Congress Quietly Restores FY2026 Science Budgets, Rejecting 40-60% Cuts
March 27, 2026 · 2 min read
Jared Klein
Federal science agencies will operate at roughly their prior funding levels in FY2026 after Congress passed a bipartisan appropriations package that rejected the Trump administration's proposed cuts of 40% to 60% across major research agencies.
The House voted in favor on January 8, the Senate followed on January 15, and the package was sent to the President's desk on January 22. The numbers represent a decisive rebuke of the White House's science budget proposal.
Agency-by-Agency Breakdown
NSF received approximately $8.8 billion — a slight decrease from the roughly $9 billion enacted in FY2025, but more than double the $3.9 billion proposed in the president's budget request.
NASA was funded at $24.44 billion, only marginally below last year's $24.88 billion, despite the administration's request to cut over $6 billion from the agency's budget.
EPA will receive approximately $8.8 billion — a 3.5% dip from FY2025 but still more than double what the administration requested.
NIH funding details are still being finalized in accompanying report language, but early indications suggest the agency avoided the catastrophic 40% cut the White House proposed.
Why Researchers Shouldn't Celebrate Yet
The appropriations win is real but fragile. The White House Office of Management and Budget has directed NASA to pause funding for certain science missions despite congressional approval. Staff reductions continue at facilities like NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. And the administration retains tools to delay or impound appropriated funds.
For grant seekers, the practical implication is that program offices at NSF, NIH, and DOE are funded and can issue awards — but individual program timelines may still face administrative delays. Researchers should submit proposals on schedule while monitoring agency-specific guidance for any pauses.
What This Means for the Funding Landscape
The bipartisan deal signals that Congress views federal research investment as essential regardless of White House priorities. "Appropriations is one of the last bastions of bipartisanship in the Congress," as one senator noted during floor debate. For ongoing analysis of how these budget dynamics affect specific grant programs, visit the Granted blog.