Budget

New Democratic approach to 2007 budget probably dooms boosts in science spending and Pell funds -- and wipes out earmarks.

U.S. House passes bill to overturn ban on federal funding for promising, controversial studies -- but veto expected.

Subsidy to bolster health of all high schoolers would do more than extra tuition aid to lift educational outcomes, study finds.

Democratic plan for 2007 would increase maximum Pell Grant by $260 and provide $620 million in new funds for biomedical research.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday that would raise the value of the maximum Pell Grant for the first time since 2002 and increase spending for several key academic research programs. Dozens of Republicans joined all but two Democrats in voting for House Joint Resolution 20, which would finance the operations of much of the federal government through the rest of the 2007 fiscal year, which began in October.

White House proposes increasing maximum award to $4,600 in 2008 -- but may seek to finance rise with cuts to other student programs.

Administration's spending blueprint would increase Pell Grants -- by cutting lender profits and other aid programs.

President continues to push for increased spending for NSF and Energy Dept. research, shortchanging NIH, science advocates complain.

Stung by criticism, Education Department officials strongly defend Pell Grant plan and challenge data colleges have used to attack it.

Lender's chairman sold 400,000 shares days before U.S. budget plan sent the price plummeting. Lawmakers ask what happened.