Increasing national security funding and decreasing non-defense funding for FY2026?
The “Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026” seeks to distribute funding to federal agencies and departments for the fiscal year 2026. This bill pays special attention to programs related to science, the environment, energy and water development, public lands, law enforcement, and commerce. National security would receive $58 billion, as compared to last year’s $39.5 billion, while non-defense funding would be $38.6 billion, a decrease of $1.9 billion from fiscal year 2025. If passed, funding would be subject to additional restrictions and compliance requirements for approval.
Sponsor: Rep. Tom Cole (Republican, Oklahoma, District 4)
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Opponents say
• "Today, I voted against the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill because it utterly fails to address the blatant denial of justice across the country by sanctuary cities, funds outrageous wasteful earmarks, and continues to fund grant programs ripe for abuse and fraud. Even as we see the Mayor of Minneapolis telling ICE to “get the F out,” cities like Chicago fighting against enforcement of our immigration laws, and other rampant fraud being exposed among Somalis and generally, Congress refuses to stop funding these sanctuary cities that routinely undermine public safety. Worse, the bill provide grants for legal aid to illegal aliens, give grants for “racial justice,” “restorative justice,” and “climate justice.” The only thing shocking is that only 40 Republicans voted against this abomination. While I voted for the Energy & Water and Interior appropriations bills, and am gratified that our efforts 3 years ago to restore “regular order” has led to likely 6 appropriations bills getting sent to the President and signed – we must not continue to fund the very abuses we decry… We are drowning in debt as a nation and we are funding the social welfare state we complain about being rampant with fraud." Source: Rep. Chip Roy (Republican, Texas, District 21)
Proponents say
• "I voted “Yes” on H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. This three-bill “minibus” funds key federal agencies and advances targeted investments to improve access to clean water, invests in new drinking water infrastructure, and strengthens resiliency across Upstate New York. House Republicans delivered funding that will modernize critical water systems, protect local resources, and support families and businesses throughout the region. This three-bill “minibus” included six of my Community Project Funding projects, providing $14.25 million for new drinking and waste water infrastructure. I worked closely with local leaders to advance projects that address meaningful needs and reflect responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and the passage of this critical legislation will deliver real results for our district. Passage of the package in the House represents an important step toward modernizing aging infrastructure, protecting public health, and strengthening long-term economic stability in communities throughout the district." Source: Rep. Claudia Tenney (Republican, New York, District 24)
• "The undersigned representatives from the Nuclear Engineering Department Heads Organization (NEDHO) support the $146.1 million funding level for NEUP, SBIR/STTR and TCF included in Division B of the House Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations minibus package… Robust funding and the continuance of both programs is crucial for the development and scale up of our future nuclear workforce and nuclear technology development. Supporting quadrupling of nuclear power and the timely development of the nuclear workforce remains a priority for this Administration, as highlighted in recent Executive Orders signed by the President in May 2025. Continued support for nuclear energy related R&D programs across the board is imperative for our nation’s national security. Domestically we’re not only facing a demand for expanded electrification but also an important global AI race. Expanding our domestic nuclear workforce must remain a priority." Source: Nuclear Engineering Department Heads Organization
• "I am pleased to begin consideration of H.R. 6938 today, which includes the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act… The Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill provides $38.6 billion in total non-defense discretionary funding, reducing spending from Fiscal Year 2025 by $1.9 billion. This legislation prioritizes critical needs and addresses specific concerns brought to my attention through more than 8,000 Member requests. This bill invests $1.74 billion in 1,277 Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed Spending projects, including to improve clean and drinking water infrastructure across the country…eliminates waste and restores fiscal responsibility, prioritizes unleashing American energy, and protects public lands and access. It bolsters national security and public safety by reducing our reliance on foreign countries for energy and mineral resources and by increasing law enforcement funding for our land management agencies and Tribes. It protects our communities, fully funding firefighter pay to support wildland firefighters and prevent catastrophic wildfires… Passage of these bills will send a strong message that Congress is determined to return to regular order and deliver results for our districts." Source: Rep. Michael K. Simpson (Republican, Idaho, District 2), Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee on Appropriations
- Cole on H.R. 6938: "Difficulty is What Separates Serious Legislating from Political Convenience." (Press Release)
- Basic Federal Budgeting Terminology (Congress)
- The Federal Budget Process (USAGov)
- The President’s FY 2026 Discretionary Budget Request (The White House)
- H.R. 6938 Cost Estimate (Congressional Budget Office)
- Rep. Tom Cole’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
