This bill allocates $18,617,085 for the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's expenses in the 119th Congress, subject to session limitations and House Administration Committee regulations.
Brian Babin
Representative
TX-36
This bill allocates $18,617,085 from the House of Representatives' funds to cover the expenses of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for the 119th Congress, including staff salaries. It sets spending limits for two separate sessions and mandates that all payments be made through vouchers approved by the House Administration Committee. The funds provided must be spent in accordance with the regulations set by the House Administration Committee.
House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Gets $18.6 Million Budget Authorization for 119th Congress
The House just greenlit the budget for its Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, totaling $18,617,085 for the 119th Congress. This isn't a blank check; it's specifically for committee expenses, including paying the folks who work there (SEC. 1).
Funding Breakdown
The money is split into two chunks, tied to specific dates. The first allocation, up to $9,228,599, is available from noon on January 3, 2025, right up to just before noon on January 3, 2026. The second, up to $9,388,486, kicks in at noon on January 3, 2026, and lasts until just before noon on January 3, 2027 (SEC. 2). Think of it like two separate fiscal years, each with its own budget cap.
Spending Rules
So, how will this money actually get spent? Every payment needs a voucher—basically, a formal request for funds. These vouchers need the signature of the Committee Chairman and approval from the House Administration Committee (SEC. 3). This isn't petty cash; there's a process. And, all this spending has to follow the rules laid down by the House Administration Committee (SEC. 4). This means there are checks and balances to, theoretically, prevent misuse of funds.
Real-World Impact
This funding keeps the lights on for the committee that oversees a huge range of issues – from NASA's budget to national science policy, cybersecurity, and environmental regulations. For example, if a tech company wants to launch a new satellite, or a university is researching cutting-edge battery technology with federal grants, this committee is involved. The staff paid with these funds are the ones doing the research, drafting legislation, and providing oversight. While it’s a procedural move, it directly impacts how Congress deals with science and tech.
The Bigger Picture
While this bill is mostly about internal House operations, it's a reminder of the machinery behind the laws that shape our lives. It highlights the often-overlooked but critical role of congressional committees. They're where the details get hammered out, where experts weigh in, and where a lot of the real legislative work happens. The specific dollar amounts and date limitations also show how Congress budgets and plans for the future, even for its own operations. The voucher system and rules from the House Administration Committee are there to keep things above board, but it’s worth paying attention to how these funds are used, especially given the committee's broad influence.