The House of Representatives has passed the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026. The bill, H.R. 6938, was approved with a vote of 397 to 28. It is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Trump next week. This will complete six out of twelve annual appropriations bills.
The legislation directs federal spending toward public safety, infrastructure, law enforcement, energy programs, and other priorities. The House Committee on Appropriations manages the creation of these annual federal spending measures through its subcommittees that oversee specific areas of government funding. The committee was established in 1865 and operates within the legislative branch of the U.S. government (official website). Tom Cole currently serves as chairman of the committee (official website).
Many organizations from various sectors have expressed support for H.R. 6938:
The Aerospace Industries Association stated: “Investing in NASA and NOAA ensures the United States remains the global leader in space exploration and scientific discovery. By fostering innovation and leveraging the spirit of American ingenuity, we will be able to advance key science and safety priorities that support America’s space ambitions, from low Earth orbit to our return to the Moon and beyond. The Aerospace Industries Association is pleased to see bipartisan backing for this legislation, and we encourage Congress to pass it to unleash the power of our industry.”
The American Council of Engineering Companies commented: “America’s engineering industry urges swift passage of the consolidated appropriations package in the House. This bipartisan legislation includes significant investments to fund essential programs in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. In addition, the bill significantly increases funding for critical Army Corps navigation and flood protection projects. On energy, the package includes robust funding for key programs that support advanced nuclear and traditional energy technologies, which are critical to maintain American dominance in AI and technology. America’s engineers stand ready to transform these investments into the modern, resilient infrastructure our communities deserve.”
American Gas Association said: “AGA commends Congress for advancing a bipartisan, bicameral Energy and Water Appropriations bill for 2026 that prioritizes critical investments in energy, innovation and infrastructure. By leveraging America’s vast domestic energy supplies, we can drive technological breakthroughs and fuel our future to advance a stronger economic future for the American people. AGA looks forward to working with the Department of Energy and other stakeholders to ensure the programs funded in this bill deliver meaningful results for our country while keeping essential energy costs affordable.”
Alex Rosen from American Trucking Associations remarked: “The American Trucking Associations applauds House appropriators for including provisions in the Commerce, Justice, and Science funding bill that will directly support 8.4 million hardworking truckers. Specifically, the bipartisan measure taking aim at cargo theft will address a serious and growing threat that is costing our industry $18 million per day... By empowering federal law enforcement to investigate and unravel complex multijurisdictional cargo theft cases, this legislation will help safeguard our supply chain and reduce costs for consumers.”
ClearPath Action noted: “This legislation represents a big win for energy innovation and will help ensure that the United States remains the global leader in advancing breakthrough energy technologies. We are especially excited to see the bipartisan commitment to advanced nuclear energy, better domestic supply chains, and foundational science.”
INCOMPAS added: “As our nation races to maintain technological leadership in artificial intelligence...this legislation’s historic investments in nuclear energy development...alongside enhanced grid cybersecurity...directly address the energy demands of our digital economy....By securing our energy future today, Congress is enabling a sprint toward an integrated national strategy...Ultimately, energy resilience drives digital transformation — they are two sides of the same coin.”
Louisville Independent Business Alliance said: “We appreciate ... compromise included ... that allows ... Antitrust Division ... access merger filing fee collections...This approach helps ensure that antitrust enforcers have stable ... resources....We thank ... Committee for recognizing ... importance ... adequately resourcing competition enforcement....”
National Association of Police Organizations stated: “On behalf of [NAPO]...I am writing to thank you for safeguarding...an independent Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)...and your longstanding support....By directing DOJ ...to maintain COPS Office as 'a distinct organizational grantmaking entity'..., you acted to preserve a significant,...resource....Thank you for helping America's law enforcement keep our streets safe....”
National Electrical Contractors Association said: “On behalf...of over 4,000 members,...I applaud Chairman Cole...[for] advancing [the] minibus appropriations package....This legislation makes a meaningful investment in America’s energy infrastructure while supporting thousands...of jobs....From strengthening transformer supply chains...[to] State Revolving Funds..., this bill translates federal priorities into real-world construction opportunities....”
National Grocers Association remarked similarly on antitrust resources.
National Hydropower Association highlighted record investments: “Funding for waterpower...is strong...[with] record investments...[that] help preserve hydropower...[and speed up new technologies]. NHA also welcomes attention...[to] supporting federal hydropower assets.”
National Marine Manufacturers Association stated: “[NMMA] appreciates Congress advancing a bipartisan appropriations package that provides stability for critical water,...recreation,...infrastructure programs....Predictable funding [is] essential...to maintaining reliable access...”
National Propane Gas Association commented on propane technology development supported by this bill.
North Dakota Grocers Association echoed comments about antitrust division resources.
Nuclear Engineering Department Heads Organization wrote about support needed by university research programs related to nuclear technology.
Terrapower thanked congressional leaders specifically mentioning their Natrium reactor project.
Vietnam Veterans of America connected U.S.-based "energy dominance" with diplomatic strength.
Waterways Council Inc emphasized modernization funds provided by this act.
Workplace Solutions Association repeated appreciation regarding merger filing fee resource allocation.
X-energy described progress on next-generation nuclear deployment enabled by provisions within H.R. 6938.
The House Committee on Appropriations oversees drafting these annual spending bills (official website)—including guidance on community project requests—and influences policy through its role passing major funding acts such as this one (official website). Its work impacts multiple sectors each year as it allocates funds across government operations.
