The House Appropriations Committee amended (PDF) and voted 34-28 along party lines Sept. 10 to advance the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act (PDF). The legislation would include $7 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which is $2 billion (23%) below FY 2025. Prior to the markup, the committee released bill text (PDF) and an accompanying report (PDF). Notably, the committee’s report encourages the administration to collaborate with the extramural research community to develop a streamlined approach to facilities and administrative cost reimbursement.
The committee adopted several NSF-related amendments, including a directive for the agency to continue support for initiatives that enhance the recruitment and retention of Hispanic students in STEM fields.
The AAMC signed onto a September letter alongside the research community urging appropriators to fund the NSF at the highest level possible in FY 2026 (PDF). The House Appropriations CJS Subcommittee advanced the bill following a July 23 markup [refer to Washington Highlights, July 25].