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Today, the United States Senate passed its remaining six appropriations bills, including the FY2019 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Included in this package are several priorities U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations – worked to include on behalf of Kansans.
More information:
- Senate Passes Sen. Moran’s FY2019 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act
- Sen. Moran Priorities Included in FY2019 Ag Appropriations Act
- Sen. Moran Priorities Included in FY2019 THUD Appropriations Act
- Sen. Moran Secures Funding for GSA’s Technology Modernization Fund
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Senate Passes Sen. Moran’s FY2019 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act
Feb 14 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – Chairman of Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies – today released the following statement after the Senate passed the FY2019 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:
“This bipartisan bill achieves an appropriate balance between fiscal responsibility and investing in our future by supporting law enforcement, national security interests, economic development and scientific innovation. Ranking Member Shaheen and I have worked in an open and transparent manner to address the many important priorities within our jurisdiction, and I am pleased this legislation passed the Senate with bipartisan support.”
The FY2019 measure funds the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation and other agencies. The Senate-passed bill invests in federal law enforcement agencies, state and local law enforcement and victim’s assistance grants, space exploration, basic science research, economic development programs, trade enforcement, ocean observations and weather forecasting and the STOP School Violence Act.
FY2019 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act highlights:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
The bill funds the U.S. Department of Commerce at $11.41 billion. The Committee continues its strong support for economic development, strengthening trade enforcement, improving fisheries management, protecting intellectual property rights and advancing severe weather forecasting.
International Trade Administration (ITA) – $495 million for the International Trade Administration. $118 million for the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to allow BIS to hire additional staff to improve the timeliness of the section 232 tariff exclusion process.
Economic Development Administration (EDA) – $304 million for EDA, including $117.5 million for its Public Works program, which supports brick-and-mortar projects in distressed communities across the nation. Funding for EDA also includes $23.5 million for the Regional Innovation Program to promote and strengthen regional innovation to spur job creation through private-public partnerships.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) – $3.37 billion for USPTO to protect the ideas and inventions of our nation’s entrepreneurs in an effort to advance and innovate all sectors of the economy.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) – $985.5 million for NIST to strengthen the U.S. cybersecurity posture through cutting-edge research and development, expand opportunities in the areas of advanced manufacturing and continue promotion of the highest-quality standards to maintain fairness in the global marketplace. Funding for NIST includes $140 million for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, which is a private-public partnership present in all 50 states dedicated to serving small- and medium-sized manufacturers.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – $5.42 billion for NOAA to continue core NOAA operations including: ocean monitoring, fisheries management, coastal grants to states, aquaculture research, weather satellites and severe weather forecasting.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
The bill funds the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) at $30.934 billion. Salaries and expenses for most federal law enforcement agencies are increased by roughly two percent. The constantly changing landscape of criminal activity at home and abroad tests DOJ’s ability to deal with emerging threats, and this bill directs federal law enforcement agencies to work cooperatively to safeguard taxpayer dollars while preserving public safety.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – $9.577 billion for FBI Salaries and Expenses and Construction. This funding will enable the FBI to continue protecting and defending against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, both at home and abroad. The bill fully funds the request of $91.6 million for the Innocent Images National Initiative to target and investigate sexual predators on the Internet, and increases funding for cybersecurity activities to neutralize, mitigate and disrupt illegal computer-supported operations.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – $2.687 billion for DEA Salaries and Expenses and Diversion Control supporting DEA’s mission to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States, including efforts to combat heroin use and prescription drug abuse.
United States Marshals Service (USMS) – $2.925 billion for the USMS. This funding enables USMS to continue executing its broad mission which includes but is not limited to Fugitive Apprehension, Federal Judicial Security; Adam Walsh Act enforcement requirements, such as apprehending convicted sex offenders who fail to register as fugitives; and executing responsibilities under International Megan’s Law, including alerting foreign governments when registered sex offenders travel abroad. The bill also provides continued support for Regional Fugitive Task Forces.
U.S. Attorneys – $2.212 billion for the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the 94 U.S. Attorneys offices. This funding includes $48.34 million, which is equal to the President’s budget request, to continue the focus on Adam Walsh Act investigations and prosecutions related to the sexual exploitation of children. This funding also includes $60.5 million to continue efforts to combat cybercrime and intrusions.
DOJ Grant Programs – $2.91 billion for state and local law enforcement, crime prevention and victim assistance grant programs, which includes grants for State and local law enforcement, the Office on Violence Against Women and juvenile justice programs. The bill provides $423.5 million for Byrne JAG; approximately $182 million for DNA Initiatives and Sexual Assault Kits; $347 million for Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) programs, including $99 million in support for Drug Courts and Veterans Treatment Courts to further combat the opioid and heroin epidemic; $87.5 million for Second Chance Act grants to reduce recidivism for adults released from jail by offering substance abuse treatment, employment assistance and other rehabilitation services; $32 million for COPS Office Anti-Heroin Task Forces grants; and $8 million for COPS Office Anti-Methamphetamine Task Forces grants.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) – PSN focuses on combating violent crime and is funded at $20 million.
STOP School Violence Act – The STOP School Violence Act, passed in the FY2018 Omnibus, is fully funded at its authorized level of $100 million.
Crime Victims Fund (CVF) – The bill provides $3.353 billion to victims and for victim services in FY2019. Additionally, $10 million is reserved for the DOJ Office of the Inspector General to audit grants funded through this distribution, and five percent of the total distribution is set aside to improve services for tribal victims of crime.
SCIENCE
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – $21.5 billion for NASA to support the human and robotic exploration of space, to fund science missions that enhance the understanding of the Earth, the solar system and the universe and to support fundamental aeronautics research. Using the same account funding structure as in previous years, this includes:
- $5.05 billion for Exploration to advance NASA’s human exploration program through providing $2.15 billion for the Space Launch System (SLS), $1.35 billion for the Orion crewed spacecraft to continue development of NASA’s next deep-space crewed capsule and $450 million to begin development of the Lunar Orbital Platform.
- $6.9 billion for Science, including $1.9 billion for Earth science, $2.758 billion for Planetary science, $1.191 billion for astrophysics, $304 million for the Webb telescope and $720 million for Heliophysics.
- $725 million for Aeronautics. The bill supports the ongoing work on aeronautics x-vehicles, advanced research into aeronautics materials and materials characterization and further research on unmanned aerial systems and unmanned traffic management.
- $110 million is provided for NASA’s education programs under a newly named Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Engagement activity. Within STEM Engagement, Space Grant is funded at $44 million, NASA’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) is funded at $21 million and the the Competitive Program for Science Museums, Planetariums and NASA Visitor Centers is funded at $5 million.
- $927 million is provided for Space Technology. Funding is included to advance projects in early stages of development that are expected to eventually demonstrate capabilities needed for future space exploration.
National Science Foundation (NSF) – $8 billion for NSF. Funding is provided for basic research across scientific disciplines to support the development of effective STEM programs.
- These funds will allow NSF to provide more grants to highly competitive research projects and help provide opportunities to prepare the next generation of STEM leaders.
- $176 million is provided for EPSCoR.
- $127 million is provided for the design and construction of three Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRV). By having three regional ships, the Gulf of Mexico and the East and West coasts will be able to have a dedicated RCRV to maximize research time in each of these regions.
RELATED AGENCIES
International Trade Commission (ITC) – $95 million for ITC. ITC is an independent agency responsible for providing Congress and the President with impartial advice on U.S. international trade policy.
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) – $68 million for USTR, of which up to $15 million is available to be derived from the Trade Enforcement Trust Fund for enforcement activities authorized by the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. As the federal government’s lead negotiator for trade agreements, this funding will maintain the strong bargaining position of USTR, as well as its trade coordination and enforcement actions.
For USTR, the bill also includes language that directs the agency to establish an exclusion process for the third and latest round of section 301 tariffs, which cover $200 billion worth of imported goods from China.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement after securing $25 million for the GSA’s Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) in the FY2019 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill:
“While this funding falls short of the authorization level for this fiscal year, I am pleased that our efforts with appropriators and relevant agencies to improve transparency around agencies’ modernization proposals have resulted in bipartisan support for the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF). Congress and federal agencies must work hand-in-hand to provide the necessary resources to the TMF, which, used responsibly, is a vital tool for the federal government’s task of keeping our nation’s critical IT infrastructure efficient and secure.”
Items to Note:
- In 2017, Sen. Moran’s Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act passed the Senate as part of the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act and the bill was subsequently signed into law in December of 2017. The MGT Act creates the TMF, a separate, centralized fund administered by the General Services Administration (GSA) within the Department of the Treasury, and the fund is intended to support and incentivize federal agencies to replace their costly and vulnerable legacy IT systems.
- Sen. Moran spoke on the Senate floor regarding the importance of the TMF in July of 2018.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies – today released the following statement after the Senate passed the FY2019 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill that provides funding to support agriculture, conservation and nutrition programs:
“What our farmers and ranchers grow in Kansas not only puts food on our tables here at home, but provides nourishment to the hungry worldwide. The priorities I worked to include in this bipartisan bill – including broadband expansion and mental health services – reflect the resources farmers and ranchers across our state have expressed to me they need to do their jobs during a tough time in agriculture. I appreciate the Senate coming together in a bipartisan fashion to show our care, appreciation and support for our nation’s producers.”
This appropriations bill supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2018 Farm Bill implementation, rural development, conservation programs, and food and drug safety. It also provides essential nutrition assistance for children, families and seniors and creates incentives for military veterans to enter careers in agriculture.
Included in this legislation are several Sen. Moran-sponsored provisions:
Agricultural Research – Supports agricultural research conducted by the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This includes a $15 million increase over FY2018 for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, and research for Kansas crops such as wheat, sorghum and alfalfa.
International Food Assistance – Maintains the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, erected by former U.S. Senators Bob Dole (R-Kan.) and George McGovern (D-S.D.). This legislation also prioritizes Food for Peace grants which support the delivery of American-grown food to foreign countries experiencing chronic hunger crises.
National Bio and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF) – Secures funding for the future of NBAF, including a $5 million increase for Agricultural Research Services animal disease research, $10.6 million toward NBAF equipment-transfer related costs, continued funding for NBAF workforce development and flexibility for additional NBAF hiring.
Farmer Mental Health – Includes $2 million for grants to reestablish the Farmer Stress Assistance Network to help address the farmer mental health crisis. This funds a key provision of the Farmers First Act, included in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Rural Broadband – Invests in the rural broadband loan and grant pilot program for underserved areas, while including safeguards to prevent overbuilding on existing broadband infrastructure.
Opioids – Provides $47 million in regulatory science, enforcement and innovation activities, and $16 million for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants to assist rural communities in combating the opioid epidemic.
Veterans in Agriculture – Contributes an additional $5 million for competitive grants to help veterans transition into agriculture.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations – today released the following statement after the Senate passed the FY2019 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related (THUD) Appropriations Act that provides funding to advance transportation infrastructure development, housing assistance and community development:
“This bipartisan bill proves that good things can happen when Republicans and Democrats come together to focus on everyday issues to improve the lives of all Americans: reliable transportation, affordable housing and responsible development of their cities and towns. Included in this legislation are several priorities important to our state, including funding for the Southwest Chief and the FAA Contract Tower Program, language to deter air traffic control privatization and resources to continue critical research being done at our institutes of higher education.”
This appropriations measure targets funding toward improving our nation’s transportation and housing infrastructure, continuing to improve our air traffic control (ATC) system, and maintaining rental assistance and community development programs.
Included in this legislation are several Sen. Moran-sponsored provisions:
Advanced Composites for WSU – Supports continued funding for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Joint Advanced Materials and Structures Center of Excellence at Wichita State University to improve the safety and integrity of aircraft and aerospace structures.
Aircraft Certification – Appropriates funding for FAA’s Aircraft Certification Services critical for aviation manufacturers to enhance safety and compete in the global marketplace.
Federal Contract Tower Program – Includes full and dedicated funding for the program, which includes eight air traffic control towers in Kansas that provide important safety services to small airports nationwide while saving the FAA approximately $200 million annually.
ASSURE Center of Excellence for UAS Research – Maintains funding for FAA’s Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research. The University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Wichita State University are leaders among the 23 leading research institutions that comprise this Center.
ATC Privatization – Includes report language stating strong opposition to ATC privatization and FAA funding transfer authority to provide flexibility in ensuring continuity of air traffic operations.
Southwest Chief – Provides $50 million of Amtrak’s appropriations for long-term maintenance and safety improvements along the route and prohibits Amtrak from replacing long-distance train service with buses.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – today cosponsored the VA Provider Accountability Act, bipartisan legislation that would bring much-needed accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
“It is critical that those on the front lines of caring for our veterans are held to the highest level of accountability,” said Sen. Moran. “I am introducing this legislation to make certain no adverse medical outcome impacting a former servicemember is swept under the rug. Our veterans deserve a VA that is worthy of their service and sacrifice, and holding providers accountable is an important step to restoring trust in the VA.”
A troubling 2017 GAO report revealed an unacceptable trend of VA facilities failing to report providers who made major medical errors to the National Practitioner Data Bank and the relevant state licensing boards responsible for tracking dangerous practitioners. As a result, these practitioners can go into private practice or move across state lines without disclosing prior mistakes to patients or state regulators. A 2017 USA Today story uncovered specific, horrific medical care failures and mistakes that the VA concealed and allowed to continue.
The VA Provider Accountability Act would require the VA to inform the National Practitioner Data Bank and state licensing boards of major adverse actions committed by medical providers at the VA. Additionally, it would prevent the VA from signing settlements with fired employees to hide major medical mistakes in their personnel files.
The VA Provider Accountability Act was authored by U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).
Full text of the legislation can found here.
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“With a substantial budget and broad regulatory authority, the American people deserve to have the CFPB under Congress’ watchful eye,” said Sen. Moran. “Additional oversight is an essential component of Congressional influence on the CFPB to make markets for consumer financial products and services work better for our economy without partisan politics shifting the agency’s mission with each change in administration. I urge my colleagues to support this sensible measure to make certain that members of the House and Senate have the ability to reign in the CFPB when necessary.”
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- Sen. Moran introduced legislation to extend the Equus Beds Authorization on February 4, 2016.
- On April 20, 2016, the Senate passed this legislation, but it was stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- A provision authored by Sen. Moran to improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site was also included in the Natural Resources Management Act.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced that legislation he authored, the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act, was included in S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act, a package of over 100 bills relating to public lands, natural resources and water projects. Today S. 47 passed the Senate by a vote of 92-8, and now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.
“The inclusion of this measure will help make certain our state’s and nation’s history will be kept alive for the next generation,” said Sen. Moran. “Thank you to the Fort Scott community leaders who have worked with me to ensure the Fort Scott National Historic Site is safe and enjoyable for all visitors. From American expansion westward into the new frontier, to ‘Bleeding Kansas’ and the Civil War, Fort Scott’s history should be preserved for the benefit of Kansans and all Americans.”
The Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act would improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site in Fort Scott, Kan. by allowing the care of the Lunette Blair Civil War Block House to be transferred to the National Park Service (NPS). Additionally, it would modify the site’s boundaries so future improvements could be made to enrich the quality of visitors’ experiences. Site managers indicated the location lacks an adequate public emergency shelter. Specifically, a shelter is needed in the event of severe weather to protect volunteers and regular visitors, such as local school children. The potential future purchase of buildings in the site’s new boundaries could be used for other functions, such as an on-site storage area for artifacts currently stored outside the community due to space limitations, or as an educational center for visitors and local schools.
Items to note:
- On September 29, 2015, Sen. Moran introduced legislation to improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
- On January 23, 2017, Sen. Moran reintroduced legislation to improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
- A provision authored by Sen. Moran to extend authorization for the Equus Beds in Wichita was also included in the Lands Package.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), along with Senators Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), last week introduced the Startup Act – bipartisan jobs legislation to encourage creation and growth of new business. The Startup Act has received praise from numerous Kansas City area businesses and foundations. Please see the following statements in support of the Startup Act:
Sprint Corporation:
“Sprint supports the Startup Act, and thanks Senators Moran and Warner for leading on this important issue. Retaining foreign students in the STEM field is a critical component to making our country competitive and attracting top talent from around the globe.”
Clifton A. Pemble, President & CEO, Garmin:
“Like many technology companies, Garmin depends on STEM educated engineers to help us bring ideas and concepts to the marketplace . . . We were pleased to hear of your plans to introduce the Startup Act, which we believe will bring practical solutions to the concerns we have about our immigration system. Your proposed Startup Act offers a new STEM visa which will allow tech companies here in the United States – like Garmin – to keep foreign educated students here where their talents and ideas will fuel our growth and create even more jobs . . . Garmin strongly supports the Startup Act which will not only help Garmin be successful but will fuel America’s growth into the future. We thank you for your efforts to reach a reasonable, practical solution to our immigration system.”
Jason Wiens, Director of Policy, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation:
“Entrepreneurs are critical to the vitality of American communities. Based on research, we know that job creation, innovation and overall quality of life for all Americans would receive a boost by increasing the numbers of entrepreneurs in our nation. Without them and the startups they create, many will continue to be left out of our economy.”
Sarah Shipley, Chairwoman, Kansas City Startup Foundation:
“On behalf of the Kansas City Startup Foundation (KCSF), I am writing to express our strong support of the Startup Act. The United States is built by entrepreneurs and relies on a pipeline of talented immigrants who choose to start businesses in the United States. This Startup Act will support job growth, research and retain the global talent we need to keep our economic advantage. We believe that this Startup Act will foster further entrepreneurship in Kansas City, and our country . . . Not only does the Startup Act create a pipeline for talented global entrepreneurs, it creates the means for citizenship, STEM scholarship, and needed resources to invest, innovate and expand job creation which creates overall economic growth. The Kansas City Startup Foundation is happy to support the Startup Act and looks forward to its passage.”
George Hansen, President & CEO, Enterprise Center of Johnson County:
“As representatives of the Kansas entrepreneurial and early-stage investment ecosystem, we are very familiar with the challenges that Kansans face in starting and growing businesses. These new and high-growth businesses are essential to the future of our nation’s economy. We commend Sen. Moran for his continued advocacy on behalf of entrepreneurs and job creators in the reintroduction of the Startup Act.”
Marianne Hudson, Executive Director, Angel Capital Association:
“Thank you for introducing a new “Startup Act” in early 2019. On behalf of our 14,000-member angel investors across the country, the Angel Capital Association supports your new bill and your continued support of policies that promote the health and growth of American startup businesses. These companies fuel economic growth in the U.S. and create innovations and high paying jobs. The Startup Act includes a range of helpful policies and programs that support new business creation and growth. We appreciate the legislation’s focus on better equipping lawmakers with the information they need to encourage entrepreneurship with the most successful policies. Thanks again for your focus on the startups that are critical to the American economy.”
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