Committee Approves FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Appropriations Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 32 to 28. 

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Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) said, "The agencies funded in this bill impact the American people every day. We’re bringing a new level of accountability to those who fraudulently abuse taxpayer dollars by funding the DOJ’s new National Fraud Enforcement Division. As we face a pivotal time for human space exploration and national security, this bill ensures that America maintains a competitive edge over China and protects our technology. We’re also advancing hope in the battle to save lives from fentanyl poisoning and other deadly opioid overdoses by increasing funding for DEA. As we celebrate Police Week on Capitol Hill, I’m proud that this bill also includes strong funding to enhance law enforcement, making our neighborhoods safer across the country. Thanks to Chairman Tom Cole, we are making great strides through these critical federal funding bills for Fiscal Year 2027, strengthening accountability and transparency for the American people."
 

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Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, "The Fiscal Year 2027 CJS bill recognizes that American strength is built not only by what we defend – but also by where we dare to lead. This just-advanced measure backs the men and women on the frontlines of law enforcement, strengthens our response to fentanyl and emerging security threats, and protects the innovation that powers America’s economic edge. It confronts adversaries like Communist China that seek to steal our ingenuity, while continuing to reinforce the novel research and discovery that keeps the United States ahead. From safer streets to the next era of space exploration, this bill invests in the capabilities that will define our golden age – while remaining grounded in accountability, mission clarity, and the core responsibilities of government. Under the expert leadership of Chairman Rogers, this legislation reflects the discipline and direction to keep the nation safe and strong."

Subcommittee Chairman Rogers' opening remarks are available here.
Chairman Cole's opening remarks are available here.

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Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $77.341 billion, which represents a $670 million decrease compared to the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level. The defense portion of the allocation is $7.234 billion, and the non-defense portion of the allocation is $70.107 billion.

The bill appropriately right-sizes federal agencies while refocusing agency programs and operations on their core missions. Importantly, the bill directs funding to support the fight against fentanyl, provides robust funding for state and local law enforcement, and invests in efforts to counter Communist China – all while safeguarding the constitutional rights of Americans. 

Key Takeaways

Supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by:  

• Reinforcing President Trump’s strategy to crack down on fraud by providing the full request of $30 million for the Department of Justice's (DOJ) National Fraud Enforcement Division. 
• Leveling the economic playing field by increasing funding to the Office of the United States Trade Representative to support President Trump’s trade agenda to hold other nations accountable for decades of unfair trade practices and enforce trade agreements. 
• Supporting the Trump Administration’s efforts to right-size the bureaucracy of the federal government by reducing salaries and expenses where appropriate.
• Supporting President Trump’s executive actions, including:  
  • Executive Order 14369, Ensuring American Space Superiority
  • Executive Order 14269, Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance
  • Executive Order 14285, Unleashing America's Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources
  • Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness
  • Executive Order 14206, Protecting Second Amendment Rights
  • Executive Order 14320, Promoting the Export of the American AI Technology Stack
  • Executive Order 14202, Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias
  • Executive Order 14182, Enforcing the Hyde Amendment
  • Executive Order 14165, Securing Our Borders  
  • Executive Order 14390, Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens
  • Executive Order 14149, Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship
  • Executive Order 14151, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs
  • Executive Order 14395, Establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud

Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by: 

• Including strong support for DOJ federal law enforcement components and the National Security Division.
• Countering the flow of fentanyl and other opioids by providing funding above the FY26 enacted level for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 
• Safeguarding American technology by increasing funding for the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to fully support President Trump’s export control strategy.

Counters China and maintains America’s competitive edge by:  

• Investing in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum, and advanced manufacturing.
• Maintaining strong support for the NASA Artemis program to advance American leadership in space and ensure American astronauts are the first to return to the Moon.
• Countering China’s malign ambitions to steal American research and technology by protecting American exports and sustaining research security efforts.
• Combating the flow of illicit fentanyl and its precursors from China into the United States by increasing funding for the DEA.

Bolstering funding for programs that support everyday Americans by:  

• Increasing funding for the National Weather Service to protect Americans from severe weather and eliminate radar gaps.
• Supporting programs that create the conditions to foster economic growth for Americans.
• Maintaining strong support for state and local law enforcement through robust funding for Byrne JAG formula grants and Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) hiring grants that assist state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies.
• Focusing DOJ grant funding on programs that assist law enforcement in addressing the opioid crisis, combating child exploitation, eliminating the rape kit backlog, and preventing school violence.  

Champions Conservative Priorities by: 

• Preserving Second Amendment rights by maintaining all legacy firearms riders, adding new provisions that strengthen protections, and supporting the DOJ’s new Second Amendment Section under the Civil Rights Division.  
• Supporting and reinforcing Second Amendment rights by prohibiting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF’s) rules that target otherwise lawful gun ownership, such as the Biden-era rules on pistol braces. 
• Continuing the long-standing Hyde-like prohibition that prevents the use of DOJ funds to pay for abortion.  
• Canceling progressive grant programs while maintaining strong support for state and local law enforcement. 
• Defunding Biden-era executive orders, rules, and memoranda – including ending wasteful DEI initiatives.
• Supporting President Trump’s request to eliminate DOJ's Community Relations Service.
• Eliminating progressive grant programs that support criminal leniency.
• Prohibiting the censorship of lawful speech or classifying speech as misinformation.
• Continuing the prohibition on funding for any discriminatory action against individuals advocating for traditional marriage.

A summary of the bill is available here.

During the markup, Committee Republicans also stood with the America First agenda and rejected Democrat amendments that would have:  

• Expanded taxpayer spending without offsets.
• Infringed on Second Amendment rights. 
• Sought to unnecessarily limit investigations into criminal activity.
• Limited options for prison facility resources.
• Promoted Biden-era policies that support abortion.
• Wasted taxpayer resources for an unnecessary, biased investigation.
• Implemented duplicative rules and studies.
• Hampered efforts to streamline government and reduce bureaucracy and waste.
• Promoted social justice initiatives.
• Allowed climate activism to override judicial determinations.

 Adopted Amendments                                       

• Rogers #1 (Manager’s Amendment) – Makes technical, bipartisan changes to the bill and report. 
  • The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
• Rogers #2 (Republican En Bloc) – Makes technical changes, safeguards Second Amendment rights, and requires prisoners to be incarcerated in facilities that correspond with their biological sex. 
  • The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
• Meng #1 – Reinforces Secretary of Commerce’s work to support small businesses. 
  • The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
• Wasserman Schultz #1 – Supports protections and support for crime victims. 
  • The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
• Espaillat #3 – Restricts the purchasing of data from third-party brokers. 
  • The amendment was adopted by a vote of 32 to 25. 
• Dean #3 – Protects the private information of trafficking survivors and victims. 
  • The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
• Ivey #1 – Aids legal assistance for victims in need. 
  • The amendment was adopted by voice vote.

Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here.
Bill report, before adoption of amendments, is available here.
A table of included Community Project Funding requests is available here.
  

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