Today, the House Appropriations Committee convened to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The committee approved the measure with a vote of 33 to 28.
Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson stated, “Advancing the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act is the next step toward establishing American energy dominance, reversing harmful Biden-era regulations, and ensuring access to, and protection of, our public lands for recreation and hunting.” He added that this legislation directs critical funding where it is needed most.
Chairman Tom Cole remarked, “With today’s full committee approval, we are taking decisive action to steward America’s natural resources and protect taxpayer dollars.” He emphasized that the bill manages public lands responsibly while supporting wildfire response and rolling back certain regulations.
The act provides a total discretionary allocation of $37.971 billion. This amount is $2.54 billion below the previous fiscal year’s level. It aims to unleash American energy by reducing Environmental Protection Agency funding by $2.1 billion.
Key provisions include bolstering national security by promoting domestic mining activities and prohibiting funds for housing aliens without lawful status in National Park Service properties. Additionally, $771.84 million is allocated for Tribal Public Safety programs.
In terms of energy policies, increases are provided for offshore oil development at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management as well as onshore development at the Bureau of Land Management. The act also prohibits several environmental measures seen as regulatory burdens.
During discussions on amendments:
– Simpson’s Manager’s Amendment made technical changes.
– Morelle’s amendment prohibited funds for moving a space shuttle from the Smithsonian.
Details on these amendments were adopted either by voice vote or majority decision.
