FY2026 Budget Preserves NASA, EPA, and NOAA Against Deep Cuts
March 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Jared Klein
The FY2026 three-bill spending package now moving through Congress has delivered a clear message: federal science agencies will not face the catastrophic cuts the administration proposed last May.
The numbers, compiled from congressional appropriations data, tell a story of bipartisan protection:
- NASA: $24.44 billion, preserving $7.25 billion for science missions that faced a proposed 47% cut
- EPA: $8.82 billion, maintaining state-level clean water and air programs
- NOAA: $6.171 billion, including $1.46 billion for the National Weather Service
- DOE Non-Defense: $16.78 billion, with $8.4 billion for the Office of Science
- USFS: $6.13 billion, half dedicated to wildfire management
- NIST: $1.847 billion, including continued CO₂ removal research
The package maintained all 55 NASA missions that had been threatened with elimination and protected Earth science research, STEM engagement, weather and climate satellites, and coastal research programs.
What Survived the Chopping Block
Senate Vice Chair Patty Murray noted the bills "reject steep proposed cuts to public safety grants" and boost flood mitigation funding. Education funding held at $79 billion — $12 billion above the administration's request — with Pell Grants maintained at $7,395 and TRIO, GEAR UP, and minority-serving institution programs all preserved or increased.
The Institute of Education Sciences received $790 million, triple the administration's $261 million request.
The Senate Wild Card
The House has passed its version, but Senate consideration faces complications. Democrats may block the broader package unless Department of Homeland Security funding is separated due to ICE enforcement concerns. Republicans have resisted this split, creating potential shutdown risk.
What Grant Seekers Should Watch
With appropriations largely settled, the key variable is now disbursement speed. Agencies with intact program staff will release funds faster than those that lost significant workforce in 2025. Grant applicants should target programs at agencies with the strongest operational capacity — EPA and NOAA competitive grants, USDA AFRI cycles, and DOE Office of Science solicitations all have active deadlines through spring 2026.
Track deadline-specific opportunities across all federal agencies at grantedai.com/grants.