H.R. 5893: A Breakdown of Agency Appropriations

The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2025 allocates annual funding for a specific group of federal government departments, determining their operational capacity for the fiscal year. For 2025, the bill provides a total of $86.248 billion in discretionary funding. This is the portion of the budget that Congress determines annually, as opposed to mandatory spending which is governed by existing laws.

Department of Commerce Funding

The Department of Commerce receives $11.545 billion under the 2025 appropriations bill to foster economic growth and opportunity. This funding is for programs that promote U.S. business interests, facilitate trade, and provide economic data. The allocations are directed to several sub-agencies:

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose funding supports the maintenance and development of weather satellites for accurate forecasting and severe weather warnings that protect lives and property.
• The U.S. Census Bureau, which utilizes its appropriation to conduct the decennial census and other surveys that produce statistics about the nation’s population and economy used to apportion congressional seats.
• The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which receives an allocation to advance measurement science, standards, and technology foundational to innovation and industrial competitiveness.
• The International Trade Administration (ITA), which works to enforce trade laws and help American companies compete in the global market.
• The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which is responsible for implementing and enforcing export controls for national security.

Department of Justice Funding

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is provided with $38.426 billion in the fiscal year 2025 bill to enforce federal laws and ensure public safety. The funding addresses priorities from combating violent crime and drug trafficking to prosecuting financial fraud and cybercrime. A considerable share of the appropriation is designated for its law enforcement agencies:

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) receives funding to support its national security, counterterrorism, and law enforcement operations.
• The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is allocated resources to disrupt drug trafficking organizations and combat the opioid crisis.
• The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for its work in reducing violent crime by regulating the firearms and explosives industries.

The bill also provides funding for the offices of U.S. Attorneys, which prosecute federal crimes across the country. It also allocates funds for grant programs that support state, local, and tribal law enforcement, including the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) hiring program and grants under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Science Agencies Funding

NASA is funded at $25.4 billion for fiscal year 2025. This funding supports a wide range of activities, including the agency’s efforts to explore the solar system, conduct Earth science research to understand climate change, and develop advanced aeronautics technology. A priority within NASA’s budget is the Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and eventually send humans to Mars. The appropriation also supports robotic missions, space technology development, and educational programs.

The National Science Foundation receives $9.55 billion in the bill. The NSF is the federal agency supporting fundamental, non-medical research and education in science and engineering. Its budget is distributed through competitive grants to researchers at universities, colleges, and other institutions across the country. This funding fuels discoveries in a vast array of fields, from physics and biology to computer science and the social sciences, laying the groundwork for future technological and economic advancements.

Funding for Related Agencies

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) receives funding to carry out its mission of protecting investors, maintaining fair and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formation. The appropriation supports the agency’s oversight of the securities industry, including its enforcement actions against fraud and other violations of securities laws.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is allocated funds to enforce consumer protection laws and promote competition. The FTC’s budget enables it to investigate and take action against deceptive or unfair business practices, as well as to review mergers and other business combinations to prevent anticompetitive outcomes. The Small Business Administration (SBA) also receives an appropriation to support its programs that provide loans, counseling, and other forms of assistance to small businesses.