WASHINGTON—Today, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson–Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee–released the following statement after the bill passed the House.  

“Today's passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act sends a strong message that House Republicans are determined to advance President Trump's America First policy agenda by reducing energy costs, protecting America's public lands, and reversing harmful Biden-era regulations. As Chairman of this subcommittee, I am pleased that this bill protects important programs that states and local communities rely on. This legislation fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program and prioritizes funding for Indian Country and Wildland Fire Management. I am grateful to Chairman Cole for his leadership and my colleagues' support across the House floor. I look forward to this critical legislation getting signed into law by President Trump,” said Rep. Simpson.

Highlights of the bill include:

• Reduces EPA funding by $320 million.
• Expands access to critical minerals.
• Fully funds the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.
• Protects oil and gas production.
• Prohibits rulings used to weaponize the Endangered Species Act against land users and energy producers.
• Prioritizes funding for Tribes and Wildland Fire Management.

Subcommittee Chairman Simpson's opening remarks are available here.

The measure was approved with a vote of 397-28.