Budget Day, Part 3

The Obama Administration’s FY 2011 Budget calls for a $66 billion investment in nondefense research and development (R&D)—an increase of $3.7 billion or 5.9 percent above the FY 2010 enacted level—reflecting the Administration’s firm belief that investment in science, technology, and innovation is the key to building the American economy of the future.

The 2011 Budget calls for strategic R&D investments to create quality jobs in 21st century industries; explore the beckoning scientific frontiers on Earth and in space; and enhance the health and quality of life for all Americans. It boosts support for biomedical research so scientists can take advantage of exciting discoveries in such areas as genomics and regenerative medicine. It provides the foundation for a new generation of advanced materials and manufacturing methods. It includes a bold and ambitious new space initiative that invests in American ingenuity to propel us on a new journey of innovation and discovery. And it supports development of renewable energy and energy-efficiency tools such as next-generation batteries; solar, biomass, geothermal, and wind power; carbon-capture and storage technologies; and programs to advance nuclear technologies and improve their market competitiveness.

The President’s 2011 Budget also sustains the Defense Department’s commitment to basic research with a $2.0 billion investment. At the same time, recognizing the need for fiscal restraint, the 2011 Budget reduces Defense Department R&D overall by $3.5 billion, to $77.5 billion, primarily through targeted spending cuts on lower-priority weapons-development programs and congressional projects.

Combining defense and nondefense investments, the Budget provides $61.6 billion for basic and applied research—up $3.3 billion or 5.6 percent compared to the 2010 Budget as enacted. And it provides $81.5 billion in development funding, a decline compared to the 2010 enacted level. All told, the Nation’s 2011 R&D budget totals $147.7 billion—a fiscally responsible increase of $343 million or 0.2 percent above the 2010 level as enacted.