The House of Representatives considered this bill on October 11 and 12. Numerous amendments were debated, some of which were adopted. Under Walker's floor amendment, FY 1997 authorization levels were proposed for four major DOE activities. After much debate, this amendment was passed by a voice vote. Authorization bills provide permission to spend up to a specified level.
Appropriations bills provide the actual money for a program.
This activity provides money for High Energy Physics and Nuclear Physics Research. The manner in which this additional money is to be used is not specified. Debate on this bill was contentious at times, with Democrats criticizing the manner in which H.R. 2405 was brought to the House floor. Republicans and Democrats traded charges about the merits of the bill, whether it enhanced or diminished federal support of science and technology, the relationship between authorization and appropriations legislation, and the importance of the bill in setting science policy and funding levels. It was accepted by voice vote, and permits a higher authorization level for the foundation under certain circumstances.