The document provides an analysis of federal science funding within the context of the 2018 and proposed 2019 U.S. budgets, highlighting recent legislative actions and policy developments. It examines the impact of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, ongoing appropriations negotiations, and the newly released FY 2019 White House budget. The analysis details the overall allocation of federal outlays, which total $4.4 trillion, noting significant portions dedicated to Social Security, Medicare, and discretionary spending—both defense and nondefense—with notable mention of substantial projected budget deficits nearing $1 trillion.
The report underscores the persistent restrictions and fluctuations in nondefense discretionary spending caps due to sequestration, showing their effects on science and technology funding across multiple federal agencies. It details proposed and enacted funding changes, with many science agencies and programs facing reductions or flat funding in the FY 2018 and FY 2019 budgets, particularly for environmental and climate programs. Key agencies such as NIH, DOE, NSF, and NASA are discussed, with highlights including agency consolidations, targeted increases (e.g., exascale computing), proposed eliminations (e.g., ARPA-E, WFIRST), and programmatic shifts. The analysis notes that congressional actions often override administration proposals, yet anticipates continued budgetary constraints and recurring funding negotiations, especially amidst looming deficits and upcoming elections, projecting uncertainty and ongoing challenges for future federal science funding.
