On Jan. 8, the House passed a bipartisan, bicameral fiscal year (FY) 2026 minibus appropriations package (H.R. 6938) that includes the Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior-Environment spending bills by a vote of 397-28. The measure would provide $8.8 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF), a $300 million (3.3%) decrease below the FY 2025 enacted level of $9.1 billion. The bill also includes language that would block changes to facilities and administrative (F&A) cost policies at the NSF, the Department of Energy, and other federal agencies funded through the package.
Following the passage of the minibus, the Senate is now expected to consider the package. With a Jan. 30 deadline approaching before federal funding expires, both chambers are expected to continue working on FY 2026 spending legislation to avert another government shutdown.