Breaking news: Senate passes appropriations bill that will fund most federal science agencies in 2026

Vote 82-15, goes to President for signature to become law

A quick update about H.R. 6938, the “minibus” appropriations bill I have been discussing that will fund NOAA, NASA and the National Science Foundation in FY2026. After the cloture motion was approved by the Senate this morning as I discussed in my earlier newsletter, the period of debate began and the Colorado senators — Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper — both spoke about NCAR. Sen. Bennet requested unanimous consent for the consideration of their amendment to the bill that addressed protecting NCAR. Sen. Susan Collins — who is the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and thus responsible for handling the bill — objected, and this meant that the amendment was not considered.

After those senators spoke and one more speech by Sen. Patty Murray, the Senate apparently agreed to end debate and move immediately to a final vote. The bill passed 82-15, with the Colorado senators continuing to vote no. Other details on the vote can be seen above.

This means that the bill has now completed the Congressional process, and goes to President Trump for his signature. Assuming he signs, this appropriations bill will become law. You can go back to my post from last week for more details on this bill, links to the actual budget documents, and some of the potential implications.

I will have additional information and thoughts — including any public comments from Sens. Hickenlooper and Bennet or other reaction — in my regular newsletter tomorrow.

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