Washington, DC – The Task Force on American Innovation (TFAI) – an alliance of industry, scientific societies, and university organizations supporting federally-funded scientific research –
issued the following statement on the FY19 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations bill:

TFAI commends the House and Senate Appropriations Committees for the work done thus far to finalize the FY2019 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations bill. We applaud and appreciate the bicameral, bipartisan support for federal investments in America’s scientific and engineering research enterprise. We are encouraged by the House Appropriations Committee’s proposed funding level of $8.175 billion for National Science Foundation (NSF) and $21.546 billion for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). We encourage strong support of basic research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the Scientific and Technical Research Services (STRS) account and are pleased that the Senate has prioritized vital infrastructure and construction projects funded in NIST’s construction account. We are also encouraged by the Senate Appropriations Committee’s proposed funding-level of $15 million for NIST’s Manufacturing USA and applaud the House and Senate Appropriations Committee’s proposed funding-level of $140 million for NIST’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The completion and passage of FY2019 CJS Appropriations bill is an important step forward that ensures America’s commitment and leadership in innovation.

TFAI urges appropriators to support the passage of FY2019 CJS Appropriations bill before the expiration of the continuing resolution (CR) on December 7, 2018. Operating under a CR negatively effects the advancement of scientific research and disables the development of new technologies within key agencies such as NSF, NASA and NIST. Again, we recognize and appreciate your longstanding support for NSF, NASA and NIST.

To learn more about the Task Force on American Innovation, please visit www.innovationtaskforce.org.