The President has signed into law (Public Law 109-97) Fiscal Year 2006 appropriations legislation that includes an increase of nearly $3.5 million for the National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program. The conferees approved $183 million for the NRI. The Fiscal Year 2005 appropriation was $179.5 million.

Formula funding restoration by Congress continued in the House/Senate Conference Report, which provided the basis for Public Law 109-97. For example, Hatch Act, McIntire-Stennis, 1890s Capacity Building Grants, Animal Health and Disease all received the same funding or slightly higher funding than appropriated in Fiscal Year 2005.

Agricultural Research Service research and demonstration spending for Fiscal Year 2006 is at $1,135,004,000, which is slightly above the Fiscal Year 2005 level and $121 million above the Department's budget request.

The House adopted the Conference Report (HR 2744 – H.Rpt. 109-255) October 28. The Senate cleared the conference report November 3. President Bush signed the measure into law November 10.

In view of the difficult budget environment this year, the appropriations approved by Congress and the President reflect strong support for the NRI, formula funds and ARS. Support by ASPB and its members, other science societies, universities and producers contributed to the support in Congress for key agricultural research programs.