Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Berman voted to approve legislation that invests in two of our nation’s top priorities – protecting Americans at home and spurring scientific research and innovation.  The bipartisan Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill begins to lay a new foundation for lasting prosperity and security with investments in programs that help local and state governments keep their citizens safe, and research and development programs that facilitate scientific innovation and discovery.  In an effort to find savings and fund higher-priority programs, the bill eliminates 11 programs and cuts funding for another 13 programs below the 2009 level.

This legislation represents key investments in American priorities, including keeping our streets and neighborhoods safe.  This bill and the Recovery Act, passed earlier this year, will help boost crime prevention and include provisions to hire 7,000 new police officers in local communities.

In the areas of justice and crime-prevention, the legislation:

• Significantly increases funding for the FBI to boost our national security efforts, address the growing threat of cyber crime, and prosecute financial fraud.
• Invests heavily in protecting our borders, providing $2 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration to combat drug trafficking with 128 new positions in the Southwest and enhanced resources to investigate, disrupt and dismantle major Mexican drug cartels.
• Provides additional funding for the prosecution of violent crimes against women and strengthens services for the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Invests $1.1 billion in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to reduce violent crime and combat drug trafficking along the southwest border.
  

The bill also makes significant investments in scientific research and innovation.  Specifically, the legislation:

• Helps our students succeed in a global job market by investing in science, technology, engineering, and math education.
• Renews our commitment to reduce global climate change with funding for research.
• Invests $6.9 billion in the National Science Foundation for the most promising scientific research and innovation.
  

To keep up and compete in a new global economy, America’s legislation needs to support scientific research, discovery, and education at every level.   This bill supports that initiative, making investments to encourage the work of American scientists, researchers, students, and educators.