Proposed Budget Cuts Could Affect Site

A Senate subcommittee this week proposes a new budget that cuts nearly 20 percent from the Department of Energy.

The cut would take away $142 million from the department’s current federally allocated operating budget.

Because the Idaho National Laboratory receives almost $320 million from the Department of Energy, the cuts could adversely affect the INL. The question is, how?

“We’re a long way from a final resolution of budget,” said Department of Energy spokesman Brad Bugger. “We don’t have any specifics at this point, until we see what Congress gives us and what the administration agrees on.”

The proposal will have to go to the Senate floor for a vote. Then, the details must be worked out between the Senate and the House of Representatives. The House is currently proposing an increase in budget allocations to the Department.

After the president signs the final legislation, the money will go to the Department of Energy to allocate throughout its various programs.