[mmaimcal] ALMA in House Appropriations Bill

[Alwyn Wootten]

Folks,

As you know, the committee structure in the House was changed this year so
NSF and NASA are in with a different lot.

H.R.2862
Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2006
House Report 109-118 was just released.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration is funded at $16.5 billion,
$275 million above FY05 and $15 million above the request.  Funds the
President’s vision for space exploration at $3.1 billion; restores the
aeronautics research program to the enacted level of $906 million, and
provides $40 million over the request to partially restore NASA’s science
programs. Provides full request for the Space Shuttle program.  In
coordination with the House Science Committee, language is included
directing the President to develop a national aeronautics policy.

National Science Foundation is increased $171 million over last year and
$38 million above the budget request.  Total funding is $5.64 billion. 
Includes $4.38 billion for research, $157 million over last year; and $807
million for education and human resources, $70 million above the request.

From
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/?&db_id=cp109&sid=cp109s7FJj&r_n=hr118.109&item=&sel=TOC_354405&
we learn:
The Committee recommendation includes funding for the following major
projects: $49,240,000 for Atacama Large Millimeter Array construction;
$50,620,000 for EarthScope; $50,450,000 for the IceCube Neutrino
Observatory; and $57,920,000 for the Scientific Ocean Drilling Vessel. The
recommendation does not provide for any new project starts, as none were
requested."

Jennifer Wiseman tells me that it looks like the HST repair mission is a go.

Clear skies,
Al