 and the completion of the 

NEXRAD SLEP by 2022. The recommendation rejects the requested reduction for high performance computing and instead 

funds this effort at the enacted levels. 

NWS Facilities.—The recommendation includes $8,750,000, to 

construct and provide for major repairs to Forecast Offices and 

other government-owned weather facilities, including Weather 

Forecast Offices, River Forecast Centers, Weather Service Offices, 

National Centers and Tsunami Warning Centers. 

National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service.—The recommendation includes $1,414,713,000 for NESDIS 

procurement, acquisition and construction. 


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Quarterly Reports.—The Committee expects the Department of 

Commerce to ensure that NOAA’s satellite programs are proceeding within the cost estimates and meeting program milestones. 

The Committee expects to be notified promptly if any issues arise 

that could jeopardize the current launch schedules. The Department of Commerce shall remain engaged in the overall management of Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), Polar Follow-On, and 

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES–R). 

NOAA shall provide quarterly briefings to the Committee on all 

NOAA satellite programs not later than 30 days after the end of 

each quarter. These briefings shall include the status of obligations 

for each program, including spacecraft, launch, sensor, integration, 

and ground components, and proposed changes to the fly out 

charts. NOAA shall also include in these briefings updates on all 

of its operational satellite systems. 

Oversight.—The Committee reiterates its desire that OIG and 

GAO staff be permitted at NOAA’s monthly satellites meetings. To 

further aid the Committee in its oversight function, NOAA shall 

provide biannual updates to the Committee regarding the status of 

implementing OIG, GAO, and Independent Review Team recommendations for NOAA’s satellite programs. 

Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).—The recommendation includes $572,240,000, the requested amount, for JPSS. The Committee commends NOAA on the successful launch of JPSS–1, and 

expects NOAA to incorporate lessons learned from JPSS–1 into the 

planning and execution of the remaining JPSS satellites. 

Polar Follow-On (PFO).—The Committee provides $305,751,000, 

the requested amount, for PFO. The Committee is pleased that 

NOAA has found savings and efficiencies to reduce the cost of this 

program in fiscal year 2019, and expects NOAA to continue to seek 

and achieve savings in future years of the PFO program. As requested, this recommendation supports procuring spacecraft for 

JPSS 3 and JPSS 4 in fiscal year 2019. The Committee understands that PFO is planned to complete KDP–C in fiscal year 2019, 

and expects to receive the program baseline in fiscal year 2019. 

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series 

(GOES–R).—The recommendation includes $408,380,000 for the 

GOES–R program, as requested. 

Commercial satellite weather data.—The Committee provides 

$6,000,000 to ensure NOAA has the resources necessary to thoroughly assess commercial data opportunities. If NOAA determines 

that data or services licensed and evaluated through the Commercial Weather Data Pilot Program are cost effective and operationally viable for meeting a NOAA observation requirement, NOAA is 

directed to pursue the potential of the commercial system to provide an ongoing operational service as part of the NOAA observation architecture. 

Construction and Facilities Maintenance.—The Committee looks 

forward to receiving the report required in the fiscal year 2018 Appropriations Act and requires an updated report containing the 

same information be provided 30 days prior to obligating the funds 

provided in 2019. NOAA funds and manages facility maintenance 

requirements out of nearly every line office and out of Mission Support. In fiscal year 2019, NOAA shall submit to the Committees a 

report that includes: (1) an assessment of whether this is the most 


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efficient means to fund and manage NOAA’s construction and facilities requirements, (2) potential options to more effectively and 

efficiently manage and fund NOAA’s facilities and construction requirements; and (3) a proposal about how to improve and streamline NOAA’s facilities management process. 

Aircraft Recapitalization.—The fiscal year 2018 Appropriations 

Act funded both a Hurricane Hunter and a jet propeller aircraft to 

conduct soil moisture, water resources, and gravity-based vertical 

datum survey missions. The Act also required that NOAA submit 

an updated NOAA Aircraft Recapitalization Business Case and 

Timeline within 120 days of enactment of that Act. The Committee 

looks forward to promptly receiving the Business Case and 

Timeline. 

PACIFIC COASTAL SALMON RECOVERY

The Committee rejects the proposed termination of Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery and recommends $65,000,000 for this program. 

In addition, the accompanying bill includes language that requires 

all funds to be allocated based on scientific and merit principles 

and prohibits the availability of funds for marketing activities. Bill 

language is included requiring a 33 percent match from States. 

FISHERMEN’S CONTINGENCY FUND

The Committee recommends $349,000 for the Fishermen’s Contingency Fund, which is the same as fiscal year 2018. This Fund 

is available to compensate U.S. commercial fishermen for damage 

or loss caused by obstructions related to oil and gas exploration, 

and is derived from fees collected by the Secretary of the Interior. 

FISHERY DISASTER ASSISTANCE

The bill provides $20,000,000 for Fishery Disaster Assistance to 

address fisheries disasters declared by the Secretary of Commerce. 

Report.—The Committee is concerned by the sometimes years 

long delay between when fishery disasters occur, when disaster determinations are made, and when funding is delivered to affected 

communities. The Secretary of Commerce shall, within 90 days of 

enactment of this Act, submit a report to the Committee that evaluates the performance of existing disaster assistance programs 

with particular attention paid to: coordination with State and Tribal agencies, evaluation of fisheries disaster requests, and timeliness 

of determinations. This report shall include recommendations for 

reforms to expedite delivering assistance to fishing dependent communities impacted by disasters. 

FISHERIES FINANCE PROGRAM ACCOUNT

The Committee recommends language under this heading limiting obligations of direct loans to $24,000,000 for Individual Fishing Quota loans and $100,000,000 for traditional direct loans. 

DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $56,500,000 for Departmental Man- agement, of which $5,000,000 is for the Office of Space Commerce. 


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Cybersecurity.—The Secretary is directed to submit quarterly reports to the Committee on the Department’s activities to improve 

its cybersecurity, including updates on addressing the Inspector 

General’s cybersecurity concerns. 

Modernizing economic statistics in Puerto Rico.—The Committee 

urges the Department to continue its efforts to help the government of Puerto Rico to modernize its economic statistics programs, 

and directs the Department, through the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), to initiate efforts to calculate gross domestic product 

(GDP) for Puerto Rico, just as BEA currently does for every other 

U.S. jurisdiction. The Committee additionally urges the Department to work toward the inclusion of all U.S. territories alongside 

the 50 states and the District of Columbia in BEA’s national-level 

GDP estimates, which will require the territory-level GDP data to 

meet all of BEA’s quality standards. The Department shall report 

to the Committee on these efforts, both of which were recommended by the Congressional Task Force on Economic Growth 

in Puerto Rico, within 90 days of enactment of this Act. 

Interstate Commerce.—The Committee has heard concerns about 

the Electronic Export Information (EEI) requirement located in 15 

CFR Part 30, which mandates reporting for certain goods shipped 

between the States and Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

The Committee urges the Department to work in coordination with 

the governments of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as 

well as other Federal agencies and stakeholders, to identify alternative data sources that provide equivalent statistics on the shipments of goods among the territories and the States to achieve the 

same statistical objectives, while reducing the impact on commerce. 

Contract impediments.—The Secretary shall work to ensure that 

unnecessary obstacles do not prevent companies located in the territories from being able to compete for the Federal contracts administered by the Department of Commerce and other Federal 

agencies. 

Made in America Website.—The Department of Commerce shall, 

within 180 days of enactment of this Act, provide a report to the 

Committee that details how the Department would develop, manage, and maintain a website that provides consumers with information about products that are made in America. This report shall include the projected costs of such an effort. 

Native American Business Development.—The recommendation 

provides up to $2,000,000 for the Secretary to carry out the duties 

assigned to him in the Native American Business Development, 

Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–464). 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends $34,744,000 for the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of which $2,000,000 is a transfer from FirstNet. 

The recommendation also includes transfers of $3,556,000 from the 

Census Bureau, $1,302,000 from NOAA, and $2,000,000 from PTO 

for OIG oversight of those activities. The Committee expects the 

OIG to continue its oversight work on cybersecurity, satellite procurements, telework, patent quality, and the decennial census. 


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GENERAL PROVISIONS—DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends the following general provisions for 

the Department of Commerce: 

Section 101 makes 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 the Department available 

for hire of passenger motor vehicles, for services, and for uniforms 

and allowances as authorized by law. 

Section 103 provides the authority to transfer funds between Department of Commerce appropriation accounts and requires notification to the Committee of certain actions. The Committee expects 

notifications for all capital asset disposals with an initial purchase 

price greater than $2,000,000. 

Section 104 extends congressional notification requirements for 

NOAA satellite programs. 

Section 105 provides for reimbursement for services within Department of Commerce buildings. 

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 the NOAA Administrator with the authority 

to avail NOAA of needed resources, with the consent of those supplying the resources, to carry out responsibilities of any statute administered by NOAA. 

Section 108 prohibits the National Technical Information Service 

from charging for certain activities. 

Section 109 authorizes NOAA to receive payments from other entities to defray some costs of permitting and regulatory activities. 

TITLE II 

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $102,500,000 for Department of 

Justice, General Administration, Salaries and Expenses, which is 

$11,500,000 below fiscal year 2018 and $11,707,000 below the request. 

Human trafficking.—The destructive toll of human trafficking is 

intolerable, and expanding. It is international in scale and affects 

every part of the United States, both rural and urban. The ease of 

access to modern communication and transportation channels has 

enabled traffickers to operate everywhere, to include threatening 

our homes and communities. The Committee has included increased funding for services for victims, the investigation and prosecution of human traffickers, and the eradication of trafficking organizations. The bill includes $100,000,000 in grant funding assistance to State, local and tribal governments, and has provided substantial increases in resources and personnel to the Federal Bureau 


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of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Attorneys, and the U.S. Marshals 

Service to aid in this mission. 

Opioid and heroin epidemic.—The number of fatal overdoses resulting from the nationwide crisis of opioid abuse continues to rise. 

Addressing this issue remains a core Federal law enforcement mission. The Committee applauds the Department’s willingness to 

prioritize investigating and prosecuting criminals who profit from 

drug trafficking and expects the Department to exercise its full authority to eliminate fraudulent or reckless distribution of controlled 

substances as well. The Committee notes this epidemic has grown 

worse with the rise of fentanyl trafficking and associated overdose 

fatalities. Fentanyl has also been found to be connected with 

overdoses connected with abuse of cocaine and 

methamphetamines—both of which are seeing a resurgence in trafficking. The bill provides $380,000,000 for grants authorized by the 

Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016. The bill also 

provides increases for Federal law enforcement to address opioid 

and other drug trafficking, including increases for Drug Enforcement Administration operations and their diversion control program, Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces to dismantle international drug cartels, and U.S. Attorneys to focus additional resources on opioids trafficking prosecutions. 

Working capital fund and non-appropriated fund budget requests 

and spending plans.—The Committee directs the Department to 

continue to include with their budget submissions and expenditure 

plans detailed breakouts of non-appropriated funding sources, as 

directed in the fiscal year 2018 appropriations Act, and continue 

quarterly reports on the collections, balances, and obligations of 

such funds. 

Cyber-stalking and threat crimes.—The Committee remains concerned about cyber-stalking and threat crimes, and notes that the 

fiscal year 2018 Appropriations Act required the Department to report on its actions to address such crime, with recommendations on 

improving criminal reporting systems to more accurately track the 

incidence of cybercrimes against individuals. The Department is directed to submit the report in a timely manner to ensure Congress 

has the necessary information to assess and deal with this problem. 

Conferences.—The Committee understands that OMB Memorandum M–12–12 called for agencies to reduce travel expenses by 

30 percent compared to the fiscal year 2010 level, and limit conference spending. The Committee expects the Department to minimize conferences and limit conference expenses to those necessary 

to carry out the mission of the Department. The Committee expects 

the Department to make conference location decisions based on 

transparency, accountability and best value in the use of appropriated funds. 

Female genital mutilation.—The Committee expects the Department to implement section 1088 of Public Law 112–239, regarding 

female genital mutilation (FGM), and looks forward to the Department’s expeditious completion of the report required by the fiscal 

year 2018 Appropriations Act on implementation and enforcement. 

The Department is encouraged to expand its efforts, including 

through the FBI and the Civil Rights Division, to investigate and 

prosecute FGM crimes, assist victims, and other actions to reduce 


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the incidence of FGM and to meet the needs of women and girls 

affected by FGM. 

First aid kit enhancements.—The Committee is aware that first 

aid products endorsed by the Department of Defense Committee on 

Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) help to reduce death or 

trauma as a result of bleeding. To improve outcomes in crisis situations, the Committee encourages the Department to incorporate 

CoTCCC-supported dressings in first aid kits in Department buildings and law enforcement vehicles. 

Third-party settlement payments.—The Committee understands a 

multi-year congressional investigation revealed that in some cases 

the Department of Justice required settling defendants to donate 

money to third-party advocacy or activist groups. These payments 

occurred entirely outside of the congressional appropriations and 

oversight process. Accordingly, section 539 prohibits the Department from entering into a civil settlement agreement in which a 

defendant is required to make a donation to a third-party that is 

not a victim of the defendant’s alleged unlawful activity. For the 

purposes of section 539, the term ‘‘donation’’ shall not be construed 

to prohibit any payment by a party to provide restitution for or otherwise remedy the actual harm, directly and proximately caused by 

the alleged conduct of the party, which is the basis for the agreement. The prohibition does not bar payments, upon invoice, to an 

organization or individual for services rendered to redress, mitigate 

or otherwise remediate the actual harm directly and proximately 

caused by a defendant’s allegedly unlawful conduct. The Committee 

applauds the policy change set forth in the Attorney General’s June 

5, 2017 memorandum, ‘‘Prohibition on Settlement Payments to 

Third Parties’’. 

Opioids.—The Committee supports the Department of Justice’s 

(DOJ) efforts to curb and ultimately end the opioid epidemic, including efforts that will lead to a reduction in prescription drug 

abuse, such as prevention programs, and will ensure victims are 

able to access the resources they need to prevent further abuse. 

The Committee expects that to the extent that the DOJ participates in opioid litigation it will do so in a manner that ensures potential settlement funds go primarily towards victim recovery and 

drug abuse prevention programs. 

Identity theft.—The Committee remains highly concerned about 

the issue of identity theft, and expects the Department to increase 

significantly its investigation and prosecution of such crimes 

through the additional enforcement resources provided in this bill. 

The Committee directs the Attorney General to submit a report not 

later than 180 days after the date of enactment on the number of 

prosecutions and convictions, by judicial district, during fiscal years 

2014–2018, for violations of 18 U.S.C. 1028(a) or 18 U.S.C. 

1028A(a). The report should also include analysis of trends in commission of such offenses, and recommendations for improving deterrence and prevention of identity theft. 

JUSTICE INFORMATION SHARING TECHNOLOGY

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $40,000,000 for Justice Information 

Sharing Technology, which is $5,000,000 above fiscal year 2018 and 


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$8,287,000 above the request. The Committee provides the increase 

to support the Department’s cybersecurity programs, and continues 

to include bill language providing the Department discretion and 

flexibility to transfer available Departmental funds to meet needs 

for information technology transformation and cybersecurity, subject to the reprogramming procedures included in this Act. 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION REVIEW

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $630,000,000 for the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), of which $4,000,000 is from 

immigration examination fees. The recommendation is 

$125,500,000 above fiscal year 2018 and $66,593,000 above the request. The recommendation will support a total of 584 Immigration 

Judge teams, 100 more than funded in fiscal year 2018. Funding 

is also provided to annualize costs associated with the new teams 

funded in fiscal year 2018, provide additional law clerks to assist 

Immigration Judges and reduce case processing time, and upgrade 

information technology and facilities. The recommendation includes 

funding to sustain the current Legal Orientation Program and related assistance, such as the information desk pilot, at no less than 

current levels. The recommendation does not include any funding 

to establish or fund a legal representation program. 

EOIR performance.—For several years the Committee has been 

concerned with the slow pace of hiring Immigration Judges and the 

unacceptable amount of time it takes to resolve immigration cases. 

The Committee understands that the Department is working to accelerate the hiring process and is deploying additional resources to 

those areas with the highest workload such as the Southwest Border. The Committee directs this effort to continue and that the Department coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS) to develop metrics, practices, and pilot programs to institute 

rapid court proceedings at holding facilities along the Southwest 

Border where individuals are detained for immigration violations to 

ensure their court appearance. The Committee notes with approval 

that EOIR has set new prioritization standards and court-based 

performance measures, as the Committees on Appropriations had 

directed. The Committee looks forward to seeing those efforts bear 

fruit in the form of more timely adjudication and reduced backlog, 

while ensuring due process is observed. The Committee directs 

EOIR to continue reporting monthly on performance and Immigration Judge hiring in the manner and level of detail as provided in 

fiscal year 2018. Such reports should also include information on 

the number of cases where visa overstay is the sole or primary factor for adjudication. 

Efficiency initiatives.—The Committee understands that EOIR is 

considering approaches that could result in savings in time and resources, such as modifying the procedure for Immigration Judges 

to issue oral decisions, which currently may involve lengthy and 

detailed recitations of legal authorities and case analysis. Other potential approaches to streamlining operations include use of preliminary hearings or similar approaches to screening cases to address frivolous filings and reduce court time required to process 

them. The Committee encourages EOIR to actively explore and, if 


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appropriate, pilot approaches that hold promise of improving the 

efficiency of the EOIR court system. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends $102,000,000 for the Office of Inspector General (OIG), $4,750,000 above fiscal year 2018 and 

$6,134,000 above the request. The increase supports additional 

workload associated with expanded whistleblower and cyber investigations. 

Profiling.—The Committee continues to hear concerns that Asian 

Americans and Pacific Islanders have been profiled by Department 

of Justice investigators and prosecutors on the basis of race and 

national origin, including in espionage and trade secret cases. The 

Committee expects OIG to assess whether there exists a pattern or 

practice of using race, national origin, and other civil rights classifications to target Federal employees and other Americans; report 

on any allegations of civil rights or civil liberties violations committed by Department employees in its semiannual reports to Congress as required by Section 1001 of the USA PATRIOT Act (Public 

Law 107–56); and if such patterns or practices are found to exist, 

to describe steps the Department has taken to address them. 

The Committee has heard concerns that the FBI’s Domestic Terrorism program may be conducting surveillance on U.S. citizens 

lawfully exercising their 1st Amendment rights, based on their 

race. The Committee directs the OIG to review the FBI’s Domestic 

Terrorism program including an assessment of how the FBI ensures that resources are allocated based on threats such as the 

number of fatalities and injuries caused by the groups or individuals represented in the FBI’s various domestic terrorism programs. 

UNITED STATES PAROLE COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $12,672,000 for the United States 

Parole Commission. 

LEGAL ACTIVITIES

SALARIES AND EXPENSES, GENERAL LEGAL ACTIVITIES

The Committee recommends $897,500,000 for General Legal Activities. 

The Committee understands that the Department’s failure to defend the legal status of congressional records has affected some 

congressional committees. The Committee expects the Department 

and the Administration to be responsive to congressional committees and to implement and defend D.C. Circuit Court decisions regarding congressional records. 

Human trafficking.—The Civil Rights Division shall prioritize 

funding for the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and the Department’s Anti-Trafficking Coordination Teams to investigate and 

prosecute human traffickers. The Committee directs the Department to work with victim service providers and non-governmental 

organizations assisting trafficking victims in the United States. 

Deinstitutionalization.—The Committee notes the nationwide 

trends towards deinstitutionalization of patients with intellectual 


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or developmental disabilities in favor of community-based settings. 

The Committee also notes that in Olmstead v. L.C. (1999), a majority of the Supreme Court held that the Americans with Disabilities 

Act does not condone or require removing individuals from institutional settings when they are unable to handle or benefit from a 

community-based setting, and that Federal law does not require 

the imposition of community-based treatment on patients who do 

not desire it. The Committee notes that Division H of Public Law 

115–141 requires notification of affected individuals of their legal 

rights in this regard. 

Civil Rights Division, Voting Section.—The Committee looks forward to receiving the report required in the fiscal year 2018 Appropriations Act about Section 203 cases investigated in fiscal year 

2018. When the fiscal year 2020 budget request is submitted, the 

Department of Justice shall submit to the Committee the following 

information about section 203 cases investigated in fiscal year 

2019, including: the number of cases, broken out by languages included; the number of such investigations opened and the number 

closed, by reason closed (e.g. not enough evidence of non-compliance; no evidence of non-compliance); the average number of investigations per attorney and the average length per investigation. 

Website Accessibility.—The Committee expects the Department to 

clarify standards for website accessibility requirements pursuant to 

the Americans with Disabilities Act in fiscal year 2019. The Committee recognizes the confusion caused by a lack of uniform website 

accessibility standards. The lack of clear requirements disadvantages small businesses that provide essential services for our communities. 

VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION TRUST FUND

The recommendation includes $10,000,000 as a reimbursement 

from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund for costs of litigating cases under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 

1986 (Public Law 99–660). 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES, ANTITRUST DIVISION

The Committee recommends $164,977,000 for salaries and expenses of the Antitrust Division. The recommended funding level is 

offset by $136,000,000 in estimated fee collections for a net direct 

appropriation of $28,977,000. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES, UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS

The Committee recommends $2,250,000,000 for the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices, which is $113,250,000 above fiscal year 2018 and 

$144,818,000 above the request. This increase is provided to sustain hiring and program operations funded in fiscal year 2018, and 

provide additional prosecutors to meet rising workload for the investigation and prosecution of terrorism, violent crime and other 

serious crime such as drug trafficking and cybercrime. Of the increase provided, not less than $5,000,000 is for additional investigative and prosecution costs associated with human trafficking. 


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The Committee recommendation includes $1,680,000,000 for 

criminal litigation; $541,000,000 for civil litigation; and 

$29,000,000 for legal education. 

Human trafficking.—The recommendation continues bill language requiring that each U.S. Attorney participate in human trafficking task forces, and the Department shall continue to submit 

semiannual reports on the performance of these task forces. 

Prescription drug abuse.—The number of fatal overdoses resulting from the nationwide crisis of prescription drug abuse continues 

to increase. Addressing this issue remains a core Federal law enforcement mission. The Committee applauds the Department’s willingness to prioritize investigating and prosecuting criminals who 

profit from trafficking and expects the Department will exercise its 

full authority to eliminate fraudulent or reckless distribution of 

controlled substances as well. 

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement.—The Committee 

expects the Department to continue to make IPR enforcement an 

investigative and prosecutorial priority for Federal prosecutors, to 

include thwarting a new wave of digital copyright piracy. 

Trafficking and money laundering enforcement.—The Committee 

expects the Department to continue to make drug trafficking and 

money laundering enforcement an investigative and prosecutorial 

priority for Federal prosecutors. 

UNITED STATES TRUSTEE SYSTEM FUND

The Committee recommends $230,000,000 for the United States 

Trustee Program. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES, FOREIGN CLAIMS SETTLEMENT COMMISSION

The Committee recommends $2,409,000 for the Foreign Claims 

Settlement Commission, which is equal to the current level and the 

request. 

FEES AND EXPENSES OF WITNESSES

The Committee recommends $270,000,000, which is the same as 

fiscal year 2018 and the request, for fees and expenses of witnesses 

who appear on behalf of the Government in cases in which the 

United States is a party. This appropriation is considered mandatory for scorekeeping purposes. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES, COMMUNITY RELATIONS SERVICE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $15,500,000 for the Community Relations Service. 

ASSETS FORFEITURE FUND

The Committee recommends $20,514,000 for expenses authorized 

by subparagraphs (B), (F), and (G) of section 524(c)(1) of title 28, 

United States Code. This amount is the same as the fiscal year 

2018 amount and the budget request. Section 522 rescinds $674,000,000 from the Assets Forfeiture 

Fund (Fund). The Department reports that Fund balances will be 

sufficient to allow the Department to rescind $674,000,000 with no 


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delays in equitable sharing payments. The Committee directs the 

Department to refrain from suspending or delaying equitable sharing payments in fiscal year 2019. 

Section 531 of the bill requires the Department to submit a 

spending plan for fiscal year 2019. The Committee directs the Department to include in this plan proposed spending from the Fund, 

to include estimates of: Fund balances; equitable sharing payments; Joint Law Enforcement Operations obligations; and obligations by component. 

UNITED STATES MARSHALS SERVICE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $1,392,400,000 for the salaries and 

expenses of the United States Marshals Service (USMS), which is 

$80,908,000 above fiscal year 2018 and $122,029,000 above the request. The recommendation sustains the initiatives funded in fiscal 

year 2018; provides for 100 additional Deputy U.S. Marshals for 

priority court security, prisoner transportation and violent crime 

and gang initiatives; provides for the establishment of a new regional fugitive task force; provides for the competitive lease or procurement of aircraft for fugitive investigation and apprehensions; 

and funds the request for the Capture initiative. 

The Committee has provided separate funding recommendations 

by decision unit as follows: 

Judicial and Courthouse Security ..................................................... $470,000,000 

Fugitive Apprehension ....................................................................... 550,000,000 

Prisoner Security and Transportation .............................................. 250,000,000 

Protection of Witnesses ...................................................................... 57,400,000 

Tactical Operations ............................................................................ 65,000,000 

Total, Salaries and Expenses ..................................................... $1,392,400,000 

CONSTRUCTION

The Committee recommends $25,000,000, which is $28,400,000 

below fiscal year 2018, and $10,029,000 above the request, for construction and related expenses in space controlled, occupied or used 

by USMS for prisoner holding and related support. The Committee 

expects USMS to apply this funding to its top priority projects. 

FEDERAL PRISONER DETENTION

The Committee recommends $1,568,793,000 for Federal Prisoner 

Detention, which is $32,793,000 above fiscal year 2018 and the request. The increase in funding is required to ensure the USMS can 

fully support anticipated housing, medical, and transportation cost 

increases of the USMS detainee population. With increased resources being dedicated to prosecutions of violent crimes, drug and 

human trafficking, the detainee population is anticipated to increase. 


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NATIONAL SECURITY DIVISION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $101,369,000 for the National Security Division (NSD), which is $338,000 above fiscal year 2018 and 

the same as the request. This amount will help NSD address its 

national security and counterterrorism workload, including its Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act responsibilities. 

Foreign Agents Registration Act.—The Committee understands 

that NSD is developing a strategic plan for its enforcement of the 

Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The strategy will focus on 

identification of actors obliged to register under FARA; increasing 

FARA outreach and training; and improving the eFile system and 

the FARA website. The Committee looks forward to completion of 

the plan. 

INTERAGENCY LAW ENFORCEMENT

INTERAGENCY CRIME AND DRUG ENFORCEMENT

The Committee recommends $570,000,000 for Interagency Crime 

and Drug Enforcement, which is $27,150,000 above fiscal year 2018 

and $48,437,000 above the request. Funds are included under this 

heading to support interagency Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which target high-level drug trafficking organizations through coordinated, multi-jurisdictional investigations. 

Decision unit subtotals.—The recommendation includes 

$394,750,000 for investigations and $175,250,000 for prosecutions. 

The Committee expects OCDETF to enhance its investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial efforts through OCDETF-led activities, 

including the OCDETF Fusion Center, OCDETF Co-located Strike 

Forces and the International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center, and direct collaboration with State and local law 

enforcement, United States Attorneys’ offices and the Criminal Division. The Committee expects OCDETF to focus additional resources on targeting opioid trafficking organizations. 

Full-Time Equivalents (FTE).—The Committee directs the Department to continue to submit with its fiscal year 2020 budget request an updated report on FTE devoted to OCDETF cases at the 

level of detail provided in its September 9, 2015, report to the Committee. The report should include actual and projected investigative 

and prosecutorial FTE devoted to OCDETF cases for fiscal years 

2018–2020, broken out by agency and funding source. 

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $9,254,347,000 for the salaries and 

expenses of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is 

$224,145,000 above fiscal year 2018 and $382,267,000 above the request. The increase reflects funding necessary to sustain and continue programs carried out in fiscal year 2018. Additional funding 

is provided to further the FBI’s critical missions to counter terVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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rorism and protect national security, including for: additional 

counterterror analysts and technical personnel; critical counterintelligence priorities, such as supply chain and insider threat programs; extending the Render Safe program; enhancing surveillance 

programs and upgrading aviation assets; and shared expenses for 

operations of the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center. 

The funding increase supports continued work on the FBI Next 

Generation Cyber program, and related systems to improve data 

analysis and investigative tools to target challenges such as the use 

of DarkNet anonymizing services by transnational organized criminals and opioid traffickers to communicate covertly and operate via 

illicit online marketplaces. In addition, additional funding is provided to build on fiscal year 2018 human trafficking efforts and increase the number of squads dedicated to such work. 

Finally, the recommendation supports the programs of the Criminal Justice Information Services Division, including but not limited 

to the Biometric Technology Center, Next Generation Identification, the National Crime Information Center, and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The recommendation fully funds the FBI’s NICS operations. The FBI is directed to consult with and provide technical guidance to Federal 

agencies to help them fulfill their obligation to enter all relevant 

records into the NICS database. 

The Committee continues its direction to the FBI to allocate its 

agents and support staff based on unique threats and workload of 

each of the FBI’s field offices to ensure that resources are effectively deployed to address the agency’s highest priorities. 

The Committee has provided separate funding recommendations 

by decision unit as follows: 

Intelligence .......................................................................................... $1,785,000,000 

Counterintelligence and National Security ...................................... 3,755,000,000 

Criminal Enterprise and Federal Crimes ......................................... 3,154,847,000 

Criminal Justice Services .................................................................. 559,500,000 

Total, Salaries and Expenses ..................................................... $9,254,347,000 

Human trafficking investigations.—The bill includes an increase 

of $25,000,000 to expand human trafficking investigations, and to 

establish and coordinate human trafficking intelligence collection, 

analysis, and sharing. These additional resources will help the FBI 

combat sex trafficking and forced labor, to include boosting criminal investigations and working with victims of such crimes. 

Aviation modernization.—The Committee directs the FBI to provide as soon as possible the briefing on its aviation modernization 

program required by the fiscal year 2017 and 2018 appropriations 

Acts. 

Integrated medical support for tactical operations.—The Committee supports the Bureau’s actions to formalize its existing external partnerships in the Operational Medicine Program in order to 

support medical contingency planning and improve medical care 

delivery for high risk law enforcement missions. Through this partnership, the FBI can leverage the strengths of an academic medical 

center partner to develop the methods, standards and research necessary to determine the optimal level of medical support for critical 

missions. The Committee expects the FBI to continue its work in 


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this area, with the goal of further integration across mission areas 

where medical support needs are identified. 

Intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement.—The Committee 

expects the FBI to prioritize the investigation of IPR cases, and coordinate with IPR units at the U.S. Attorneys and the Criminal Division to investigate U.S.-based sites and apps engaged in such 

criminal activity. The Committee looks forward to receiving the report on IPR enforcement required by the fiscal year 2018 Appropriations Act and directs the FBI to provide an updated report not 

later than 120 days after enactment on its IPR investigation activities, particularly in the area of creative content theft. 

Gang activity.—The Committee remains concerned about the rise 

in gang activity across the country. The Committee directs the FBI 

to continue to expand its task force activity, including its Violent 

Gang Safe Streets task forces, in order to undermine these organizations and reverse the criminal trends associated with their resurgence. 

Canine detection assets.—The Committee supports the FBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate’s efforts to more efficiently and 

effectively disseminate critical threat information to the explosives 

detection canine community and, in conjunction with government 

and academic partners, equip the community with the resources 

necessary to mitigate those risks through discovery, innovation, 

and advancement of technologies to support this national security 

mandate. 

Public Access Line.—In the fiscal year 2018 Appropriations Act, 

the FBI was directed to review protocols associated with communication and information sharing between the Public Access Line 

and FBI field offices. The Committee looks forward to the timely 

submission of this report and improvements to the Public Access 

Line operations. 

Biomedical technology threats.—The Committee is aware that 

new, sophisticated biomedical technologies can be used by state 

and non-state actors in weapons of mass destruction. The Committee is encouraged by the efforts of the FBI’s Weapons of Mass 

Destruction Directorate in collaboration with other Federal partners to identify emerging threats related to chemical and biological 

weapons. The Committee directs the FBI to provide a briefing not 

later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act on biotechnologies and FBI efforts to safeguard the bioeconomy. 

CONSTRUCTION

The Committee recommends $65,000,000, which is $13,105,000 

above the request, for the construction of FBI facilities and related 

activities. Funding in this account will facilitate and expedite work 

on current design and construction projects at Quantico, and address necessary secure work environment (SWE) building and 

modifications. Funding above the request is provided to address the 

highest priority SWE requirements. 

FBI Headquarters.—The recommendation includes no funding for 

the revised Headquarters consolidation plan released on February 

12, 2018, because many questions regarding the new plan remain 

unanswered, including the revision of longstanding security requirements and changes to headquarters capacity in the national 

capital region. Until these concerns are addressed and the approVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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priate authorizing Committees approve a prospectus, the Committee is reluctant to appropriate additional funds for this activity. 

DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends total budget authority of $2,740,395,000 for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) salaries and expenses, of which $420,703,000 is derived from fees deposited in the Diversion Control Fund, and $2,319,692,000 is provided by direct appropriation. The recommended appropriation is 

$129,366,000 above fiscal year 2018 and $132,233,000 above the request. The funding sustains activities funded in fiscal year 2018 

and provides additional funds for at least four new heroin enforcement teams; fentanyl profiling; additional agents and analysts for 

the locations with the highest workload, to include associated move 

and incentive costs; law enforcement safety; international programs; technical and communication equipment refresh; and to 

support DEA cyber and language workforce capabilities. 

The Committee has provided separate funding recommendations 

by decision unit for salaries and expenses as follows: 

International Enforcement ................................................................ $480,000,000 

Domestic Enforcement ....................................................................... 1,825,000,000 

State and Local Assistance ................................................................ 14,692,000 

Total, Salaries and Expenses ..................................................... $2,319,692,000 

The Committee urges the Drug Enforcement Administration to 

expeditiously process any pending applications for authorization to 

produce marijuana exlclusively for use in medical research. 

Diversion control.—The recommendation includes $420,703,000 

for the regulatory and enforcement activities of DEA’s Diversion 

Control Program. The Diversion Control Program is funded by fee 

collections. 

Methamphetamine lab cleanup.—The funding recommendation 

includes $10,000,000 to assist State, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in efforts to remove and dispose of hazardous materials at methamphetamine labs, to include training, technical assistance, purchase of equipment and a container program. 

Prescription drug and heroin abuse.—The Committee continues 

to regard with deep concern the harm of prescription drug abuse, 

and crisis levels of heroin abuse and overdoses. DEA reported in 

its 2016 National Drug Threat Assessment that drug poisoning 

deaths are at their highest ever recorded level, and since 2009 annual deaths from drugs have outnumbered deaths by firearms, vehicle crashes, suicide, and homicide. The assessment also notes the 

continuing rise in smuggling across the borders and the continued 

role of international, especially Mexican, trafficking cartels in moving heroin and other drugs into U.S. communities, as well as the 

growing flow of fentanyl from China and Mexico. The Committee 

directs DEA to brief the Committee no later than 90 days after enactment of this Act on the number of heroin and prescription drug 

diversion investigations for fiscal years 2017 and 2018, and estimated for fiscal year 2019; the amounts and street value of drugs 

associated with such investigations; and prosecutions resulting 

from investigations. The Committee also encourages DEA to work 


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with partner agencies, to include the Department of Health and 

Human Services, on outcome measures of success, in the incidence 

and severity of abuse, which reflect the impact of multi-agency efforts. 

Aviation program.—The Committee recognizes the need for the 

DEA Aviation Division to modernize its fleet, as over a third of the 

Division’s aircraft are far older than industry standards. The Aviation Division supports drug interdiction and eradication efforts 

with Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance purposed aircraft, as well as aircraft for fugitive and cargo transport. Aircraft 

are essential to countering opioid and other illegal drug trafficking. 

The Committee expects DEA to apply funding included in the bill 

to its most critical aviation asset refresh requirements. DEA shall 

submit promptly the aviation fleet and modernization plan report 

required by the fiscal year 2018 Appropriations Act. 

BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $1,316,678,000 for the salaries and 

expenses of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which is $22,902,000 above fiscal year 2018 and the 

same as the request. ATF’s highest priority shall be to address violent crime and promote public safety. 

The recommendation fully funds the request, including increases 

for the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network 

(NIBIN), the National Firearms Act (NFA), and the National Public Safety Partnership. 

Investigative Support Services.—The Committee recommendation 

includes a $13,200,000 increase, as requested, for the activities of 

the NFA Division to continue improvements in processing NFA applications. The Committee notes that an increase of not less than 

$10,000,000 was provided in the fiscal year 2018 Appropriations 

Act for these activities, and expects that resources provided for fiscal year 2019 will complement and accelerate activities begun in 

2018 to expedite the handling of an unprecedented volume of applications, while employing technology to enhance processing capabilities. Funding provided should support progress in developing and 

implementing ATF’s next generation eForms system. 

NIBIN.—The Committee is encouraged by the promise of improved crime gun intelligence and information sharing, and expects 

funding provided in this bill will aid in interdicting crime guns and 

preventing gun trafficking through the NIBIN. The Committee encourages ATF to establish a NIBIN presence on the Southwest Border, and directs the Department to update the Committee on its efforts not later than 90 days after enactment. 

Counter-improvised explosive devices.—The Committee supports 

the work of the National Center for Explosives Training and Research on countering advanced improvised explosive devices. 

Explosives storage.—Current ATF explosive storage regulations 

are based on the American Table of Distances (ATD) that was developed from a review of accidents at the turn of the nineteenth 

century. One proposed alternative to the ATD would be standards 

based on quantitative risk methodologies, such as those developed 

and used by some in industry. To better assess the potential for 


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such standards, ATF is directed to evaluate available alternatives 

to the current ATD standards and report to the Committee not 

later than six months after enactment on the potential costs and 

benefits, to include implementation. 

FEDERAL PRISON SYSTEM

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $7,152,400,000 for salaries and expenses of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), which is $38,400,000 above 

fiscal year 2018 and $110,072,000 above the request. 

Contract confinement.—The Committee continues to view contract confinement as an effective and essential tool to help BOP 

meet low security facility requirements to alleviate overcrowding. 

The Committee believes BOP should increase its use of contract 

confinement to more effectively meet its housing requirements. 

In fiscal year 2017, the Committee directed BOP to review its security classifications and propose a capacity realignment plan that 

encompassed both U.S. citizens and non-citizen inmates to determine whether they were housed in the most cost-effective facilities. 

The Committee understands that BOP continues to review its security classification procedures, and has convened a Classification 

Work Group to review current policy. The Committee directs BOP 

to update the Committee not later than 90 days after enactment 

on the status of the Work Group review, in particular with regard 

to making most effective use of contract facilities for all its low and 

minimum security inmates. 

Land Mobile Radio Communications.—The Committee considers 

Land Mobile Radio (LMR) communications equipment used by BOP 

to be critical to officer safety and security. This is especially true 

in correctional facilities where alternative means of communication 

pose a threat to officer safety, and LMR is the only safe and secure 

communication method. The Committee is concerned that the age 

of BOP LMR and other radios make them increasingly unreliable 

and difficult to maintain. The Committee directs BOP, from within 

funding provided, to begin to refresh LMR systems in facilities 

where aging communications infrastructure poses a threat to officer safety. BOP shall report on the status of these efforts, and include funding for such refreshment and replacement, in future 

budget submissions and associated spending plans. 

Contraband cell phones.—The Committee encourages the Department to continue to work with the Federal Communications Commission to address the issue of contraband cell phones and other 

devices. These devices are being used nationwide by inmates to 

plan attacks, promote the distribution of controlled substances and 

weapons, engage in gang activity, and intimidate victims, witnesses, and correctional staff. The Committee directs BOP to follow 

up on the efforts described in its 2016 report to Congress on cell 

phone detection and signal blocking technology approaches to 

thwart such devices. BOP must ensure that incarcerated individuals, who use these illicit devices, will no longer have access to the 

networks and spectrum to direct activities in or beyond the prison. 


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Medication assisted treatment.—The Committee encourages BOP 

to make abstinence-based relapse prevention treatment options 

available to inmates with a history of opioid dependence. 

Personal firearms.—The Committee recognizes the Bureau’s responsibility to control the use of firearms on BOP facilities. At the 

same time, it understands that BOP does not have a policy that 

would ensure officers who are legally authorized to carry a concealed firearm for self-protection can have an on-site, secure gun 

locker, or alternatively, lock weapons securely in their personal vehicles. The Committee encourages the Bureau to review this issue 

and implement a policy that enables officers to secure their personal firearms while on duty in a fashion that preserves security 

on Bureau sites but also facilitates officers’ legal rights to keep and 

bear arms. 

Augmentation.—Overcrowding remains a serious threat to officer 

safety, particularly at high and medium security facilities. To meet 

staffing needs, the BOP has used 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 on the inmate-to-correctional officer ratio at each facility, using OPM’s definition of a corrections 

officer, broken out by security level and shift. 

Rapid testing for infectious diseases.—The Committee notes the 

healthcare challenges posed by infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS 

and Hepatitis C, and acknowledges that such challenges are likely 

to grow as opioid epidemic-related infection rates continue to increase. BOP is encouraged to examine opportunities to increase 

rapid testing for these diseases and ensure affected individuals are 

aware of their health status. 

Educational programs.—The Committee supports the Department’s coordination and collaboration with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to provide educational programs for recently 

released and soon to be released criminal offenders to assist them 

in obtaining skills that will help them successfully transition back 

into their communities and reduce recidivism rates. 

Prisoner re-entry.—BOP shall evaluate the effectiveness of its 

community reintegration programs and community confinement facilities and develop best practices, guidelines and policies for effective reintegration. 

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

The Committee recommends $150,000,000 for the construction, 

acquisition, modernization, maintenance, and repair of prison and 

detention facilities housing Federal inmates. This amount is 

$11,571,000 below fiscal year 2018, and $51,000,000 above the request. 

The Committee directs the Bureau to apply the funding provided 

to reduce its longstanding backlog in overdue maintenance and repair projects. BOP shall continue to provide monthly status of construction reports and notify the Committee of any changes reflected 

in those reports. 


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LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, FEDERAL PRISON

INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED

The Committee recommends a limitation on administrative expenses of $2,700,000 for Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated, 

which is the same as fiscal year 2018. 

STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES

In total, the Committee recommends $2,946,300,000 for State 

and local law enforcement and crime prevention grant programs, 

including $2,842,300,000 in discretionary appropriations. 

Management and administrative expenses.—The Committee encourages grant offices to minimize administrative spending to 

maximize funding for grants or training and technical assistance. 

The Committee also directs the Department to ensure that the 

methodology for assessing management and administration costs is 

equitable and reflects a fair representation of the share of common 

management and administrative costs associated with each program. The Committee notes that an across-the-board percentage 

assessment may not be the most appropriate solution. The Committee is aware that, in general, the Department’s grant offices for 

State and Local Law Enforcement Activities have authority to allocate certain expenses administratively to activities that are ancillary to the core purposes of the appropriation (e.g., peer review for 

a competitive program, training and technical assistance, and research and statistical activities). 

Streamlining grant administration.—The recommendation adopts 

the Administration’s proposal to streamline grant administration to 

reduce duplication and leverage synergies among the Department’s 

grantmaking components. Under the State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance heading, the recommendation funds the COPS 

Hiring Program at $225,500,000, which is the same as fiscal year 

2018 and $126,500,000 above the request. 

The recommendation also includes funding under the Drug Enforcement Administration heading to assist State, local and tribal 

law enforcement agencies with the removal and disposal of hazardous materials at methamphetamine labs, including funds for 

training, technical assistance, the purchase of equipment, and a 

container program. 

Office of Victims of Crime (OVC).—The recommendation provides 

$2,600,000,000 for the Crime Victims Fund. Within available resources, OVC may implement Vision 21, which seeks to bring better technology, planning, research and data into the crime victims 

services field. 

The Committee directs OVC to provide an updated report to the 

Committee, not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, 

on the actions they are taking to ensure Crime Victims Fund resources are reaching communities most affected by violence. 

The Committee is aware that hospital-based violence intervention has shown effective results in preventing injury recidivism for 

victims of violent injury, and encourages States to consider utilizing funding provided through the Crime Victims Fund to establish or expand hospital-based intervention programs. 

Tribal assistance.—The Committee expects the Office of Justice 

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mine how tribal assistance funds will be allocated among grant 

programs that improve public safety in tribal communities, such as 

grants for detention facilities under section 20109 of subtitle A of 

title II of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 

1994 (Public Law 103–322), civil and criminal legal assistance as 

authorized by title I of Public Law 106–559, tribal courts, and alcohol and substance abuse reduction assistance programs. The Committee directs OJP to use such consultation to inform the allocation 

of funds it submits as part of its spending plan. The Committee 

notes that the recommendation also includes grant funding for tribal law enforcement programs through the Office on Violence 

Against Women (OVW). 

The Committee urges the Department to provide technical assistance, including equipment, to tribal governments to enable such 

governments to access, enter information into, and obtain information from, Federal criminal information databases, as authorized 

under section 534(d) of title 28, United States Code. 

OFFICE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION

PROGRAMS

The Committee recommends $493,000,000 for OVW, which is 

$1,000,000 above fiscal year 2018. The recommendation does not 

use funds from the Crime Victims Fund to pay for these discretionary programs. Funds are distributed as follows: 

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PREVENTION AND PROSECUTION PROGRAMS 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

STOP Grants ...................................................................................................................................................... $215,000 

Transitional Housing Assistance ...................................................................................................................... 35,500 

Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women ................................................................................... 3,500 

Consolidated Youth-Oriented Program ............................................................................................................. 11,000 

Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies ................................................................................................................. 53,000 

Homicide Reduction Initiative .................................................................................................................. (4,000 ) 

Sexual Assault Victims Services ....................................................................................................................... 35,500 

Rural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement ................................................................................. 40,000 

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 Resource Center on Workplace Responses ........................................................................................ 500 

Research on Violence Against Indian Women .................................................................................................. 1,000 

Indian Country—Sexual Assault Clearinghouse .............................................................................................. 500 

Tribal Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction ................................................................................... 4,000 

Rape Survivor Child Custody Act ..................................................................................................................... 1,500 

TOTAL, Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs ................................................ $493,000 

Human trafficking.—The Committee encourages OVW to ensure 

that the Transitional Housing Program can assist victims of human 

trafficking, and the Committee urges the DOJ to take these victims 

into consideration when distributing OVW funds. 

Safe visitation and exchange.—The Committee encourages the 

Office on Violence Against Women to consider proposals that help 

growing communities adapt their court-based programs to support 


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safe visitation and exchange and related services, with a focus on 

communities that are outgrowing their existing facilities and considering new alternatives to address population growth. 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND STATISTICS

The Committee recommends $94,000,000 for Research, Evaluation and Statistics, which is $4,000,000 above fiscal year 2018 and 

$17,000,000 above the request. Funds are distributed as follows: 

RESEARCH, EVALUATION AND STATISTICS 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Bureau of Justice Statistics ............................................................................................................................. $50,000 

NCS-X Implementation Program .............................................................................................................. (5,000 ) 

National Institute of Justice ............................................................................................................................. 44,000 

Domestic Radicalization Research .......................................................................................................... (4,000 ) 

TOTAL, Research, Evaluation and Statistics ........................................................................................... $94,000 

Human trafficking research.—The Committee acknowledges the 

difficulty in estimating the prevalence of human trafficking, and 

the corresponding difficulty in gauging the effectiveness of the 

criminal justice system’s response to the problem. Research can 

play an invaluable role in understanding prevalence and effectiveness through improved data collection and analysis. The Committee encourages the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) to increase funding for research into human trafficking. 

Campus sexual assault.—The Committee supports the Department’s continued development and testing of a pilot campus climate survey. Preliminary results of the pilot suggest the vast 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 the pilot survey 

and developing a cost-effective, standardized, and methodologically 

rigorous nationwide research program on campus sexual assault. 

The Committee also encourages NIJ to use funding to expand 

Federal research projects at institutions of higher education on 

campus sexual assault prevention interventions and advance the 

dissemination of best practices. 

Opioid research.—The Committee recognizes that in-depth examination of fatal opioid overdoses, including fatalities following prior 

non-fatal overdoses, and trends in the evolution, trafficking, and 

use of illegally manufactured opioid analogues, in combination with 

existing illegal drugs, can yield valuable information for law enforcement, hospitals, treatment providers, and prosecutors as they 

identify effective policy, interventions, and prevention strategies. 

The Committee urges the Department to support regional efforts to 

undertake such comprehensive opioid fatality research. 

Cybercrime.—The Committee is concerned by the lack of information on crimes committed against individuals and facilitated by the 

interstate telecommunications communications system. The Committee directs the NIJ to submit a report, not later than 180 days 


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after the enactment of this Act, that analyzes cybercrimes against 

individuals. This report should address hate crimes, severe harassment, cyberstalking, threatening communications, hoaxes perpetrated against law enforcement (known as ‘‘swatting’’), sexual coercion (known as ‘‘sextortion’’), the intentional release of personally 

identifiable information (known as ‘‘doxing’’), the nonconsensual release of intimate images (known as ‘‘revenge porn’’), and any other 

related crimes that are committed against an individual and facilitated by the interstate telecommunications system. The report 

should include an analysis of the economic impact of these crimes, 

their effect on women and ethnic, religious, and racial minorities, 

and an examination of their frequency. 

High-risk vehicle events.—The Committee encourages the Bureau 

of Justice Statistics (BJS) to develop a data collection process to accurately capture the number of deaths and injuries from police pursuit and high-risk vehicle events. 

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.—The Committee notes 

that the National Crime Victimization Survey collects data on race 

and ethnicity per Office and Management and Budget guidance on 

this matter, and the survey includes an Asian American and Pacific Islander category. The Committee, however, is concerned that 

BJS often aggregates these data into an ‘‘other’’ category. The Committee directs BJS to disaggregate these data to the maximum extent practicable and to examine ways to improve statistics on victimization of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. 

Puerto Rico.—The Committee is concerned that Puerto Rico is 

not included in many BJS data products and recommends BJS 

work to improve statistics for Puerto Rico. The Committee directs 

BJS to coordinate with the Census Bureau in the feasibility study 

directed under the Bureau of the Census heading in the Department of Commerce section of this report. 

School safety research.—The Committee directs the National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics to examine 

the current role of School Resource Offices (SROs) in schools, and 

provide recommendations on how SROs can better serve the needs 

of the students. This report should include, but is not limited to, 

an examination of the roles and duties of SROs in schools and 

SRO’s effects on student outcomes and school safety, crime rates, 

and an examination of the instances of disciplinary actions including demographic characteristics of the student, and the details and 

severity of the infraction. The Committee directs the Department 

to submit this report not later than 180 days after enactment of 

this Act, and to include the Department’s plan for disseminating 

this information to the public and relevant government entities. 

STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE

The Committee recommends $2,018,500,000 for State and Local 

Law Enforcement Assistance programs, which is $338,500,000 

above fiscal year 2018 and $886,000,000 above the request. Funds 

are distributed as follows: 


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STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants ...................................................................................................... $441,500 

Officer Robert Wilson III VALOR Initiative ............................................................................................... (15,000 ) 

Missing Alzheimer’s Patients Grants ....................................................................................................... (2,000 ) 

Juvenile Indigent Defense ........................................................................................................................ (2,500 ) 

NamUS ..................................................................................................................................................... (2,400 ) 

Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction ................................................................................................. (50,000 ) 

Capital Litigation and Wrongful Conviction Review ............................................................................... (3,000 ) 

Prison Rape Prevention and Prosecution ................................................................................................ (15,500 ) 

Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance ................................................................................... (10,000 ) 

Managed Access ...................................................................................................................................... (2,000 ) 

State Criminal Alien Assistance Program ........................................................................................................ 255,000 

Victims of Trafficking Grants ........................................................................................................................... 100,000 

Economic, High-tech, White Collar and Cybercrime Prevention ...................................................................... 11,000 

Adam Walsh Act Implementation ..................................................................................................................... 20,000 

Bulletproof Vests Partnerships ......................................................................................................................... 22,500 

National Sex Offender Public Website .............................................................................................................. 1,000 

National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Initiative .......................................................... 75,000 

NICS Act Record Improvement Program .................................................................................................. (25,000 ) 

DNA Initiative .................................................................................................................................................... 130,000 

Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grants ......................................................................................................... (120,000 ) 

Kirk Bloodsworth Post-Conviction DNA Testing Grants ........................................................................... (6,000 ) 

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Program Grants ...................................................................................... (4,000 ) 

Community Teams to Reduce the Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Backlog ............................................................. 47,500 

CASA—Special Advocates ................................................................................................................................ 12,000 

Tribal Assistance .............................................................................................................................................. 40,000 

Second Chance Act/Offender Reentry ............................................................................................................... 85,000 

Children of Incarcerated Parents Demo Grants ...................................................................................... (5,000 ) 

STOP School Violence Act ................................................................................................................................. 100,000 

Community trust initiative ................................................................................................................................ 70,000 

Body Worn Camera Partnership Program ................................................................................................ (22,500 ) 

Justice Reinvestment Initiative ................................................................................................................ (30,000 ) 

Research and statistics on community trust ......................................................................................... (2,500 ) 

Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program ............................................................................................ (15,000 ) 

Opioid initiative ................................................................................................................................................ 380,000 

Drug Courts .............................................................................................................................................. (75,000 ) 

Veterans Treatment Courts ...................................................................................................................... (20,000 ) 

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment ................................................................................................ (30,000 ) 

Prescription Drug Monitoring ................................................................................................................... (30,000 ) 

Mentally Ill Offender Act .......................................................................................................................... (30,000 ) 

Other Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act activities ................................................................. (195,000 ) 

COPS Hiring Program ........................................................................................................................................ 225,500 

Smart Policing ......................................................................................................................................... (5,000 ) 

Smart Prosecution .................................................................................................................................... (2,500 ) 

Regional Information Sharing Activities .................................................................................................. (40,000 ) 

Tribal Resources Grant Program ............................................................................................................. (35,000 ) 

Community Policing Development/Training and Technical Assistance .................................................. (10,000 ) 

POLICE Act ............................................................................................................................................... (20,000 ) 

Keep Young Athletes Safe Act of 2018 ............................................................................................................ 2,500 

TOTAL, State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance ............................................................................ $2,018,500 

STOP School Violence Act.—The recommendation provides $100,000,000 for the STOP School Violence Act grant program, 

which is equal to authorized amount and is $25,000,000 above the 

fiscal year 2018 level. Through the STOP School Violence Act program, school districts should consider using funds for security 

hardening measures, such as reporting systems for threats of 

school violence; locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; and 

technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency. 


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The Committee reminds the Department of Justice that the 

COPS Hiring Program may include grant award categories for 

School Resource Officers and directs the Department to provide a 

preference for hiring such officers. 

Opioid abuse.—The recommendation includes $380,000,000 for 

programs to reduce opioid abuse, authorized by the Comprehensive 

Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA; Public Law 114–198). 

Within this amount is $75,000,000 for drug courts; $20,000,000 for 

veterans treatment courts; $30,000,000 for Residential Substance 

Abuse Treatment; $30,000,000 for prescription drug monitoring; 

$30,000,000 for the Mentally Ill Offender Act; and $195,000,000 for 

the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Program (COAP). Of the amount 

made available 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. 

The Committee believes that communities must address opioid 

abuse through comprehensive strategies that incorporate enhanced 

enforcement, education and treatment. The Committee directs OJP 

to work with DEA, the Department of Health and Human Services, 

and the NIJ to develop, and help communities implement, best 

practices to address opioid abuse. 

The Committee encourages OJP to develop and apply metrics 

that incentivize stronger linkages between the responsible agencies, including but not limited to law enforcement, prosecutors, 

community-based treatment centers, hospitals, medical examiners, 

and public health departments. The Committee also encourages 

OJP to prioritize comprehensive, real-time, regional information 

collection, analysis, and dissemination. 

The Committee notes that COAP funding may be used to provide 

law enforcement with overdose reversal drugs, such as naloxone. The Committee urges the Department to provide $3,000,000 to 

support training and continuing education for forensics services to 

rural law enforcement through recognized university-based programs that offer solutions-driven approaches to train local law enforcement to reduce drug court backlogs. 

The Committee believes it is essential to any comprehensive 

opioid prevention strategy to include a vigorous program designed 

to strengthen the ability of States and tribes to develop identifiable 

and accessible take-back program for unused controlled substances 

found in the home and used by hospitals and long-term care facilities. Of the amount available for COAP, at least $10,000,000 is for 

pilot programs in States and on tribal lands to demonstrate effective drug collection programs for local communities. The Committee 

expects that funds will be used for the purchase and distribution 

of tamper proof drug collection boxes and other Federally approved 

control substance collection and permanent disposal programs as 

defined in subpart B of part 1317 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations. 

National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Initiative grants.—The recommendation includes $75,000,000 for 

grants to improve records in NICS. The Committee directs that the 

grants made under the broader NCHIP authorities be made available only for efforts to improve records added to NICS. AdditionVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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ally, the Department shall prioritize funding under the NICS Act 

Records Improvement Program (NARIP) authorities with the goal 

of making all States NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 

(NIAA) compliant. The Department also shall apply penalties to 

noncompliant States to the fullest extent of the law. 

The Committee understands that ATF is willing to provide technical assistance to all States seeking to establish programs that 

meet the NIAA requirements for NARIP grants. Even in the absence of funding exclusively for NARIP, the Committee directs the 

Department to continue these efforts. The Committee again urges 

OJP, ATF and FBI to assist States that are not currently eligible 

for NARIP grants in meeting the eligibility requirements. 

The Committee encourages OJP to provide technical assistance 

and training services for current and future NCHIP and NARIP 

grantees. 

The Committee also reiterates existing legal requirements that 

data in the NICS be deleted after a check is completed. 

The Committee also encourages the Attorney General to 

prioritize NARIP grants to states whose implementation plan includes an effort to identify domestic violence abusers and others 

disqualified under section 922 of title 18, United States Code, who 

are ineligible to possess firearms under law and which will use a 

larger proportion of these grants for that purpose. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program.—The recommendation includes $50,000,000 for programs authorized by the Project 

Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2017 

(H.R. 3249, as passed by the House of Representatives on March 

14, 2018). This amount is $30,000,000 above the fiscal year 2018 

level and the same as the proposed authorized level. These funds 

will help communities work with their local U.S. Attorneys to develop and implement gun crime and gang violence reduction programs. 

Gang violence.—The Committee recognizes the threat posed by 

foreign influenced gangs and the need for 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 the Department to prioritize grant funding within existing State and local assistance programs targeted for reducing criminal gang activity in 

rural communities. 

The Committee also notes the effectiveness of regional gang task 

forces in addressing transnational gangs. The Committee urges the 

Department to prioritize grant funding within existing State and 

local assistance programs for reducing criminal gang activity using 

regional gang task forces. 

Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne/JAG) program.—The recommendation includes $441,500,000 for the Byrne/ 

JAG program. Funding under this formula program 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. 


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Within the amount provided, $15,000,000 is for the Officer Robert 

Wilson III Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement and Ensuring Officer Resilience and Survivability (VALOR) Initiative; 

$2,000,000 is for Missing Alzheimer’s Patient Grants; $2,500,000 is 

for juvenile indigent defense; $2,400,000 is for the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUS); $50,000,000 is for 

Project Safe Neighborhoods; $3,000,000 is for the capital litigation 

and wrongful conviction review; $15,500,000 is for prison rape prevention and prosecution; $10,000,000 is for Emergency Federal 

Law Enforcement Assistance; and $2,000,000 is for managed access 

systems. Excluding carveouts, the recommendation for Byrne/JAG 

is $500,000 below fiscal year 2018 and $8,500,000 above the request. 

The Committee is concerned by the impact on law enforcement 

of the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse, and 

notes that funds within this account may be used for the implementation of medication-assisted treatment to maintain abstinence 

from all opioids and heroin. The Committee notes that Byrne/JAG 

funding can be used for law enforcement purposes, such as the hiring of law enforcement officers, including School Resource Officers 

or other ‘‘non-enforcement’’ officers. The Committee notes that 

Byrne/JAG funding can be used for pursuit technology and training 

to reduce deaths and injuries during high-risk vehicle events. The 

Committee recognizes the importance of de-escalation training and 

cultural sensitivity training and diversity in hiring in local law enforcement to ensure that law enforcement reflects the communities 

they serve. The Committee notes that Byrne/JAG funds may be 

used for these purposes, and encourages the Department to award 

funds for this purpose. The Committee encourages the Byrne/JAG 

program to provide additional resources to those communities that 

are taking part in programs that seek to lower homicide rates 

through data and performance measurement analysis. The Committee notes that Byrne/JAG funding may be used for mindfulness 

training for police officers. The Committee advises that some 

Byrne/JAG funds be directed to provide newer, more efficient 

forensics testing tools for rural jurisdictions. The Committee requests additional consideration be given to applicants who seek to 

hire service-connected disabled veterans. The Committee encourages the Department to support the use of these grant funds for 

the purchase of fentanyl detection equipment. The Committee supports awarding School Resource Officer grants to communities that 

are experiencing high levels of youth suicide, especially in smaller 

towns with limited resources. 

Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO).—The Committee notes 

that these flexible funds can be used by law enforcement agencies, 

states and localities, and other eligible grantees to implement and 

administer ERPO or similar laws, which have been enacted in several states and authorize law enforcement officers, medical and 

mental health professionals, school officials, family members, or 

household members to obtain court orders for the temporary removal of firearms from persons shown, by clear and convincing evidence and with front-end due process, to be a threat to themselves 

or others. 

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).—The Committee supports 

the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) ongoing efforts to improve 


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the PREA audit program. Facility audits are a key component in 

helping agencies move their sexual abuse prevention and response 

policies from written documents to everyday practices. BJA has 

outlined a meaningful Quality Improvement Initiative and the 

Committee supports the Department providing the necessary resources to carry out this work. 

State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP).—The recommendation includes $255,000,000 for SCAAP, which is 

$15,000,000 above fiscal year 2018. SCAAP provides grants that reimburse States and localities for the costs incurred in incarcerating 

undocumented criminal aliens. The President’s request proposed 

terminating this program. 

Forensics and cybercrime training.—The Committee is aware of 

a number of programs surrounding trafficking offenses, sex crimes 

and domestic violence that provide support to State and local law 

enforcement and prosecutors. The Committee encourages OJP to 

increase efforts to provide State and local prosecutors with training, particularly train the trainer, and trial experience in 

cybercrimes and digital evidence. 

The Committee is also encouraged by efforts to expand the ability of academic forensic technology programs to assist the Department in identifying online crime, hate and terror groups. 

DNA initiative.—The recommendation includes $130,000,000 for 

DNA-related and forensic programs and activities, an increase of 

$25,000,000 above the request and the same as the fiscal year 2018 

level. Within the funds provided, the Committee provides 

$6,000,000 for Post-Conviction DNA Testing grants and $4,000,000 

for Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Program grants. The Committee 

expects that OJP will make funding for DNA analysis and capacity 

enhancement a priority to meet the purposes of the Debbie Smith 

DNA Backlog Grant Program. The Committee directs the Department to submit, as part of its spending plan, a plan for the use of 

all funds appropriated for DNA-related and forensic programs and 

a report on the alignment of appropriated funds with the authorized purposes of the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program. 

Victims of trafficking grants.—The recommendation includes 

$100,000,000 for human trafficking task force activities and for 

services for victims. These funds may also be used to develop, expand and strengthen assistance programs for child victims of sex 

and labor trafficking. The Committee notes that the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act established a Domestic Trafficking Victims 

Fund, which will provide additional resources for these programs. 

The Committee directs DOJ to support the victim-centered approach to recognizing and responding to human trafficking, especially across partnerships between Federal and local law enforcement agencies and victim service providers. The Department shall 

include a planned allocation of these funds in its spending plan. 

The Committee encourages the Department to increase the number 

of human trafficking task forces funded by this program. 

Preventing trafficking of girls.—The Committee encourages the 

Office for Victims of Crime and the Office of Juvenile Justice and 

Delinquency Prevention to examine ways to assist nonprofits and 

other nongovernmental entities with a proven track record of administering successful prevention and early intervention programs 

for girls vulnerable to trafficking. 


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Pre-trial risk assessment.—The Committee continues its support 

for Bureau of Justice Assistance programs widespread adoption of 

evidence-based screening and assessment tools across the criminal 

justice system and believes further improvements are needed at the 

earliest stage of the process, or the pretrial period, to make the system fairer and less costly. The Committee is encouraged by States’ 

development of Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) models and encourages OJP to examine if funding should be made available for 

grants to assist States in the development and implementation of 

RNR tools for determining pretrial detention, sentencing, probation 

or post-release supervision, prison classification systems, and offender re-entry. 

Strategic Mobile and Response Teams.—The Committee encourages DOJ to investigate the opportunity to conduct pilot programs 

to implement Strategic Mobile and Response Teams (SMART) at 

the Southwest Border. Border SMART Pilot programs should combine the use of officers and technology, including ground sensors 

and drones. The pilot programs should have inter-agency partnership and multi-layered security efforts, including marine, air and 

terrestrial components, with the goal of increasing border security 

while reducing cost. The Department should brief the Committee 

on its plans within 180 days. 

Wrongful conviction review.—The Committee directs the Department to follow the direction in the fiscal year 2018 explanatory 

statement with respect to the Capital Litigation and Wrongful Conviction Review Program. 

Community trust initiative.—The recommendation includes 

$70,000,000 for a program to improve police-community relations. 

Included in this initiative is $15,000,000 for the Byrne Criminal 

Justice Innovation Program, $30,000,000 for justice reinvestment, 

$22,500,000 for a body-worn camera partnership initiative, and 

$2,500,000 for research and statistics on community trust. 

The body-worn camera partnership initiative includes pilot and 

demonstration grants for purchase of body-worn cameras for police. 

This initiative will also establish baseline procedures for the use of 

body-worn cameras, support State and local efforts regarding the 

use of such equipment, and provide necessary research into the use 

of this technology. The demonstration grants shall require a 1:1 

match by the grantee and shall not be used to pay for the ongoing 

costs or data storage costs associated with body-worn camera footage. The demonstration grants shall only be provided to States 

with laws governing the use of body-worn cameras and shall not 

interfere with State laws and requirements. 

As the Committee believes that improving police-community relations will require more than just equipment procurement, the recommendation provides $30,000,000 for the justice reinvestment initiative, which provides assistance to jurisdictions to implement 

data-driven strategies to improve public safety by reducing corrections spending and reinvesting those savings in efforts to decrease 

crime and strengthen neighborhoods. The Committee recognizes 

the tremendous potential of justice reinvestment efforts, noting 

that successful efforts in States, such as Texas, Kansas, North 

Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, which have saved millions of 

dollars and serve as models for criminal justice reform in the Nation. Funding may be used to provide technical assistance to States 


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with existing reinvestment programs, expand the initiative to additional States, or provide additional funding for existing sites. 

The Committee notes concerns regarding trial delays and bail 

conditions for incarcerated youth. Of the funds for Justice Reinvestment, $5,000,000 is for innovative efforts among States and localities to reduce trial delays, ensure speedy bond consideration, guarantee that a juvenile’s ability to pay is considered in setting any 

bond amount, provide mental health services for youth who are incarcerated, and reduce the use of solitary confinement on youth. 

The Committee believes that comprehensive, career-long leadership education for all local law enforcement officers remains critical 

to reducing crime and strengthening relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, and the Committee notes that funds in the community trust initiative can be 

used for leadership training programs that provide measurable improvements in local law enforcement officer performance, adaptive 

decision-making skills, civic involvement, and officer-community relations. 

Second Chance Act/offender reentry programs.—The recommendation includes $85,000,000 for Second Chance Act grants. 

Excluding carveouts, the recommendation is $27,500,000 above fiscal year 2018 and $45,500,000 above the request. 

The Committee remains concerned that despite a dramatic increase in corrections spending over the past two decades, recidivism and re-incarceration rates are largely unchanged. The Committee is aware that case studies of innovative, evidence-based 

practices provide strong indication that this pattern can be reversed. The Committee expects that Second Chance Act grants will 

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 

Committee expects DOJ to designate funds for proven, evidencedbased programs that will further the goal of maximizing public 

safety. 

To ensure the most effective use of Second Chance Act funds, the 

Committee encourages the prioritization of funding to communities 

where the largest populations of formerly incarcerated people return and requests a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics 

within 90 days of the enactment of this Act analyzing what the Bureau is doing to ensure funding is reaching these communities. 

Sexual assault kit backlog grants.—The recommendation includes 

$47,500,000 for grants to address the sexual assault kit (SAK) 

backlog. The Committee encourages stakeholders and local law enforcement to continue working with Federal law enforcement to resolve this important issue. The Committee also directs the Department to do everything in its power to bring perpetrators to justice. 

The Committee also encourages OJP to increase its efforts to ensure that strong research and program evaluations are undertaken 

utilizing independent evaluators with the experience and skills to 

provide necessary feedback and improve the efficiency of SAK processing. The Committee further encourages OJP to prioritize funding to underserved regions, such as Appalachia. 

Human trafficking intelligence.—The Committee encourages programs funded under the regional information sharing activities to 

hire criminal intelligence analysts to compile information, reports, 


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and other intelligence on human trafficking into, out of, and within 

the borders of the United States. 

Active shooter response.—The recommendation includes 

$20,000,000 for the POLICE Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–199). The 

Committee notes the importance of training partnerships that offer 

nationwide dynamic force-on-force scenario-based training. The 

Committee understands the training has been adopted by numerous States and agencies as their standard active shooter training 

and that the FBI has adopted this program as its national training 

standard for active shooter response. 

Datacasting.—The Committee is aware of a recent datacasting 

pilot program and is encouraged by the novel application of existing technology to provide both new communications capacity for 

law enforcement as well as redundancy to existing networks. The 

Committee encourages the Department of Justice, through the 

Community Oriented Policing Services program, to consider proposals that would further expand the technology with a focus on 

projects that create statewide networks. 

JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS

The Committee recommends $212,000,000 for Juvenile Justice 

programs, which is $70,500,000 below fiscal year 2018 and 

$17,500,000 below the request. Funds are distributed as follows: 

JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Youth Mentoring Grants .................................................................................................................................... $100,000 

Victims of Child Abuse Programs .................................................................................................................... 21,000 

Missing and Exploited Children Programs ....................................................................................................... 84,000 

Training for Judicial Personnel ......................................................................................................................... 2,000 

Tribal Youth Program ........................................................................................................................................ 5,000 

TOTAL, Juvenile Justice ............................................................................................................................ $212,000 

Youth mentoring grants.—The recommendation includes 

$100,000,000 for youth mentoring grants, which is $6,000,000 

above fiscal year 2018 and $42,000,000 above the request. 

The Committee recognizes the success of the Youth Mentoring 

program. Through trusted peer-to-peer mentoring relationships, in 

the community and in schools, Youth Mentoring grantees are able 

to provide needed attention and support to at-risk children. Mentoring relationships enhance a child’s overall well-being by improving their emotional, social, and educational development. 

The Committee directs that OJP provide at least $17,000,000 for 

mentoring programs that assist at-risk juveniles and their families 

who have been impacted by the opioid crisis and drug addiction. 

The Committee also urges that funds be made available for all 

activities that support the social challenges of youth, such as for 

educators, social workers, therapists, law enforcement, youth organizations, and community leaders that work with at-risk children. 

Missing and exploited children programs.—The recommendation 

includes $84,000,000 for missing and exploited children programs, 

which is $8,000,000 above fiscal year 2018 and $12,000,000 above 

the request. The Committee expects the Department to allocate 


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$37,500,000 for task force grants, training and technical assistance, 

research and statistics, and administrative costs for the Internet 

Crimes Against Children program. The Committee expects the Department to allocate $1,000,000 to be used to hire and equip 

wounded, ill or injured veterans as digital forensic analysts or investigators to support child exploitation investigations. 

The Department is encouraged to support the development, refinement, and technological advancement of widely used tools, 

methods and technologies that address child sexual exploitation 

and trafficking. The recommendation provides $2,400,000 for AMBER alert activities to create and augment tribal systems. 

Partnerships with community organizations.—The Committee encourages the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 

(OJJDP) to examine ways to partner with community groups or 

nongovernmental entities that undertake initiatives to provide parents and guardians with inkless, in-home fingerprinting kits, which 

help families maintain current photos, fingerprints, and descriptions of their children, and such information can be vital for police 

during searches for missing children. 

Youth violence prevention.—OJJDP should examine the possibility that additional funds are directed toward evidence-based 

youth violence prevention programs and programs that reduce recidivism that can be scaled locally and nationally. 

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER BENEFITS

The Committee recommends a total of $128,800,000 for the Public Safety Officer Benefits program, which is $12,000,000 above fiscal year 2018 and the $8,500,000 above the request. Within the 

funds provided, $104,000,000 is for death benefits for survivors, an 

amount estimated by the Congressional Budget Office that is considered mandatory for scorekeeping purposes. Also within the total, 

$24,800,000 is recommended for disability benefits for public safety 

officers who are permanently and totally disabled as a result of a 

catastrophic injury sustained in the line of duty, and for education 

benefits for the spouses and children of officers who are killed in 

the line of duty or who are permanently and totally disabled as a 

result of a catastrophic injury sustained in the line of duty. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS—DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee has included the following general provisions for 

the Department of Justice: 

Section 201 makes available additional reception and representation funding for the Attorney General from the amounts provided 

in this title. 

Section 202 prohibits the use of funds to pay for an abortion, except in the case of rape, incest, or to preserve the life of the mother. 

Section 203 prohibits the use of funds to require any person to 

perform or facilitate the performance of an abortion. 

Section 204 establishes the obligation of the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide escort services to an inmate receiving an 

abortion outside of a Federal facility, except where this obligation 

conflicts with the preceding section. 


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Section 205 establishes the Committee’s requirements and procedures for transfer proposals. 

Section 206 prohibits the use of certain funds for transporting 

prisoners classified as maximum or high security, other than to a 

facility certified by the Bureau of Prisons as appropriately secure. 

Section 207 prohibits the use of funds for the purchase or rental 

by Federal prisons of audiovisual equipment, services and materials used primarily for recreational purposes, except for those 

items and services needed for inmate training, religious, or educational purposes. 

Section 208 requires review by the Deputy Attorney General and 

the Department Investment Review Board prior to the obligation or 

expenditure of funds for major information technology projects. 

Section 209 requires the Department to follow reprogramming 

procedures for any deviation from the program amounts specified 

in this title or the accompanying report, or the reuse of deobligated 

funds provided in previous years. 

Section 210 prohibits U.S. Attorneys from holding additional responsibilities that exempt U.S. Attorneys from statutory residency 

requirements. 

Section 211 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 funds made available to that office to be used for 

criminal justice research, evaluation and statistics by the National 

Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Statistics. 

Section 212 waives the requirement that the Attorney General 

reserve certain funds from amounts provided for offender incarceration. 

Section 213 permanently 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 214 places limitations on the obligation of funds from certain Department of Justice accounts and funding sources. 

TITLE III 

SCIENCE 

OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY

The Committee recommends $5,544,000 for the Office of Science 

and Technology Policy (OSTP), which is the same as fiscal year 

2018 and the same as the request. 

Public access to Federally funded research.—The Committee appreciates the progress that OSTP has made to increase access to 

the results of Federally funded scientific research. OSTP shall continue efforts to coordinate implementation of public access policies 

across Federal departments and agencies and identify additional 

opportunities to enhance access to the results of Federally funded 

research. OSTP shall continue to report, on an annual basis, on the 

progress of departments and agencies in implementing their public 

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tional steps being taken to improve access to the results of Federally funded research. OSTP shall brief the Committee within 90 

days of enactment on the status of these efforts. 

NATIONAL SPACE COUNCIL

The Committee recommends $1,965,000 for the National Space 

Council, which is the same as fiscal year 2018 and the same as the 

request. 

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

The Committee recommends $21,545,740,000 for the National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which is 

$809,600,000 above fiscal year 2018. The level of interest in NASA 

human spaceflight programs and robotic missions continues to 

grow, and the funding recommendations described below support 

current robotic and future human exploration programs, and the 

science, research, technology development, and advanced manufacturing activities necessary to send robotic missions and humans 

safely beyond low Earth orbit and on to Mars. The funding in this 

bill also provides NASA with a balanced portfolio to realize advances in safe and efficient air travel, partner with industry, and 

engage with academia. The Committee is concerned that despite 

record investments in NASA, significant slips in both human and 

robotic missions are occurring. These slips are intolerable and must 

not continue. The Committee expects NASA and its industry and 

academic partners to redouble efforts to enhance oversight and 

commitment to success in order to ensure that programs come in 

on time and within budget. 

Moon exploration.—The recommendation fully funds the Moon 

exploration initiatives requested throughout NASA but includes bill 

language limiting obligation of these funds until a multi-year plan, 

with specific goals and funding requirements by fiscal year, is submitted to the Committee. The Committee believes that without 

firm goals and specific years by which to achieve those goals, programs could drift and languish. The Committee notes how clear 

mission goals and deadlines can galvanize an agency and a nation 

behind that mission. The Committee supports additional lunar exploration and partnerships with industry and academia that will 

ensue as a result of these new missions and believes that efforts 

focused on the Moon will serve as risk reduction activities toward 

human exploration of Mars. The Committee believes that human 

and robotic exploration of Mars and other destinations in our Solar 

System and beyond must be the goals of NASA—that striving to 

go farther into space pushes NASA and its academic and industry 

partners to be bold and aggressive. While the Committee is supportive of renewed focus on the Moon, these programs must not exhaust funding for other science priorities recommended by the National Academies Decadal Survey process. 

Long-term planning.—The request includes significant new funding to support NASA’s proposed Moon program. However, notional 

outyear budgets to implement this new initiative and the wide 

range of other ongoing and anticipated future decadal missions are 

unrealistic. The Committee is supportive of efforts focused on the 

Moon as well as current robotic missions to Europa and Mars; movVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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ing forward with a refocused WFIRST; and building a hypersonic 

research aircraft. These and many other NASA missions and programs inspire the nation and spur the next generation of scientists 

and explorers. The Committee directs NASA to submit realistic 

outyear budgets that show the level of investment required in future years to accomplish the variety of NASA missions and refrain 

from submitting budgets that are not executable in a timely fashion, as they serve only to hinder effective long-term planning which 

in turn results in higher overall program costs. 

Program and project totals.—The Committee’s program and 

project recommendations for NASA are included in the consolidated 

funding table below and in narrative direction throughout this report. The Committee reminds NASA that any deviations from the 

amounts included in the table below are subject to section 505 requirements of this Act. When executing its budget for fiscal year 

2019, NASA shall incorporate the funding levels established in 

both the table and the narrative direction. NASA is reminded that 

comity has existed between the Congress and the Executive Branch 

with respect to abiding by language included in this report and in 

the accompanying bill. The Committee expects NASA to respect 

this long-standing practice. 

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 

(in thousands of dollars) 

Program Amount 

Science: 

Earth Science ........................................................................................................................................... $1,900,000 

Planetary Science ..................................................................................................................................... 2,758,500 

Astrophysics ............................................................................................................................................. 1,029,000 

James Webb Space Telescope ................................................................................................................. 304,600 

Heliophysics ............................................................................................................................................. 688,500 

Total, Science .................................................................................................................................................... 6,680,600 

Aeronautics ....................................................................................................................................................... 715,000 

Exploration Research and Technology .............................................................................................................. 900,000 

Deep Space Exploration Systems: 

Orion Multi-purpose Crew Vehicle ........................................................................................................... 1,350,000 

Space Launch System (SLS) Vehicle Development ................................................................................. 2,150,000 

Exploration Ground Systems .................................................................................................................... 545,000 

Advanced Exploration Systems ................................................................................................................ 1,038,900 

Lunar Orbital Platform .................................................................................................................... (504,000 ) 

Total, Deep Space Exploration Systems ........................................................................................................... 5,083,900 

LEO and Spaceflight Operations ...................................................................................................................... 4,624,700 

Education .......................................................................................................................................................... 90,000 

Safety, Security and Mission Services .............................................................................................................. 2,850,000 

Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration ....................................................................... 562,240 

Office of Inspector General ............................................................................................................................... 39,300 

Total, NASA ....................................................................................................................................................... $21,545,740 


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SCIENCE

The Committee recommends $6,680,600,000 for Science, which is 

$459,100,000 above fiscal year 2018 and $785,600,000 above the request. 

Decadal surveys.—The Committee directs that the priorities outlined in the decadal surveys for Earth Science, Planetary Science, 

Astrophysics, and Heliophysics shall drive NASA mission priorities. 

Earth Science.—The recommendation includes $1,900,000,000 for 

Earth Science programs. Within amounts provided is $131,900,000, 

as requested, for the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission. 

Earth Science Decadal.—The Committee supports the release 

and recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences Earth 

Science and Applications from Space Decadal Survey report and directs NASA to implement its findings to the extent practicable. As 

articulated by the report, NASA should seek when appropriate to 

competitively select future missions that address Designated and 

Earth System Explorer target observables. The Committee believes 

an increase in competition will further encourage responsible cost 

and schedule constraints, develop novel remote sensing technologies, and leverage the talents and expertise of scientists at universities and research institutions. 

Climate Monitoring System.—Within the funds provided for 

Earth Science, not less than $10,000,000 shall be for a Climate 

Monitoring program, including competitive grants to help develop 

the capabilities necessary for monitoring, reporting, and 

verification of biogeochemical processes to better understand the 

major factors driving short and long term climate change. 

Space geodesy and geodynamics.—The recommendation includes 

up to $5,000,000 within NASA’s Crustal Dynamics Data Information System to collaborate with academic partners to integrate 

multi-global navigation satellite system observations and make 

such data available to researchers. NASA is encouraged to partner, 

as appropriate, with NOAA on these matters. 

Small Satellite Constellation Initiative.—The recommendation includes the requested amount of $25,000,000 for NASA’s Small Satellite Constellation Initiative. The Small Satellite Constellation Initiative is designed to encourage spaceflight solutions for Earth 

science missions that involve the use of multiple, instrumented 

small satellites flying in various formations, to achieve the quality 

and quantity of data required by the research and applications 

communities. The Committee believes that small satellites can exponentially expand the data available to scientists and researchers 

at lower costs and in shorter timeframes than traditional, more expensive large satellite programs. 

Land imaging requirements.—NASA is encouraged to examine its 

portfolio and seek reimbursement, where appropriate, from Federal 

partner agencies on future land imaging requirements and examine 

how commercial partners may support NASA’s future land imaging 

requirements. 

Planetary Science.—The recommendation includes $2,758,500,000 

for Planetary Science. One of the primary recommendations of the 

National Academies’ 2012 Decadal Survey for Planetary Science 

was for NASA to achieve a balanced program through a mix of DisVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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covery, New Frontiers, and flagship missions, and an appropriate 

balance among the many potential targets in the Solar System. The 

Committee continues to urge NASA, in subsequent budgets, to ensure that it requests sufficient funds to support such a balanced, 

steady cadence of missions. Further, the Committee expects NASA 

to request sufficient funds for Research and Analysis to ensure that 

science data collected by NASA can be fully exploited by scientists 

and researchers. 

Planetary protection.—The Committee is aware that planetary 

protection requirements for each NASA mission and target body 

are determined based on scientific advice from the Space Studies 

Board (SSB), National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 

Medicine, and on NASA policy, which is guided by international 

technical standards established by the international Committee on 

Space Research. In general, the Committee understands that if the 

target body has the potential to provide clues about life or prebiotic 

chemical evolution, a spacecraft will be required to meet a high 

standard of biological and chemical cleanliness and/or some operating restrictions will be imposed. The Committee is aware that the 

SSB issued an interim report on these matters and looks forward 

to the publication of the final report. NASA and its academic and 

industry partners must take all necessary precautions with respect 

to ensuring planetary protection. 

Planetary Defense.—The recommendation includes $160,000,000 

for Planetary Defense activities. NASA shall maintain no less than 

current funding levels for its use of NSF’s ground-based telescopes 

to fulfill its planetary protection mission and determine if additional funds are required. The recommendation includes not less 

than the request for NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test 

(DART) mission. The Committee directs NASA to continue the development of the DART technology demonstration mission toward 

a June 2021 launch. NASA shall keep the Committee informed of 

these activities. NASA is urged to conduct research into directed 

energy as a means of asteroid deflection. 

Near Earth Object Camera (NEOCam).—The Committee remains 

supportive of the NEOCam mission, which follows a 2010 National 

Academy of Sciences report regarding the use of space-based infrared survey telescopes to discover asteroids that pose a hazard to 

Earth. The recommendation includes an increase of $10,000,000 

above current levels for NEOCam; the Committee understands that 

NASA is working with its partners to develop a more cost-effective 

mission focused on NEO search requirements. The Committee anticipates receiving the report requested in the fiscal year 2018 Appropriations Act regarding NEOCam. 

Near-Earth Object Survey Act.—The Committee appreciates that 

an asteroid strike is a low-probability event, but the consequences 

of an impact could be enormous, or even catastrophic. The target 

date for completion of the George E. Brown, Jr. Near-Earth Object 

Survey Act quickly approaches. NASA’s activities towards meeting 

these requirements, while impressive, could be further enhanced by 

an in-space telescope that can detect objects approaching our planet from the direction of the Sun. While such a telescope might provide slightly less scientific data than other proposed projects, the 

Committee believes the trade-off for the defense of the planet is 

worthwhile. 


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Lunar Discovery and Exploration.—The Committee supports the requested level of $218,000,000 for the Lunar Discovery and Exploration program, including $18,000,000 for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and $200,000,000 for the new Lunar Future initiative. The Committee directs that the new Lunar Future initiative 

follow the lunar science priorities established by decadal surveys 

and the National Research Council’s Scientific Context for the Exploration of the Moon and collect data to address the strategic 

knowledge gaps important for human exploration of the Moon. The 

Committee anticipates additional reports from the Academies regarding NASA’s plans for lunar science and exploration. The funds 

provided for moon exploration are intended to support a mix of 

commercial lunar payload services; science instrument development; small satellite development; and long-duration lunar rover 

development. These funds will support science payloads and instruments for Lunar lander missions such as those developed in partnership with the private sector as part of NASA’s Lunar CATALYST program. These robotic missions will provide NASA with access to the lunar surface and allow for an affordable procurement 

of a variety of science and exploration payloads to prepare for future science and crewed Exploration Missions. 

Public-private partnerships.—The Committee notes that Lunar 

Future funding is intended to support, in part, public-private partnerships to send exploration and science payloads to the Moon and 

will serve as an architecture foundation for both lunar surface and 

lunar orbit operations. The Committee understands that the commercial landers supported by this program will provide the first opportunity since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 to directly investigate 

the surface of the Moon. As part of this initiative and in concert 

with expertise within the Exploration Research and Technology account, NASA shall undertake risk reduction activities in support of 

large lunar lander technology maturation. Development of these 

landers is essential for human exploration of the Moon and beyond. 

The Committee notes that there is a robust private space industry 

with companies engaging in development of technologies that support NASA in its human and robotic exploration missions. The 

Committee expects NASA to engage in these public-private partnerships with U.S. commercial space companies to initiate the most 

expeditious possible development of a lunar lander for both the 

Moon and extensible applications to Mars missions. This includes 

development of hardware, propulsion, communications, and software necessary for lunar landing vehicles with the ability to deliver 

various amounts of payload to the lunar surface. To the greatest 

extent practicable, NASA shall offer existing capabilities and assets 

at NASA Centers with lander expertise to support these partnerships. As part of the report directed in the administrative provisions of this bill, NASA shall provide an outline of missions and 

their intended launch cadence. NASA is encouraged to ensure that 

industry partners under the Lunar Future program exhibit in-kind 

or other cost share investments so the program can meet its intended goals on time and within budget. 

Discovery.—The recommendation includes $381,200,000, as requested, for the Discovery program. This program supports innovative, relatively low-cost, competitively selected Planetary Science 

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sions, as requested. NASA shall keep the Committee informed of 

these programs. Given continued robust funding provided by the 

Committee for the Discovery program, NASA shall make every effort to follow the cadence recommended in the Decadal Survey. 

New Frontiers.—The recommendation includes $130,200,000 for 

New Frontiers, as requested. New Frontiers missions explore the 

Solar System with frequent, medium-class spacecraft missions. The 

program includes three missions in operations: New Horizons, 

Juno, and OSIRIS–Rex. Given continued robust funding provided 

by the Committee for New Frontiers, NASA shall make every effort 

to follow the cadence recommended in the Decadal Survey. 

Juno.—The recommendation includes no less than $25,000,000, 

as requested, for Juno, a mission to Jupiter launched in 2011 to 

help NASA understand the formation of planets and the origins of 

the Solar System. The Committee is aware that the original Juno 

flight plan has been modified and that additional operational funds 

may be required in future years. 

Mars Exploration.—The Committee remains supportive of 

NASA’s ongoing Mars missions that continue to gather data about 

our nearest neighbor, which may have once supported microbial 

life. These missions and the Mars 2020 mission will provide NASA 

with valuable data about future landing sites for the Mars 2020 

rover and eventually American astronauts. The recommendation 

includes $650,000,000 to support a Mars 2020 mission that meets 

scientific objectives for the most recent Planetary Science decadal 

survey, including the Mars sample return mission. Funding for the 

Mars helicopter technology demonstration is included within the 

Planetary Technology program described below. NASA shall provide quarterly briefings on all aspects of the Mars program. Finally, NASA shall provide a report within 180 days regarding the 

status and reliability of Mars data relay capability and how any potential future architecture upgrades are being incorporated into the 

overall Mars 2020 and sample return missions. 

Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds.—The primary goal of the 

Ocean Worlds Exploration Program is to discover extant life on another planet using a mix of Discovery, New Frontiers and flagship 

or strategic missions. The recommendation includes $760,900,000 

for Outer Planets and Ocean Worlds, of which $545,000,000 is for 

the Jupiter Europa Clipper mission and $195,000,000 is for the Europa Lander mission to fulfill the requirements of recent Planetary 

Science decadal surveys. To support progress on these programs, 

NASA shall ensure that future funding requests are consistent 

with achieving a Europa Clipper launch no later than 2022 and a 

Europa Lander launch no later than 2024. The Committee appreciates that NASA has published a Research Announcement for 

Draft Instruments Concepts for Europa Exploration. NASA shall 

keep the Committee informed of the status of the Announcement 

of Opportunity (AO) for the Lander to ensure progress toward a 

2024 launch. The Committee expects that this AO shall be published during fiscal year 2019. While the Committee remains very 

supportive of the Europa mission, the Committee expects this program to meet development milestones on time and within budget. 

Future Europa funding requirements.—The Committee includes 

specific bill language regarding the Europa missions, directing that 

NASA launch the Europa Clipper mission in 2022 and the Europa 


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Lander mission in 2024. Further, the Committee includes language 

directing NASA to include five year budget profiles necessary to 

achieve these goals. The Committee clarifies that this information 

shall include separate amounts for the yearly funding requirements 

for the Clipper mission to ensure it launches in 2022 and a separate funding amount required for the Lander mission to launch in 

2024. These amounts shall also include yearly vehicle launch costs 

for each mission. As noted elsewhere in this report, NASA shall request budgets sufficient to ensure that the Europa missions launch 

according to the years established by law. 

Technology.—The recommendation includes $210,200,000 for 

Technology. Within these amounts, no less than $35,000,000 is for 

icy satellites surface technology and test-bed activities and no less 

than $10,000,000 is for the Mars helicopter technology demonstration mission that will be flown on the Mars 2020 mission. The recommendation also includes no less than $81,800,000, as requested, 

for NASA to continue its collaboration with the Department of Energy to produce plutonium-238 domestically for use as a source of 

energy in deep space missions. Finally, the recommendation includes $3,000,000 for NASA to conduct a joint effort with NOAA’s 

Office of Ocean Exploration and Research and its exploration research vessels and existing tele-presence capabilities as well as 

new mobile systems, through the SUBSEA program, to examine potential parallels between possible systems that might support life 

in outer space to ones known to exist on Earth. 

Impact craters.—Impact craters in the U.S. that are well preserved and accessible provide researchers and educators with the 

opportunity to expand our understanding of the Earth’s and the 

Solar System’s history and show students research in action as a 

part of their STEM education. NASA is encouraged to make funds 

available for external competitive funding to conduct further scientific investigation of well-preserved and easily accessible impact 

craters, and provide education and outreach on Earth’s erosion 

processes and the scientific method of research. 

Astrophysics.—The recommendation includes $1,029,000,000 for 

Astrophysics. The recommendation includes $83,400,000, as requested, for Astrophysics Research and Analysis. The Committee 

recognizes that exciting scientific discoveries often come from data 

evaluated after a mission’s initial surveys are complete. This funding enables maximum scientific value to be derived from these missions and leverages existing data sets that inspire new discoveries. 

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).—The 

recommendation includes $85,200,000 for SOFIA. SOFIA was first 

recommended in the 1991 Decadal Survey, The Decade of Discovery 

in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The New Worlds, New Horizons 

2010 Decadal Survey noted that with SOFIA, ‘‘we have the opportunity to study fundamentals of chemistry under conditions we cannot create here on Earth.’’ Following that, the New Worlds, New 

Horizons: A Midterm Assessment noted that, ‘‘. . . (SOFIA) 

reached full operational capacity in February 2014 and provides 

unique capabilities for mid-to-far infrared spectroscopy.’’ Pursuant 

to 51 U.S.C. 30504, NASA conducts ‘‘triennial reviews’’ of ‘‘missions 

that exceed their planned missions’ lifetime.’’ The Committee is 

concerned with NASA’s proposed inclusion of SOFIA in the 2019 

Senior Review, given it began its prime mission in 2014 and has 


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15 years of prime mission lifetime remaining. Accordingly, the 

Committee directs NASA to only undertake a Senior Review of 

SOFIA at the time SOFIA completes its planned mission lifetime. 

For the purposes of this section, announcing, scheduling, or undertaking a Senior Review is deemed preparation for shutdown. 

Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST).—The recommendation includes $150,000,000 for WFIRST, which was included as the first priority in the 2010 Astrophysics Decadal Survey. The Committee is concerned about the growing cost of the 

prime mission as noted by a recent independent examination. To 

reduce mission costs and ensure that overlap with James Webb 

Space Telescope is maximized, NASA should implement the most 

efficient development program for the telescope and its instruments. Further, to enhance the cost effectiveness of science operations, NASA shall leverage more extensively the experience acquired on Hubble, Spitzer, and Wise. The recommended amount 

shall include continued development of the chronograph as a technology demonstration mission. Further, within amounts provided 

for WFIRST, $20,000,000 is for continued development of the 

Starshade technology demonstration effort. The Committee understands that WFIRST is already ‘‘Starshade-ready’’ within the 

$3,200,000,000 cost cap. The Starshade, in tandem with WFIRST, 

will enable NASA to identify the nearest Earth-like planet around 

the nearest star, and thereby identify a target or multiple targets 

for the interstellar mission NASA has been developing. 

Astrophysics observatories.—The Committee commends NASA for 

providing the science community with observations of astrophysical 

objects conducted simultaneously over a broad range of wavelengths. The Committee looks forward to receiving the report directed in the fiscal year 2018 appropriations Act that summarizes 

NASA’s plans for maintaining U.S. leadership in obtaining astrophysical observations in the x-ray and gamma-ray wavelengths following the completion of the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the 

Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope missions. 

Technosignatures.—The recommendation includes $10,000,000 

for NASA to partner with the private sector and philanthropic organizations, to the maximum extent practicable, to search for 

technosignatures, such as radio transmissions, in order to meet the 

NASA objective to search for life’s origin, evolution, distribution, 

and future in the universe. 

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).—The recommendation includes $304,600,000 for JWST, which is the same as the request 

and $229,100,000 below fiscal year 2018. The Committee notes that 

NASA notified the Committee about an anticipated schedule breach 

and potential cost breach for the JWST program. Given continued 

problems with JWST, the Committee retains a separate line item 

for this program to ensure visibility. The Committee is very concerned about the issues that are emerging at this late stage of 

JWST development and expects NASA to report to the Committee 

on a regular basis regarding efforts to ensure that this launch does 

not slip further. The Committee expects NASA to increase its level 

of oversight and expects private sector partners to be diligent in 

ensuring that all proper procedures are followed. The Committee 

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knowledged how ambitious and difficult JWST is as a mission. 

These slips in the launch schedule are an enormous disappointment to the Committee. The Committee understands that NASA 

has commissioned an independent review of JWST and expects to 

receive the results of this review as soon as possible. 

Heliophysics.—The recommendation includes $688,500,000 for 

Heliophysics. This amount includes $26,000,000 to continue science 

operations and data archiving for the Magnetospheric Multiscale 

mission. 

Education and Public Outreach (EPO).—The recommendation includes $44,000,000 for Science Mission Directorate (SMD)-wide 

EPO activities. NASA shall, in the fiscal year 2019 spending plan, 

allocate these funds proportionally among the SMD divisions, resulting in a dedicated budget line for each division’s EPO activities. 

AERONAUTICS

The recommendation includes $715,000,000 for Aeronautics. This 

amount, which is $30,000,000 above fiscal year 2018 and 

$81,100,000 above the request, reflects that an efficient and safe 

transportation system is fundamental to the U.S. economy. 

Low Boom Flight Demonstrator.—Within amounts provided for Aeronautics, $88,300,000 is included, as requested, to continue development of the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator. NASA shall request sufficient funds in subsequent budgets to build and fly the 

Low Boom Flight Demonstrator as proposed and ensure that related infrastructure facilities are sufficient to support this demonstration project. Finally, NASA shall ensure that research resulting from the Flight Demonstrator is shared with the private sector 

for use in commercial aviation applications. 

Hypersonic research.—Within amounts provided, no less than $60,000,000 is for NASA’s ongoing hypersonic research activities. 

The Committee is pleased to see NASA’s renewed commitment to 

hypersonics, which has tremendous potential to revolutionize exploration. NASA is encouraged to support extramural fundamental research to solve remaining challenges such as propulsion, advanced 

materials, thermal management, and entry, descent, and landing. 

Universities have unique experimental and computational research 

capabilities to address these challenges and NASA should take full 

advantage of its partnership mechanisms to enable this research. 

Air Mobility and Automation Initiative.—The Committee supports NASA research and development efforts designed to further 

new innovations in propulsion, simplify vehicle operations, increase 

automation, and integrate these operations into controlled airspace. 

The Committee believes these technologies can address critical mobility challenges. The Committee expects NASA to develop a roadmap with industry stakeholders and coordinate with the Federal 

Aviation Administration (FAA) to expedite technology introduction 

and maximize improvements in safety and affordability as well as 

facilitate environmental benefits like noise and emissions reduction. In the roadmap, NASA should consider leveraging other internal directorates’ research efforts where applicable, evaluate whether test sites would enable valuable operational experience with increasingly automated manned and self-operated aircraft, leverage 

industry partnerships to accelerate the progress of these critical 

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cilities for supporting this and other critical activities. This roadmap shall be submitted to the Committee by March 2019. 

Electric air flight.—The Committee encourages and supports 

strengthening collaborations between NASA and the Department of 

Energy national laboratories to overcome energy storage challenges 

for novel modes of mobility like electric air flight. While NASA has 

unprecedented aeronautics expertise, the Department of Energy 

national laboratories are leading efforts to develop next generation 

battery technologies for vehicle applications and enhancing modeling and simulation capabilities with advances in deep learning 

and machine learning. Therefore, the Committee encourages increased cooperation between NASA and the Department of Energy 

national laboratories to overcome technological barriers in demonstrating the capability of electrified aircraft, such as higher energy density batteries, development of new, lower-cost materials, 

and the establishment of testing methods and protocols. 

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) safety.—The recommendation 

includes no less than the requested amount for the Airspace Operations and Safety Program and directs NASA to help ensure the 

safe integration of UAS into the national airspace system as expeditiously as possible. NASA shall brief the Committee within 120 

days of enactment regarding the UAS Traffic Management Pilot. 

Air traffic safety.—NASA is encouraged to coordinate with the 

FAA and leverage the six test ranges established under section 332 

of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act (Public Law 112–95) to 

research solutions for sense and avoid, command and control, 

ground control station standards and human factors, airworthiness, 

lost link procedures, and interoperability within the air traffic control system. 

EXPLORATION RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

The Committee recommends $900,000,000 for Exploration Research and Technology. This amount fully funds the request except 

for the Human Research Program, which remains in the Deep 

Space Exploration Systems account. The Committee recognizes and 

supports that the presently independent status and separation 

from specific missions enables this account to support the development of a wide array of various technologies across NASA’s portfolio. This diverse portfolio contains technology development activities that have broad applications beyond human exploration and 

that help to meet the agency’s science objectives, establish new 

commercial and academic partnerships, and stimulate the growth 

of the nation’s technology sector. 

Interstellar roadmap.—The Committee appreciates that NASA 

has submitted the propulsion technology assessment to enable an 

interstellar mission to identify the nearest Earth-like planet that 

shows signs of extant life. The Committee notes that the challenges 

of interstellar travel are immense and will require monumental advancements in many technology areas. The roadmap proposed by 

NASA begins with a series of workshops to assess candidate technologies and establish specific technology development milestones. 

Within amounts provided, NASA shall initiate these workshops immediately and provide a report on their proceedings no later than 

180 days following enactment of this Act. NASA must stay true to 

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neering, and technology. The Committee looks forward to working 

with NASA to ensure the roadmap is implemented. As noted elsewhere, NASA shall ensure that it requests sufficient funds in future budgets to develop and implement this mission. 

Nuclear thermal propulsion technology.—Within amounts provided, $150,000,000 is for continued development and demonstration of a nuclear thermal propulsion system. Within 180 days of the 

enactment of this Act, NASA shall submit a multi-year plan that 

enables a nuclear thermal propulsion demonstration by no later 

than 2024 and describes future missions and propulsion and power 

systems enabled by this capability. NASA shall take into consideration the use of nuclear thermal propulsion as it drafts the multiyear exploration roadmap directed in this bill. Further, of the funds 

provided for nuclear thermal propulsion, not less than $10,000,000 

is for development of digital twin technology to support the cost effective development, manufacturing and operation of nuclear thermal propulsion technologies. 

Solar electric propulsion.—The recommendation includes 

$52,000,000 to continue work on solar electric propulsion activities. 

According to NASA, high-powered solar electric propulsion can efficiently propel more ambitious robotic science and human exploration missions beyond the Earth and into deep space. Furthermore, solar electric propulsion will enable more efficient orbit 

transfer of spacecraft and accommodate the increasing power demands for government and commercial satellites. 

Small launch technology platform.—The recommendation includes no less than $20,000,000, as requested, for the Flight Opportunities Program to enable NASA to continue to partner with commercial industry to advance technologies for sub-orbital and orbital 

launch vehicles for small payloads, with the aim to increase affordability of those technologies and to allow for more frequent access 

to relevant launch environments, including low-Earth orbit. This 

funding fills a research gap by offering several minutes of microgravity research at a relatively low price. 

Additive manufacturing.—The recommendation includes 

$35,000,000 to support NASA’s additive manufacturing efforts focused on enhancing space vehicle design and reducing overall production costs, engineering advanced propulsion processes and subscale work including development of a digital twin directly applicable to upper stage engine production, RS–25 engine affordability 

and sustainability, as well as liquid boosters for the 130 metric ton 

Space Launch System (SLS). 

RESTORE–L.—Given the substantial cost to design, develop, and 

launch satellites and continued reliance on the data they gather, 

NASA shall ensure that all future satellites, including those in formulation, should be maneuverable, re-fuelable and otherwise serviceable. The Committee strongly supports satellite servicing and 

expects NASA to continue developing these capabilities in collaboration with its public and private sector and academic partners. 

The Committee recommends $130,000,000 for the RESTORE–L 

program to support a flight demonstration by no later than 2021. 

NASA shall provide a schedule and yearly funding requirements to 

execute the flight demonstration of RESTORE–L not later than 180 

days after the enactment of this Act. 


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Orbital debris.—The Committee notes the successful launch in 

December 2017 of the Space Debris Sensor to the International 

Space Station. Consistent with this mission, NASA is encouraged 

to take steps to develop or acquire technologies that will enable the 

Administration to remove orbital debris and to provide a report on 

these matters within 180 days of enactment of this Act. 

Regional economic development.—The recommendation includes 

$7,500,000 for NASA’s regional economic development program 

which focuses on partnerships with State and regional economic development organizations as they expand space-related commercial 

opportunities designed to address NASA mission needs. 

Small satellites.—The recommendation includes $25,000,000 to 

enable NASA to work with its private sector and academic partners 

to address the technical challenges associated with designing, fabricating, and testing capable satellites and constellations of satellites 

that meet certain size, weight, and power requirements. Also included is up to $2,000,000 to address technical challenges associated with high speed crosslink and downlink communications for 

low Earth orbit small satellite constellations. 

DEEP SPACE EXPLORATION SYSTEMS

The Committee recommends $5,083,900,000 for Deep Space Ex- ploration Systems, which is $293,900,000 above fiscal year 2018 

and $525,100,000 above the request. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall continue its review of NASA’s human exploration programs, specifically the SLS program, the Orion program, and Exploration Ground Systems, to include the mobile 

launch platforms, and including integration and software development issues that cut across these programs. GAO shall provide 

periodic updates to the Committee. In addition, the Committee expects GAO to begin evaluating NASA’s proposed lunar-focused programs—including the Lunar Orbital Platform—as part of its semiannual assessment of NASA major projects when a lunar-focused 

project is expected to have an estimated life-cycle cost over $250 

million. Separately, GAO shall also evaluate all of the new lunarfocused programs in-depth as appropriate—similar to how GAO has 

reviewed the James Webb Space Telescope and Human Space Exploration programs—to ensure that they are following best practices in terms of program management, defined missions and goals, 

and executable and affordable budgets. GAO and the NASA Office 

of Inspector General (OIG) should coordinate their in-depth reviews 

of the lunar programs to ensure there is an ongoing review by either the GAO or IG of the exploration, planetary, and space operations lunar programs. 

Human spaceflight safety.—The Committee reiterates that nothing in this report or accompanying Act shall be construed as directing NASA to proceed with any human spaceflight unless or until 

NASA has concluded that the mission meets safety requirements. 

Orion.—The recommendation includes $1,350,000,000, which is 

$186,500,000 above the request, for Orion. GAO, in its May 2017 

assessment, noted the late delivery of the European Service Module 

(ESM). NASA shall keep the Committee informed of the status of 

activities related to Orion and the ESM and ongoing activities related to integration of Orion with SLS and associated ground infrastructure. 


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Space Launch System.—The recommendation includes 

$2,150,000,000, which is $71,900,000 above the request, for SLS, 

and includes not less than $300,000,000 for continued work on the 

Exploration Upper Stage (EUS). The Committee is aware that Critical Design Review for the EUS is scheduled to occur in summer 

2018. NASA shall keep the Committee informed of the status of 

these efforts. The Committee notes that it is awaiting a comprehensive report on funds necessary to complete EUS and to build subsequent EUSs. Finally, NASA shall continue submitting quarterly reports on SLS spending by major program element, as first required 

in the statement accompanying Public Law 112–55. 

Exploration Ground Systems (EGS).—The recommendation includes $545,000,000, which is $116,800,000 above the request, for 

EGS. This funding level ensures that exploration ground systems, 

including hardware and software, are keeping pace with development of SLS and the Orion crew capsule. The fiscal year 2018 Appropriations Act included $350,000,000 to begin procuring a second 

mobile launch platform (MLP) and associated infrastructure to 

launch Exploration Mission-2 earlier than currently envisioned. 

NASA shall expeditiously implement processes necessary to construct the second MLP so it is completed by 2022. A second mobile 

launch platform dramatically changes the mission profile for NASA 

and will allow NASA to launch human and robotic missions at a 

cadence to ensure the Lunar Orbital Platform is built more quickly 

and to ensure that the Europa Clipper and Lander missions are not 

delayed by the overall launch cadence profile. The Committee understands that NASA is still evaluating the impacts to the program 

given the addition of funding for a second mobile launch platform. 

NASA shall report to the Committee within 90 days of enactment 

of this Act regarding the optimal cadence of missions. Further, 

NASA shall incorporate this planning in the long-term planning 

document directed in this bill. 

Advanced Exploration Systems.—The recommendation includes 

$1,038,900,000 for Advanced Exploration Systems. Within these 

amounts, $504,200,000 is for the Lunar Orbital Platform. The Committee understands that the Lunar Orbital Platform, to be assembled in orbit around the Moon, will be used as a staging point for 

exploration, science, commercial and international partner missions 

to the lunar surface and to destinations in deep space. This funding 

in part will support a launch, no later than 2022, of a power and 

propulsion element. Within this amount is $176,200,000, as requested, for habitation, airlock for docking vehicles, and logistics 

capabilities associated with supporting the Platform. As noted elsewhere in this report, while the Committee is supportive of these efforts, NASA shall submit a long-term plan, with yearly milestones 

and required budgets, to ensure that the program is executable 

with clear goals to gauge progress and improve adherence to budgets. The Committee expects NASA to examine how the Commercial 

Crew and Commercial Cargo programs can support the Platform. 

Advanced Cislunar and Surface Capabilities.—The recommendation includes $116,500,000, as requested, for the Advanced 

Cislunar and Surface Capabilities programs included as part of the 

Lunar Exploration Campaign. This funding will support lander risk 

reduction activities in partnership with industry, and include 

robotic demonstration missions. As noted earlier, the Committee 


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remains supportive of NASA’s ongoing Lunar Cargo Transportation 

and Landing by Soft Touchdown (Lunar CATALYST) initiative 

with the private sector to develop robotic lunar landers that can be 

integrated with U.S. commercial launch capabilities to deliver payloads to the lunar surface. 

Human Research Program.—The recommendation includes 

$150,000,000 in this account for the Human Research Program. 

The Committee believes that the current synergies in this account 

among the Orion crew capsule, SLS, associated ground programs 

and the Human Research Program should be sustained. The Committee believes that moving human research to another directorate 

at this point may introduce unnecessary risk. NASA shall continue 

research on human health risks associated with Mars surface operations. The Committee reiterates its support of NASA’s collaboration with academia to research ways to ameliorate the impacts of 

space travel on humans. The Committee also directs increased efforts to advance medical technologies on the International Space 

Station (ISS) which can be used to improve medical care on Earth. 

LEO AND SPACEFLIGHT OPERATIONS

The Committee recommends $4,624,700,000 for LEO and 

Spaceflight Operations. 

International Space Station (ISS).—The Committee reiterates 

that the International Space Station shall remain operational as 

long as it remains safe and operable. The Committee is supportive 

of the Administration’s efforts to find partners to pay for the future 

costs of the ISS. NASA’s March 2018 International Space Station 

Transition Report stated that, ‘‘From a structural integrity analysis 

standpoint, the ISS platform is expected to have significant structural life well beyond 2028 (based on the current assessment period). Many of the ISS modules, particularly the modules launched 

in the later years of ISS assembly, are likely to have structural life 

well into the 2030s . . .’’ As NASA embarks on an ambitious plan 

to once again send robotic and human exploration missions to the 

Moon, it is crucial that NASA and its private sector partners continue to have the ability to conduct experiments in a microgravity 

environment such as that provided by the ISS. The Committee continues to encourage NASA to implement cost savings measures to 

reduce NASA’s investment in the ISS operations budget while 

maximizing research opportunities. In particular, the Committee is 

concerned that NASA is not maximizing human research opportunities on the ISS that will contribute to advances for improved 

human health on Earth and during deep space exploration missions. 

Commercial LEO Development.—The recommendation includes 

$150,000,000, as requested, for Commercial LEO Development. 

This funding will establish the foundation for future commercial 

options in LEO to meet NASA’s research and technology development requirements beyond the ISS. The Committee is supportive 

of enhancing collaboration with the private sector, including efforts 

to add additional modules to the ISS and support new technologies 

such as in-space manufacturing. As noted elsewhere, funding obligations for the Commercial LEO Development program are limited 

until NASA submits a multi-year, detailed plan for these activities. 


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Commercial Crew.—According to GAO’s January 2018 report, 

NASA COMMERCIAL CREW PROGRAM Continued Delays Pose 

Risks for Uninterrupted Access to the International Space Station, while the contractors have made progress developing their crew 

transportation systems, both programs continue to experience 

schedule delays. NASA is examining a range of options to ensure 

uninterrupted U.S. access to the ISS, including extending missions. 

The Committee remains concerned about the overall status of each 

of the programs and the number of top risks that remain as outlined by GAO, the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, and the NASA 

Advisory Council-Human Exploration and Operations committee. 

NASA shall notify the Committee immediately if either of the providers is unlikely to meet uncrewed and crewed flights as currently 

planned in 2018 and 2019, respectively. NASA shall continue submitting quarterly reports on the status of the Commercial Crew Integrated Capability and Commercial Crew Transportation Capability contracts. 

Space and Flight Support.—The recommendation includes no 

less than the fiscal year 2018 levels to modernize and upgrade both 

the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) and Kennedy Space Center 

(KSC) launch and range complexes. The Committee supports maintaining launch sites serving the ISS at both the WFF and KSC to 

ensure uninterrupted domestic cargo access to the ISS. 

Rocket Propulsion Test activities.—The recommendation includes 

$60,000,000 to develop and improve test facilities and test stands 

for new engine systems at all NASA test facilities. The Committee 

is concerned that NASA funding requests for this program have not 

kept pace with NASA’s launch requirements and expects NASA to 

ensure that future budget requests are scaled appropriately across 

the exploration enterprise. 

Venture Class missions.—The recommendation supports the re- quested amount of $86,600,000 for NASA’s Launch Services Program. The recommendation includes $25,000,000 for NASA, 

through the appropriate program office, to continue its work with 

the private sector on launch vehicles for smaller payloads to low 

Earth orbit to enable NASA to accomplish its mission in a more 

cost-effective manner with frequent and responsive access to space 

for small satellites. These next-generation launch capabilities will 

advance America’s leadership in space and provide new and flexible 

capabilities for the U.S. government. NASA is encouraged to pursue these commercial services whenever they can meet NASA’s 

goals. 

International collaboration.—The Committee supports joint 

projects between NASA and the Israel Space Agency and directs a 

report from NASA within 180 days of enactment of this Act detailing current and planned projects between the two agencies. 

EDUCATION

The Committee recommends $90,000,000 for Education, which is 

$10,000,000 below fiscal year 2018 and $90,000,000 above the request. The Committee expects NASA to continue implementing the 

programs below and to ensure that overhead costs to support these 

programs do not exceed five percent. 

National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program.—The 

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gram. This amount shall be allocated to State consortia for competitively awarded grants in support of local, regional, and national 

STEM needs. 

Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 

(EPSCoR).—The recommendation includes $18,000,000 for 

EPSCoR. 

Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP).— The recommendation includes $32,000,000 for MUREP. 

SAFETY, SECURITY AND MISSION SERVICES

The Committee recommends $2,850,000,000 for Safety, Security and Mission Services, which is $23,100,000 above fiscal year 2018 

and $100,300,000 above the request. 

University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs).—The Committee 

looks forward to receiving a report from NASA regarding current 

UARC activities and how NASA may look to establish additional 

such partnerships. 

Security.—NASA shall continue to submit reports on the agency’s 

progress in implementing the corrective actions recommended by 

the National Academy of Public Administration, the GAO, NASA 

IG and the NASA ASAP with respect to security compliance protocols and foreign national access management. 

Bilateral activities.—The recommendation maintains bill language directing that NASA, in consultation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall confirm or otherwise certify that NASA 

bilateral activities with China are in compliance with section 528 

of this bill. 

Cloud computing.—NASA shall provide a report within 120 days 

of enactment describing the use of cloud computing services, to include examples of how cloud computing has enhanced services; an 

examination of the benefits of utilizing hybrid cloud technologies to 

maximize functionality and analysis of data in disconnected, deep 

space environments; and any plans for expanding cloud computing. 

This report shall also examine any security impacts of 

transitioning to cloud computing, any factors delaying or inhibiting 

the expansion of cloud computing usage, and the cost savings 

achieved in the past three fiscal years through the use of commercial cloud computing services. 

Virtual Institute for Aerospace Systems Engineering.—The Committee is concerned about the extent to which new technology is 

utilized in NASA programs and the need for more accurate predictions of the cost and schedules necessary to mature technologies 

to a point sufficient for inclusion in mission system architectures. 

The Committee also sees a need to reduce uncertainty associated 

with new technology infusion through early identification of the 

systems integration implications of new technologies within the 

context of mission system architectures. For these reasons the 

Committee encourages NASA to establish a ‘‘virtual institute’’ focused on advancing systems engineering. This institute would include government, academic, and industry partners with the goal 

of improving safety, mission success and affordability, and preparing the next generation of aerospace systems engineers. 

GAO assessments of large-scale projects.—NASA shall continue to 

cooperate fully and provide timely information to the GAO so that 

it may fulfill its congressional mandate to report on the status of 


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large-scale projects at NASA. Such information includes, but is not 

limited to, copies of preliminary cost estimates; access to online 

agency applications, databases, and web portals; and access to contractor and agency personnel. These assessments shall include any 

technology demonstration activities or communications and tracking services and related infrastructure refreshment activities with 

life cycle costs that exceed $250,000,000. 

Cost breach reporting.—NASA shall submit to the Committee any 

notifications and reports on cost overruns required by section 103 

of the NASA Authorization Act of 2005, Public Law 109–155. 

Working Capital Fund (WCF) reporting.—NASA shall continue to 

submit quarterly reports to the Committee on the expenditures and 

unobligated balances of NASA’s WCF. 

Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V).—The recommendation includes no less than the fiscal year 2018 operating 

level for the IV&V program. If necessary, NASA shall fund additional IV&V activities from within the mission directorates that 

make use of IV&V services. 

Quality assurance.—The Committee renews its direction to 

NASA regarding quality control following a 2017 NASA IG audit, 

NASA’s Parts Quality Control Process, which found that NASA 

Centers generally manage their parts quality and supplier assessment data unilaterally rather than collaborating through a comprehensive, integrated, Agency-wide parts and supplier information 

system. The Committee continues to encourage NASA to examine 

the potential benefits of a quality management policy, to include 

requiring contractors and suppliers to adopt electronic quality management platforms. 

CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RESTORATION

The Committee recommends $562,240,000 for Construction and 

Environmental Compliance and Restoration, which is the same as 

fiscal year 2018 and $174,040,000 above request. This robust level 

of funding will enable NASA to modernize critical assets, improve 

mission assurance, reduce mission risk, and maintain mission essential capabilities. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends $39,300,000 for the Office of Inspector General, which is the same as the request. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

(INCLUDING TRANSFERS OF FUNDS)

The Committee has included the following administrative provisions for NASA: 

The bill includes a provision that makes funds for any announced 

prize available without fiscal year limitation until the prize is 

claimed or the offer is withdrawn. 

The bill includes a provision that establishes terms and conditions for the transfer of funds. 

The bill includes a provision that requires NASA to submit its 

agency spending plan at the activity level and subjects both the 

spending plan and specified changes to that plan to reprogramming 

procedures under section 505 of this Act. 


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The bill includes a new provision that allows the transfer of balances from the ‘‘Space Technology’’ account to the ‘‘Exploration Research and Technology’’ account; from the ‘‘Exploration’’ account to 

the ‘‘Deep Space Exploration Systems’’ account; and from the 

‘‘Space Operations’’ account to the ‘‘Low-Earth Orbit and 

Spaceflight Operations’’ account. 

The bill includes a new general provision limiting obligation of 

certain funds until certain materials are provided to the Committee. 

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

The Committee recommends $8,174,890,000 for the National 

Science Foundation. This significant investment, which is 

$407,534,000 above fiscal year 2018, shows the Committee’s support of science, the academic community, and the next generation 

of scientists, mathematicians, astronomers, and engineers across 

the country. The Committee underscores the importance of basic 

research that both improves the lives of Americans and expands 

our understanding of the Earth, the depths of our oceans, our Solar 

System, the Universe, and oceans on other planets. NSF must redouble its important efforts thus far to ensure that this funding is 

invested wisely to improve our way of life and expand our knowledge base. 

The Committee supports infrastructure investments that expand 

our understanding of the universe and inspire students to pursue 

careers in the sciences. The Committee recognizes that current and 

future large scientific facilities represent an enormous investment 

of Federal resources that must be administered wisely. Within 

amounts provided, NSF shall allocate no less than fiscal year 2018 

levels to support its existing research laboratories, observational 

networks, and other research infrastructure assets, including the 

astronomy assets, the current academic research fleet, Federally 

funded research and development centers, and the national high 

performance computing centers, so they may provide the support 

needed for cutting edge research. 

Abstracts and the national interest.—The Committee underscores 

the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (Public Law 

114–329), which directs NSF to issue and periodically update, as 

appropriate, policy guidance for both Foundation staff and other 

Foundation merit review process participants on the importance of 

transparency and accountability to the outcomes made through the 

merit review process. Further, this law directs that each public notice of a Foundation-funded research project justify the expenditure 

of Federal funds by describing how the project reflects the statutory mission of the Foundation, as established in the National 

Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.); addresses 

the Foundation’s intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria; 

and clearly identifies the research goals of the project in a manner 

that can be easily understood by both technical and non-technical 

audiences. Further, this legislation directs NSF to apply a broader 

impacts review criterion to identify and demonstrate project support of the following goals: increasing the economic competitiveness 

of the United States; advancing of the health and welfare of the 

American public; supporting the national defense of the United 

States; enhancing partnerships between academia and industry in 


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the United States; developing an American STEM workforce that 

is globally competitive through improved pre-kindergarten through 

grade 12 STEM education and teacher development, and improved 

undergraduate STEM education and instruction; improving public 

scientific literacy and engagement with science and technology in 

the United States; or expanding participation of women and individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM. 

RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

The Committee recommends $6,651,500,000 for Research and Related Activities, which is $317,024,000 above fiscal year 2018 and 

$500,820,000 above the request. The Committee believes that strategic investments in the physical sciences are vitally important for 

the United States to remain the global leader in innovation, productivity, economic growth, and good-paying jobs for the future. 

Antarctic program.—The Committee supports the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernization for Science program and the recommendations for increased efficiencies included in the U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel report, More and Better Science 

in Antarctica through Increased Logistical Effectiveness. NSF shall 

allocate resources necessary to modernize the Antarctic infrastructure and keep the Committee informed regarding the status of this 

activity. 

Ocean Exploration.—The Committee directs NSF’s Geosciences 

Program to continue to support and enhance its new program with 

NOAA’s Office of Exploration and Research. 

Neuroscience research.—The Committee continues to support 

funding for neuroscience research. 

Steel research.—The Committee encourages NSF to use its Industrial Innovation and Partnerships program to continue research 

into the U.S. steel industry. 

Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 

(EPSCoR).—Within amounts provided, $170,690,000 is for 

EPSCoR. 

Marine research.—The recommendation maintains current funding levels for existing marine research facilities and directs NSF to 

accept new proposals from the academic research community for research supported by these facilities. The Committee further directs 

NSF to develop a plan, in coordination with the academic research 

community, to ensure the science community’s continued access to 

capabilities comparable to those currently provided by existing 

NSF marine research facilities. 

Existing astronomy assets.—The Committee underscores that a 

critical component of the nation’s scientific enterprise is the infrastructure that supports researchers in discovery science, including 

planetary protection. Investments to advance the frontiers of research and education in science and engineering are critical to the 

nation’s innovation enterprise. U.S.-based astronomy facilities continue to make groundbreaking discoveries and maintain excellent 

world-class scientific research. The Committee expects NSF to sustain support for the programs and scientific facilities funded by the 

Astronomical Sciences Division at no less than the fiscal year 2018 

levels to maintain full scientific and educational operations. The 

Committee is aware that NSF is working with Federal, academic 

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ations and maintenance costs of NSF astronomical infrastructure. 

NSF shall keep the Committee informed of these activities. Further, any proposal by NSF to divest the Foundation of these facilities shall be proposed as part of any future NSF budget request 

and is subject to NSF administrative provisions included in the accompanying bill. 

Future astrophysics.—With the recent discoveries enabled by 

NSF facilities, such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave 

Observatory (LIGO) detection of gravitational waves, a new opportunity for astronomy has been created. Multi-messenger astrophysics will depend upon both existing and newly developed ground 

and space-based facilities. In order to pursue NSF’s new Big Idea, 

Windows on the Universe: The Era of Multi-Messenger Astrophysics, 

NSF is encouraged to support the recommendations of recent 

decadal surveys from the community. It is important that NSF continues to robustly support both ongoing operations of existing astronomy and physics facilities and articulate a plan to ensure public access in future large optical observatories. 

Computer Information Science and Engineering (CISE).—The 

Committee supports CISE efforts to work with the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings within Education and Human Resources to build on current efforts to support 

computer science education in Pre-K–12 classrooms. 

High-performance computing planning.—The Committee believes 

it is strategically important to preserve U.S. leadership in quantum 

computing and urges NSF to make significant investments in this 

area. The Committee commends NSF on its commitment to highperformance computing and data analysis capabilities and urges 

NSF to make timely and significant investments in high-performance computing. NSF should remain committed to enabling leaps 

in computational simulation and data analyses for the broad range 

of research the Nation requires and as recommended by the recent 

National Research Council (NRC) report, Future Directions for 

NSF Advanced Computing Infrastructure to Support U.S. Science 

and Engineering in 2017–2020. Within 180 days of enactment of 

this Act, NSF shall provide the Committee with an update on its 

high-performance computing investment plans as well as a response to the NRC report and its plans to incorporate, to the extent 

practicable, the NRC’s recommendations regarding NSF’s approach 

for maintaining and modernizing its supercomputing capabilities at 

existing or future facilities. 

International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP).—The recommendation provides $48,000,000, as requested, for the IODP. 

The Committee notes that in addition to this funding, the IODP 

program derives funding from international and/or industry partners to maximize operating time on the JOIDES Resolution ocean 

research vessel. The Committee supports the goal of operating five 

research missions a year on the JOIDES Resolution. 

Major Research Instrumentation.—The recommendation includes 

not less than the budget request for the Major Research Instrumentation program to ensure NSF has sufficient resources to support instrumentation across all fields of NSF-supported research. 

Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP).—The Committee finds 

that NSF’s PGRP has been successful at advancing research into 

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nomic and societal questions and directs NSF to continue to fund 

the PGRP program and continue to focus the program on research 

related to crops of economic importance. 

High energy lasers.—The Committee commends NSF’s Big Ideas 

initiative to identify long-term research and process ideas that 

identify areas for future investment at the frontiers of science and 

engineering. In further pursuit of these goals, the Committee recommends that NSF support experimental research capabilities in 

the mid-scale range for potential experiments and facilities that fill 

current research gaps, including research to support high energy 

laser (HEL) technologies. The expansion of HEL technologies such 

as propagation, propulsion, generation, communication, metrology, 

and energy transfer is vital to national defense, space exploration, 

and economic competitiveness. 

MAJOR RESEARCH EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION

The Committee recommends $268,040,000 for Major Research 

Equipment and Facilities Construction. The recommendation includes $1,000,000, as requested, for enhanced oversight. NSF shall 

provide quarterly briefings to the Committee on the activities funded in this account. 

Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST).—The recommendation 

includes $123,820,000 for LSST. LSST, which was ranked as the 

top large ground-based astronomy project by the National Research 

Council 2010 Decadal Survey, will produce the deepest, widest-field 

sky image ever and issue alerts for moving and transient objects 

within 60 seconds of discovery. 

Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST).—The recommendation 

includes the requested amount of $16,130,000 for DKIST, which 

when complete will be the most powerful solar observatory on 

Earth. Completion of construction is planned for no later than June 

2020. 

Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRVs).—The recommendation 

includes $127,090,000 for the construction of three RCRVs required 

to replace aging academic research vessels. 

EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

The Committee recommends $902,000,000 for Education and 

Human Resources, which is the same as fiscal year 2018 and 

$28,630,000 above the request. The Committee encourages NSF to 

support, as appropriate, University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. 

Advanced Technological Education (ATE).—The recommendation 

provides no less than the fiscal year 2018 level for the ATE program. 

STEM education.—NSF shall continue to award competitive, 

merit-reviewed grants to support STEM education as authorized by 

the STEM Education Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–59). In addition, 

the Committee expects NSF to provide grants for research about 

STEM education approaches and the STEM-related workforce in 

order to develop innovations in mentoring, training and apprenticeships. 

Early Childhood STEM Education.—The Committee urges NSF, 

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gram, to consider age distribution in order to more equitably allocate funding for research studies with a focus on early childhood. 

Broadening participation programs.—To broaden the participation of underrepresented populations in STEM education programs 

and, ultimately, the STEM workforce, the recommendation provides no less than $35,000,000 for the Historically Black Colleges 

and Universities Undergraduate Program; $46,000,000 for the 

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation; $64,500,000 for 

the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program; and $14,000,000 

for the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program. 

Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).—Hispanic Serving Institutions and the HSI grant program play an important role in increasing the recruitment, retention and graduation rates of Hispanic 

students pursuing STEM degrees. The Committee directs NSF to 

fund the HSI-specific program and demonstrate a $50,000,000 investment no later than September 30, 2019. 

Innovation Corps.—The recommendation includes no less than 

the fiscal year 2018 level for the NSF Innovation Corps program 

to support new and existing I–Corps Teams, Sites, and Nodes. 

Cybersecurity research.—The Committee encourages NSF to form 

partnerships with Hispanic Serving Institutions and Historically 

Black Colleges and Universities with respect to cybersecurity research. 

AGENCY OPERATIONS AND AWARD MANAGEMENT

The Committee recommends $333,630,000 for Agency Operations 

and Award Management, which is $5,120,000 above fiscal year 

2018 and the same as the request. 

Safeguarding U.S. research advances.—The Committee directs 

the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the Federal 

Bureau of Investigation and the National Institute of Standards 

and Technology and other agencies as needed, to work with the 

academic community, through workshops or other mechanisms as 

appropriate, to identify best practices for universities and institutions of higher education so that they may be aware of and can address data security concerns, including intellectual property protection in NSF-funded research projects or at NSF-funded facilities. 

NSF shall report to the Committee within 180 days of enactment 

of this Act regarding how it plans to implement this direction. 

OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD

The Committee recommends $4,370,000, which is the same as 

fiscal year 2018, for the National Science Board. 

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

The Committee recommends $15,350,000 for the Office of Inspector General, which is $150,000 above fiscal year 2018 and the same 

as the request. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The bill includes a provision that establishes thresholds for the 

transfer of funds. 


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The bill includes a provision regarding notification prior to acquisition or disposal of certain assets. 

TITLE IV 

RELATED AGENCIES 

COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $9,700,000 for the Commission on 

Civil Rights, which is the same as fiscal year 2018 and $500,000 

above the request. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $379,500,000 for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is the same as fiscal 

year 2018 and $15,692,914 above the request. The recommendation 

continues the increase provided in fiscal year 2018 to address sexual harassment claims. 

Backlog reduction.—The Committee expects the EEOC to 

prioritize inventory reduction rather than allocate resources for 

systematic changes in which no complaint was filed by an actual/ 

former employee or applicant. EEOC shall provide an annual report on the backlog, to include data on the number and pendency 

of charges, on any changes to EEOC’s priority charge handling procedures, and the effect of such changes on inventory reduction. 

Conciliation.—The Committee is concerned with the EEOC’s pursuit of litigation absent good faith conciliation efforts. The Committee directs the EEOC to engage in such efforts before undertaking litigation. 

State and Local Enforcement Assistance.—The Committee recommends up to $29,500,000 to assist State and local enforcement 

agencies. The Committee continues to believe that none of these 

funds should be used for tester programs. 

INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $95,000,000 for the International 

Trade Commission (ITC), which is $1,300,000 above fiscal year 

2018 and $7,385,000 above the request. 

Cybersecurity.—ITC handles sensitive and proprietary data and 

therefore is a potential target for cyber attacks. The Committee expects ITC to prioritize efforts to improve its cybersecurity posture. 

The Committee also encourages ITC to work with other relevant 

Federal agencies to inform its actions. 


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LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

PAYMENT TO THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

The Committee recommends $410,000,000 for the Legal Services 

Corporation (LSC), which is equal to fiscal year 2018 and 

$391,800,000 above the request. 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISION—LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

The bill continues restrictions on the uses of LSC funding. None 

of the funds appropriated in this Act to the LSC shall be expended 

for any purpose prohibited or limited by, or contrary to any of the 

provisions of, sections 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 506 of Public 

Law 105–119, and all funds appropriated in this Act to the LSC 

shall be subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in such 

sections, except that all references in sections 502 and 503 to 1997 

and 1998 shall be deemed to refer instead to 2018 and 2019, respectively. 

Unauthorized uses of funds.—The Inspector General (IG) of the 

LSC is encouraged to conduct annual audits of LSC grantees to ensure that funds are not used in contravention of the restrictions on 

engaging in political activities, representing illegal immigrants, or 

any of the other restrictions by which LSC grantees are required 

to abide. The Committee recommends the removal of funds from 

any LSC grantee determined by the IG to have engaged in unauthorized activity. 

MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $3,431,000 for the Marine Mammal 

Commission, which is the same as fiscal year 2018 and $982,000 

above the request. 

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

The Committee recommends $72,600,000 for the Office of the 

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), which is the same as fiscal year 

2018 and $9,600,000 above the request. 

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $57,600,000 for the salaries and expenses of USTR, which is the same as fiscal year 2018 and 

$5,400,000 below the request. 

China.—The Committee expects that USTR will coordinate and 

implement a comprehensive and vigorous strategy to address the 

United States’ trade imbalance with China. Within the amounts 

provided, the USTR is encouraged to maintain staff who can translate trade documents that USTR receives from China. The Committee believes that USTR should have its own translators on staff 

given the challenges associated with enforcing existing U.S. trade 

laws with China. 

U.S.-India bilateral trade.—The Committee notes the importance 

of U.S.-India bilateral trade and investment. However, the Committee is concerned that India, while striving to improve its economic growth, has been enacting a series of policies to increase doVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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mestic manufacturing and protect domestic industries and agricultural production that discriminate against U.S. exports and investment. The Committee is concerned about the standards of intellectual property protection and forced localization measures, as well 

as the unfair treatment by India of U.S. exports of American-produced boric acid, the illegal rebranding and smuggling of U.S.- 

grown almonds into India, and many other market access issues. 

In April 2018, USTR announced it is conducting a review of India’s 

eligibility in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) based on 

concerns regarding its compliance with program requirements, primarily market access. Accordingly, the Committee supports this effort and encourages USTR to review whether India is meeting the 

statutory eligibility criteria of the GSP program and commends the 

Trade Representative for continuing to work to address the aforementioned unfair trade practices and market access issues with the 

Indian government. 

Free trade agreements.—The Committee directs USTR to continue to pursue free trade agreements with additional countries 

and trading blocs to continue advancing trade to and from the 

United States. 

The Committee also directs USTR to report the status of negotiations of all bilateral trade agreements. Reports shall include the 

number of times representatives met and details of substantive discussions. The first report shall be submitted 90 days after enactment of this Act and subsequent reports every 90 days thereafter. 

TRADE ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

The Committee recommends $15,000,000, which is to be derived 

from the Trade Enforcement Trust Fund, for trade enforcement activities authorized by the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. No funds were requested from this Fund. 

STATE JUSTICE INSTITUTE

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

The Committee recommends $5,821,000 for the State Justice Institute, which is $700,000 more than fiscal year 2018 and 

$1,100,000 less than the request. 

The additional funding is provided to enhance the Institute’s efforts to help State courts address the opioid epidemic. The Committee expects the Institute to make addressing the opioid epidemic 

a priority. 

TITLE V 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

(INCLUDING RESCISSIONS)

(INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)

Section 501 prohibits the use of funds for publicity or propaganda 

purposes unless expressly authorized by law. 


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Section 502 prohibits any appropriation contained in this Act 

from remaining available for obligation beyond the current fiscal 

year unless expressly authorized. 

Section 503 provides that the expenditure of any appropriation 

contained in this Act for any consulting service through procurement contracts shall be limited to those contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public record and available for public inspection, except where otherwise provided under existing law or 

under existing Executive order issued pursuant to existing law. 

Section 504 provides that if any provision of this Act or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance shall be held 

invalid, the remainder of the Act and the application of other provisions shall not be affected. 

Section 505 prohibits a reprogramming of funds that: (1) creates 

or initiates a new program, project, or activity; (2) eliminates a program, project, or activity; (3) increases funds or personnel by any 

means for any project or activity for which funds have been denied 

or restricted; (4) relocates an office or employees; (5) reorganizes or 

renames offices, programs, or activities; (6) contracts out or 

privatizes any function or activity presently performed by Federal 

employees; (7) augments funds for existing programs, projects, or 

activities in excess of $500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less, or 

reduces by 10 percent funding for any program, project, or activity, 

or numbers of personnel by 10 percent; or (8) results from any general savings, including savings from a reduction in personnel, 

which would result in a change in existing programs, projects, or 

activities as approved by Congress, unless the House and Senate 

Committees on Appropriations are notified 15 days in advance of 

such reprogramming of funds. 

Section 506 provides that if it is determined that any person intentionally affixes a ‘‘Made in America’’ label to any product that 

was not made in America that person shall not be eligible to receive any contract or subcontract made with funds made available 

in this Act. The section further provides that to the extent practicable, with respect to purchases of promotional items, funds made 

available under this Act shall be used to purchase items manufactured, produced, or assembled in the United States or its territories 

or possessions. 

Section 507 requires quarterly reporting on the status of balances of appropriations. 

Section 508 provides that any costs incurred by a department or 

agency funded under this Act resulting from, or to prevent, personnel actions taken in response to funding reductions in this Act, 

or, for the Department of Commerce, from actions taken for the 

care and protection of loan collateral or grant property, shall be absorbed within the budgetary resources available to the department 

or agency, and provides transfer authority between appropriation 

accounts to carry out this provision, subject to reprogramming procedures. 

Section 509 prohibits funds made available in this Act from being 

used to promote the sale or export of tobacco or tobacco products 

or to seek the reduction or removal of foreign restrictions on the 

marketing of tobacco products, except for restrictions which are not 

applied equally to all tobacco or tobacco products of the same type. 

This provision is not intended to impact routine international trade 


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services to all U.S. citizens, including the processing of applications 

to establish foreign trade zones. 

Section 510 limits the obligation of receipts deposited into the 

Crime Victims Fund to $2,600,000,000 during fiscal year 2019. The 

language also provides for a tribal set-aside. 

Section 511 prohibits the use of Department of Justice funds for 

programs that discriminate against or denigrate the religious or 

moral beliefs of students participating in such programs. 

Section 512 prohibits the transfer of funds made available in this 

Act to any department, agency or instrumentality of the United 

States Government, except for transfers made by, or pursuant to 

authorities provided in, this Act or any other appropriations Act. 

Section 513 prohibits funds for acquisition of certain information 

systems unless the acquiring department or agency has reviewed 

and assessed certain risks. Any acquisition of such an information 

system is contingent upon the development of a risk mitigation 

strategy and a determination that the acquisition is in the national 

interest. Each department or agency covered by this section shall 

consult with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other 

relevant agencies when reviewing supply chain risks and making 

a determination that the acquisition is in the national interest. 

Each department or agency covered by this section is directed to 

ensure it is following the criteria established by the FBI and the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology when acquiring or 

renewing certain information systems. Each department or agency 

covered under this section shall submit a quarterly report to the 

Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate describing 

reviews and assessments of risk made pursuant to this section and 

any associated findings or determinations. 

Section 514 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

to support or justify the use of torture by any official or contract 

employee of the United States Government. 

Section 515 permanently prohibits the use of funds to require 

certain export licenses. 

Section 516 permanently prohibits the use of funds to deny certain import applications regarding ‘‘curios or relics’’ firearms, parts, 

or ammunition. 

Section 517 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

to include certain language in trade agreements. 

Section 518 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

to authorize or issue a national security letter (NSL) in contravention of certain laws authorizing the FBI to issue NSLs. 

Section 519 requires congressional notification regarding any 

project within the Departments of Commerce or Justice, the National Science Foundation or the National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration totaling more than $75,000,000 that has cost increases of 10 percent or more. 

Section 520 deems funds for intelligence or intelligence related 

activities as authorized by Congress during fiscal year 2019 until 

the enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 

2019. 

Section 521 prohibits contracts or grant awards in excess of 

$5,000,000 unless the prospective contractor or grantee certifies 

that the organization has filed all Federal tax returns, has not 


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been convicted of a criminal offense under the Internal Revenue 

Code of 1986, and has no unpaid Federal tax assessment. 

(RESCISSIONS)

Section 522 provides for rescissions of unobligated balances from 

the Departments of Commerce and Justice. 

Section 523 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

for the purchase of first class or premium air travel in contravention of certain Federal regulations. 

Section 524 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

to pay for the attendance of more than 50 department or agency 

employees, who are stationed in the United States, at any single 

conference outside the United States, unless the conference is a law 

enforcement training or operational event where the majority of 

Federal attendees are law enforcement personnel stationed outside 

the United States. 

Section 525 prohibits the use of funds in this or any other Act 

for the transfer or release of certain individuals detained at United 

States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to or within the 

United States, its territories, or possessions. 

Section 526 prohibits the use of funds in this or any other 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 United States Naval Station, 

Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the purposes of detention or imprisonment in the custody or control of the Department of Defense. 

Section 527 requires tracking and reporting of undisbursed balances in expired grant accounts. 

Section 528 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the 

Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) or the National 

Space Council (NSC) to engage in bilateral activities with China or 

a Chinese-owned company unless the activities are authorized by 

subsequent legislation or NASA, OSTP or NSC after consultation 

with the Federal Bureau of Investigation have made a certification 

pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section. 

Section 529 permanently prohibits funds from being used to deny 

the importation of shotgun models if no application for the importation of such models, in the same configuration, had been denied 

prior to January 1, 2011, on the basis that the shotgun was not 

particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. 

Section 530 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

to establish or maintain a computer network that does not block 

pornography, except for law enforcement or victim assistance purposes. 

Section 531 requires each department and agency funded in the 

bill to submit spending plans. 

Section 532 prohibits funds made available by this Act to implement the Arms Trade Treaty until the Senate approves a resolution of ratification. 

Section 533 requires a quarterly report from the Department of 

Commerce, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 

and the National Science Foundation on official travel to China. 


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Section 534 requires not less than 10 percent of the funds provided for certain programs be provided to persistent poverty counties. 

Section 535 prohibits funds to approve the registration, renewal, 

or maintenance of the registration of a mark, trade mark, trade 

name, or commercial name when the mark, trade mark, trade 

name, or commercial name was unlawfully confiscated in Cuba. 

Section 536 prohibits funds from being used to require a person 

licensed under section 923 of title 18, United States Code, to report 

information to the Department of Justice regarding the sale of multiple rifles or shotguns to the same person. 

Section 537 allows States to bring a civil action against the 

United States to restore the sovereignty reserved for the States by 

the Constitution. 

Section 538 prohibits funds to move a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives facility. 

Section 539 prohibits funds to enter into a civil settlement agreement on behalf of the United States that includes certain donations. 

Section 540 prohibits funds to prepare for the shutdown of the 

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. 

Section 541 prohibits certain National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration actions regarding certain hydroelectric projects. 

Section 542 prohibits the Department of Justice from preventing 

certain States from implementing State laws regarding the use of 

medical marijuana. 

Section 543 prohibits funding to be used in contravention of the 

‘‘Order Activating Suspended Denial Order Relating to Zhongxing 

Telecommunications Equipment Corporation and ZTE Kangxun 

Telecommunications Ltd.’’ published on April 23, 2018. 

SPENDING REDUCTION ACCOUNT

Section 544 establishes a Spending Reduction Account. 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The following materials are submitted in accordance with various 

requirements of the Rules of the House of Representatives: 

FULL COMMITTEE VOTES


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STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is a statement of general performance goals and objectives for which this measure authorizes funding: The Committee on Appropriations considers program performance, including a program’s success in developing and attaining 

outcome-related goals and objectives, in developing funding recommendations. 

RESCISSION OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following table is submitted describing the 

rescissions recommended in the accompanying bill: 

Department of Commerce: 

Economic Development Assistance Programs ........................... $10,000,000 

National Institute of Standards and Technologies, Industrial 

Technology Services ................................................................. 2,000,000 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Operations, Research, and Facilities .............................................. 10,000,000 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Procurement, Acquisition and Constr. ................................................ 10,000,000 

Department of Justice: 

Working Capital Fund ................................................................ 75,000,000 

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Salaries and Expenses ........ 25,000,000 

State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance.

Office on Violence Against Women, Violence Against Women 

Prevention and Prosecution Programs ................................... 10,000,000 

Office of Justice Programs .......................................................... 50,000,000 

Legal Activities, Assets Forfeiture Fund .......................................... 674,000,000 

TRANSFERS OF FUNDS

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives, the following is submitted describing the transfers of funds provided in the accompanying bill: 

In title I, under Bureau of the Census, Periodic Censuses and 

Programs, language is included to transfer funds to the Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General. 

Under U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Salaries and Expenses, language is included to transfer funds to the Civil Service 

Retirement and Disability Fund, the Federal Employees Health 

Benefit Fund, the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Fund, 

and the Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General. 

Under National Institute of Standards and Technology, Scientific 

and Technical Research and Services, language is included allowing for transfers to the Working Capital Fund. 

Under National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Operations, Research, and Facilities, language is included to transfer 

funds from the Promote and Develop Fishery Products and Research Pertaining to American Fisheries fund. 

Under National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction, language is included to 

transfer funds to the Department of Commerce, Office of the Inspector General. 

Under Office of the Inspector General, language is included to 

transfer funds from the Public Safety Trust Fund. 


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Section 103 provides for the transfer of funds between Department of Commerce appropriations in certain circumstances. 

In title II, under General Administration, Justice Information 

Sharing Technology, language is included allowing for the transfer 

of funds. 

Under General Administration, Executive Office for Immigration 

Review, language is included to transfer funds to the Executive Office for Immigration Review from fees deposited in the Immigration 

Examinations Fee account. 

Under Legal Activities, Salaries and Expenses, Community Relations Service, language is included allowing for the transfer of 

funds in certain circumstances. 

Under Federal Prison System, Salaries and Expenses, language 

is included to allow the transfer of funds to the Department of 

Health and Human Services. 

Under State and Local Law Enforcement Activities, Office on Violence Against Women, Violence Against Women Prevention and 

Prosecution Programs, language is included to allow the transfer of 

funds in certain circumstances. 

Under State and Local Law Enforcement Activities, State and 

Local Law Enforcement Assistance, language is included to allow 

the transfer of funds in certain circumstances. 

Under State and Local Law Enforcement Activities, Public Safety 

Officer Benefits, language is included to allow the transfer of funds 

in certain circumstances. 

Section 205 provides language for the transfer of funds between 

Department of Justice appropriations in certain circumstances. 

Section 211 provides language for the transfer of funds between 

certain grant funds and the National Institute of Justice and the 

Bureau of Justice Statistics. 

In title III, under National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Administrative Provisions, language is included allowing for 

the transfer of funds between appropriations and for unexpired balances from a previous account to be transferred to a new account 

established in this Act. 

Under National Science Foundation, Administrative Provisions, 

language is included allowing for the transfer of funds among appropriations. 

Under United States Trade Representative, Trade Enforcement 

Trust Fund, language is included providing for the transfer of 

funds. 

Under General Provisions, Section 508 provides for the transfer 

of funds in certain circumstances. 

DISCLOSURE OF EARMARKS AND CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED

SPENDING ITEMS

Neither the bill nor the report contain any Congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in 

clause 9 of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives. 

COMPLIANCE WITH RULE XIII, CL. 3(E) (RAMSEYER RULE) 

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the Committee notes that the accomVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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panying bill does not propose to repeal or amend a statute or part 

thereof. 

CHANGES IN THE APPLICATION OF EXISTING LAW

Pursuant to clause 3(f)(1)(A) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the following statements are submitted 

describing the effect of provisions in the accompanying bill that directly or indirectly change the application of existing law. 

Language is included for a number of accounts placing limitations on representation and reception allowances in order to restrict the amount of money that would otherwise be spent on these 

activities. The bill also provides that a number of appropriations 

shall remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year. 

While these provisions are not specifically authorized for all of the 

items, it is deemed desirable to include such language for certain 

programs in order to provide for orderly administration and effective use of funds. 

In title I, Department of Commerce, under International Trade 

Administration, Operations and Administration, language is included providing that funds may be used for engaging in trade promotion activities abroad, including expenses of grants and cooperative agreements, for the purposes of promoting exports of U.S. 

firms. Language is also provided allowing for full medical coverage 

for dependent members of immediate families of employees stationed overseas and employees temporarily posted overseas; travel 

and transportation of employees of the International Trade Administration; employment of Americans and aliens by contract for services; rental of space abroad and expenses of alteration, repair, or 

improvement; purchase or construction of temporary demountable 

exhibition structures for use abroad; and payment of tort claims. In 

addition, language is included regarding official representation expenses abroad, purchase of passenger motor vehicles for official use 

abroad, obtaining insurance on official motor vehicles, and rental 

of tie lines. Language is also recommended deriving a portion of 

available funds from fees. Furthermore, language is included designating funding for China antidumping and countervailing duty enforcement and compliance activities. Moreover, language is included providing for two-year availability of funds. Finally, language is included regarding the contributions under the Mutual 

Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. 

Under Bureau of Industry and Security, Operations and Administration, the language provides for no-year availability of funds. 

Language is included regarding the costs associated with the performance of export administration field activities both domestically 

and abroad; full medical coverage for dependent members of immediate families of employees stationed overseas; employment of 

Americans and aliens by contract for services abroad; payment of 

tort claims; official representation expenses abroad; awards of compensation to informers; and purchase of passenger motor vehicles 

for official use and motor vehicles for law enforcement use without 

regard to any price limitation established by law. In addition, language is included regarding the Mutual Educational and Cultural 

Exchange Act of 1961. Finally, language is recommended providing 

that payments and contributions collected and accepted for mateVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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rials or services may be retained for use in covering the cost of 

those activities and other communications. 

Under Economic Development Administration, Economic Development Assistance Programs, the language provides for no-year 

availability of funds. 

Also, under Salaries and Expenses, language is included regarding the monitoring of approved projects. 

Under Minority Business Development Agency, Minority Business Development, language is included making funds available for 

fostering, promoting, and developing minority business enterprises, 

including expenses of grants, contracts and other agreements. 

Under Economic and Statistical Analysis, Salaries and Expenses, 

language is included providing for two-year availability of funds. 

Under Bureau of the Census, Current Surveys and Programs, 

language is included providing that funds may be used for collecting, compiling, analyzing, preparing and publishing statistics 

and for promotion, outreach and marketing activities. 

Also, under Periodic Censuses and Programs, language is included providing three-year availability of funds. Language is also 

included providing that funds may be used for collecting, compiling, 

analyzing, preparing and publishing statistics and for promotion, 

outreach and marketing activities. In addition, language is included providing for a transfer to the ‘‘Office of Inspector General’’ 

account for activities associated with carrying out investigations 

and audits related to the Bureau of the Census. Finally, language 

is included withholding funds for certain Census information technology projects until the Bureau submits an expenditure plan. 

Under National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Salaries and Expenses, language is included permitting the Secretary of Commerce to charge Federal agencies for 

costs in spectrum management, analysis, operations, and related 

services; and to use such collections in telecommunications research. The language also allows the Secretary to retain and use 

as offsetting collections all funds transferred, or previously transferred for telecommunications research, engineering and activities 

by the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences of NTIA. Finally, 

language is included providing that funds so transferred shall remain available until expended. 

Also, under Public Telecommunications Facilities, Planning and 

Construction, language is included allowing recoveries and unobligated balances of funds previously appropriated to be available for 

the administration of all open grants until their expiration. 

Under United States Patent and Trademark Office, Salaries and 

Expenses, language is included providing that appropriated funds 

be reduced as offsetting collections are assessed and collected. Language is including making funds available until expended and providing that funds received in excess of appropriations be deposited 

in a Patent and Trademark Fee Reserve fund, to be available until 

expended pursuant to the Director submitting a spending plan subject to section 505 of this Act, after which the funds shall be transferred to the Salaries and Expenses account. In addition, language 

is included limiting representation expenses. Language is also included regarding basic pay and certain retirement benefits. Additional language is included regarding USPTO’s financial statements. Furthermore, language is included providing that fees and 


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surcharges charged are available to USPTO pursuant to section 

42(c) of title 35, United States Code. Finally, the language provides 

that an amount be transferred to the Office of Inspector General 

(OIG). 

Under National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 

Scientific and Technical Research and Services, language is included providing for no-year availability of funds. In addition, language is included allowing transfers to the Working Capital Fund. 

Language is included limiting funds for official reception and representation expenses. Finally, language is included allowing NIST 

to provide local transportation for a certain fellowship program. 

Also, under Industrial Technology Services, language is included 

providing no-year availability of funds. The language also designates an amount for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership 

and the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. 

In addition, under Construction of Research Facilities, language 

is included providing for no-year availability of funds. Language is 

also included regarding the submission of certain materials in support of construction budget requests. 

Under National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA), Operations, Research, and Facilities, language is included 

allowing for two-year availability for funds, except for cooperative 

enforcement funds, which are available for three years. Language 

is also included allowing maintenance, operation, and hire of aircraft and vessels; grants, contracts, or other payments to nonprofit 

organizations for the purposes of conducting activities pursuant to 

cooperative agreements; and relocation of facilities. Language is included allowing fees and donations received by a particular office 

to be retained and used for expenses related to certain activities. 

In addition, language is included that provides that certain funds 

be derived from various sources and restricting their use to certain 

activities. Moreover, language is included specifying that deviations 

from amounts included in the report accompanying the Act shall be 

subject to section 505 of this Act. Finally, language is included providing for retired pay expenses. 

Also, under Procurement, Acquisition and Construction, language 

is included providing for three-year availability for funds, except 

for construction funds, which are available until expended. Language is also included providing that certain funds be derived from 

various sources. In addition, language is included specifying that 

deviations from amounts included in the report accompanying the 

Act shall be subject to section 505 of this Act. Language is included 

regarding the submission of certain materials in support of construction budget requests. Language is included transferring an 

amount to the OIG. 

In addition, under Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery, language is 

included providing for two-year availability of funds. Language is 

also included allowing the Secretary of Commerce to issue grants 

to specific States and Federally recognized tribes for conservation 

projects for listed endangered or threatened salmon and steelhead 

populations, populations at risk to be so listed, and for maintaining 

populations necessary for the exercise of tribal treaty fishing 

rights, and for conservation of Pacific coastal salmon and steelhead 

habitat, to be allocated under scientific and merit principles and 

not available for marketing activities; and requiring a State match. 


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Furthermore, under Fishermen’s Contingency Fund, language is 

included providing for the appropriation of funds to be derived from 

receipts collected pursuant to Title IV of Public Law 95–372 and 

provides that these funds are available until expended. 

Additionally, under Fishery Disaster Assistance language is included providing no year availability of funds. 

Moreover, under Fisheries Finance Program Account, language is 

included placing limitations on individual fishing quota loans and 

traditional direct loans. 

Under Departmental Management, Salaries and Expenses, language is included limiting funds for official reception and representation expenses. 

Under Department of Commerce, General Provisions, the following general provisions that fall within the rule are recommended: 

Section 101 makes 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 the Department available 

for hire of passenger motor vehicles, for services, and for uniforms 

and allowances as authorized by law. 

Section 103 provides the authority to transfer funds between Department of Commerce appropriation accounts and requiring notification to the Committee of certain actions. 

Section 104 extends Congressional notification requirements for 

NOAA satellite programs and includes life cycle cost amounts for 

certain satellites. 

Section 105 provides for reimbursement for services within Department of Commerce buildings. 

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 the Administrator with the authority to 

avail NOAA of needed resources, with the consent of those supplying the resources, to carry out responsibilities of any statute administered by NOAA. 

Section 108 prohibits the National Technical Information Service 

from charging customers for certain publications, except under certain conditions and requires charges be limited to recovering costs. 

Section 109 authorizes NOAA to receive payments from other entities to defray some costs of permitting and regulatory activities. 

In title II, Department of Justice, under General Administration, 

Salaries and Expenses, language is included providing for an 

amount for security and construction of Department of Justice facilities, which shall remain available until expended. 

Also, under Justice Information Sharing Technology, language is 

included providing that funds be available until expended. Language is also included allowing transfers up to a certain amount 

to this account for information technology initiatives, and that 

these funds may be transferred subject to requirements in this Act 

and shall be available until expended. 

In addition, under Executive Office for Immigration Review, language is included providing that an amount shall be derived by 

transfer from the Executive Office for Immigration Review fees deposited in the ‘‘Immigration Examinations Fee’’ account. Language 


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is also included making an amount available until expended for 

certain purposes. 

Moreover, under Office of Inspector General, language is in- cluded providing for not to exceed $10,000 to meet unforeseen 

emergencies of a confidential character. 

Under United States Parole Commission, Salaries and Expenses, 

language is included providing that upon the expiration of a term 

of office of a Commissioner, the Commissioner may continue to act 

until a successor has been appointed. 

Under Legal Activities, Salaries and Expenses, General Legal Activities, language is included providing not to exceed a certain 

amount for expenses of collecting evidence, to be expended under 

the direction of, and to be accounted for solely under the certificate 

of, the Attorney General. Language is also included providing for 

the administration of pardons and clemency petitions. Language is 

also included providing for rental of space in the District of Columbia. Language is included making an amount available until expended for litigation support contracts. In addition, language is included making certain funds available to INTERPOL available 

until expended. Also, language is included limiting the amount of 

funds for official representation and reception expenses available to 

INTERPOL Washington. Furthermore, language is included providing funds to the Civil Rights Division for expenses associated 

with election monitoring, authority to reimburse the Office of Personnel Management for such expenses, and availability of such 

funds until expended. Finally, language is included for expenses associated with processing cases under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986. 

Also, under Salaries and Expenses, Antitrust Division, language 

is included providing for no-year availability of funds and the use 

of offsetting collections. The language also provides that fees collected for premerger notification filings, regardless of the year of 

collection, shall be retained and used for necessary expenses in this 

appropriation, and shall remain available until expended. 

In addition, under Salaries and Expenses, United States Attorneys, language is included regarding inter-governmental and cooperative agreements and limiting funds for official reception and 

representation expenses. Language is also included extending the 

availability of certain funds. Finally, language is included requiring 

each United States Attorney to establish or participate in a task 

force on human trafficking. 

Furthermore, under United States Trustee System Fund, language is included regarding refunds due depositors. Language is 

also included providing for the extended availability of certain 

funds and the use of offsetting collections. 

Moreover, under Fees and Expenses of Witnesses, language is included regarding contracts for the procurement and supervision of 

expert witnesses. In addition, language is included regarding funds 

for construction of buildings for safesites, armored and other vehicles, and telecommunication equipment. The language also provides 

for no-year availability of funds. In addition, language is included 

providing no funds may be transferred pursuant to section 205 of 

this Act. 

And under Salaries and Expenses, Community Relations Service, 

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olution and violence prevention activities, which shall be subject to 

the provisions of section 505 of this Act. 

Under United States Marshals Service, Salaries and Expenses, 

language is included limiting official reception and representation 

expenses, and providing for no-year availability for part of the appropriation. 

Also, under Construction, language is included providing for noyear availability of funds. 

In addition, under Federal Prisoner Detention, language is included providing for no-year availability of funds. Language is also 

included providing that the United States Marshals Service shall 

be responsible for managing the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System. In addition, language is included limiting the 

amount of funds considered ‘‘funds appropriated for State and local 

law enforcement assistance’’. 

Under National Security Division, Salaries and Expenses, language is included providing for the no-year availability of funds for 

IT systems. Language is also included providing that upon a determination by the Attorney General that emergent circumstances require additional funding for the activities of the National Security 

Division, the Attorney General may transfer such amounts to this 

heading from available appropriations for the current fiscal year 

for the Department of Justice, as may be necessary to respond to 

such circumstances. The language provides that such a transfer 

shall be treated as a reprogramming under section 505 of this Act. 

Under Interagency Law Enforcement, Interagency Crime and 

Drug Enforcement, language is included providing for no-year 

availability for some of the funds. Language is also included regarding authorities under which funds may be used. 

Under Federal Bureau of Investigation, Salaries and Expenses, 

language is included providing for no-year availability of certain 

funds. Language is included providing for a limitation on representational expenses. 

Under Construction, language is included specifying the purpose 

of the appropriation and making it available until expended. 

Under Drug Enforcement Administration, Salaries and Expenses, 

language is included providing for funds to meet unforeseen emergencies of a confidential character. Language is also included allowing conduct of drug education and training programs, including 

travel and related expenses for participants in such programs and 

the distribution of items of token value that promote the goals of 

such programs. In addition, language is included providing for noyear availability of certain funds. Finally, language is included providing for a limitation on representational expenses. 

Under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Salaries and Expenses, language is included allowing training of State 

and local law enforcement agencies with or without reimbursement, including training in connection with the training and acquisition of canines for explosives and fire accelerants detection, and 

allowing provision of laboratory assistance to State and local law 

enforcement agencies, with or without reimbursement. Language is 

also included limiting official reception and representation expenses. In addition, language is included providing funds for the 

payment of attorneys’ fees. Additional language is included prohibiting expenses to investigate or act upon applications for relief from 


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Federal firearms disabilities under section 925(c) of title 18, United 

States Code. Language is further included regarding expenses to 

investigate applications filed by corporations for relief from section 

925(c) of title 18, United States Code. In addition, language is included providing for no-year availability of certain funds. Moreover, 

language is included that prohibits funds to transfer the functions, 

missions or activities of ATF to other agencies or departments. 

Under Federal Prison System, Salaries and Expenses, language 

is included that provides for the transfer to the Department of 

Health and Human Services funds necessary for medical relief for 

inmates. Language is also included that provides authority to the 

Director to enter into contracts to furnish health care. In addition, 

language is included placing a limitation on funds for reception and 

representation expenses. Furthermore, language is included extending the availability of certain funds. Finally, language is included providing authority for the Federal Prison System to accept 

donated property and services. 

Also, in Building and Facilities, language is included providing 

for no-year availability of funds. Language is also included stating 

labor of prisoners may be used for work under this heading. 

Additionally, under Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated, language is included authorizing Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated, to make such expenditures, within the limits of funds and 

borrowing authority available, and in accord with the law, and to 

make such contracts and commitments, without regard to fiscal 

year limitations, as may be necessary in carrying out the program 

set forth in the budget for the current fiscal year for such corporation. 

Furthermore, under Limitation on Administrative Expenses, Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated, language is included making 

available funds for its administrative expenses, and for certain 

services, to be computed on an accrual basis to be determined in 

accordance with the corporation’s current prescribed accounting 

system, and such amounts shall be exclusive of depreciation, payment of claims, and expenditures which such accounting system requires to be capitalized or charged to cost of commodities acquired 

or produced, including selling and shipping expenses, and expenses 

in connection with acquisition, construction, operation, maintenance, improvement, protection, or disposition of facilities and 

other property belonging to the corporation or in which it has an 

interest. 

Under State and Local Law Enforcement Activities, Office on Violence Against Women, Violence Against Women Prevention and 

Prosecution Programs, language is included making funds available 

until expended. Language is also included placing a limitation on 

funds to be made available for expenses related to evaluation, 

training, and technical assistance. In addition, language is included 

providing for specific appropriations for various programs within 

the Office on Violence Against Women. Furthermore, language is 

included making available certain unobligated balances for specified programs. The language also applies certain conditions to specified grants. It provides for certain funds to be transferred to ‘‘Research, Evaluation and Statistics’’’ for administration by the Office 

of Justice Programs. 


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Under Office of Justice Programs, Research, Evaluation and Statistics, language is included to provide for no-year availability of 

funds. Language is also included to provide for specific appropriations for various programs within the Office of Justice Programs. 

Also, under State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance, language is included to provide for no-year availability of funds. Language is also included regarding an Officer Robert Wilson III Memorial Initiative on Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement 

Officer Resilience and Survivability Initiative, juvenile indigent defense, a National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction, Capital Litigation and 

Wrongful Conviction Review, Prison Rape Prevention and Prosecution, Missing Alzheimer’s Patients, Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance, managed access systems and the application 

of certain sections and special rules. In addition, language is included regarding Federal immigration and other detainees housed 

in State and local detention facilities. Furthermore, language is included regarding local government use of funds to increase the 

number of law enforcement officers. Language is also included regarding DNA training and education for law enforcement, correctional personnel, and court officers. There is further language regarding certain time limitations under the Second Chance Act. Furthermore, language is included waiving a provision of law that terminated the COPS Hiring Program after September 2000. Language is also included regarding smart policing, smart prosecution, 

tribal law enforcement, regional information sharing activities, and 

certain police training. The language also provides for certain funds 

to be transferred to ‘‘Research, Evaluation and Statistics’’. Language is included allowing the transfer of certain balances from the 

‘‘Community Oriented Policing Services Programs’’ account, subject 

to the requirements of section 505 of this Act. Finally, the language 

specifies appropriations for various programs within the Office of 

Justice Programs. 

In addition, under Juvenile Justice Programs, language is included providing for no-year availability of funds. Language is also 

included waiving a provision of law with respect to funding for 

missing and exploited children programs. Finally, the language delineates certain amounts for various programs under this heading. 

Furthermore, under Public Safety Officer Benefits, language is 

included providing for no-year availability of funds. Language is 

also included providing for the transfers of funds in emergent circumstances, which shall be subject to the provisions of section 505 

of this Act. 

Under Department of Justice, General Provisions, the following 

general provisions that fall within the rule are recommended: 

Section 201 makes available additional reception and representation funding for the Attorney General from the amounts provided 

in this title. 

Section 202 prohibits the use of funds to pay for an abortion, except in the case of incest, rape or to preserve the life of the mother. 

Section 203 prohibits the use of funds to require any person to 

perform or facilitate the performance of an abortion. 

Section 204 establishes the obligation of the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide escort services to an inmate receiving an 


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abortion outside of a Federal facility, except where this obligation 

conflicts with the preceding section. 

Section 205 establishes the Committee’s requirements and procedures for transfer proposals. 

Section 206 prohibits the use of certain funds for transporting 

prisoners classified as maximum or high security, other than to a 

facility certified by the Bureau of Prisons as appropriately secure. 

Section 207 prohibits the use of funds for the purchase or rental 

by Federal prisons of audiovisual equipment, services and materials used primarily for recreational purposes, except for those 

items and services needed for inmate training, religious, or educational purposes. 

Section 208 requires review by the Deputy Attorney General and 

the Department Investment Review Board prior to the obligation or 

expenditure of funds for major information technology projects. 

Section 209 requires the Department to follow reprogramming 

procedures prior to any deviation from the program amounts specified in this title or the reuse of specified deobligated funds provided 

in previous years. 

Section 210 prohibits U.S. Attorneys from holding dual or additional responsibilities that exempt U.S. Attorneys from statutory 

residency requirements. 

Section 211 permits up to 3 percent of grant and reimbursement 

program funds made available to OJP to be used for training and 

technical assistance and permits up to 2 percent of grant or reimbursement funds made available to that office to be used for criminal justice research, evaluation and statistics. 

Section 212 waives the requirement that the Attorney General 

reserve certain funds from amounts provided for offender incarceration. 

Section 213 permanently 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. This 

language is made permanent. 

Section 214 places limitation on the obligation of funds from certain Department of Justice accounts and funding sources. 

In title III, Science, under Office of Science and Technology Policy, language is included providing that certain funds be available 

for reception and representation expenses, and rental of conference 

rooms. 

Under National Space Council, language is included providing 

that certain funds be available for reception and representation expenses. 

Under National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Science, 

language is included providing for the two year availability of 

funds. Language is also included regarding a limitation on formulation and development costs of a certain program with an associated 

notification requirement and language is also included concerning 

a planetary science mission. 

Also, under Aeronautics, language is included providing for the 

two year availability of funds. 


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In addition, under Exploration Research and Technology, language is included providing for the two year availability of funds. 

Under Deep Space Exploration Systems, language is included 

providing for the multi-year availability of funds. Language is also 

included that delineates amounts for program components. Language is also included describing certain reports and requiring the 

inclusion of estimates in future budget requests. 

In LEO and Spaceflight Operations, language is included providing for the multi-year availability of funds. 

Additionally, under Education, language is included providing for 

the multi-year availability of funds. Language is also included delineating amounts for program components. 

Under Safety, Security and Mission Services, language is included providing for the multi-year availability of funds. Language 

is also included to limit official reception and representation expenses. 

Under Construction and Environmental Compliance and Restoration, language is included providing for the multi-year availability 

of funds. Language is also included restricting receipts and expenditures made pursuant to enhanced use lease arrangements and requiring the inclusion of estimates in future budget requests. 

Under Office of Inspector General, language is included providing 

for the multi-year availability of certain funds. 

In the Administrative Provisions, language is included regarding: 

availability of funds for announced prizes; limitations on transfers 

of funds among NASA accounts; the submission of a spending plan; 

language regarding transfer of unexpired balances of previous accounts to new accounts; and language limiting obligation of certain 

funds pending submission of certain reports. 

Under National Science Foundation, Research and Related Activities, language is included that provides for the multi-year availability of funds. Language is also included that governs funding 

availability for polar research and operation support. In addition, 

language is included providing that certain receipts may be credited to this appropriation. 

Also, under Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction, language is included providing for no-year availability of 

funds. 

In addition, under Education and Human Resources, language is 

included providing for the multi-year availability of funds. 

Furthermore, under Agency Operations and Award Management, 

language is included regarding contracts for maintenance and operation of facilities and other services. Language is also included limiting representation expenses. 

Under Office of the National Science Board, language is included 

limiting funds for official reception and representation. 

Under Office of Inspector General, language is included providing 

for the multi-year availability of certain funds. 

Under Administrative Provision, language is included regarding 

transfers of funds. Also, language is included requiring the Director 

to submit notification of certain activities 30 days in advance. 

In title IV, Related Agencies, under Commission on Civil Rights, 

Salaries and Expenses, language is included prohibiting expenses 

to employ in excess of a specific level of full-time individuals or to 


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reimburse Commissioners for certain billable days. Language is 

also included prohibiting certain unauthorized activities. 

Under Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Salaries and 

Expenses, language is included designating an amount for payments to State and local enforcement agencies. Language is also included limiting funds for official reception and representation expenses. Finally, language is included authorizing the Chair to accept donations or gifts to carry out the work of the Commission. 

Under International Trade Commission, Salaries and Expenses, 

language is included limiting funds for official reception and representation expenses. Language is also included providing for noyear availability of funds. 

Under Legal Services Corporation, Payment to the Legal Services 

Corporation, language is included regarding pay for officers and 

employees. Language is also included delineating amounts for specific programs and regarding authorities to transfer funds. In addition, language is included designating the Legal Services Corporation as an agency of the Federal Government for the purposes of 

reprogramming. 

Under Administrative Provision, Legal Services Corporation, language is included that prohibits the use of funds for certain activities. 

Under Office of the United States Trade Representative, Salaries 

and Expenses, language is included providing for the no-year availability of some funds. Language is also included limiting funds for 

official reception and representation expenses. 

Also, under Trade Enforcement Trust Fund, language is included 

regarding certain notifications. 

Under State Justice Institute, Salaries and Expenses, language 

is included limiting funds for reception and representation expenses. Language is also included providing for multi-year availability of certain funds. In addition, language is included designating the State Justice Institute as an agency of the Federal Government for the purposes of reprogramming. 

In title V, General Provisions, the following general provisions 

that fall within the rule are recommended: 

Section 501 prohibits the use of funds for publicity or propaganda 

purposes unless expressly authorized by law. 

Section 502 prohibits any appropriation contained in this Act 

from remaining available for obligation beyond the current fiscal 

year unless expressly authorized. 

Section 503 provides that the expenditure of any appropriation 

contained in this Act for any consulting service through procurement contracts shall be limited to those contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public record and available for public inspection, except where otherwise provided under existing law or 

under existing Executive order issued pursuant to existing law. 

Section 504 provides that if any provision of this Act or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance shall be held 

invalid, the remainder of the Act and the application of other provisions shall not be affected. 

Section 505 prohibits a reprogramming of funds that: (1) creates 

or initiates a new program, project, or activity; (2) eliminates a program, project, or activity; (3) increases funds or personnel by any 

means for any project or activity for which funds have been denied 


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or restricted; (4) relocates an office or employees; (5) reorganizes or 

renames offices, programs, or activities; (6) contracts out or 

privatizes any function or activity presently performed by Federal 

employees; (7) augments funds for existing programs, projects, or 

activities in excess of $500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less, or 

reduces by 10 percent funding for any program, project, or activity, 

or numbers of personnel by 10 percent; or (8) results from any general savings, including savings from a reduction in personnel, 

which would result in a change in existing programs, projects, or 

activities as approved by Congress, unless the House and Senate 

Committees on Appropriations are notified 15 days in advance of 

such reprogramming of funds. 

Section 506 provides that if it is determined that any person intentionally affixes a ‘‘Made in America’’ label to any product that 

was not made in America that person shall not be eligible to receive any contract or subcontract made with funds made available 

in this Act. The section further provides that to the extent practicable, with respect to purchases of promotional items, funds made 

available under this Act shall be used to purchase items manufactured, produced, or assembled in the United States or its territories 

or possessions. 

Section 507 requires quarterly reporting on the status of balances of appropriations. 

Section 508 provides that any costs incurred by a department or 

agency funded under this Act resulting from, or to prevent, personnel actions taken in response to funding reductions in this Act, 

or, for the Department of Commerce, from actions taken for the 

care and protection of loan collateral or grant property, shall be absorbed within the budgetary resources available to the department 

or agency, and provides transfer authority between appropriation 

accounts to carry out this provision, subject to reprogramming procedures. 

Section 509 prohibits funds made available in this Act from being 

used to promote the sale or export of tobacco or tobacco products 

or to seek the reduction or removal of foreign restrictions on the 

marketing of tobacco products, except for restrictions that are not 

applied equally to all tobacco or tobacco products of the same type. 

This provision is not intended to impact routine international trade 

services to all U.S. citizens, including the processing of applications 

to establish foreign trade zones. 

Section 510 limits the obligation of receipts deposited into the 

Crime Victims Fund to $2,600,000,000 during fiscal year 2019. The 

language also provides for a tribal set-aside. 

Section 511 prohibits the use of Department of Justice funds for 

programs that discriminate against or denigrate the religious or 

moral beliefs of students participating in such programs. 

Section 512 prohibits the transfer of funds made available in this 

Act to any department, agency or instrumentality of the United 

States Government, except for transfers made by, or pursuant to 

authorities provided in, this Act or any other appropriations Act. 

Section 513 prohibits funds for acquisition of certain information 

systems unless the acquiring department or agency has reviewed 

and assessed certain risks. Any acquisition of such an information 

system is contingent upon the development of a risk mitigation 

strategy and a determination that the acquisition is in the national 


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interest. Each department or agency covered by this section shall 

consult with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other 

relevant agencies when reviewing supply chain risks and making 

a determination that the acquisition is in the national interest. 

Each department or agency covered by this section is directed to 

ensure it is following the criteria established by the FBI and the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology when acquiring or 

renewing certain information systems. Each department or agency 

covered under this section shall submit a quarterly report to the 

Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate describing 

reviews and assessments of risk made pursuant to this section and 

any associated findings or determinations. 

Section 514 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

to support or justify the use of torture by any official or contract 

employee of the United States Government. 

Section 515 permanently prohibits the use of funds to require 

certain export licenses. 

Section 516 permanently prohibits the use of funds to deny certain import applications regarding ‘‘curios or relics’’ firearms, parts, 

or ammunition. 

Section 517 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

to include certain language in trade agreements. 

Section 518 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

to authorize or issue a national security letter (NSL) in contravention of certain laws authorizing the FBI to issue NSLs. 

Section 519 requires congressional notification regarding any 

project within the Departments of Commerce or Justice, the National Science Foundation or the National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration totaling more than $75,000,000 that has cost increases of 10 percent or more. 

Section 520 deems funds for intelligence or intelligence related 

activities as authorized by Congress during fiscal year 2019 until 

the enactment of the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 

2019. 

Section 521 prohibits contracts or grant awards in excess of 

$5,000,000 unless the prospective contractor or grantee certifies 

that the organization has filed all Federal tax returns, has not 

been convicted of a criminal offense under the Internal Revenue 

Code of 1986, and has no unpaid Federal tax assessment. 

Section 522 provides for rescissions of unobligated balances from 

the Departments of Commerce and Justice. 

Section 523 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

for the purchase of first class or premium air travel in contravention of certain Federal regulations. 

Section 524 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

to pay for the attendance of more than 50 department or agency 

employees, who are stationed in the United States, at any single 

conference outside the United States, unless the conference is a law 

enforcement training or operational event where the majority of 

Federal attendees are law enforcement personnel stationed outside 

the United States. 

Section 525 prohibits the use of funds in this or any other Act 

for the transfer or release of certain individuals detained at United 

States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to or within the 

United States, its territories, or possessions. 


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Section 526 prohibits the use of funds in this or any other 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 United States Naval Station, 

Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the purposes of detention or imprisonment in the custody or control of the Department of Defense. 

Section 527 requires tracking and reporting of undisbursed balances in expired grant accounts. 

Section 528 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the 

Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) or the National 

Space Council (NSC) to engage in bilateral activities with China or 

a Chinese-owned company unless the activities are authorized by 

subsequent legislation or NASA, OSTP or NSC after consultation 

with the Federal Bureau of Investigation have made a certification 

pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section. 

Section 529 permanently prohibits funds from being used to deny 

the importation of shotgun models if no application for the importation of such models, in the same configuration, had been denied 

prior to January 1, 2011, on the basis that the shotgun was not 

particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. 

Section 530 prohibits the use of funds made available in this Act 

to establish or maintain a computer network that does not block 

pornography, except for law enforcement or victim assistance purposes. 

Section 531 requires each department and agency funded in the 

bill to submit spending plans. 

Section 532 prohibits funds made available by this Act to implement the Arms Trade Treaty until the Senate approves a resolution of ratification. 

Section 533 requires a quarterly report from the Department of 

Commerce, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 

and the National Science Foundation on official travel to China. 

Section 534 requires not less than 10 percent of the funds provided for certain programs be provided to persistent poverty counties. 

Section 535 prohibits funds to approve the registration, renewal, 

or maintenance of the registration of a mark, trade mark, trade 

name, or commercial name when the mark, trade mark, trade 

name, or commercial name was unlawfully confiscated in Cuba. 

Section 536 prohibits funds from being used to require a person 

licensed under section 923 of title 18, United States Code, to report 

information to the Department of Justice regarding the sale of multiple rifles or shotguns to the same person. 

Section 537 allows States to bring a civil action against the 

United States to restore the sovereignty reserved for the States by 

the Constitution. 

Section 538 prohibits funds to move a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives facility. 

Section 539 prohibits funds to enter into a civil settlement agreement on behalf of the United States that includes certain donations. 

Section 540 prohibits funds to prepare for the shutdown of the 

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. 


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Section 541 prohibits certain National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration actions regarding certain hydroelectric projects. 

Section 542 prohibits the Department of Justice from preventing 

certain States from implementing State laws regarding the use of 

medical marijuana. 

Section 543 prohibits funding to be used in contravention of the 

‘‘Order Activating Suspended Denial Order Relating to Zhongxing 

Telecommunications Equipment Corporation and ZTE Kangxun 

Telecommunications Ltd.’’ published on April 23, 2018. 

APPROPRIATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY LAW

The Committee, in a number of instances, has found it necessary 

to recommend funding for ongoing activities and programs for 

which authorizations have not been enacted to date. Pursuant to 

clause 3(f)(1)(B) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the following table lists the appropriations in the accompanying bill that are not authorized by law for the period concerned: 


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UNAUTHORIZED APPROPRIATIONS 

Fiscal Year 2019 

(dollars in thousands) 

Program Last year of au- thorization Authorization level in last year of authorization Appropriations in last year of authorization Appropriations in this bill 

Department of Commerce: 

International Trade Administration: 

Operations and Administration: 

Export Promotion Activities .................................................................................................................. 1996 such sums 264,885 *

Bureau of Industry and Security: 

Operations and Administration ..................................................................................................................... 1994 such sums 34,747 113,500 

Economic Development Administration: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 2008 such sums 30,832 39,000 Economic Development Assistance Programs .............................................................................................. various 262,500 

Public Works and Economic Development Act Programs .................................................................... 2008 500,000 349,100 (198,500 ) 

Minority Business Development Agency: 

Minority Business Development .................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 40,000 

Economics and Statistics Administration: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 99,000 

National Telecommunications and Information Administration: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 1993 17,900 18,493 39,500 

National Institute of Standards and Technology: 

Scientific and Technical Research and Services ......................................................................................... 2013 676,700 609,514 720,000 Industrial technology services ...................................................................................................................... 2013 241,709 140,316 145,000 

Manufacturing extension partnerships ................................................................................................ 2013 (165,100 ) (126,088 ) (140,000 ) 

Construction of research facilities ............................................................................................................... 2013 121,300 58,874 120,000 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 

Operations, Research and Facilities: 

National Ocean Service ........................................................................................................................ 1993 121,183 150,864 462,646 

Navigation, Observations and Positioning .................................................................................. various (154,179 ) Integrated Ocean Observing System Regional Observations ..................................................... 2013 such sums (34,932 ) (37,500 ) Hydrographic Survey Priorities/Contracts .................................................................................... 2012 (34,020 ) (28,973 ) (32,000 ) Coastal Science, Assessment, Response and Restoration ......................................................... various (80,000 )Competitive External Research ................................................................................................... various (18,500 ) Coastal Zone Management and Services ................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (44,000 ) Coastal Zone Management Grants ............................................................................................. 1999 (50,500 ) (52,700 ) (75,000 ) Coral Reef Program ..................................................................................................................... 2004 (16,000 ) (26,100 ) (27,000 ) 


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Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas ................................................................................... 2005 (40,000 ) (58,750 ) (57,500 ) National Estuarine Research Reserve System ............................................................................ 1999 (4,600 ) (4,300 ) (27,000 ) 

National Marine Fisheries Services: 

Marine Mammals, Sea Turtles and Other Species ..................................................................... various 113,500 Species Recovery Grants ............................................................................................................. 1992 † † 5,993 

Atlantic Salmon ........................................................................................................................... 1992 † † 6,224 Pacific Salmon ............................................................................................................................ 1992 † † 67,000 

Fisheries and Ecosystem Science Programs and Services ......................................................... various 144,196 Fisheries Data Collections, Surveys and Assessments .............................................................. various 165,249 Observers and Training ............................................................................................................... various 43,955 Fisheries Management Programs and Services .......................................................................... various 112,643 Salmon Management Activities .................................................................................................. various 37,000 Regional Councils and Fisheries Commissions .......................................................................... various 37,000 Interjurisdictional Fisheries Grants ............................................................................................. 2012 3,400 1,157 3,500 Enforcement ................................................................................................................................ various 70,000 Habitat Conservation and Restoration ....................................................................................... various 54,000 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research .................................................................................................... 1993 1,589,081 202,172 *, ‡

Climate Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes ....................................................................... 1993 (103,877 ) (79,948 ) (72,792 ) Climate Data and Information .................................................................................................... various (25,671 ) Weather Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes ...................................................................... 2018 (85,758 ) (85,758 ) (85,758 ) Weather and Air Chemistry Research Programs ........................................................................ 2018 (25,758 ) (25,758 ) (25,758 ) Joint Technology Transfer Initiative ............................................................................................ 2018 (20,000 ) (20,000 ) (20,000 ) Ocean and Coastal Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes .................................................... various (36,000 ) National Sea Grant College Program .......................................................................................... 2014 † (62,800 ) (68,500 ) 

Marine Aquaculture Program ...................................................................................................... 2014 † (4,500 ) (11,500 ) 

Ocean Exploration and Research ................................................................................................ 2015 (59,436 ) (28,000 ) (48,000 ) Integrated Ocean Acidification ................................................................................................... 2012 (20,000 ) (6,359 ) (13,000 ) Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring ......................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (43,000 ) High Performance Computing Initiatives .................................................................................... 1996 (4,500 ) (6,500 ) (12,180 ) 

National Weather Service: 

Operations and research activities ............................................................................................. 1993 395,822 † †

Observations ................................................................................................................................ various 236,000 Central Processing ...................................................................................................................... 1993 § § 90,000 

Analyze, Forecast and Support ................................................................................................... various 500,000 Dissemination .............................................................................................................................. 1993 § § 52,000 Science and Technology Integration ........................................................................................... various 137,000 

National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service: 

Office of Satellite and Product Operations ................................................................................ 1993 † † 150,000 

Product Development, Readiness and Application ..................................................................... 1993 † † 36,500 

Group on Earth Observations ...................................................................................................... 1993 n/a n/a 500 


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UNAUTHORIZED APPROPRIATIONS—Continued 

Fiscal Year 2019 

(dollars in thousands) 

Program Last year of au- thorization Authorization level in last year of authorization Appropriations in last year of authorization Appropriations in this bill 

National Centers for Environmental Information ........................................................................ 1993 39,596 32,646 60,000 

Mission Support: 

Mission Support Services ............................................................................................................ 1993 75,750 71,433 237,126 NOAA Office of Education ........................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 28,500 

Office of Marine and Aviation Operations: 

Marine Operations and Maintenance .......................................................................................... 1993 68,518 61,222 190,000 Aviation Operations ..................................................................................................................... 1993 10,336 9,872 37,250 

Procurement, Acquisition and Construction: 

National Ocean Service: 

National Estuarine Research Reserve Construction ................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 1,900 

Marine Sanctuaries Construction ................................................................................................ 2005 6,000 10,000 3,000 

Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research: 

Research Supercomputing/CCRI ................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 41,000 

National Weather Service: 

Observations ................................................................................................................................ 1993 † 84,516 16,250 

Central Processing ...................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 67,500 Dissemination .............................................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 35,500 Weather Forecast Office Construction ........................................................................................ n/a n/a n/a 8,750 

National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service: 

GOES–R ....................................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 408,380 Space Weather Follow-on ............................................................................................................ n/a n/a n/a 10,000 Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) ............................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 572,240 Polar Follow-on ............................................................................................................................ n/a n/a n/a 305,751 CDARS ......................................................................................................................................... 1993 2,300 n/a 500 COSMIC–2/GNSS–RO ................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 5,892 Satellite Ground Services ............................................................................................................ n/a n/a n/a 58,000 System Architecture and Advanced Planning ............................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 5,000 Projects, Planning, and Analysis ................................................................................................ n/a n/a n/a 40,000 Satellite CDA Facility .................................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 2,450 

Mission Support: 

NOAA Construction ...................................................................................................................... 1993 94,500 64,500 10,000 


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Office of Marine and Aviation Operations: 

Fleet Capital Improvements and Technology Infusion ............................................................... n/a n/a n/a 22,000 

Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery ................................................................................................................. 2009 90,000 80,000 65,000 Fishermen’s Contingency Fund ..................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 349 Fishery Disaster Assistance .......................................................................................................................... 2013 such sums 5,000 20,000 Fisheries Finance Program Account .............................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a –5,000 

Departmental Management: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 56,500 Office of Inspector General ........................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 34,744 

Department of Justice: 

General Administration: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 2009 181,561 105,805 102,500 Justice Information Sharing Technology ....................................................................................................... 2009 204,152 80,000 40,000 Executive Office for Immigration Review ...................................................................................................... 2009¶ n/a n/a 626,000 

Office of Inspector General ........................................................................................................................... 2009 81,922 80,681 102,000 

United States Parole Commission: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 2009 12,711 12,570 12,672 

Legal Activities: 

Salaries and Expenses, General Legal Activities ......................................................................................... 2009 764,526 805,655 897,500 Salaries and Expenses, Antitrust Division .................................................................................................... 2009 162,488 157,788 164,977 Salaries and Expenses, United States Attorneys .......................................................................................... 2009 1,829,194 1,851,336 2,250,000 Salaries and Expenses, Foreign Claims Settlement Commission ................................................................ 2009 1,429 1,823 2,409 Fees and Expenses of Witnesses .................................................................................................................. 2009 203,755 168,300 270,000 Salaries and Expenses, Community Relations Service ................................................................................. 2009 10,977 9,873 15,500 Assets Forfeiture Fund (discretionary) .......................................................................................................... 2009 22,000 20,990 20,514 

United States Marshals Service ............................................................................................................................. 2009 900,178 954,000 2,986,193 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. Δ (960,000 ) (1,392,400 ) 

Construction .................................................................................................................................................. Δ (4,000 ) (25,000 ) 

Federal Prison Detention# ............................................................................................................................. 2009 1,858,509 1,355,319 (1,586,793 ) 

National Security Division: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 101,369 

Interagency Law Enforcement: 

Interagency Crime and Drug Enforcement ................................................................................................... 2009 744,593 515,000 570,000 

Federal Bureau of Investigation ............................................................................................................................ 2009 6,480,608 7,301,191 9,321,029 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. Δ (7,182,700 ) (9,256,029 ) 

Construction .................................................................................................................................................. Δ (153,491 ) (65,000 ) 

Drug Enforcement Administration: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 2009 1,930,462 1,959,084 2,319,692 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 2009 1,038,939 1,078,215 1,316,678 


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UNAUTHORIZED APPROPRIATIONS—Continued 

Fiscal Year 2019 

(dollars in thousands) 

Program Last year of au- thorization Authorization level in last year of authorization Appropriations in last year of authorization Appropriations in this bill 

Federal Prison System ............................................................................................................................................ 2009 5,698,292 6,171,561 7,302,400 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. Δ (5,600,792 ) (7,152,400 ) 

Buildings and Facilities ................................................................................................................................ Δ (575,807 ) (150,000 ) 

Office on Violence Against Women: 

Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs: 

STOP Grants ......................................................................................................................................... 2018 215,000 215,000 215,000 Transitional Housing Assistance .......................................................................................................... 2018 35,000 35,000 35,500 Research and Evaluation on Violence against Women ....................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 3,500 Consolidated Youth-oriented Program ................................................................................................. various 11,000 

Engaging Men and Youth in Prevention ..................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a ††

Grants to Assist Children and Youth Exposed to Violence ........................................................ n/a n/a n/a ††

Supporting Teens Through Education Program .......................................................................... 2011 5,000 ** ††

Services to Advocate and Respond to Youth ............................................................................. n/a n/a n/a ††

Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies .................................................................................................... 2018 53,000 53,000 

Homicide Reduction Initiative ..................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (4,000 ) 

Sexual Assault Victims Services .......................................................................................................... 2018 40,000 35,000 35,500 Rural Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Enforcement ..................................................................... 2018 50,000 40,000 40,000 Violence on College Campuses ............................................................................................................ 2018 12,000 20,000 20,000 Civil Legal Assistance .......................................................................................................................... 2018 57,000 45,000 45,000 Elder Abuse Grant Program ................................................................................................................. 2018 9,000 5,000 5,000 Family Civil Justice .............................................................................................................................. various 16,000 

Court Training and Improvements Program ............................................................................... 2011 5,000 **

Safe Havens Program ................................................................................................................. 2011 20,000 **

Education and Training for Disabled Female Victims ........................................................................ 2018 9,000 6,000 6,000 National Resource Center on Workplace Responses ........................................................................... 2018 1,000 500 500 Research on Violence Against Indian Women ..................................................................................... 2015 1,000 940 1,000 Indian Country—Sexual Assault Clearinghouse .................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 500 Tribal Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction ...................................................................... 2018 n/a n/a n/a 

Office of Justice Programs: 

Research, Evaluation and Statistics: 

Bureau of Justice Statistics ................................................................................................................. 1995 33,000 32,335 50,000 

NCS-X Implementation Program ................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a (5,000 ) 


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National Institute of Justice ................................................................................................................ 1995 33,000 58,879 44,000 

Domestic Radicalization Research .............................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a (4,000 ) 

State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance: 

Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants .......................................................................................... 2012 1,095,000 470,000 441,500 

Officer Robert Wilson III VALOR Initiative .................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a (15,000 ) Juvenile Indigent Defense ........................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (2,500 ) NamUS ......................................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (2,400 ) Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction .................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (50,000 ) Prison Rape Prevention and Prosecution .................................................................................... 2010 40,000 15,000 (15,500 ) Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance ....................................................................... 2016 20,000 n/a (10,000 ) Managed Access ......................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (2,000 ) 

State Criminal Alien Assistance Program ........................................................................................... 2011 950,000 ** 255,000 

Victims of Trafficking .......................................................................................................................... 2017 45,000 11,000 100,000 Economic, High-tech, White Collar and Cybercrime Prevention .......................................................... n/a n/a n/a 11,000 Adam Walsh Act Implementation ........................................................................................................ 2009 such sums 18,000 20,000 National Sex Offender Public Website ................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 1,000 Community Teams to Reduce the Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Backlog ................................................. n/a n/a n/a 47,500 CASA—Special Advocates ................................................................................................................... 2018 12,000 12,000 12,000 Tribal Assistance .................................................................................................................................. various 40,000 

Tribal Courts ............................................................................................................................... 2004 such sums (8,000 ) ΔΔ

Alcohol and Substance Abuse .................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a ΔΔ

Indian Prison Grants ................................................................................................................... 2000 (2,753 ) (5,000 ) ΔΔTraining/TA Civil and Criminal Legal Assistance ....................................................................... n/a n/a n/a ΔΔ

Second Chance Act/Offender Reentry .................................................................................................. 2010 55,000 100,000 85,000 

Children of Incarcerated Parents Demo Grants ......................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (5,000 ) 

Community trust initiative ................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 65,000 

Body-worn Camera Partnership .................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a (22,500 ) Justice Reinvestment Initiative ................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (30,000 ) Research and statistics on community trust ............................................................................. n/a n/a n/a (2,500 ) Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program ............................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (15,000 ) 

COPS Hiring Grants .............................................................................................................................. § 1,000,000 225,500 

Smart Policing ............................................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a (5,000 ) Smart Prosecution ....................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a (2,500 ) Regional information sharing activities ..................................................................................... 2003 100,000 29,000 (40,000 ) Tribal Resources Grant Program ................................................................................................. 2015 44,000 (33,000 ) (35,000 ) Community Policing Development/Training and Technical Assistance ...................................... n/a n/a n/a (10,000 ) POLICE Act .................................................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a (20,000 ) 

Juvenile Justice Programs: 

Youth Mentoring Grants ....................................................................................................................... 2007 such sums §§ 100,000 

Victims of Child Abuse Programs ........................................................................................................ 2018 20,000 21,000 21,000 


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UNAUTHORIZED APPROPRIATIONS—Continued 

Fiscal Year 2019 

(dollars in thousands) 

Program Last year of au- thorization Authorization level in last year of authorization Appropriations in last year of authorization Appropriations in this bill 

Missing and Exploited Children Programs .......................................................................................... various 84,000 

Missing and Exploited Children grants ...................................................................................... 2018 * * *

Training for Judicial Personnel ............................................................................................................ 2018 2,300 2,000 2,000 

Tribal Youth Program .................................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 5,000 

Science: 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration: 

Science .......................................................................................................................................................... 2017 5,500,000 5,764,900 6,680,600 Aeronautics .................................................................................................................................................... 2017 640,000 660,000 715,000 Exploration Research and Technology .......................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 900,000 Deep Space Exploration Systems .................................................................................................................. n/a n/a n/a 5,083,900 LEO and Spaceflight Operations ................................................................................................................... n/a n/a n/a 4,624,700 Education ...................................................................................................................................................... 2017 115,000 100,000 90,000 Safety, Security and Mission Services .......................................................................................................... 2017 2,788,600 2,768,600 2,850,000 Construction and Environmental Compliance and Remediation .................................................................. 2017 388,000 360,700 562,240 Office of Inspector General ........................................................................................................................... 2017 37,400 37,900 39,300 

National Science Foundation: 

Research and Related Activities ................................................................................................................... 2013 6,637,849 5,983,280 6,651,500¶¶

Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction .............................................................................. 2013 236,764 196,170 268,040 Education and Human Resources ................................................................................................................. 2013 1,041,762 895,610 902,000 Agency Operations and Award Management ................................................................................................ 2013 363,670 299,400 333,630 Office of the National Science Board ........................................................................................................... 2013 4,906 4,440 4,370 Office of Inspector General ........................................................................................................................... 2013 15,049 14,200 15,350 

Related Agencies: 

Commission on Civil Rights: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 1995 9,500 8,904 9,700 

International Trade Commission: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 2004 57,240 58,295 95,000 

Legal Services Corporation: 

Payment to the Legal Services Corporation ................................................................................................. 1980 205,000 300,000 410,000 

Marine Mammal Commission: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 1999 1,750 1,240 3,431 


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Office of the U.S. Trade Representative: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 2004 33,108 41,552 57,600 

State Justice Institute: 

Salaries and Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 2008 7,000 3,760 5,821 

* The recommendation does not provide a specific amount for this program. † Authorization provides a single amount for activities spread across multiple NOAA Control Table lines. ‡ The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (Public Law 102–567) authorized Weather and Air Chemistry Research Programs. Other programs are unauthorized. § The last time the NWS was comprehensively authorized was 1993. Though specific programs, like the Tsunami Warning and Education Program, are currently authorized the recommendation does not provide 

a specific amount for those programs. ¶ The authorization authorizes funding for the ‘‘Administrative Review and Appeals’’ account, which encompassed the activities of the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Office of Pardon Attorney. 

The recommendation seperates these into different accounts. Δ Authorization does not provide amounts for specific accounts within this agency. 

# This was formerly the ‘‘General Administration, Detention Trustee’’ account. ** The authorization for this program expired in FY2011. Since the government was funded by a full-year continuing resolution, the Committee did not provide a specific appropriation for this program. †† These programs have been combined into the Consolidated Youth-oriented Program. ΔΔ The recommendation includes an overall amount for tribal assistance but does not specify amounts for each particular program. §§ The authorization for this program expired in FY2007. Since the government was funded by a full-year continuing resolution, the Committee did not provide a specific appropriation for this program. ¶¶ Within the Research and Related Activities account, funding for Dyslexia and windstorm research are authorized. 


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COMPARISON WITH THE BUDGET RESOLUTION

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives and section 308(a)(1)(A) of the Congressional 

Budget Act of 1974, the following table compares the levels of new 

budget authority and outlays provided in the bill with the appropriate allocations made under section 302(b) of the Budget Act: 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES 

[In millions of dollars] 

302(b) allocation This bill 

Budget Authority Outlays Budget Authority Outlays 

General purpose discretionary ........................ 62,520 72,161 62,520 72,145 * 

Mandatory ....................................................... 319 332 319 332 * 

* Includes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

FIVE-YEAR OUTLAY PROJECTIONS

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section 308(a)(1)(B) of 

the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the following table contains 

five-year outlay projections associated with the budget authority 

provided in the accompanying bill, as provided to the Committee by 

the Congressional Budget Office: 

[In millions of dollars] 

Projection of outlays associated with the recommendation: 

2019 ......................................................................................................................................................... 47,345 * 

2020 ......................................................................................................................................................... 15,483 

2021 ......................................................................................................................................................... 4,576 

2022 ......................................................................................................................................................... 1,405 

2023 and future years ............................................................................................................................. 4,774 

* Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

ASSISTANCE TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII and section 308(a)(1)(C) of 

the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Congressional Budget 

Office has provided the following estimates of new budget authority 

and outlays provided by the accompanying bill for financial assistance to State and local governments: 

[In millions of dollars] 

Budget Authority Outlays 

Financial assistance to State and local governments for 2019 .................................... ¥6,559 346 * 

* Excludes outlays from prior-year budget authority. 

PROGRAM DUPLICATION

No provision of this bill establishes or reauthorizes a program of 

the Federal Government known to be duplicative of another Federal program, a program that was included in any report from the 

Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to section 

21 of Public Law 111-139, or a program related to a program identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. 


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DIRECTED RULE MAKING

The bill does not direct any rule making. 

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF NEW BUDGET (OBLIGATIONAL) 

AUTHORITY

The following table provides a detailed summary, for each department and agency, comparing the amounts recommended in the 

bill with fiscal year 2018 enacted amounts and budget estimates 

presented for fiscal year 2019: 


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MINORITY VIEWS 

We commend Chairman Culberson for his efforts in assembling 

the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) bill. 

However, we remain deeply concerned about this year’s overall appropriations process and are resolutely opposed to the direction it 

appears to be headed. 

The agencies and programs funded under the CJS bill play key 

roles in securing our nation, promoting economic development, and 

ensuring our leadership in scientific endeavors. We are pleased 

that many critical priorities are well-funded in this bill. At the 

same time, however, many other essential programs aimed at helping hardworking American families, ensuring public safety, and understanding and mitigating the effects of extreme weather and climate change are underfunded, many quite substantially. The bill 

also lacks necessary oversight over the Trump Administration and 

contains several harmful riders. 

Before we detail our concerns, we point out some of the positive 

investments this bill makes. It provides needed increases for research grants at the National Science Foundation (NSF), the hiring 

of additional immigration judges, and funding for both the Legal 

Orientation Program and the immigration help desk. The bill also 

provides increases for several important Department of Justice 

(DOJ) grants, and sustains and increases investments previously 

made in the fiscal year 2018 Appropriations Act for activities to 

combat the opioid crisis. In addition, the bill provides increases for 

Federal law enforcement. 

The bill also rejects several of the Administration’s worst proposals, including its proposed cuts to the Minority Business Development Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Sea Grant program, both of which are given 

modest increases in this bill. Modest increases are also provided for 

several other NOAA coastal and ocean programs that the Administration had proposed to cut, such as the Integrated Ocean Observing System, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, and 

Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas, though the Coastal Zone 

Management Grants program is frozen at the FY 2018 level. The 

bill also largely rejects cuts to the educational efforts of NOAA, 

NSF, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

(NASA), which help inspire and train our next generation of scientists. 

President Trump proposed ending Federal support for Economic 

Development Administration programs and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, even though these programs help 

create and retain tens of thousands of jobs each year throughout 

the country. The Committee bill maintained these programs at the 

fiscal year 2018 levels, and we would like to work together to provide funding increases for FY 2019. 


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The bill also rejects the Administration’s proposal to eliminate 

the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). LSC grants help local providers assist veterans, domestic violence victims, the elderly, and 

many others to assert their legal and constitutional rights. The 

LSC plays a crucial role in ensuring that our legal and constitutional rights are available to all Americans, not just those who can 

afford it. We want to work together to increase the funding for LSC 

as this process moves forward. It is, however, unfortunate that an 

amendment by Rep. David Price to add $10 million to the agency 

to help address the eviction crisis in this country was rejected by 

the majority. As he pointed out in his remarks, in jurisdictions all 

over the country, large majorities of persons evicted lack legal representation and are beholden to landlords who sometimes unlawfully evict hardworking Americans. Examples include Newark 

(where 90% of persons facing eviction were unrepresented by attorneys), Philadelphia (74% unrepresented), and San Francisco (53% 

unrepresented). 

The Census Bureau is well funded in this bill, which is particularly important now that the Bureau is in the process of conducting 

final testing and other preparations to help ensure a thorough and 

accurate population count during the 2020 Decennial Census. Thorough preparation is needed now to avoid unexpectedly higher costs 

in the next few years. We also appreciate the committee report’s directive that the Census Bureau ensure that its fiscal year 2019 

partnership and communications activities in support of the 2020 

Census are conducted at a level of effort no less than that conducted during fiscal year 2009 in preparation for the 2010 Census. 

We are deeply concerned, however, that the bill does not prevent 

the Trump Administration from embarking on its sudden and very 

misguided plan to add a question on citizenship status to the 2020 

Census. The decision to add this question was made over the objections of Census Bureau experts as well as six former Census Bureau directors. In addition, this question was not included in the 

list of 2020 Census topics sent to Congress just last year. The last 

census in which the entire nation was asked about citizenship status was 1950. In the current political atmosphere, however, with 

the debate over the especially volatile issue of immigration, a great 

many households will be fearful of responding to a census form 

that asks persons about their citizenship status. This will lead to 

reduced self-response rates, a significantly higher non-response follow-up workload, a much more costly and less accurate census, and 

reduced federal resources and political representation for a host of 

states and communities throughout the country. We must also emphasize that Thomas Brunell, President Trump’s first choice to be 

director of the Census Bureau, had this to say in a recent interview 

with Science magazine: ‘‘I’m agnostic on whether [the citizenship 

question] is needed. I think the critical point is that the administration wants to put it on there. They have made a political decision.’’ Brunell added that as a result of the question, non-response 

follow-up, ‘‘may be a little bit harder and more expensive to do because there will be a couple million more people they need to 

count.’’ This is totally unacceptable, and we are dismayed that the 

Committee rejected the Serrano-Meng amendment to prevent the 

Census Bureau from including in the 2020 Census a question on 


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citizenship status. Removing this question from the 2020 Census is 

absolutely vital, and will help ensure that Congress abides by the 

constitutional requirement to count the whole number of persons in 

the United States. 

Furthermore, we are deeply concerned that the CJS bill cuts 

funding for a number of critical programs and public investments. 

Programs that conduct crucial climate research are significantly 

reduced in this bill. There is a 38% cut to NOAA climate research, 

including the complete elimination of the Climate Competitive Research, Sustained Observations and Regional Information budget 

line. Furthermore, NASA’s Earth Science program is cut by $21 

million below the current level. Such funding cuts would jeopardize 

our ability to improve the scientific understanding of our planet 

and its changes. This, in turn, would undermine our ability to protect the health and safety of our communities. 

Furthermore, the Committee bill contains a cut to NOAA’s overall operations, research, and facilities budget, including the elimination of the Title IX Fund (formerly known as the Regional Coastal Resilience Grant program). This program funds important work 

in coastal and Great Lakes areas, ensuring that states and communities are prepared to face challenges such as restoring coastal infrastructure and addressing growing problems like erosion, sea 

level rise, ocean acidification, and marine debris. 

The Justice Department is also underfunded in a number of critical areas. While the overall level of funding for DOJ grants is approximately equal to the comparable FY 2018 level, the bill cuts 

funding for the core COPS hiring program, which supports the hiring of law enforcement officers. We are also troubled by the bill’s 

elimination of two crucial juvenile justice grant programs: State 

Formula Grants and Delinquency Prevention Incentive Grants. 

These grant programs reduce crime, promote police-community relations, and prevent recidivism. 

We continue to be extremely troubled by the inclusion of gun-related riders, including one that would effectively prevent the enforcement of an existing requirement that Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) in the four southwest Border States report to the National Tracing Center on the sale of certain kinds of semi-automatic 

rifles favored by the Mexican drug cartels. This reporting requirement is narrow and targeted, applying only to Texas, Arizona, New 

Mexico, and California, and only when a dealer sells two or more 

qualifying long guns to a single individual within five business 

days. Qualifying guns are rifles that (1) are semi-automatic; (2) are 

greater than .22 caliber; and (3) can hold a detachable magazine. 

It does not apply to shotguns or the vast majority of rifles regularly 

used for hunting purposes. 

This reporting requirement is identical to one that has existed 

for decades for handguns, and in no way does it hinder the ability 

of any law-abiding person to purchase as many rifles as he or she 

desires. It is not an undue burden on FFLs, with the time to complete a multiple sales form estimated at 12 minutes and an estimated annual cost in employee time of only $16. 

This very limited reporting requirement has proven to be an important tool for Federal law enforcement in the effort to uncover illegal trafficking operations intended to supply semi-automatic 


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weapons to violent drug gangs across the border. According to the 

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), these 

multiple sales reports have thus far led to more than 1,000 defendants recommended for prosecution, including both alleged straw 

purchasers and others farther up the firearms trafficking chain. 

Also according to ATF, the reporting requirement is forcing firearms traffickers to change tactics, making straw purchases more 

difficult and serving as a deterrent for many people who might 

have engaged in straw purchasing in the past. 

This is not about restricting gun ownership or compiling a registry of long gun owners. Information that does not become part of 

a trafficking investigation is purged from ATF records within two 

years. This is a law enforcement response to the evidence from successful tracings of weapons recovered in Mexico. These tracings 

show that a large number of these weapons were initially sold by 

licensed gun dealers in California, Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas. 

In 2013, a unanimous panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 

Fifth Circuit affirmed an earlier court finding that Federal law 

‘‘unambiguously authorizes’’ this reporting requirement. This Committee simply has no business tying the hands of law enforcement 

agencies as they attempt to rein in crime. We are disappointed that 

the Committee rejected the Wasserman Schultz amendment to 

strike this rider from the bill. 

Further, we are concerned about other inappropriate riders that 

do not belong in this bill, including a rider that places restrictions 

on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO)’s ability to issue 

trademarks to Cuban nationals, even in cases in which a specific 

license from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets 

Control has been issued. Aside from meddling in foreign policy, the 

provision would create a significant administrative burden on PTO, 

setting an impossible standard that PTO reports it cannot meet. 

Democrats on the Committee also attempted to reverse two recent decisions by the Department of Justice through immigrationrelated amendments that we are disappointed were not adopted. 

The Serrano amendment would have prevented the Department of 

Justice from imposing case closure quotas as a basis for immigration judges’ performance evaluations. This ill-advised plan will create a conflict of interest between immigration judges and the public. In addition, it is likely to increase the backlog, put due process 

at risk, and threaten the judicial independence of the immigration 

courts. The Serrano amendment, had it been adopted, would have 

allowed immigration judges to continue to conduct fair and impartial hearings for each case before them. The Roybal-Allard amendment, which would have blocked the Department of Justice from 

prosecuting asylum seekers until after their asylum claim is evaluated, was also disappointingly not adopted. The Trump Administration’s zero tolerance policy aimed at prosecuting immigrants entering the country includes the separation of parents and children. Although the Administration hasn’t publicly stated this, family separation is being used as a cruel tactic to deter immigrants from coming to the United States. 

Rep. Lowey offered two common sense amendments that were defeated. The first would allow the Department of Justice to block the 

sales of firearms to persons known or suspected to be engaged in 


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conduct related to terrorism. Currently, Federal law prohibits nine 

categories of dangerous people from purchasing or owning firearms. 

However, Federal law does not allow the Attorney General the discretion to block a firearms purchase to an individual on a terror 

watch list. There have been consequences. For example, on November 5, 2009, at Fort Hood 13 people were shot and killed and 30 

others wounded by Nidal Hasan, who passed a background check 

and bought a handgun even though he was under investigation by 

the FBI for links to terrorism. Allowing the Attorney General the 

discretion to block these purchases is a sensible approach that 

should be widely supported. 

The second Lowey amendment would have prohibited the use of 

funds to obstruct, hinder, frustrate, impede, or prevent any investigative work conducted by Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller. It 

is imperative that Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation be conducted completely free of meddling from the White House, the Department of Justice, or anyone else. The Lowey amendment would 

have made it clear that it is unlawful for employees of the Department of Justice, the White House, or any other Federal entity to 

meddle in an investigation that is critical for Americans’ confidence 

in our democracy and the institutions of government. 

We believe that this Committee has a duty to check the actions 

taken by this Administration to undermine our democratic norms 

and constitutional protections. Interference in independent investigations, undermining due process, and politicizing non-political 

surveys are just three ways that this Administration is weakening 

the foundations of our democracy. It is time for Congress, and this 

Committee, to speak out on behalf of the American people, and our 

side will continue to fight for these values. 

Even though the Committee defeated amendments to help prevent terrorists from purchasing firearms and protecting the special 

counsel’s investigation, the Committee very unwisely adopted the 

Valadao amendment, which is aimed at preventing NOAA from 

being involved in the process for prescribing the passage of endangered and threatened fish along the Tuolumne River in California. 

This rider would prevent the restoration of salmon to iconic habitat 

near Yosemite National Park. It undermines Federal Power Act 

provisions that allow for the restoration of fish passage past hydropower dams in order to preserve healthy ecosystems and fisheries. 

NOAA and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are involved in numerous hydropower relicensing proceedings around the 

country. This provision sets an extremely bad precedent and should 

not be in the bill. 

The Committee did come together in one area related to Chinese 

sanctions. The Ruppersberger-DeLauro amendment was adopted to 

prevent the Trump Administration from backtracking on the April 

2018 sanctions that were imposed on the Chinese telecommunications company ZTE. For more than six years, ZTE illegally sold 

technology products containing U.S. components to both Iran and 

North Korea. As a result, ZTE was fined $1.2 billion by the U.S. 

Government for violating export control law. Due to ZTE’s subsequent false statements to the U.S. Government, as well as ZTE’s 

payment of bonuses to company personnel involved in the illegal 

transactions, the Commerce Department in April 2018 very wisely 


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imposed on ZTE a 7-year denial of export privileges. However, less 

than four weeks later, President Trump issued the following outrageous, shocking, and thoroughly irresponsible tweet: ‘‘President 

Xi of China, and I, are working together to give massive Chinese 

phone company, ZTE, a way to get back into business, fast. Too 

many jobs in China lost. Commerce Department has been instructed to get it done!’’ Setting aside the President’s inexplicably 

seeming to care more about the job creation of America’s international competitors than job creation here at home, we simply 

cannot allow the Administration to backtrack on the enforcement 

of export control law, especially for clear sanctions violations. The 

Ruppersberger-DeLauro amendment is aimed at ensuring that bad 

behavior is not rewarded, and that the United States does not reverse course on its vital responsibility to protect the nation by ensuring there are consequences to willful and blatant violations of 

export control laws and regulations. 

This bill, like most other appropriations bills, must be considered 

in the context of the full appropriations process. The Bipartisan 

Budget Act enacted early this year provided relief from unworkable 

discretionary spending caps. The agreement was supposed to provide the country with stability following a year of shutdowns, lastminute veto threats, and general uncertainty in government. That 

stability lasted long enough for Congress to pass a bipartisan Omnibus appropriations bill for FY 2018 and then Republican chaos 

reigned again. The President threatened to veto the bill, unhappy 

with Congress’ large investments in programs to help low- and 

middle-income Americans and rejection of his campaign-promised 

border wall. 

Even after the President backed off his threat and signed the 

bill, the Administration and Republican leadership in Congress, 

many of whom voted for the Bipartisan Budget Act and the Omnibus, have continued to attempt to undo those bipartisan agreements. Now, the majority is seeking to pass a rescissions bill to 

undo funding and mollify an angry President. We have been told 

by OMB Director Mick Mulvaney that this is the first of many rescission packages meant to bring spending in line with the President’s priorities, ignoring Congressional action that dismissed the 

President’s FY 2017 and FY 2018 draconian budget requests. 

In addition to the unacceptable rescissions proposals, the majority’s lack of transparency with regard to how it will allocate the FY 

2019 discretionary budget also endangers future bipartisan compromise. The majority has abandoned longstanding committee 

practice to provide the Members and the public with a budget blueprint for domestic spending, known as 302(b) allocations. Members 

are forced to vote on bills without the full picture on the impact 

of each bill on other bills, like those that invest in education, job 

training and creation, health care, consumer protection, and other 

top priorities for American families. Democrats can only be left to 

assume that the majority is siphoning money from bills at the end 

of the process that are important to economic growth and the safety, security, and well-being of our families. 

In conclusion, in spite of all our concerns, we would like to reiterate our appreciation for Chairman Culberson’s work with us on 

a number of issues. The bill funds a number of the Minority’s priorVerDate Sep 11 2014 04:16 May 25, 2018 Jkt 030179 PO 00000 Frm 00141 Fmt 6604 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR704.XXX HR704

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ities. However, the shortcomings in this bill are very real. Although 

there is much to commend in the CJS appropriations bill, we cannot support the bill in its current form. Furthermore, we are extremely disappointed in the 302(b) allocation process because hiding these numbers only makes our Committee’s work more difficult. 

Inviting partisanship back into the appropriations process by shortchanging critical domestic and international priorities will endanger the good work in this and other bills. 

NITA M. LOWEY. 

JOSE ́ E. SERRANO. 

Æ 


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