07.24.25

Senate Committee Approves FY 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill

Bill passes Committee by a vote of 26-2

 

Washington, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, providing support for tribal programs, National Parks, public lands, and federal efforts to suppress wildfires.

 

The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 26-2, provides $38.6 billion in nondefense discretionary funding.

 

“From programs geared toward providing clean drinking water and wastewater assistance to those that support the conservation and management of our national parks and public lands, this bill invests in an array of important initiatives. The legislation also funds important tribal programs and wildfire suppression,” said Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee.

 

“I am proud of the bipartisan and thoughtful work that went into the Interior-Environmental Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Appropriations Act, especially from Ranking Member, Senator Jeff Merkley. This legislation fulfills our commitments to Tribes while balancing energy production, conservation, and recreation. It also supports our public lands while providing for clean air, clean water, and clean soil. My thanks go to Chair Susan Collins and Vice-Chair Patty Murray for keeping this vital Appropriations process moving forward in a bipartisan manner,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chair of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee.

 

Bill Highlights:

 

Department of the Interior: $15.1 billion for supporting management of National Parks, Refuges, and Forests, conservation and energy development on public lands and waters, and tribal trust responsibilities.

 

  • National Park Service: $3.3 billion to support our nation’s parks, preserve historic sites, and sustain staffing capacity to address visitor services and park management needs.

 

  • Indian Affairs (BIA and BIE): $3.9 billion, including support for important public safety and justice services, community and economic development, and probate programs. Contract support costs (CSC) and tribal lease payments are fully funded.

 

  • Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT): PILT is fully funded to provide communities in 49 states and in the territories compensation for lost tax revenues resulting from federal land ownership within their jurisdiction.

 

Wildland Fire Management: $6.4 billion is included for wildland fire management activities. Nearly $2.9 billion of this funding is made available through the wildfire suppression cap adjustment.

 

Environmental Protection Agency: $8.6 billion in grants and program funding, including $2.8 billion for the Clean Water and Drinking Water Revolving Funds.

 

U.S. Forest Service: $8.6 billion, which includes $10 million in funding to address Spruce Budworm mitigation activities. The bill also includes an increase of funding for Cooperative Fire Assistance and $6 million in funding to support the Northeastern States Research Cooperative.

 

Indian Health Services: $8.1 billion, which includes funding for staffing new facilities and health care delivery services. CSC and tribal lease payments are fully funded and maintains advanced appropriations.

 

Smithsonian Institution and the Holocaust Museum: $1.1 billion, including an increase in funding for the Holocaust Museum for expanding educational opportunities.

 

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): $207 million for each Endowment.

 

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