House Panel Backs Bulk of Obama's Bid for Science Money

Washington — President Obama’s effort to raise federal support for scientific research has hit its first test in Congress, and it appears to be largely intact.

The House Appropriations Committee yesterday approved the first of its budget bills for the 2010 fiscal year, which begins on October 1, endorsing a $64.4-billion measure to support operations at the Departments of Commerce and of Justice and the science agencies.

The amount is $6.7-billion more than the level set by Congress for the current fiscal year, and just $200-million below the amount recommended by Mr. Obama.

The amounts include $6.9-billion for the National Science Foundation, which is $446-million more than this year’s amount and $108-million below Mr. Obama’s request. The Appropriations Committee said in a statement that the measure supports Mr. Obama’s commitment to double funds for basic research in key agencies over 10 years. —Paul Basken