Senate Passes Consolidated Appropriations Act (82-15), Debates Executive Actions on Science and Infrastructure, and Blocks Amendment to Protect NCAR
The Senate convened and passed H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, by a recorded vote of 82-15. This package funds three key appropriations bills, rejecting significant cuts proposed by the administration and reasserting congressional funding priorities. The day also featured extensive debate on executive actions impacting scientific research, infrastructure projects, and various social programs, particularly in Colorado, and discussions on credit card swipe fees and the Verizon outage.
The passage of this appropriations package is consequential as it funds critical federal agencies and programs for the remainder of the fiscal year, notably restoring proposed cuts to scientific research, public lands, and Tribal programs. The debates surrounding executive actions, particularly the attempted dismantling of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the veto of the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, highlight ongoing tensions between the legislative and executive branches over funding priorities and the constitutional power of the purse, with direct implications for public safety, scientific integrity, and regional development.
Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026
H.R. 6938Question before the chamber
Passage of H.R. 6938, a bill making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.
The case for
Senator Collins and Senator Murray highlighted the bill as a product of hard, serious bipartisan negotiations that rejects devastating administration cuts to scientific research, public lands, and Tribal programs. They emphasized that it reasserts Congress's constitutional power of the purse and protects key investments. Senator Cantwell specifically noted the bill's robust funding for NOAA research, fishery funding, and the National Science Foundation, contrasting it with the administration's attempts to slash these budgets and jeopardize American leadership in science and technology.
The case against
No specific opposition to the overall consolidated bill was aired on the floor. While 15 Senators voted against final passage, the Record text does not provide their specific arguments against the entire package. Arguments were made for specific amendments that were blocked, rather than against the bill's passage itself.
Disposition
passed · recorded vote
The bill passed the Senate.
82-15
Amendments
- To change the date of the enactment. (Mr. Thune) — fell due to cloture
- Of a perfecting nature (to amendment No. 4208). (Mr. Thune) — fell due to cloture
- To change the enactment date (to the instructions (amendment No. 4210)). (Mr. Thune) — fell due to cloture
- Of a perfecting nature (to amendment No. 4211). (Mr. Thune) — fell due to cloture
Who is affected
- Federal agencies: Ensures continued funding for operations and programs, preventing shutdowns and deep cuts.
- Scientists and researchers: Receives robust funding for institutions like NSF, NOAA, and NASA, supporting basic and applied research.
- Tribal communities: Protects funding for Tribal programs, including Indian Health Services.
- Public lands users and environmental advocates: Preserves funding for national parks, wildlife refuges, conservation lands, and environmental protection agencies.
Proposed Amendment to Maintain Operations at National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
Amendment No. 4153 to H.R. 6938Question before the chamber
Unanimous consent request to call up and make pending amendment No. 4153 to H.R. 6938, which would maintain operations and capabilities at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
The case for
Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper argued that NCAR is a critical national resource, providing essential research for weather forecasting, disaster preparedness (wildfires, floods, hurricanes), water planning, aviation safety, and national security (military operations). They stated that NCAR's work saves lives and property, and that the administration's announced plan to dismantle it is a politically motivated act against Colorado that would harm the entire country by undermining scientific capacity and emergency response capabilities.
The case against
Senator Collins objected to the unanimous consent request, stating that the underlying appropriations bill already includes robust funding for the National Science Foundation (which funds NCAR) and that nothing in the bill precludes continued support for NCAR. She also emphasized that accepting an amendment would send the package back to the House, risking a continuing resolution or a government shutdown, and that the Senate typically avoids directing NSF's grant-making to specific activities.
Disposition
objection heard · without objection
The amendment was not called up or made pending for consideration.
Who is affected
- Colorado (Boulder): NCAR is a major economic asset, employing hundreds of skilled professionals and supporting local businesses. Its dismantling would result in job losses and economic disruption.
- Scientists and researchers: The dismantling would destroy decades of scientific research capacity, expertise, and infrastructure, hindering future advances in atmospheric science.
- Emergency responders and communities nationwide: NCAR's research is vital for predicting extreme weather events, informing disaster preparedness, and improving response capabilities, directly impacting public safety.
- Military operations: NCAR develops advanced weather prediction systems critical for military readiness and safe operations globally.
Senate Passes Three-Bill Appropriations Package
highThe Senate passed H.R. 6938, a consolidated appropriations bill for Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment, by a recorded vote of 82-15. This package, which previously passed the House with strong bipartisan support, rejects significant cuts proposed by the administration and includes robust funding for scientific research, public lands, and Tribal programs.
Amendment to Protect NCAR Funding Blocked
highSenators Bennet and Hickenlooper sought unanimous consent to call up and make pending an amendment (No. 4153) to H.R. 6938 that would maintain operations and capabilities at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Senator Collins objected, citing the underlying bill's robust funding for the National Science Foundation and the risk of sending the package back to the House.
Discussion on President's Veto of Arkansas Valley Conduit Act
highSenators Bennet and Hickenlooper spoke extensively about the President's veto of H.R. 131, the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, which would provide clean drinking water to 50,000 rural Coloradans. They criticized the veto as politically motivated and highlighted the bill's unanimous bipartisan passage in both chambers, noting the House's subsequent refusal to override the veto.
Debate on Credit Card Swipe Fees and Competition
mediumSenator Durbin advocated for the Credit Card Competition Act, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored with Senator Marshall and Senator Welch, which aims to reduce credit card swipe fees charged to merchants. He highlighted the significant profits made by big banks from these fees and argued that the bill would introduce competition, ultimately lowering prices for consumers and small businesses.
Concerns Raised Over Verizon Outage and Consumer Compensation
mediumSenator Schumer addressed a recent Verizon outage affecting over 100,000 users, calling for automatic compensation for service disruptions. He urged the FCC to mandate full refunds for customers when outages occur, emphasizing that consumers should not bear the cost of service failures.