WTAS: Strong Support for the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026
Washington, D.C. – This week, the House of Representatives passed the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, with a vote of 397 to 28.
H.R. 6938 is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law by President Trump next week, completing six of the twelve appropriations bills. Work continues on floor passage of the remaining FY26 legislation.
This bicameral, bipartisan legislation directs spending to support the America First work happening across the Trump Administration. The funding not only delivers wins for American taxpayers, but also supports communities and the resources Americans rely on: public safety, infrastructure, law enforcement, energy, and more.
H.R. 6938 has earned the support of stakeholders across industries, who are rallying behind Appropriators' work to fund the government responsibly, utilizing our Article I authority the way our Founders intended.
The full list of organizations supporting H.R. 6938 can be found here. Read on for some key highlights.
Aerospace Industries Association
“Investing in NASA and NOAA ensures the United States remains the global leader in space exploration and scientific discovery. By fostering innovation and leveraging the spirit of American ingenuity, we will be able to advance key science and safety priorities that support America’s space ambitions, from low Earth orbit to our return to the Moon and beyond. The Aerospace Industries Association is pleased to see bipartisan backing for this legislation, and we encourage Congress to pass it to unleash the power of our industry.”
American Council of Engineering Companies
“America’s engineering industry urges swift passage of the consolidated appropriations package in the House. This bipartisan legislation includes significant investments to fund essential programs in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. In addition, the bill significantly increases funding for critical Army Corps navigation and flood protection projects. On energy, the package includes robust funding for key programs that support advanced nuclear and traditional energy technologies, which are critical to maintain American dominance in AI and technology. America’s engineers stand ready to transform these investments into the modern, resilient infrastructure our communities deserve.”
American Gas Association
“AGA commends Congress for advancing a bipartisan, bicameral Energy and Water Appropriations bill for 2026 that prioritizes critical investments in energy, innovation and infrastructure. By leveraging America’s vast domestic energy supplies, we can drive technological breakthroughs and fuel our future to advance a stronger economic future for the American people. AGA looks forward to working with the Department of Energy and other stakeholders to ensure the programs funded in this bill deliver meaningful results for our country while keeping essential energy costs affordable.”
American Trucking Associations
“The American Trucking Associations applauds House appropriators for including provisions in the Commerce, Justice, and Science funding bill that will directly support 8.4 million hardworking truckers. Specifically, the bipartisan measure taking aim at cargo theft will address a serious and growing threat that is costing our industry $18 million per day,” said American Trucking Associations SVP of Legislative Affairs Alex Rosen. “By empowering federal law enforcement to investigate and unravel complex, multijurisdictional cargo theft cases, this legislation will help safeguard our supply chain and reduce costs for consumers.”
ClearPath Action
“This legislation represents a big win for energy innovation and will help ensure that the United States remains the global leader in advancing breakthrough energy technologies. We are especially excited to see the bipartisan commitment to advanced nuclear energy, better domestic supply chains, and foundational science.”
INCOMPAS
“As our nation races to maintain technological leadership in artificial intelligence and next-generation computing, we cannot afford to fall behind in the energy infrastructure that powers these critical national capabilities. The competitive service providers, hyperscale’s, infrastructure players, start-ups, and investors that INCOMPAS represents are building the critical tools that will define America’s economic future. Still, they require massive amounts of reliable power to operate. China understands this equation and is aggressively expanding its energy capacity to fuel its AI ambitions. We must match and exceed their determination. This legislation’s historic investments in nuclear energy development, including small modular reactors and advanced reactor demonstrations, alongside enhanced grid cybersecurity and resilience measures, directly address the energy demands of our digital economy. The goal of expanding nuclear capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050 is precisely the kind of bold vision we need to ensure American companies can compete and win in the global AI race. Furthermore, the bill’s focus on critical minerals extraction and reducing foreign dependencies strengthens the supply chains essential for both energy production and the semiconductor industry that powers our digital infrastructure. Every data center, every 5G cell site, every AI system, and every nascent computing cluster requires secure access to these materials. Our geopolitical competitiveness also depends on it. Coupled with the White House’s AI strategy, this proposal lays the critical foundation for a comprehensive national framework, one that recognizes energy resilience as the bedrock upon which America’s technological leadership must be built. By securing our energy future today, Congress is enabling a sprint toward an integrated national strategy, one that harnesses our federal leadership and the forces of innovation, capital markets, and competitive telecommunications to ensure American AI dominance for decades to come. Ultimately, energy resilience drives digital transformation — they are two sides of the same coin. By unleashing American energy diversification, this legislation ensures that innovative competitors can continue disrupting markets, driving down costs, and delivering world-leading services to American consumers and businesses.”
Louisville Independent Business Alliance
“We appreciate the bipartisan compromise included in the CJS portion of the minibus that allows the Department of Justice Antitrust Division to access merger filing fee collections, consistent with the intent of the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act. This approach helps ensure that antitrust enforcers have stable, user-fee–based resources to keep pace with increasingly complex merger review and enforcement demands. We thank the Committee for recognizing the importance of adequately resourcing competition enforcement to protect a fair and competitive marketplace.”
National Association of Police Organizations
“On behalf of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), representing some 250,000 sworn law enforcement officers across the nation, I am writing to thank you for safeguarding and continuing an independent Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and for your longstanding support for our nation’s law enforcement community. By directing the DOJ to maintain the COPS Office as “a distinct organizational grantmaking entity within the Department” in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations measure, you acted to preserve a significant, dedicated resource for state and local law enforcement agencies and officers. The Fiscal 2026 CJS spending bill also sufficiently funds the various programs administered by the COPS Office that are vital to state and local law enforcement’s ability to serve and protect our communities efficiently and effectively. Serving as the lead national law enforcement organization, NAPO worked tirelessly with members of Congress and the Administration to enact the COPS Program in 1994. Since its inception, the COPS Program has been extremely successful in implementing and carrying out its designated objectives. Thank you for helping America's law enforcement keep our streets safe and recognizing the importance of maintaining a strong, independent COPS Office.”
National Electrical Contractors Association
“On behalf of the National Electrical Contractors Association and our over 4,000 members, I applaud Chairman Cole and the House Appropriations Committee for their leadership in advancing the FY2026 Commerce–Justice–Science, Energy and Water, and Interior–Environment minibus appropriations package. This legislation makes a meaningful investment in America’s energy infrastructure while supporting thousands of high-quality, prevailing-wage jobs for NECA contractors. The package includes nearly $5 billion for nuclear energy programs, including $3.1 billion dedicated to small modular reactor deployment, alongside strong funding for grid modernization, water infrastructure, and renewable energy initiatives. Together, these investments will drive sustained demand for skilled electrical construction and unleash American energy dominance. From strengthening the domestic transformer supply chain to bolstering State Revolving Funds for water and wastewater treatment facilities, this bill translates federal priorities into real-world construction opportunities that NECA members are uniquely positioned to deliver.”
National Grocers Association
“We appreciate the bipartisan compromise included in the CJS portion of the minibus that allows the Department of Justice Antitrust Division to access merger filing fee collections, consistent with the intent of the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act. This approach helps ensure that antitrust enforcers have stable, user-fee–based resources to keep pace with increasingly complex merger review and enforcement demands. We thank the Committee for recognizing the importance of adequately resourcing competition enforcement to protect a fair and competitive marketplace.”
National Hydropower Association
“Funding for waterpower in this year's minibus is strong and historic. It includes record investments in the Waterpower Technologies Office (WPTO), which will help preserve and enhance existing hydropower and speed up the development and deployment of innovative technologies like marine energy. This in turn helps meet energy demand across the country, especially in remote communities. NHA also welcomes the Committee's attention to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and recognizing the importance of supporting our nation's federal hydropower assets.”
National Marine Manufacturers Association
“As 85 million Americans go boating each year, NMMA appreciates Congress advancing a bipartisan appropriations package that provides stability for critical water, outdoor recreation, and infrastructure programs. Predictable funding for agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Interior, and Commerce’s NOAA are essential to maintaining reliable and safe access to public waters and fisheries as well as support for local jobs and communities that support a $1.2 trillion recreational economy.”
National Propane Gas Association
"NPGA commends Chairman Cole and the House Appropriations Committee on the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. This legislation supports the development and deployment of innovative propane technologies, helping to meet the energy needs of a rapidly evolving landscape. NPGA is grateful for the inclusion of key propane-related provisions and looks forward to its prompt passage on the House Floor and subsequently in the Senate."
North Dakota Grocers Association
“We appreciate the bipartisan compromise included in the CJS portion of the minibus that allows the Department of Justice Antitrust Division to access merger filing fee collections, consistent with the intent of the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act. This approach helps ensure that antitrust enforcers have stable, user-fee–based resources to keep pace with increasingly complex merger review and enforcement demands. We thank the Committee for recognizing the importance of adequately resourcing competition enforcement to protect a fair and competitive marketplace.”
Nuclear Engineering Department Heads Organization
“As we approach the January 30th funding deadline, we thank you and your staff for working hard to finalize the FY26 energy and water appropriations bill. As you may be aware, the Nuclear Engineering University Program (NEUP) has served as the primary vehicle through which the Department of Energy (DOE) supports nuclear energy related R&D at America’s colleges and universities. These awards have created numerous collaborations between universities, national labs, and industry partners. They have also led to some of the most innovative advanced reactor designs being developed today. The undersigned representatives from the Nuclear Engineering Department Heads Organization (NEDHO) support the $146.1 million funding level for NEUP, SBIR/STTR and TCF included in Division B of the House Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations minibus package. We also request that no less than $64.7 million be specifically allocated to NEUP. Furthermore, we request that funding for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) led University Nuclear Leadership Program (UNLP) align with the Division B request requiring the use of $12.4 million from existing balances for the UNLP. Robust funding and the continuance of both programs is crucial for the development and scale up of our future nuclear workforce and nuclear technology development. Supporting quadrupling of nuclear power and the timely development of the nuclear workforce remains a priority for this Administration, as highlighted in recent Executive Orders signed by the President in May 2025. Continued support for nuclear energy related R&D programs across the board is imperative for our nation’s national security. Domestically we’re not only facing a demand for expanded electrification but also an important global AI race. Expanding our domestic nuclear workforce must remain a priority.”
Terrapower
“The FY2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill marks another significant investment in our energy future and brings America’s next nuclear reactor, TerraPower’s Natrium, one step closer to completion. TerraPower is incredibly grateful to Chairman Fleischmann for his leadership in securing funding for essential nuclear initiatives like the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.”
Vietnam Veterans of America
“As veterans from multiple generations we have seen diplomatic relations injured by our lack of positioning especially in the energy sector. Providing a pathway to American energy dominance is the right pathway for preventing future wars and ensuring access and careers for our veterans and their families while also reducing costs of living and making the American dream accessible.”
Waterways Council Inc.
“This legislation provides critical funding for the modernization, operation, and maintenance of aging lock and dam infrastructure on the inland waterways system—a crucial component of our Nation's agriculture, energy, and manufacturing supply chains.”
Workplace Solutions Association
“We appreciate the bipartisan compromise included in the CJS portion of the minibus that allows the Department of Justice Antitrust Division to access merger filing fee collections, consistent with the intent of the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act. This approach helps ensure that antitrust enforcers have stable, user-fee–based resources to keep pace with increasingly complex merger review and enforcement demands. We thank the Committee for recognizing the importance of adequately resourcing competition enforcement to protect a fair and competitive marketplace.”
X-energy, LLC
“Progress on the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations bill sends a powerful signal that America remains committed to energy leadership, abundance, and security. The bill recognizes the urgent need to deploy next-generation nuclear technologies at scale to meet rapidly growing energy demand. Federal initiatives such as the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program enable the private sector to lead the nation’s nuclear expansion and have helped X-energy advance from concept to a commercial pipeline totaling 11 gigawatts across 144 Xe-100 reactors. We are grateful for Congress’s continued support and look forward to working with congressional leaders and the Trump Administration to enact this legislation and deliver our shared vision for American energy dominance.”
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