Simpson Floor Remarks on H.R. 6938, Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026

Thank you, 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 want to commend Chairman Cole for his leadership of the Appropriations Committee and for his continued support for the Interior Bill. I'd also like to 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 non-defense 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.

This bill invests $1.74 billion in 1,277 Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed Spending projects, including to improve clean and drinking water infrastructure across the country. This bill also fully funds all of our must-pays, such as PILT payments to States and territories and payments to Tribes through Contract Support Costs and Sec. 105(L) leases.

This bill eliminates waste and restores fiscal responsibility, prioritizes unleashing American energy, and protects public lands and access. 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 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 obligations with the Tribal nations.  I continue to say that I refuse to balance the budget on the backs of Tribes, and I am proud that this bill does not do that.  This bill increases support for public safety and justice throughout 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 a 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, making sensible cuts across 28 Bureaus and Agencies, and closing an agency that has completed its mission. Thoughtful cuts were made to the Department of the Interior resulting in a nearly 2% cut to the topline. EPA is cut by nearly 4%. Renewable energy is cut by $34 million – while providing targeted increases that preserve our country'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 fit to benefit the American people.

I urge its adoption and I yield the balance of my time.