The House is poised to pass another trio of funding bills today with bipartisan support, taking a crucial step forward in the government funding process. But the most controversial spending bills are up next.
The House passing the FY2026 Commerce-Justice-Science, Interior and Energy and Water bills Thursday would set up quick consideration of the package in the Senate. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the first vote in the Senate on Monday will likely be a procedural vote on the minibus.
With that package now seemingly on the glide path to enactment, work will heat up on the remaining six bills ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline to fund the government. House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) will meet with his appropriations cardinals Thursday for progress updates and to discuss strategy. The four leaders of the House and Senate Labor-HHS subcommittees will also meet to discuss their bill.
The next minibus appropriations that leaders are planning for the House floor would contain FY2026 funding bills for Homeland Security, State-Foreign Operations and Financial-Services and General Government. While senior appropriators say they’re close to releasing bill text, there’s some remaining issues they still need to hash out before that happens.
“We will get that out completely in time to be on the floor next week,” said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), the SFOPs cardinal.
But this is a tougher package to wrap up. Keep a close eye on the Homeland Security bill. Sen. Chris Murphy (Conn.), the top Senate Democrat for the DHS bill, wants more constraints to rein in DHS, especially after Wednesday’s deadly shooting in Minneapolis.
Republicans want more money for ICE enforcement and an additional 45,000 detention beds, according to a congressional aide. It’s unclear if Democrats will accept that without the restrictions Murphy is seeking.
FSGG fights include IRS funding and money for the new FBI headquarters. Democrats also want language limiting the White House’s ability to fire federal employees, but that’s difficult for the GOP.
Earmark uneasiness. House Republican leaders put down a revolt from conservative hardliners Wednesday over earmarks that briefly derailed the spending package’s consideration.
The House Freedom Caucus wants more member input on appropriations bills, particularly on earmarks, starting with the next minibus — and GOP leadership gave them those assurances. If conservatives strike more Democratic earmarks or change bill text, they’ll risk alienating Democrats whose votes are needed to pass the bills.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer said there won’t necessarily be changes to how leaders bring appropriations bills to the floor, but said “communication is key.”
