Should Congress appropriate $81.3 billion in discretionary spending to the Department of Commerce and Justice, Science, and related agencies during the 2022 fiscal year?

Awaiting Vote
Bill Summary

This bill makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce and Justice, Science, and related agencies for the 2022 fiscal year. Overall, this bill provides $81.3 billion in funding for the Department of Commerce and Justice, covering areas such as American manufacturing, economic development, climate change research, police and criminal justice reform, and gun violence reduction. This bill also includes $753.8 million made available for Violence Against Women Act Programs and $25.04 billion for research at NASA. Sponsor: Rep. Matt Cartwright (Democrat, Pennsylvania, District 8)
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Opponents say

    "Unfortunately, this year’s bill is overshadowed by partisan politics and unbalanced spending priorities. The difference of opinion on both issues could slow down our appropriations process this year, leaving us vulnerable at a time when we know our nation is facing increasing threats. Instead of prioritizing these security challenges, this bill focuses on funding new, overlapping, and potentially duplicative programs that may not even be useful for our local communities. State and local grant programs are increased by an astounding $1.6 billion, with much of this funding conditioned on policies far outside the control of our local law enforcement officers. This is unacceptable, and it will keep our local officials from pursuing their own police reform agendas. Even worse, funds that might otherwise be available for body cameras, bulletproof vests, investigations, or overtime will be withheld indefinitely… The bill does not include a long-standing pro-life provision regarding the use of Justice Department funds. In addition, language carried for many years to protect Second Amendment rights is stripped from the bill." Source: Rep. Kay Granger (Republican, Texas, District 12)


    "I am, however, deeply disappointed that the Majority decided to strip the longstanding, bipartisan DOJ pro-life rider that prevented the Bureau of Prisons from using tax dollars to pay for abortions for inmates.  Both sides of the aisles have always found common agreement in this area, and I find it troubling that this year the Majority bowed to pressure from their far left." Source: Rep. Robert Aderholt (Republican, Alabama, District 4)

Proponents say

    "This legislation provides strong funding increases to help improve the lives of our nation’s working people… It supports American manufacturing, economic development, and infrastructure improvements to get more people back to work and strengthen our economy. It helps our law enforcement officials everywhere fight crime and combat the opioid epidemic, while reforming criminal justice practices. And it funds innovative research, advances our trade competitiveness, and prepares us for the harsh realities of climate change. This legislation makes very effective use of taxpayer dollars and will help us build a more prosperous, safe, and competitive America for all of us." Source: Rep. Matt Cartwright (Democrat, Pennsylvania, District 8) 


    "As our nation emerges from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government must invest in the American people to create good-paying jobs and growth that benefits all. This legislation takes critical steps to support economic development, strengthen small businesses and American manufacturers, and fund research on the Earth’s changing climate… At the same time, the legislation makes our communities safer by funding local law enforcement who deserve our respect as they work in a period of great challenge. The bill also supports police and criminal justice reform efforts and addresses gender-based violence." Source: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Democrat, Connecticut, District 3)