Senate Approves Three-Bill Funding Package, Sends Measure to White House

Legislation funds multiple federal agencies and replaces temporary government financing.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

The Senate voted 82–15 on Jan. 15 to approve a three-bill spending package that provides full-year funding for several federal departments, sending the legislation to the White House for President Donald Trump’s signature.

The measure replaces a temporary funding resolution that reopened the federal government late last year and allocates billions of dollars for the departments of Commerce, Justice, Energy, and the Interior. Under the package, NASA would receive $24.4 billion.

The legislation was finalized following negotiations among senior appropriators in both chambers and was released earlier this month. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins, R-Maine, said the agreement reduces discretionary spending while prioritizing funding areas lawmakers believe are most important to the public.

One of the bills included in the package provides $1.7 billion for the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation, an amount exceeding the administration’s fiscal year 2026 request, according to a bill summary.

The Department of Energy would receive $50.8 billion, representing an increase over both the prior fiscal year and the administration’s budget proposal. Funding for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior, and related agencies would total $42.56 billion, including $8.82 billion for the EPA, based on a conference summary.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the package preserves congressional authority over federal spending and prevents executive-branch reductions through detailed funding directives. In a statement, she emphasized the importance of passing full-year appropriations rather than relying on short-term measures.

The House approved the spending package on Jan. 8 by a wide margin, according to coverage. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, said the legislation limits executive discretion by setting legally binding spending requirements.

Some Republicans opposed the measure, citing concerns over federal debt and spending priorities. Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., said in a social media post that he voted against the bill because it does not reduce overall spending and includes earmarks he opposes.

Rep. Mike Kennedy, R-Utah, said in a separate post that he opposed the package due to funding for programs he described as unnecessary, including diversity initiatives, climate research, and certain nonprofit organizations.

With Senate passage complete, the funding package now awaits final approval by the president.