BIA budget mostly staying the same under FY2013 proposal

Monday, February 13, 2012  

The Bureau of Indian Affairs budget is mostly staying the same under the fiscal year 2013 budget proposal that President Barack Obama released today.

According to the White House Office of Management and Budget, the BIA will be funded at $2.527 billion. That's close to the $2.531 billion estimate for fiscal year 2012.

However, it's below the $2.594 billion that the BIA received in fiscal year 2011. The agency has seen a string of cuts in the past several years under both the Obama and Bush administrations.

The proposed cuts include a $16 million reduction in the BIA's construction account. According to the OMB, the program will receive $106 million, down from $124 million.

But there are some increases. The OMB said the budget adds $9 million for contract support costs.

There will also be some increases for law enforcement, tribal colleges, and natural resources, although the OMB hasn't provided specifics. More details will be released this afternoon when the Interior Department budget is posted online.

The OMB documents can be found at www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget.

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