The California Institute for Federal Policy Research

Quick Look: President Bush's FY 2009 Budget:  Departments of Commerce and State -- Feb. 4 2008

The California Institute prepares a quick analysis of the President's budget request on the day it is released.  For the FY 2009 Budget, the budget was released the morning of February 4, 2008.  The following represents an examination of this portion of the budget from a California perspective.  For analysis of other components visit our 2009 Budget page.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

The President's FY2009 Budget requests discretionary authority of $8.1 billion for the Department of Commerce, as compared to the $6.9 billion estimated for FY08 funding. Much of the increase is allocated to the Bureau of the Census; NOAA also receives an increase.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The Budget proposes $4.1 billion in funding for NOAA, compared to an estimated $3.97 billion in FY08.

The Budget proposes increasing funding for last year's initiative supporting the Ocean Action Plan by $31 million over the 2008 request, to $154 million. These funds are to enhance fisheries management and support the Magnuson-Stevens Act requirement of eliminating overfishing by 2011, as well as strengthen efforts to advance ocean observing networks, study ocean acidification, reduce harmful marine debris, support maritime commerce, and protect marine mammals.

Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery

The proposed Budget fund for this program is $35 million, as opposed to the $67 million requested in FY08, for grants to the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, and Alaska, and the Columbia River and Pacific Coastal Tribes. Funds disbursed to States are subject to a matching requirement of funds or documented in-kind contributions of at least thirty-three percent of the Federal funds. California received $6 million in FY06 funding under this program.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

American Competitiveness Initiative Funding - The Budget provides $634 million for investments in quantum and neutron research, nanotechnology, and related scientific work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Reductions

Six programs representing $375 million have been identified for termination or reduction, including:

- Federal funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, which are to become independent; and

- Economic Development Administration grants, which the Budget documents state will be reduced and re-focused on economic adjustment assistance, to respond to sudden and severe economic events.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Pursuant to treaties between the United States and Mexico and U.S. law, the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission is charged with the identification and solution of boundary and water problems arising along the 1,952-mile common border, including Southern borders of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The Budget requests about $32 million in FY09 funding.

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