The House Appropriations Committee has released the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, marking progress toward finalizing Fiscal Year 2026 federal spending. The legislation, developed through bipartisan and bicameral negotiations, covers appropriations for Defense; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.
According to the committee, these measures are intended to support military readiness, strengthen border security and emergency preparedness, improve education and health systems, and enhance transportation safety and infrastructure. The committee stated that this package completes funding across all 12 annual appropriations bills.
Chairman Tom Cole said, “Ronald Reagan once said that ‘America is too great for small dreams.’ I agree – and I know President Trump does too. The U.S. has always been a nation of builders – of ideas, infrastructure, opportunity, and security. With 250 years behind us, we’ve forged the greatest volunteer military in the world, transformed transportation through the Interstate Highway System, supported breakthroughs like unlocking the genetic code, and transformed security preparedness across domains. These bills recognize that legacy – and the obligation to carry it forward. It reflects the core tenets of American strength: combat-ready forces, secure communities, effective education and health systems, and modern transportation. At every level, it applies innovation and discipline to deliver results without waste. Chairmen Aderholt, Calvert, Womack, and Amodei have delivered policies that invest in the long arc of American leadership. Because the centuries behind us prove one thing: the future belongs to those willing to build it. At a time when many believed completing the FY26 process was out of reach, we’ve shown that challenges are opportunities. It’s time to get it across the finish line.”
The committee noted several changes from previous years’ budget processes by emphasizing a deliberate approach over rushed year-end packages. Negotiations included participation from House subcommittee chairs Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Steve Womack (R-AR), Mark Amodei (R-NV), as well as Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Katie Britt (R-AL).
Defense provisions focus on maintaining military superiority with investments in supply chains and next-generation weapons systems along with pay raises for service members. Homeland Security measures seek stricter border enforcement policies while supporting frontline agents with additional resources for personnel training and technology upgrades.
Labor-HHS-Education appropriations target biomedical research funding, medical supply chain resilience efforts, classroom improvements for workforce preparation programs as well as support for rural hospitals.
Transportation-HUD provisions provide funding aimed at modernizing air traffic control facilities managed by FAA along with upgrades for roads and bridges while promoting local economic development.
The committee emphasized that no controversial policy riders were included in this legislation but retained existing provisions such as restrictions on housing assistance eligibility for undocumented immigrants.
This agreement keeps overall FY26 discretionary spending below levels projected under current temporary funding extensions.
The House Committee on Appropriations is responsible for drafting annual federal spending bills through its twelve subcommittees addressing different government sectors. The committee was established in 1865; its leadership includes positions such as chairman and ranking member according to its official website.
