The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has a mandate to increase the competitiveness of U.S. firms and provide the measurement, calibration, and quality assurance techniques that underpin U.S. commerce. Congressional debate has focused on the merits of NIST’s external R&D programs directed toward increased private sector commercialization, including the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The level of funding for internal research efforts has also been scrutinized by Congress. FY2006 appropriations legislation provided 752millionforNIST,anincreaseof8.2675 million for FY2007. The President’s FY2008 budget request for NIST totals $640.7 million and includes a significant cut in support for MEP and no funding for ATP. This report will be updated as events warrant