Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027
- Sponsor
- Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5]
- Committees
- Appropriations Committee
- Last action
- May 15, 2026
Bottom line
H.R. 8845 is a comprehensive appropriations bill funding key federal departments and agencies for FY2027, while also enacting numerous policy changes and restrictions on federal activities.
What it actually does
This bill provides appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027. It allocates funding across numerous federal agencies and programs, including international trade, economic development, law enforcement, scientific research, and space exploration. Additionally, it includes a significant number of general provisions that impose policy directives, restrictions, and amendments to existing laws, covering a wide range of topics from firearms regulation to foreign relations and federal agency operations.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill provides essential funding for critical government functions, ensuring national security, economic growth, scientific advancement, and public safety. They would highlight specific investments in areas like law enforcement, border security, space exploration, and research, asserting that these allocations are necessary to maintain federal operations and address national priorities. The policy riders, from this perspective, are seen as necessary measures to ensure responsible governance, protect constitutional rights, and align federal activities with congressional intent.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that the bill contains excessive spending in certain areas or insufficient funding in others, potentially leading to fiscal irresponsibility or neglecting crucial needs. They may criticize the inclusion of numerous policy riders, arguing that they bypass regular legislative processes, are unrelated to appropriations, or impose ideological restrictions on federal agencies. Concerns could also be raised about specific provisions that impact civil liberties, environmental protections, or agency autonomy, viewing them as overreach or detrimental to effective governance.
The bill is 54 pages long and highly complex due to its omnibus nature and numerous detailed provisions. An informed reader would require significant time to thoroughly understand its contents, which may not align with typical legislative review periods for such a comprehensive measure.
Title I, Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration (ITA) Appropriations
This provision appropriates $440,000,000 for the International Trade Administration, with $102,000,000 remaining available until September 30, 2028. It specifies that $20,000,000 is to be derived from fees, and not less than $16,400,000 is for China antidumping and countervailing duty enforcement and compliance activities. The funds support trade promotion, business investment attraction, and enforcement of trade laws.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that robust funding for ITA is crucial for promoting American exports, attracting foreign investment, and ensuring fair trade practices, particularly against countries like China that may engage in unfair trade. This protects American jobs and industries.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that some trade promotion activities could be more efficiently handled by the private sector or that the focus on specific enforcement actions could lead to trade disputes without clear economic benefits.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the promotion of U.S. trade interests with the need for enforcement against unfair practices, potentially creating tensions with trading partners while aiming to protect domestic industries.
Title I, Department of Commerce
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Appropriations
This section allocates $450,000,000 for the Bureau of Industry and Security, with $180,000,000 available until expended. These funds are designated for export administration and national security activities, including field operations, medical coverage for overseas employees, and awards for informers under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. It also allows retention of fees for covering costs of such activities.
Title I, Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Operations, Research, and Facilities
This provision appropriates $4,007,653,000 for NOAA's operations, research, and facilities, available until September 30, 2028. An additional $659,190,000 is transferred from the 'Promote and Develop Fishery Products and Research Pertaining to American Fisheries' fund for fishery activities. It includes specific allocations for community projects and allows retention of fees for national marine sanctuaries.
Title II, Department of Justice
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Appropriations
This section allocates $800,000,000 for the Executive Office for Immigration Review, responsible for administering immigration courts. Of this amount, $10,000,000 is derived from fees deposited in the 'Immigration Examinations Fee' account.
Title II, Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Salaries and Expenses
This provision appropriates $11,355,117,000 for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's salaries and expenses, with $216,900,000 remaining available until expended. These funds are for the detection, investigation, and prosecution of crimes against the United States, including counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and criminal investigations.
Title II, Department of Justice
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Salaries and Expenses
This section appropriates $1,300,000,000 for the ATF. It includes funds for training state and local law enforcement, laboratory assistance, and payment of attorneys' fees. A proviso states that not more than 40 percent of the funds may be obligated unless processing times for National Firearms Act applications do not exceed 120 days for paper and 60 days for electronic applications.
Title II, Department of Justice
Federal Prison System (BOP) Salaries and Expenses
This section appropriates $8,225,000,000 for the Federal Prison System, with not less than $409,483,000 specifically for programs and activities authorized by the First Step Act of 2018. A portion of these funds (not less than 2%) is transferred to the National Institute of Justice for evaluations of First Step Act programs. It also allows transfers to HHS for inmate medical relief and sets limits on contract confinement funds.
Title II, Department of Justice
Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Programs
This section appropriates $725,000,000 for grants, contracts, and other assistance for the prevention and prosecution of violence against women. It includes specific allocations for various programs such as grants to combat violence, transitional housing, sexual assault victim assistance, rural domestic violence, campus violence reduction, legal assistance, and programs for Indian women and Tribal governments.
Title II, Department of Justice
State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance (SLLLEA)
This section appropriates $2,159,200,000 for various state and local law enforcement assistance programs. Key allocations include $837,500,000 for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, $230,000,000 for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, $406,000,000 for comprehensive opioid use reduction activities, and $106,200,000 for offender reentry programs. It also includes $321,015,500 for Byrne Justice community projects.
Title III, Science
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Appropriations
This provision appropriates $6,000,000,000 for NASA's science research and development activities, available until September 30, 2028. The funds support various scientific endeavors, including space flight, spacecraft control, communications, and program management. It specifies that the total amount in the accompanying report's table shall be for the purposes and in not less than the amount for each such purpose specified.
Title III, Science
National Science Foundation (NSF) Research and Related Activities
This section appropriates $6,440,140,000 for the National Science Foundation's research and related activities, available until September 30, 2028. This includes funding for polar research and operations support ($700,000,000, with $119,071,000 for U.S. Antarctic Logistical Support). The funds support basic research across various scientific and engineering disciplines.
Sec. 514, Title V
Supply Chain Risk for Information Systems
This section prohibits the Departments of Commerce and Justice, NASA, and NSF from acquiring high-impact or moderate-impact information systems (as defined by NIST) unless the agency reviews supply chain risk, considers threat information from the FBI, assesses cyber-espionage/sabotage risks (especially from entities identified as cyber threats like China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia), develops a mitigation strategy, and determines the acquisition is in the national interest. This determination must be reported to Congress and the agency Inspector General.
Sec. 526, Title V
Prohibition on Collaboration with China for NASA and OSTP
This section prohibits NASA and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) from using funds to develop, design, plan, implement, or execute any bilateral policy, program, order, or contract to participate, collaborate, or coordinate with China or any Chinese-owned company, unless specifically authorized by a law enacted after this Act. It also prohibits hosting official Chinese visitors at NASA facilities. Exceptions apply if NASA or OSTP certify, after FBI consultation, that there is no risk of technology transfer with national security implications and no knowing interactions with officials involved in human rights violations. Such certifications must be reported to Congress and the FBI 30 days in advance.
Sec. 531, Title V
Medical Marijuana Enforcement Restriction
This section prohibits the Department of Justice from using funds to prevent states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories from implementing their own laws authorizing the use, distribution, possession, or cultivation of medical marijuana. However, it explicitly states that funds *may* be used to enforce violations of 21 U.S.C. 860, which pertains to drug offenses occurring near schools or youth facilities.
Sec. 543, Title V
Prohibition on Enforcement of ATF 'Frame or Receiver' Rule
This section prohibits the use of funds to implement, administer, apply, enforce, carry out, or defend any part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) final rule entitled "Definition of 'Frame or Receiver' and Identification of Firearms" (87 Fed. Reg. 24652 (April 26, 2022)). This rule aimed to clarify definitions of firearms and frames/receivers, particularly concerning privately made firearms (PMFs) often referred to as 'ghost guns'.
Sec. 551, Title V
Prohibition on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
This section prohibits the use of any funds made available by this Act or any other Act for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, training, programs, offices, officers, policies, or other executive agency functions. This is a broad prohibition impacting all agencies funded by this Act.
Sec. 555, Title V
Prohibition on Critical Race Theory and Related Concepts
This section prohibits the use of funds for any education, training, or professional development that utilizes, promotes, or teaches Critical Race Theory (CRT), any concept associated with CRT, or any idea or concept that condones discrimination based on race or sex, causes psychological distress based on race or sex, regards one race as inherently superior, views the U.S. or its institutions as systemically racist/sexist, or asserts that meritocracy is racist/sexist.
Sec. 558, 559, 560, Title V
Prohibitions on Gun Control Measures
These sections collectively prohibit the use of funds for gun buyback or relinquishment programs (Sec. 558), to fund or implement any red flag or extreme risk protection order laws (Sec. 559), or to create, operate, or maintain a Federal firearms registry (Sec. 560).
Sec. 565, Title V
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Facility Assignment by Biological Sex
This section prohibits the use of funds by the Bureau of Prisons to assign an individual to a facility that does not correspond to such individual's biological sex. This directly impacts the housing policies for transgender inmates within the federal prison system.
Sec. 582, Title V
Amendments to the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996
This section amends the LIBERTAD Act (Helms-Burton Act) to clarify who can bring claims for confiscated property in Cuba. Specifically, it allows successors in interest to bring claims even if they acquired the property or claim after March 12, 1996, provided they did not acquire it in exchange for value or consideration (e.g., through inheritance). It also repeals Section 305 of the Act, which previously allowed the President to suspend the right to bring such actions. These amendments apply retroactively to pending and dismissed actions.
Sec. 585, Title V
Prohibition on Enforcement of National Firearms Act (NFA) for $0 Tax Firearms
This section prohibits the use of funds to enforce the National Firearms Act (NFA) regarding any firearm for which the tax imposed under sections 5811 or 5821 of the NFA is $0 pursuant to the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act'. It also prohibits investigation or prosecution of criminal or civil actions under the NFA for such firearms. Furthermore, it states that no violation of federal law shall accrue for such firearms, effectively exempting them from NFA regulation.
Sec. 588, Title V
Restrictions on Disclosure of Firearms Trace Data
This section imposes strict limitations on the disclosure of firearms trace data from the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) and the Firearms Trace System (FTS) databases maintained by the ATF. It restricts disclosure to federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, or foreign law enforcement (for criminal investigations), or federal agencies for national security/intelligence purposes. It explicitly states that such data is immune from legal process, not subject to subpoena or FOIA requests, and inadmissible in civil actions, with narrow exceptions for ATF enforcement proceedings. It also prohibits public disclosure of raw data, summaries, analyses, or testimony derived from such data.
Adoption of prior appropriations act requirements and updated life cycle costs for NOAA satellite programs.
Sec. 104, Title I
Why it matters:Standard legislative practice to incorporate by reference and update program costs in appropriations bills, but the specific implications of these life cycle cost updates are not immediately apparent without external context.
Case for: Ensures continuity of oversight requirements and provides updated cost estimates for major, multi-year satellite programs, allowing Congress to track long-term financial commitments.
Case against: The sheer size of these programs and the lack of detailed breakdown in the bill text make it difficult for external observers to scrutinize the cost changes or program management effectively.
Estimated impact: Commits billions of dollars over multiple years for critical satellite systems: Joint Polar Satellite System ($11,322,125,000), Polar Follow On Program ($6,837,900,000), Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R-Series Program ($11,700,100,000), and Space Weather Follow On Program ($692,800,000).
Exemptions from general transfer authority for specific community project funding.
Sec. 205, Title II
Why it matters:This is a common legislative tactic to protect specific earmarks or community project funding from being reprogrammed by agencies, ensuring the funds go to their intended recipients. It's technically part of the transfer rules but has a substantive impact on specific appropriations.
Case for: Ensures that congressionally directed funds for specific community projects are protected and cannot be diverted by agencies, upholding legislative intent.
Case against: Reduces agency flexibility to adapt to unforeseen needs or reallocate funds to more pressing priorities, potentially leading to less efficient use of taxpayer money.
Estimated impact: Protects $321,015,500 for Byrne Justice community projects (DOJ OJP--Byrne) and $385,986,400 for law enforcement technologies and equipment grants (DOJ COPS Tech) from being transferred to other accounts.
Detailed reprogramming requirements for all agencies funded by the Act.
Sec. 505, Title V
Why it matters:This is a standard, but often overlooked, mechanism for Congress to maintain strict control over how appropriated funds are spent, even after they've been allocated to agencies. It's 'buried' because it's a procedural rule, but its impact is highly substantive.
Case for: Ensures congressional oversight and prevents agencies from unilaterally altering spending priorities, creating new programs, or making significant organizational changes without explicit legislative approval.
Case against: Can create bureaucratic delays and reduce agency agility in responding to emergent needs or optimizing operations, as even minor adjustments require congressional notification and approval.
Estimated impact: Affects billions of dollars in appropriations across all funded agencies, dictating how they can manage and adjust their budgets throughout the fiscal year.
Modification of ATF Demand 2 program reporting thresholds.
Sec. 561, Title V
Why it matters:This is a policy rider that uses an appropriations bill to impose a specific operational change on an executive agency's program, which might face more resistance or debate if introduced as standalone legislation.
Case for: Proponents argue that the original Demand 2 thresholds are overly burdensome on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) and that the modified thresholds ensure that reporting is focused on bona fide criminal investigations with a relevant 'Time-to-Crime' metric, reducing unnecessary administrative load.
Case against: Opponents might argue that modifying these thresholds weakens ATF's ability to identify and interdict illegal firearms trafficking, potentially hindering law enforcement efforts to combat gun violence.
Estimated impact: Alters the reporting requirements for FFLs participating in the ATF Demand 2 program, potentially reducing the number of traces reported and impacting ATF's intelligence gathering on firearms trafficking.
Prohibition on intelligence community/law enforcement agencies purchasing certain customer/subscriber records or illegitimately obtained information from third parties.
Sec. 592, Title V
Why it matters:This is a significant policy rider addressing privacy concerns related to government data acquisition, which is often debated in standalone legislation. Its technical language makes it less accessible to a casual reader.
Case for: Proponents argue that this provision protects the privacy and Fourth Amendment rights of U.S. persons by preventing federal agencies from circumventing legal processes (like warrants) by purchasing sensitive data from third parties that was obtained without proper consent or through illicit means.
Case against: Opponents might argue that this restriction could hinder legitimate law enforcement and national security investigations, particularly in rapidly evolving digital environments where timely access to information is critical.
Estimated impact: Significantly alters the methods by which federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies can acquire certain types of digital data, potentially closing a perceived loophole in privacy protections.