Research in the FY 2000 Budget Table 4. The increase would be slightly ahead of the expected 2.0 percent inflation rate.
Basic research continues to be a high priority for both branches of government.
The outlook for FY 2000 and beyond is mixed. The President's FY 2000 budget is constrained by a cap on discretionary spending, put into place two years ago to help eliminate the federal deficit. Adding to the budgetary pressures are demands for increased funding for many priority areas, including national defense and education. The budget proposal does, however, find room for significant increases for a few priority programs and some new initiatives in FY 2000. These increases are part of the Administration's effort to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and reflect the importance that technological solutions will have in this effort.