Congress Preserves $48.7B for NIH, Rejecting Administration's 40% Cut Proposal
March 11, 2026 · 2 min read
Claire Cummings
Federal science agencies emerged from the FY2026 appropriations process with their budgets largely intact, defying an administration proposal that would have slashed billions from research funding.
The National Institutes of Health received $48.7 billion in discretionary funding — a $415 million increase over FY2025 and a decisive rejection of the president's proposed 40% cut. The National Science Foundation held at $8.75 billion, more than double the $3.9 billion the White House had requested.
NASA and DOE Science Programs Preserved
NASA's budget landed at $24.44 billion, with $7.25 billion for its Science Mission Directorate — a program that faced a proposed 47% reduction. The funding preserves 55 missions that the administration had targeted for elimination.
The Department of Energy's non-defense portfolio received $16.78 billion, including $8.4 billion for the Office of Science, $3.1 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, and $190 million for energy grid protection.
NOAA secured $6.171 billion, preserving weather and climate satellites, and the National Weather Service received $1.46 billion with increased staffing. EPA's budget reached $8.82 billion, maintaining state-level water, air quality, and Tribal assistance grants.
What the Numbers Mean for Grant Seekers
The preserved funding levels mean active grant programs at NIH, NSF, DOE, and NASA will continue operating near or above FY2025 levels. NSF's $8.75 billion supports approximately 10,000 new awards and more than 250,000 scientists, technicians, teachers, and students.
For researchers who spent months uncertain about whether their agencies would face devastating cuts, the message is clear: submit your proposals. Program officers have budgets to make awards.
The House passed the spending package with bipartisan support, and most agencies are now funded through September 30, 2026. Researchers tracking funding opportunities across these agencies can monitor new solicitations through Granted as program offices finalize their award plans for the fiscal year.