Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026
Floor Speech
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Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to begin consideration of H.R. 6938 today, which includes the fiscal year 2026 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
First, I commend Chairman Cole for his leadership over the Appropriations Committee and his continued support of the Interior bill. A lot of people don't realize how hard it is to get all these bills done. We had them all marked up through the committee by the end of September, on time. That is an amazing task by the chairman of this committee, and I thank him for his continued work on this.
I also thank Ranking Member Pingree for her partnership, as well as Ranking Member DeLauro and the subcommittee members for their work on this bill.
The fiscal year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill provides $38.6 billion in total nondefense discretionary funding, reducing spending from fiscal year 2025 by $1.9 billion.
This legislation prioritizes critical needs and addresses specific concerns brought to my attention through more than 8,000 Member requests.
The bill invests $1.74 billion in 1,277 Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed Spending projects. These projects will improve clean and drinking water infrastructure throughout this country.
This bill also fully funds all of our, what I call, must-pays, such as PILT payments--payments in lieu of taxes--to States and territories and payments to Tribes through Contract Support Costs and section 105(l) leases.
This bill eliminates waste and restores fiscal responsibility, prioritizes unleashing American energy, and protects public lands and access to those lands. It bolsters national security and public safety by reducing our reliance on foreign countries for energy and mineral resources and by increasing law enforcement funding for our land management agencies and for our Tribes.
It protects our communities, fully funding firefighter pay to support wildland firefighters and prevent catastrophic wildfires.
The bill prioritizes upholding our trust and treaty responsibilities with Tribal nations. I continue to say that I refuse to balance this budget on the backs of our Tribes, and I am proud that this bill does not do that. The bill increases support for public safety and justice through Indian Country and provides over $8 billion to the Indian Health Service for key healthcare programs, prioritizing Federal investment where it is needed.
We need to pass this bill that efficiently invests in our priorities, supports the programs our communities care about, and reduces the bureaucratic overreach of the prior administration. This bill does just that, and it makes sensible cuts across 28 bureaus and agencies and closing one agency that has completed its mission.
Thoughtful cuts were made to the Department of the Interior, resulting in a nearly 2 percent reduction in the top line. EPA is cut by nearly 4 percent.
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Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, renewable energy is cut by $34 million, while providing targeted increases that preserve our Nation's natural heritage and ensure a sustainable and fiscally responsible future.
Passage of these bills will send a strong message that Congress is determined to return to regular order and deliver results for our districts.
Mr. Speaker, this bill works to ensure our priority programs receive funding without any poison pills. We had to make some tough decisions, but I am proud that this is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that both parties and Chambers see as a benefit to the American people. I urge its adoption.
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