Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006

The Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2006 was a major funding bill that provided approximately $57.8 billion to run several federal departments and scientific agencies for the 2006 fiscal year. For everyday citizens, this law funded essential public services including federal law enforcement (FBI and DEA), the federal prison system, and the promotion of American business and international trade. It also provided the necessary budget for NASA’s space exploration missions, the National Science Foundation’s research grants, and the National Weather Service’s forecasting capabilities.

Beyond general operations, the Act included specific provisions that impacted local communities, such as grants for state and local police, funding for violence against women prevention programs, and resources to combat the production of methamphetamine. It also set specific policy restrictions, such as prohibiting the use of federal funds to patent human organisms and requiring the Federal Trade Commission to investigate gasoline price spikes following Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, the law funded the Department of State’s diplomatic efforts and U.S. contributions to international peacekeeping missions.