Appropriations bill making its way through Congress could mean megabucks for Alabama

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May 21, 2015

The Pathfinder Space Shuttle at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville (Flickr user Ahongas Tree)

WASHINGTON — A new appropriations bill for Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) passed out of the House Appropriations Committee Wednesday could mean billions in funding coming to Alabama’s aerospace, flight, and science industries.

“I am very pleased with passage of this funding bill by the House Appropriations Committee today,” said committee member Robert Aderholt (R-AL4). “We have worked diligently to make sure it has a positive impact on Alabama. This bill ensures funding and also increases funding for many NASA, Department of Justice (DOJ), and science related projects.

“With this bill we have been able to increase funding for a number of projects that will ensure America remains a leader in space exploration and science.”

Among the potential positives for Alabama in the CJS funding bill are $18.529 billion for NASA, including a half-billion dollar increase over last year’s budget; language requiring the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide more grants for those in academia who seek to produce independent climate model evaluations; and language requiring NOAA to conduct more tornado research in the Southeastern United States utilizing facilities such as UAH’s Severe Weather Institute, Radar & Lightning Laboratory (SWIRLL).

The appropriations bill could also mean millions for the state’s efforts to stop meth trafficking and use, bolster drug courts, and increase the number of judges reviewing illegal immigration cases.

“This Commerce, Justice, and Science funding bill for Fiscal Year 2016 ensures that North Alabama continues to be a driving force as we prepare to return to the moon, visit Mars, and send a major science mission to Jupiter’s Moon, Europa,” Aderholt said. “This bill also directs NOAA to continue studying how to identify and prepare for atmospheric conditions which cause tornadoes in the Southeast. Finally, it also provides strong support for our local law enforcement agencies and upholds our Second Amendment rights.”