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HR6938119th CongressWALLET
Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Cole
Became Law
Summary
A broad federal funding package for fiscal year 2026 that finances agencies across Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy & Water, and Interior & Environment. It sets spending levels, program allocations, transfer limits, and transparency and reprogramming rules across dozens of agencies.
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- Local communities and infrastructure get dedicated money for water and parks. Clean Water State Revolving Fund capitalization is $1.6 billion and Drinking Water SRF capitalization is $1.1 billion.
- Public safety and justice systems receive major support. State and local law enforcement assistance programs total $2.4 billion and the FBI is funded at $10.6 billion for operations.
- Science, research, and space programs are funded at scale. The National Science Foundation core receives $7.2 billion and NASA operations are funded at $3.0 billion, with additional targeted NIST and NOAA research and facility dollars.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
61 provisions identified: 32 benefits, 5 costs, 24 mixed.
More support for tribal schools
The bill would provide $234.725 million for Bureau of Indian Education construction and repairs, available until spent. If a grantee has not finished planning and started building within 18 months, the Interior Secretary would be able to take over the project and its funds. It would provide $1.131617 billion for BIE operations through September 30, 2027. Up to $833.592 million for school operations would open on June 1, 2026, with up to $95.822 million for admin cost grants tied to grants approved before that date. Tribes could also use Tribal Priority Allocations to cover unmet welfare assistance costs, and contract support costs would be fully funded through September 30, 2027.
More funding for police and victims
If enacted, this would provide $2.4 billion for state and local law enforcement, including $964 million for Byrne JAG with specific set‑asides. It would add $202.5 million for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, and only actual housing costs could be claimed. It would provide $720 million for programs to prevent and respond to violence against women, including a $100 million transfer from the Crime Victims Fund and up to 5% for training and evaluation. It would add $55 million for justice research and statistics. It would also clarify that the Bureau of Prisons must provide escorts so a female inmate can receive services outside a federal facility.
Census and surveys get 2026 funding
The bill would provide $318.5 million for current surveys and $1.171849 billion for periodic censuses in FY2026. Census project funds would be available through September 30, 2027. Some money could be used for outreach and promotion.
Parks get funding for 2026 work
The bill would provide about $2.877 billion to run and maintain National Park Service areas in FY2026. It would set aside money for Everglades work, major repairs, and cyclic maintenance, and $3.3 million for 400 Years history work. Some funds would remain available through September 30, 2027. The Park Service could keep up to 3% of certain Land and Water Conservation Fund grants to manage the program.
Weather Service staffing would be protected
For FY2026, the National Weather Service would need to keep enough staff to meet its mission to protect life and property. This aims to maintain forecasts and warnings across the country.
NASA gets major 2026 funding
If enacted, NASA would receive $7.25 billion for Science, $935 million for Aeronautics, $920.5 million for Space Technology, and $7.783 billion for Exploration. Funds would be available through September 30, 2027. NASA would also need to send a 5‑year budget profile for an integrated program with its annual budget.
NIST research labs and buildings funded
If enacted, NIST would receive $1.249 billion for scientific and technical research, including $405.3 million for specified projects, available until spent. Up to $9 million could move to its Working Capital Fund. It would also provide $385.9 million for construction and facility upgrades, with $257.9 million for listed projects and up to 1% for administrative costs. NIST must submit spending plans, which would be treated as reprogrammings.
Shift unused funds to energy and tech
The bill would move unused infrastructure funds to key programs. It would provide $3.1 billion to Nuclear Energy for up to two Generation 3+ small modular reactor awards and related demos, and $375 million to the Grid Deployment Office for transformer and grid component supply chains. It would also add $507 million to NOAA operations, $44 million to NOAA construction, $50 million to NTIA (split between oversight and Middle Mile), and $16.276 million to EDA. Funds would remain available until spent, and the Secretary would report transfers within 15 days after enactment.
Funding for exporters and local growth
If enacted, this bill would fund the International Trade Administration with $582 million for FY2026, with $94 million available into FY2027. At least $20 million would come from fees the agency keeps, and at least $16.4 million would go to China trade enforcement. It would also provide $400 million for Economic Development Administration grants under the Public Works and Economic Development Act. Those funds would remain available until spent and follow the uses listed in the bill’s explanatory table, including trade adjustment and technology programs.
Help for minority and manufacturing businesses
If enacted, MBDA would receive $50 million to support minority‑owned firms. NIST’s Industrial Technology Services would receive $212 million, including $175 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership and $37 million for Manufacturing USA. BIS would receive $235 million and could keep payments and contributions for services it provides. USPTO operations would be funded mainly by user fees up to $4.956 billion, with any extra deposited in a fee reserve that remains available until spent.
Higher offshore inspection fees for operators
If enacted, offshore operators would pay set fees in FY2026. Annual facility fees would be $10,500 (no wells but processing/gathering), $17,000 (1–10 wells), or $31,500 (>10 wells). Rig inspections would cost $30,500 per inspection in water 500+ feet, or $16,700 if under 500 feet. Non‑rig unit inspections would cost $13,260 (2,500+ ft), $11,530 (500–2,499 ft), or $4,470 (<500 ft). At least half of the fees BSEE spends in FY2026 would go to staff and permit review; a $36 million appropriation would be reduced by collected fees.
Rescind some unused Justice, Commerce funds
The bill would permanently take back specified unobligated balances by September 30, 2026. Examples include $60 million from EDA, $15 million from Census Working Capital, $36 million from Violence Against Women programs, $250 million from the Office of Justice Programs, $25 million from COPS, $210 million from DOJ Working Capital, and $113.2 million from the Assets Forfeiture Fund. Emergency or disaster‑designated amounts would not be rescinded.
Crime Victims Fund cap and tribal set‑aside
Any Crime Victims Fund amounts over $1.95 billion in a year would not be available until the next year. $10 million would go to the DOJ Inspector General for oversight, available until spent. Five percent of eligible amounts would be reserved for grants to Indian Tribes.
$1.42B for USGS; private survey limits
USGS would receive $1.42 billion through September 30, 2027. Of that, $95.334 million would be for satellite operations until spent, and $74.84 million would be for larger deferred maintenance projects until spent. USGS could not do new ecosystem research surveys on private land without the owner’s written okay. USGS could not pay more than half the costs of certain cooperative mapping and water data projects with states or cities.
Tighter DOE awards and lab oversight
DOE would not be able to give $10,000,000 or larger awards to entities of concern. DOE would need to give Congress at least 3 business days’ notice before awards of $1,000,000 or more, or direct lab funding of $25,000,000 or more. DOE would file quarterly reports within 15 days after each quarter for awards under $1,000,000. Multiyear awards would be fully funded or include a clause to condition future-year obligations with 3‑day notice. Reprogrammings over $5,000,000 or 10% would need 30 days’ notice, and urgent national security or public health risks could justify a waiver with 3‑day notice.
More NOAA funding and fee rules
If enacted, NOAA would receive $4.54 billion for operations, research, and facilities, available through September 30, 2027. NOAA could accept and spend voluntary funds from partners for permitting and related work. It would allow fees under the Recreational Quota Entity program and keep them for listed purposes. The Commerce Secretary could waive up to 50% of the non‑federal match for eligible coastal construction projects when an applicant asks.
Set costs for NOAA satellites
The bill would set life‑cycle cost baselines for key NOAA space programs in FY2026. Joint Polar Satellite System: $11.322125 billion. Polar Follow On: $6.8379 billion. GOES‑R Series: $11.7001 billion. Space Weather Follow On: $692.8 million.
Offshore fees offset BOEM funding
BOEM would receive $191.128 million for FY2026, with $133.128 million available through September 30, 2027 and $58 million until spent. That total would be reduced during the year by receipts from higher lease rental rates (as of August 5, 1993 levels) and cost‑recovery fees. The goal is a net FY2026 appropriation estimated at no more than $133.128 million.
More tribal business loans backed
The bill would provide $13.329 million to support guaranteed and insured loans under the Indian Financing Act. Of that, $2.125 million would pay administrative costs. The funds would be available through September 30, 2027 and could back up to $227,318,923 in total loan principal.
Limits on NASA and OSTP work with China
NASA and the Office of Science and Technology Policy would not use funds for bilateral programs or official visits with China unless a new law allows it. An activity could proceed if, after FBI consultation, the agency certifies no national or economic security risk and no interaction with officials tied to human rights violations. Certifications would be due at least 30 days before the activity.
More conservation funds for states and tribes
If enacted, this would fund several conservation efforts. It would provide $73.8 million for State and Tribal wildlife grants, with shares set by land area and population (at least 1% and no more than 5% per State). Planning grants would get up to a 75% federal share; implementation up to 65%. It would add $166.975 million for abandoned mine cleanup, with set shares for Appalachian States and tribes, paid within 90 days of enactment. It would provide $65 million for Pacific salmon projects, with at least a 33% State match, and $5 million for National Park Service Centennial Challenge projects with a 50% non‑federal match. It would also require FY2026 Land and Water Conservation Fund money to be allocated to listed projects within 45 days.
New tools for Park projects and fees
The National Park Service would be able to bundle all phases of a FY2026 project into one contract if listed in its 5‑year plan. Contracts would include a clause that funds are only available as provided. Donations and fees could adjust costs within the original scope, with committee consultation for larger changes. Franchise fee balances could be used at another park unit to reduce certain leasehold or possessory liabilities, and then be paid back over the contract term.
Stronger supply‑chain checks for agency IT buys
Commerce, Justice, NASA, and NSF would review supply‑chain risks before buying high‑ or moderate‑impact IT systems. They would assess the presumptive awardee using threat information, consult the FBI, and look for cyber‑espionage or sabotage risks, including ties to the PRC, Iran, DPRK, or Russia. Agencies would need a mitigation plan, a national‑interest finding, and a report to Congress and the agency Inspector General.
No SPR oil sales to China
If the Strategic Petroleum Reserve sells oil using these funds, buyers would not be allowed if controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Buyers would have to ensure the oil is not exported to China.
Wildfire help for volunteer departments
Interior would be able to give grants, training, and equipment to volunteer and rural fire groups. It would also be able to transfer excess federal firefighting equipment to them. This would support local wildfire response and safety.
Forest bioenergy treated as carbon neutral
If enacted, federal agencies would align policy on forest bioenergy and treat it as carbon neutral when it does not convert forests to non‑forest use. The policy would encourage private investment across the forest biomass supply chain and support forest health efforts. It would also recognize State initiatives to produce and use forest biomass.
CHIPS funds allocated within 45 days
If enacted, the Commerce Secretary would allocate CHIPS for America Fund FY2026 amounts to NIST accounts and projects in 45 days. The NSF Director would allocate CHIPS Workforce and Education FY2026 amounts in 45 days to the listed accounts and projects. This would move research and workforce money out the door quickly to the targets listed in the bill tables.
Easier low-value gun parts exports
If enacted, no export license would be required to ship certain firearm parts to Canada when the total wholesale value is $500 or less per transaction. Fully automatic weapons and key parts (like barrels and receivers) would remain excluded, except for government end use. Exporters would still file export declarations, and the exemption would not allow re‑exports beyond Canada. The President could temporarily restore license rules upon Federal Register notice.
No Title V permits or GHG reports for livestock
Agencies would not use funds to require Clean Air Act Title V permits for greenhouse gases from livestock biological processes. Agencies would also not enforce mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from manure management systems.
No BIE operating funds in Alaska
If enacted, no Bureau of Indian Education funds would be available to operate any elementary or secondary school in Alaska. Families who rely on those schools could lose federal operating support.
Loan caps for fishing businesses
For FY2026, the Fisheries Finance Program would face loan caps. Individual Fishing Quota loans would be limited to $24 million. Traditional direct loans would be limited to $150 million. This would limit how much financing is available to fishing businesses that year.
Tax checks for $5M+ federal awards
Agencies funded by this bill would only award contracts or grants over $5 million if the company certifies its federal taxes are in order. The firm would need to have filed all required returns for the last three years, have no criminal tax conviction, and have no unpaid federal tax older than 90 days unless it is in an approved plan or valid dispute. This rule would apply upon enactment.
Pauses on wind right‑of‑way and Chaco leases
No funds would be used to grant or renew a Lava Ridge Wind Project right‑of‑way until Interior analyzes alternatives with local consultation. The Secretary would seek feedback and finish consultations by September 30, 2026 and brief Congress. No funds would be used to accept or offer oil and gas leases inside the Chaco withdrawal area until the named cultural resources study is complete.
Stricter control of agency fund shifts
Agencies would need to notify Congress at least 30 days before moving money in ways that create or end programs, relocate offices, or change funding by more than $500,000 or 5% (whichever is less). Many other reprogrammings would also be restricted without prior approval. Commerce would need to give 30 days’ notice before using expired unobligated balances in its Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.
Tribal funds, leases, and school rules change
Tribal Priority Allocation funds could be moved to fix funding inequities; no tribe would lose more than 10% in FY2026 unless due to dual enrollment, overlap, or inaccurate methods. For section 105(l) leases, the initial lease term would start no earlier than the date the lease proposal is received, and agencies would consult tribes in FY2026 on consistent payment processes. No new charter schools would be set up at Bureau‑funded schools. Long‑standing charters could continue only if they repay a pro rata share for property and keep funds separate, and the Bureau would not take on their obligations.
U.S.-made iron for water projects
State Revolving Fund water projects would need to use U.S.-made iron and steel. EPA could grant a waiver if products are not available, not good enough quality, or would raise the total project cost by more than 25%. Waiver requests would be posted for public input for at least 15 days. EPA could keep up to 0.25% of the SRF funds for oversight.
Freeze 2024 overhead rates on research
Commerce, NASA, and NSF would keep using FY2024 negotiated indirect cost rates under 2 CFR 200.414. DOE would also keep FY2024 indirect cost policies. Agencies would not be able to use funds to change those FY2024 rates.
Looser gun imports; no lead rules
Agencies would not be able to use these funds to regulate lead in ammunition, parts, or fishing tackle under any law. Agencies would also not be able to deny qualified permits to import U.S.-origin “curios or relics.” Shotgun import applications would have to be processed when all laws are met and there was no prior denial before January 1, 2011 for sporting-suitability. This eases some imports and blocks new lead-content rules.
Alaska timber and incinerator rule changes
In Alaska Region 10, no timber sale would be advertised if the appraised rate is a ‘deficit’ under a residual value appraisal. Western red cedar surplus to Alaska processors would be offered to processors in the lower 48 at domestic prices first; unsold cedar could be exported, and Alaska yellow cedar could be sold at export prices. EPA would not enforce the March 21, 2011 rules for small, remote incinerators in Alaska and would use the prior rules until a new regulation is issued.
Legislative reports free online first
NTIS would not be able to charge you for a Legislative Branch report unless it first tells you how to get a free online copy. If you still want a printed or paid digital copy, the price would only cover NTIS’s cost to make and send it. This would apply during FY2026.
Funds to consolidate tribal land
The bill would provide $4 million to buy fractional interests and help consolidate Indian land. The money would remain available until spent. Lien rules from the 2000 amendments would not apply to purchases made with this funding.
Interior can hire more locals
Interior would be able to directly appoint local residents into competitive jobs at or below GS‑9 or WG‑15. Applicants would need certification that they live permanently and exclusively near the field unit. Hiring would still follow merit rules and public notice.
NOAA could set fixed moving pay
For FY2026, NOAA would be able to set alternative or fixed rates for relocation allowances, including permanent change of station moves. This could change how much moving pay some employees receive.
Grazing permit rules stay in 2026
This bill would keep the current Forest Service grazing permit rules in place for FY2026 on certain lands. The same terms would apply through September 30, 2026. This would give ranchers stability for another year.
Limit DOJ actions on medical marijuana and hemp
DOJ would not use these funds to block listed States from carrying out their medical marijuana laws. DOJ and DEA would not use these funds to act against the legal status of industrial hemp research under the 2014 farm law.
More public reporting, audits, and postings
If enacted, agencies funded by this bill would post required reports on their websites after giving Congress at least 45 days, unless posting risks security or proprietary data. Inspectors General would audit grants and contracts, report progress every 180 days, and agencies would post redacted results within 60 days; awardees would certify they won’t pass funds to related parties. Interior, EPA, the Forest Service, and IHS would send quarterly reports on appropriation balances. Interior, the Forest Service, and EPA would send quarterly estimates for disaster repair costs and maintain updated five‑year maintenance plans. BSEE and BOEM would post approved offshore departures or alternate procedures within 15 business days.
Payments for Tribal facility leases
If enacted, the bill would provide whatever money is needed to pay tribes and tribal organizations for leases under section 105(l) for FY2026. The money would be available to obligate through September 30, 2027 and could not be moved to another budget account.
Protect wild horses; mark hatchery salmon
Agencies that receive excess wild horses or burros would not be able to destroy them for products, sell them for destruction, or euthanize them. The Fish and Wildlife Service would mass‑mark salmon and other salmonids intended for harvest that are released from federally run or funded hatcheries, with visible marks fishers can easily see.
10% of some grants to persistent‑poverty counties
At least 10% of each covered Public Works and Stevenson‑Wydler section 27 grant would go to projects in persistent poverty counties. A persistent poverty county is one with 20% or more of people in poverty over the last 30 years, including U.S. territories.
Penalties for fake 'Made in America'
If a court or agency finds someone intentionally used a false 'Made in America' label, they would be barred from contracts funded by this bill in FY2026. Purchases of promotional items with these funds would, when practical, be U.S.-made. Debarment and suspension rules would apply.
Mining permit fees offset agency funding
If enacted, fees collected for mining permits would be kept to fund permit review and enforcement and would reduce the general fund amount. The bill estimates the FY2026 appropriation at not more than $117.575 million after collections. A small direct appropriation would remain available until expended.
Commerce budget moves and staffing rules
If enacted, Commerce could shift up to 5% between appropriations, but no account could rise by more than 10%, and capital asset moves would need 15 days’ notice. Commerce could make advanced payments when officials certify it is in the public interest. Employees detailed to the Secretary’s office for over 180 days would require full reimbursement to their home bureau. NTIA would charge other federal agencies for spectrum services and keep those fees to fund the work.
Excess wild horses can be reassigned
If enacted, Interior and Agriculture could transfer excess wild horses and burros removed from public lands to other government agencies for use as work animals. Transfers could happen right away when an agency asks. Transferred animals would lose their legal status as wild free‑roaming horses or burros under federal law.
Limits on prison spending and outsourcing
Administrative expenses at Federal Prison Industries would be capped at $2,700,000 in FY2026, excluding certain costs like depreciation and facility expenses. The bill would also pause public‑private A‑76 competitions for work done by Bureau of Prisons and UNICOR employees during FY2026.
No funds to implement Arms Trade Treaty
Agencies would not be able to use these funds to implement the Arms Trade Treaty until the Senate approves it.
Tighter DOJ IT spending and fund caps
In FY2026, DOJ would not spend on any new or upgraded IT program over $100,000,000 unless the Deputy Attorney General and DOJ’s board certify proper controls and compatibility. DOJ Working Capital Fund income would be largely unavailable, except up to $12,000,000 for a unified financial system. Up to $30,000,000 in transferred capital balances and $10,000,000 of certain excess unobligated balances could be used, and each use would count as a reprogramming.
Wildlife grants and review fee changes
The bill would provide $21 million for multinational species conservation and $5 million for neotropical migratory bird conservation. It would also require applicants to pay fees for review of non‑toxic shot types and coatings. Those fees would be kept by the Fish and Wildlife Service and used to process applications and update rules. All these funds would remain available until spent.
Block pornography on funded networks
Funds could not be used to build or run a computer network unless it blocks access to pornography sites. Networks used for law enforcement investigations, prosecutions, or court work would be exempt.
Rules to block porn and illegal content
If enacted, bill funds could not run or build networks that allow viewing, downloading, or sharing pornography. There would be an exception for law enforcement and victim‑assistance work. It would also state that Commerce grant recipients can act to deter child pornography, copyright theft, and other unlawful activity on their networks.
Limits DOJ abortion funding and coercion
DOJ funds would not pay for abortions in FY2026, except to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest. This limit would be void if a court rules it unconstitutional. The bill would also bar using funds to require anyone to perform or help perform an abortion.
NEA shifts grants to underserved; tighter rules
NEA individual grants would be limited to literature, National Heritage, or American Jazz Masters fellowships. Most grantees could not pass funds to others, except State/local arts agencies or regional groups. Seasonal support would require a detailed season plan. NEA would prioritize underserved communities and public arts appreciation, create a national touring category, cap non‑touring awards at 15% to any single State, and report yearly by State.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cole
OK • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
senate vote • 1/15/2026
On Passage of the Bill H.R. 6938
Yes: 82 • No: 15
senate vote • 1/15/2026
On the Cloture Motion H.R. 6938
Yes: 85 • No: 14
senate vote • 1/12/2026
On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed H.R. 6938
Yes: 80 • No: 13
house vote • 1/8/2026
On Passage
Yes: 397 • No: 28
house vote • 1/8/2026
On Retaining Divisions B and C
Yes: 419 • No: 6
house vote • 1/8/2026
On Retaining Division A
Yes: 375 • No: 47