US science agencies dodge deep cuts

Partial 2012 budget mostly spares research, but deficit-reduction measures still pose a looming threat.

The most fractious and combative US Congress in recent memory is getting on with approving a 2012 budget — although perhaps only so that it can move more swiftly to the next battlefield. On 17 November, legislators passed a spending bill that includes allocations for several key science-related agencies. The bill has since been signed off by President Barack Obama.

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