National Historical Publications & Records Commission FY ‘09 Budget

In his fiscal year 2009 budget submission, President Bush proposed zero funding and elimination of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

On July 10, 2008, the Senate Appropriations Committee cleared the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) fiscal year 2009 appropriations bill (S. 3260, S. Rept. 110-417) that includes funding for the NHPRC. Under the bill, the NHPRC would receive $8.5 million for grants and $2 million for administrative expenses.

On June 25, 2008, the House Appropriations Committee cleared its version of the Financial Services and General Government fiscal year 2009 bill (bill not yet introduced). In the bill, the NHPRC received its fully authorized amount of $10 million (plus $2 million for administrative costs) for the first time in five years.

Neither bill has been scheduled for floor consideration in the House or Senate. It is unlikely that Congress will pass individual appropriations before the current fiscal year expires on September 30, 2008. It is widely expected that the federal government will operate under one or more continuing resolutions until the new president is sworn in next January. That means that federal agencies will operate at the current fiscal year 2008 budget levels until then.

NHPRC FY ’09 Budget Summary:

  • $8.5 million (FY ’09 Senate Appropriations bill; +$2 million for administrative expenses)
  • $10 million (FY ’09 House Appropriations bill; +$2 million for administrative expenses)
  • $0 (FY ’09 President’s request)
  • $7.5 million (FY ’08 enacted, + $2 million for administrative expenses.)