Key Insights for Federal Agencies in New Bipartisan Spending Package

In a significant development, Congress has introduced a new bipartisan spending package aimed at funding various federal agencies through fiscal year 2026. This initiative comes as lawmakers work to prevent a potential government shutdown at the end of the month.

Key Insights for Federal Agencies in New Bipartisan Spending Package

The spending bill establishes detailed financial allocations for agencies such as the Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, Department of Justice, and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others. If approved, this “minibus” will cover half of the 12 essential appropriations bills necessary for the government’s operation.

Spending Levels and Cuts

• Overall spending levels are slightly reduced compared to current figures.
• The Environmental Protection Agency will face a 4% funding cut, amounting to $4.7 billion more than proposed by the Trump administration.
• NASA’s budget will decrease by 2% while maintaining core functions.
• The Energy Department’s budget remains stable, countering Trump’s proposed nearly $4 billion cut.

Resistance to Restructuring Proposals

Lawmakers have pushed back against President Trump’s efforts to merge various agencies. Specifically:

• Trump’s proposal to consolidate wildfire fighting efforts was rejected, maintaining the current division of duties among the U.S. Forest Service and related bodies.
• Attempts to merge the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the Drug Enforcement Administration were also quashed.
• Any transfer of more than ten employees within the Interior Department requires formal approval.

Funding for Scientific Initiatives

Despite proposed severe cuts to scientific funding, Congress has managed to preserve substantial support for various agencies:

• The National Science Foundation will see a modest 3% funding cut instead of the proposed 57% reduction.
• Funding for the Office of Science within the Energy Department will remain intact, rejecting a suggested cut of $1 billion.
• Congress allocated nearly $1.7 billion more than requested for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Restoring Workforce Levels

Concerns over workforce reductions prompted Congress to include measures for staffing restoration:

• The National Park Service will receive funding aimed at restoring staffing to fiscal 2024 levels.
• The Indian Health Service is allocated $38 million to enhance staffing at new facilities.
• Congress highlighted the importance of fully staffing the National Weather Service for effective weather forecasting.

Preserving Federal Programs

Congress has largely rejected the Trump administration’s attempts to eliminate various federal programs:

• The National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities will maintain their funding at $207 million each.
• Funding for climate research at NOAA will be upheld at $224 million.
• Congress increased funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program to support energy efficiency improvements for low-income households.

This bipartisan spending package signifies a key legislative achievement in managing federal agency funding and service delivery amidst ongoing negotiations and political landscapes. Lawmakers continue to assert control, aiming for effective governance and responsible management of taxpayer resources.