Senate Rejects Budget Cuts, Boosts Science Funding

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill approving billions in funding for federal science agencies, countering proposed budget cuts by the White House. Major beneficiaries include NASA, NSF, and NOAA, with NSF receiving $8.75 billion to advance quantum information science and artificial intelligence research, while NOAA receives $634 million for weather forecasting improvements.

WASHINGTON, Jan 15 - In a decisive move, the U.S. Senate has voted in favor of a bill allocating billions of dollars to federal science agencies, effectively overturning the significant budget cuts proposed by the White House.

The approved legislation ensures substantial funding for prominent agencies such as NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Notably, the NSF will receive $8.75 billion aimed at advancing research in quantum information science, artificial intelligence, and other critical areas, despite previous attempts by the White House to slash their budget by over half.

Additionally, the legislation allocates $634 million to NOAA, facilitating crucial improvements in weather forecasting capabilities. This Senate decision underscores a strong commitment to bolstering scientific research and innovation in the U.S. despite financial objections from the executive branch.

(With inputs from agencies.)