This week, the House Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee approved by voice vote its fiscal year (FY) 2017 spending bill.  The bill totals $56 billion, a 0.5 percent increase over current levels.  It provides $265 million for the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), $3.5 million above the enacted FY2016 level and $6 million above the President’s FY2017 budget request.  For economic development assistance programs, the bill provides $225 million, $3 million above the enacted FY2016 level and $10 million above both the Senate’s FY2017 recommendation and the President’s FY2017 budget request.  Funding levels for specific economic development assistance programs have not yet been released.  Consideration of the bill by the House Appropriations Committee is scheduled for May 24.