Commerce’s Big Kahuna

Created in 1970 by President Richard Nixon's order, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration combined some of the oldest agencies in government, including the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, formed in 1807. Some say NOAA has gotten lost in the Commerce Department despite accounting for roughly two-thirds of its budget.

2005 Budget

• Total Commerce Department : $6,314,080,000*
• Total NOAA: $3,897,988,000
• NOAA Percentage: 61.7%

* Excludes $3.7 million for proposed new Strengthening America's Communities Grant Program, which Commerce will administer

SOURCE: National Oceanic and atmospheric administration