Congress has passed a bipartisan budget bill that significantly increases funding for U.S. science agencies, defying President Trump's proposed cuts. The bill, approved by the Senate by an 82-15 vote and the House by 397-28, allocates billions more to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) than the Trump administration had requested. This legislation rejects the administration's plan to slash the NSF's budget by 57%, NASA's science research funding by approximately 47%, and NOAA's by 27%.
The bill specifically includes boosts for NOAA's satellite program and increases staffing for the National Weather Service, both of which were targeted for cuts or reductions by the administration. It also prevents agencies from implementing a new, lower limit on indirect research costs, which cover essential operational expenses. While the bill does reduce overall spending, its broad support underscores a congressional commitment to maintaining or modestly cutting funding for these agencies, rather than enacting the drastic reductions proposed by the President. The legislation now moves to President Trump for his signature, with the White House indicating that senior advisors would recommend he sign it, citing its reduction in overall spending and contribution to national goals.