The Senate Committee on Appropriations has given the green light to the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act. The approval was made with a vote of 19-10 and provides $79.7 billion in discretionary funding, which includes $6.6 billion for defense and $73.1 billion for non-defense purposes.
Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, highlighted the bill's focus on law enforcement resources and scientific research. "This legislation includes funding to ensure the brave men and women who make up law enforcement departments across the country have the resources and personnel needed to combat the fentanyl crisis, apprehending violent fugitives, and prosecuting criminals," said Collins. She added that it also supports research in crucial scientific fields necessary for U.S. competitiveness with China.
Senator Jerry Moran, Chair of the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee, noted that the legislation supports Kansas programs by aiding local law enforcement against violent crime and fentanyl trafficking while fostering economic growth through investments. “This legislation strengthens the programs that are important to Kansas – support for local law enforcement to combat violent crime and disrupt fentanyl trafficking,” said Moran.
Key allocations include $1.5 billion for preparations for the 2030 Decennial Census by the Bureau of the Census; $1.6 billion for NIST focused on quantum information science and artificial intelligence; $6.1 billion for NOAA; $24.9 billion allocated to NASA supporting its Artemis Program among other initiatives; and $9 billion designated for NSF aimed at maintaining leadership in scientific research.
