Today, the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee convened to discuss its Fiscal Year 2026 bill. The Subcommittee approved the measure.
Interior and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID) stated, "In terms of policy, the bill echoes this Administration’s efforts to roll back costly regulatory overreach from the prior Administration and promote domestic energy production by: halting heavy-handed, job killing EPA Biden-era regulations; limiting the prior Administration’s attempts to abuse the Endangered Species Act and ensuring continued access to our public lands; and expanding access to hardrock and critical minerals. In closing, I am pleased that this bill focuses spending where it is needed most and makes great strides to address critical needs across Indian Country. The bill doubles down on rolling back burdensome and costly regulations from the prior Administration, and it helps unleash American energy and domestic mineral development."
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) commented on the scope of the measure: "The measure covers several agencies, including the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency, that work to conserve and protect our nation’s natural, cultural, and environmental resources. Importantly, it advances the federal commitment to honor our trust and treaty responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives through Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service. I’m proud that the legislation prioritizes funding across Tribal accounts—ensuring delivery of critical services in Indian Country. Funding for Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, Bureau of Trust Funds Administration, and Indian Health Service is held at FY2025 House levels allowing for targeted increases to vital Tribal programs. Overall Chairman Simpson has demonstrated importance targeting resources where they are needed most. Funding has been reduced for lower-priority programs strategically reallocated urgent needs including wildland fire management."
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available online along with a summary of the bill text.
