DHS 2007 R&D budget declines by 22 percent
DHS FY 2007 R&D budget declines overall by about one-fifth, but three areas see increases — cybersecurity, interoperable communications, and radiological and nuclear measures
Few have noticed, but last month marked a milestone for DHS. For the first time since the department was created in 2002, DHS will see a decrease in its R&D appropriations, as the department’s R&D budget for FY 2007 will be reduced to $1billion — a 22 percent decline from previous levels. The result is that most of the DHS R&D activities will decline, with the only exception being DHS R&D activities in cybersecurity, interoperable communications, and radiological and nuclear measures, all of which will receive increases in 2007.
The Washington, D.C.-based American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) studied DHS 2007 budget, and notes the following trends:
* Radiological and nuclear countermeasures R&D portfolio would receive a significant increase as part of its move in 2007 from the Science and Technology directorate to a separate Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO). Congress boosted DNDO R&D from $209 million within S&T to $273 million, an increase of 31 percent
* Congressional dissatisfaction over DHS management continues to grow. The final DHS budget withholds $65 million in 2007 R&D funds (and an additional $60 million in management funds) until DHS provides Congress with detailed reports on financial management and performance measures. The bill also rescinds $125 million in previously appropriated R&D funds that the DHS has not spent yet
-read more in this AAAS news release
