Congress Begins FY 26 Appropriations; Reconciliation Remains Uncertain

Following a brief recess for Memorial Day, Congress has returned ready to tackle both budget reconciliation and fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations. As previously reported by COSSA, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R.1) passed through the House in a 215-214 vote in late May, sending the tax policy package to the Senate. Many members of the Senate have since indicated that the bill would likely see many changes before passing their chamber, and, more recently, House Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA), have come out against the bill, expressing regret for having voted for it. Despite Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) self-imposed deadline of July 4, it is unclear whether the two chambers will be able to agree on a final reconciliation package anytime soon.

In other news, Congress is moving forward with the FY 2026 appropriations process. As previously reported, both chambers have been holding budget hearings with several departments, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (see previous COSSA coverage). On May 30, the Trump Administration began releasing the agencies’ budget requests and the following week, the House began releasing their budget bills, including the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill, the Homeland Security bill, and the Defense bill. The House bills largely support the President’s request and, through various bills, has proposed codifying several of the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders (EO), including the EO restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) (see previous COSSA coverage). The science-related funding bills are scheduled for consideration in the House starting early July.

Stay tuned to COSSA’s continued coverage of Congressional activities.