DC Download: January 2026

Passage of the FY 2026 appropriations minibus spending package covering Commerce, Justice, Senate and Related Agencies and Interior and Energy and Water is expected by January 16. Last Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6938 and the Senate began its consideration of the bill on Monday, January 12th. The timing of the minibus passage depends on the Senate floor proceedings.

Congress rejected many of the Administration’s proposed cuts, including elimination of NERRS funding. Instead, the bill includes a $700k funding increase for NERRS Operations funds (bringing it to $34M) and flat funding for NERRS PAC (Procurement, Acquisition, and Construction) at $8.5M, with an option for an up to 50% PAC match waiver. The bill also specifies the elimination of remaining FY 2026 Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) funding from the law passed in a 2021 law. 

Given the current fiscal challenges, we are very appreciative to Congress for these NERRS appropriation levels. Thank you, again, to the 49 friends groups and local nonprofits, the 145 businesses, and the many individual and community voices that affirmed the value and benefits that the NERRS provide in your state and around the country. Your support makes a difference!