FY2026 Spending Bills Shield Federal Science From Proposed Deep Cuts
March 24, 2026 · 2 min read
Jared Klein
A sweeping set of FY2026 appropriations bills has preserved funding for nearly every major federal science agency, rejecting the Trump administration's proposed cuts of more than 50 percent across the research enterprise. The bills passed with bipartisan support in both chambers, with Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins calling the package essential for "water infrastructure, energy and national security."
What Each Agency Received
The final numbers represent a decisive congressional rebuke of the White House budget request. NASA secured $24.44 billion, including $7.25 billion for science missions—saving 55 programs targeted for elimination. NSF received $8.75 billion with $7.18 billion for research activities, enough to support roughly 10,000 new awards. DOE landed $16.78 billion in non-defense funding, with $8.4 billion for its Office of Science and $3.1 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
EPA received $8.82 billion, preserving state water and air protection programs. NOAA secured $6.171 billion, including $1.46 billion for National Weather Service improvements. NIST received $1.847 billion for standards and carbon dioxide removal research, and USGS held at $1.42 billion for satellite and mapping programs.
Why These Numbers Signal Stability for Grant Seekers
The bipartisan vote margins suggest these funding levels are durable and unlikely to face significant revision. For grant seekers, the message is clear: program offices across NSF, DOE, NASA, and other agencies will have stable budgets to work with throughout FY2026.
Researchers who delayed proposals amid uncertainty over potential cuts should resume preparation now. NSF's planned 10,000 new awards represent a significant pipeline of opportunity. DOE's $8.4 billion Office of Science budget ensures continued support for basic research across the physical sciences. And NASA's preserved science portfolio means ongoing solicitations for Earth science, planetary science, and astrophysics missions.
One Action to Take This Week
Visit each target agency's grants page and review newly posted funding opportunity announcements aligned with FY2026 appropriations. Tracking how these appropriations translate into specific solicitations is the difference between being ready and being late. Updated analysis of agency-level funding opportunities is available on the Granted blog.