Federal Science Budget Information

Funding for the federal science agencies is provided through the annual budget and appropriations process which usually begins in February, when the president submits the White House budget request to Congress for the fiscal year that begins on October 1. It is not unusual for the president’s budget to be submitted later than February in the first year of a new administration. President Biden will send his fiscal year 2022 budget request to Congress this spring.

Following the submission of the president’s budget, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees hear testimony from the federal agencies. From May through September, the Appropriations Committees consider the 12 annual appropriations bills that provide funding for each agency. Each of the 12 appropriations bills must be passed by the House and Senate before they can become law. If Congress fails to pass the appropriations bills by September 30, a continuing resolution must be approved in order to keep the government funded on a temporary basis until the budget is finalized.