The House of Representatives has passed the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026 by a vote of 397 to 28. This legislative package now heads to President Trump’s desk after anticipated Senate approval.
The passage marks continued progress in the annual appropriations process managed by the House Committee on Appropriations, which oversees federal spending through its 12 subcommittees. The committee, established in 1865, is responsible for drafting annual spending bills that fund government operations and specific policy areas. More information about the committee’s structure and responsibilities can be found on its official website.
Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), who serves as the 43rd chairman of the committee, commented on the significance of this legislative step: "Today, the House took another step forward in advancing three more FY26 appropriations bills to President Trump’s desk. Through bipartisan, committee-led consensus, we are delivering full-year measures that spend less than current funding, implement critical priorities for our districts, and continue to advance the America First agenda. This was not by accident – it is the result of ending bloated omnibuses, empowering members, and doing the hard work Article I of the Constitution demands. I commend the leadership and attention to detail of our Subcommittee leaders: Chairman Hal Rogers, Chairman Mike Simpson, and Chairman Chuck Fleischmann. With their direction, we have a product that supports law enforcement and the fight against illicit drugs, unleashes U.S. energy dominance and strengthens nuclear deterrence, and supports our wildland firefighters and the stewardship of America’s resources. This package reflects a commitment to governing discipline, transparency, and purpose. It is exactly the kind of responsible legislating the American people expect – and deserve – from Congress."
Subcommittee leaders also provided statements regarding their respective sections of the bill.
Hal Rogers (R-KY), Chair of Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee said: "This new year's package is a great way to kick off 2026, delivering key funding to make America safer and stronger, including our economy, our borders, and our holistic future. The bill for Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies reins in wasteful spending and invests in programs that strengthen our families and communities. We're doubling down on our commitment to back historic law enforcement efforts to dismantle drug cartels and stop the flood of deadly drugs like fentanyl from poisoning our communities. We're also restoring national security leading the way for cutting-edge innovation and bolstering economic development opportunities. Thanks to the stellar leadership of Chairman Tom Cole we're upholding our promise to advance critical federal funding for the American people."
Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Chair of Energy & Water Development Subcommittee stated: "As part of President Trump’s and House Republicans’ mission to renew our great nation we promised to unleash American-made energy invest in our military and modernize infrastructure nationwide. The Fiscal Year 2026 Energy & Water Appropriations Act which I led & successfully passed in House strengthens America by investing in nuclear deterrent...funding essential upgrades for ports & waterways infrastructure—including full funding for Chickamauga Lock...and strengthening electrical grid resiliency...makes historic commitments decrease reliance on China’s monopoly critical minerals makes America global leader technologies tomorrow like AI quantum supercomputing continues robust funding next-generation Nuclear Navy ensures unleashing American energy dominance lower prices...I thank Trump Administration Chairman Cole my bipartisan colleagues House Senate collaboration support pass my Energy & Water bill..."
Mike Simpson (R-ID), Chair of Interior & Environment Subcommittee added: "Today's passage...sends strong message that House Republicans determined advance President Trump's America First policy agenda reducing energy costs protecting America's public lands reversing harmful Biden-era regulations...this bill protects important programs states local communities rely on...fully funds Payment in Lieu Taxes program prioritizes Indian Country Wildland Fire Management..."
The legislation includes increased support for state/local law enforcement targeting fentanyl trafficking; expanded investments into mining production technologies; enhanced cybersecurity measures for electric grids; modernization funds for nuclear defense systems; bans on crude oil sales from Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China; restrictions barring adversaries’ citizens from U.S. nuclear facilities; continued funding support for wildland firefighters; prioritized emergency response/law enforcement at national parks; increased funds supporting Tribal Public Safety/Justice programs.
The appropriations process allows members guidance on community project funding requests included within these bills (source). The committee influences policy through its role passing major legislation such as these annual spending bills (source).
For further details or summaries about each section—Commerce/Justice/Science; Energy/Water Development; Interior/Environment—additional resources are available via official channels.
