The House of Representatives passed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2012, HR 2112 on November 17, 2011. Here are some of the highlights:
- National Science Foundation: Provides $7 billion for the National Science Foundation, an increase of $173 million above FY 2011. NSF’s core research program is increased by $155 million to enhance basic research critical to innovation and competitiveness.
- Patent and Trademark Office (PTO): Provides PTO with $2.7 billion – the requested level and 29% above last year. These funds assist in streamlining the patent review system and help inventors move from an idea to creating a product more quickly.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): NIST is funded at $751 million, including an increase of $33.5 million above last year to support core NIST scientific research programs that help advance competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership to provide training and technical assistance to U.S. manufacturers is maintained at last year’s level of $128 million.
“Funding research and technology is crucial to our innovative and economic growth. Growth in the technology industry will increase our global competitiveness and foster a stable and growing economy,” Congressman Adam Smith remarked.
Source: Congressman Adam Smith email, November 21, 2011.