Hal Rogers U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 5th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Hal Rogers U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 5th district | Official U.S. House Headshot
The House Appropriations Committee convened today to discuss the Fiscal Year 2025 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The committee approved the measure with a vote of 31 to 26.
Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) commented on the bill: “This comprehensive bill strengthens our economy, makes our communities safer by investing in law enforcement and diverting narcotics from our streets, while also boosting our competitive edge in space exploration to the Moon and beyond. At the same measure, we are sending a clear message to overreaching federal agencies, especially at the Department of Justice, by reining in politically aimed practices. This legislation reflects Chairman Cole’s stalwart leadership and I look forward to advancing this important legislation together.”
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) added: “The FY25 legislation advanced before us enhances accountability and oversight—protecting the rights and hard-earned taxpayer dollars of the American people. It includes important safeguards that support the integrity and trust of our top law enforcement agencies and curb government overreach. The security of our communities is prioritized with investments that back our men and women in blue and address increasing crime. It also denies complacency against communist China by targeting their fentanyl supply chains and work to steal U.S. innovation and research. From our neighborhoods to the final frontier, Chairman Rogers developed a bill where every element puts America first.”
The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act allocates $78.288 billion in total discretionary funding for FY25, which is $1.275 billion (2%) below FY24 levels. This includes $71.932 billion for non-defense discretionary spending and $6.356 billion for defense discretionary spending.
Key aspects of the bill include measures aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy while directing funds towards combating fentanyl distribution, supporting state and local law enforcement efforts, and countering activities from China.
Specific provisions target alleged abuses within federal agencies such as:
- Cutting FBI budget while mandating critical reforms.
- Preventing new construction for FBI headquarters.
- Defunding ATF rules on pistol braces.
- Reversing certain DOJ directives perceived as targeting parental speech at school board meetings.
- Increasing oversight on DOJ grant programs.
In terms of national security:
- Mandating re-establishment of DOJ’s China Initiative.
- Supporting American research against Chinese advancements.
- Investing in emerging technologies including AI.
- Supporting NASA's Artemis program.
Further details were provided about adopted amendments:
- Prohibiting NTIA's use of algorithmic justice.
- Enhancing compliance measures for trade-related crimes.
- Mandating reports related to specific investigations including those connected to Hamas' activities.
Several amendments offered by Democrats were rejected during markup sessions:
- Proposals allowing new FBI headquarters construction.
- Initiatives linked to diversity or gender affirmation care.
- Efforts promoting critical race theory or labeling protected speech as misinformation.
Adopted amendments included technical changes proposed by Rogers (#1), prohibitions on ATF records maintenance (Clyde #1), reporting requirements for ATF operations (Cloud #2 & #3), among others.
A summary of the bill along with detailed text before adoption of amendments can be accessed through provided links.
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