The U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, who chairs the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, commented on the bill’s approval.
“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.
Key aspects of the bill include a $320 million reduction in Environmental Protection Agency funding, expanded access to critical minerals, full funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, protection for oil and gas production, restrictions on using Endangered Species Act rulings against land users and energy producers, as well as prioritizing funding for Tribes and Wildland Fire Management.
The measure passed with a vote of 397-28.
Mike Simpson is currently serving in Congress representing Idaho’s 2nd district since 1999 after replacing Mike Crapo. He previously served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1984 to 1998. Simpson was born in Burley, Idaho in 1950 and lives in Idaho Falls. He graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972.
