Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026
Summary
The Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 is a consolidated appropriations bill that allocates funding for various federal agencies and programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. The Act covers a wide range of areas, including commerce, justice, science, energy, water development, interior, and environment. It specifies funding levels for departments and agencies, outlines restrictions on the use of funds, and sets forth general provisions governing the implementation of the Act.
The Act includes provisions for specific projects and programs, such as the International Trade Administration, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It also addresses issues such as wildland fire management, water infrastructure, and tribal programs. The Act provides transfer authority between different appropriations, subject to certain limitations and reporting requirements.
Several general provisions address issues such as publicity restrictions, consulting service limitations, and adherence to 'Made in America' standards. The Act also includes rescissions of unobligated balances from prior year appropriations and addresses specific concerns related to certain projects and programs.
Expected Effects
This Act will determine the funding levels and operational parameters for a broad spectrum of federal agencies and programs. It will influence the direction and scope of activities related to economic development, law enforcement, scientific research, environmental protection, and resource management.
It is likely to impact the ability of various agencies to carry out their missions, potentially leading to changes in service delivery, project implementation, and regulatory enforcement. The specific allocations and restrictions within the Act will shape the priorities and activities of the affected departments and agencies.
The Act's provisions regarding transfers of funds and reprogramming will provide flexibility in some areas while imposing constraints in others, affecting the ability of agencies to respond to changing circumstances and emerging needs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for Pacific salmon recovery, aiding conservation efforts in several states and tribal communities.
- Support for violence against women prevention and prosecution programs, enhancing resources for victims and law enforcement.
- Investments in scientific and technical research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, fostering innovation and economic competitiveness.
- Funding for community-oriented policing services, promoting safer communities through improved law enforcement and community relations.
- Support for state and local law enforcement assistance, providing resources for crime prevention and victim assistance programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential limitations on the use of funds for certain activities, such as abortion services, which may restrict access to healthcare for some individuals.
- Rescissions of unobligated balances from prior year appropriations, potentially impacting the availability of funds for ongoing projects and programs.
- Restrictions on transfers of funds between appropriations, limiting the flexibility of agencies to respond to changing needs and priorities.
- Potential for delays in project implementation due to reporting requirements and approval processes for reprogramming of funds.
- Potential for certain projects to be prioritized over others due to community project funding allocations.
Constitutional Alignment
This Act aligns with Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The Act also aligns with the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states respectively, or to the people, by providing grants to state and local entities for various programs.
Some provisions, such as those restricting the use of funds for abortion, may raise concerns under the First Amendment regarding religious freedom and the Fifth Amendment regarding due process. However, the Act generally adheres to the principle of enumerated powers and respects the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
The Act's funding of law enforcement and justice programs aligns with the government's responsibility to ensure domestic tranquility and establish justice, as stated in the Preamble to the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).