The U.S. Bureau of Mines received a vote of confidence when the Senate approved US$128 million for continued operation of the agency in its Department of Interior appropriations bill.
In July, the House of Representatives targeted the Bureau of Mines for elimination and allocated US$87 million for its closure.
The Bureau’s only hope was a favorable word from the Senate, which approved funding for its continued operation. The budget, however, is US$4.5 million less than what was expected, as this sum was re-directed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Rhea Graham, director of the Bureau of Mines, says the cut in funding will result in layoffs and closures.
Graham adds, however, that “despite this reduction from the President’s budget request, I am encouraged that the Senate has joined the Administration in recognizing what is at risk if the Bureau’s unique competencies are lost.” The appropriations bill encompasses other issues beyond the fate of the Bureau of Mines, and faces a possible veto from the President.
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