A quarter of a billion dollars in funds for Columbia researchers may be augmented when Congress finishes its annual funding bills in late September or early October. In contrast to the 104th Congress last year, the 105th Congress has been very pro-science. University research and subsequent spin-offs are seen as important economic engines for our country and the world. Thus, Congress enters its annual funding cycle with a positive attitude toward funding for science.
Science funding is allocated in a number of different bills.
The House has completed more bills than the Senate. Once each chamber votes on bills, House and Senate members with jurisdiction over the annual funding bills will meet to iron out their differences. This year's recommended increases in science funding are even more positive than would appear at first glance. The President's own budget proposal for the fiscal year had included even higher levels of science funding, but the numbers assumed a large tobacco settlement. He joined 50 other governors from states and territories in writing to all members of Congress detailing support for university-based research.