Review of Military Energy, Installations, and Environment in Support of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act

Subcommittee hearing.

Witnesses:

  • Dale R. Marks, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment
  • Dr. Jeff L. Waksman, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment
  • Brenda M. Johnson-Turner, Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment
  • Michael E. Saunders, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations and Environment
Senate Armed Services Committee
   Readiness and Management Support Subcommittee
232A Russell

06/25/2025 at 02:30PM

Nominations of Usha-Maria Turner to be EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs and David Wright to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Full committee hearing.

Nominees:

  • Usha-Maria Turner to be Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs
  • David A. Wright to be renominated as a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Usha-Maria Turner is a longtime energy-industry lobbyist, most recently for Chesapeake Energy. She previously worked for OGE Energy and TXU Power.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
562 Dirksen

06/25/2025 at 10:00AM

Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries legislation

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills:

  • H.R. 1676 (Rep. Donalds), “Make State Wildlife Action Plans Efficient Act of 2025”, to amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to require the Secretary of the Interior to approve the wildlife conservation and restoration program of a State within 180 days
  • H.R. 3538 (Rep. Garbarino), “Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025”, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Wildlife Confiscations Network
  • H.R. 3857 (Rep. Hurd), “Snow Water Supply Forecasting Reauthorization Act of 2025”, to use commercially available technologies for integrated snowpack measurement modeling
  • H.R. 3858 (Rep. Dingell), “Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025,” to increase funding of Interstate Fisheries Commission activities, support alternative fuel marine facilities and cut the tax on portable, electronically aerated bait containers from 10 percent to 3 percent
House Natural Resources Committee
   Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee
1324 Longworth

06/24/2025 at 10:15AM

POSTPONED Markup of FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs

Subcommittee markup has been postponed.

Budget request:

Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Program Name $ Change from 2025 Enacted (in millions) Brief Description of Program and Recommended Reduction or Increase Enacted
Increases
America First Opportunity (A1OF) Fund +2,900 Support India and Jordan; repatriations; counter China and other near-peer rivals; and fund new activities.
Development Finance Corporation +2,820 The Budget increases the U.S. International DFC. This investment includes $3 billion for a new revolving fund to allow DFC to recycle any realized returns from its initial investments without further appropriation.
Cuts, Reductions, and Consolidations
Economic Support Fund, Development Assistance, Democracy Fund, and Assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia -8,326 The Budget eliminates funding for these programs and replaces them with the single A1OF and the DFC. International Disaster Assistance,
Migration and Refugee Assistance, and Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance (ERMA)—International Humanitarian Assistance (IHA) -3,207 The Budget reduces disaster assistance. The Budget provides $1.5 billion in ERMA for the President to use at his discretion and consolidates accounts into a new $2.5 billion IHA account.
State and USAID Operations -2,462 Consistent with Executive Order 14169, “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” the Budget reorganizes USAID into the Department of State.
International Narcotics Control & Law Enforcement (INCLE) -1,160 The majority of INCLE funds go to reforming criminal justice systems in foreign governments, rather than to narcotics enforcement, which is primarily undertaken by: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Central Intelligence Agency; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and Department of Defense (DOD) elements. The Budget eliminates rule-of-law programs, while providing $125 million to fund programs that support counter-drug, organized crime, and border security missions.
Peacekeeping Missions -1,614 The Budget does not provide funding for United Nations (UN) and other peacekeeping missions.
Assessed and Voluntary Contributions to International Organizations -1,716 The Budget pauses most assessed and all voluntary contributions to UN and other international organizations, including for the UN Regular Budget, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the World Health Organization. This is consistent with Executive Order 14199, “Withdrawing the United States From and Ending Funding to Certain United Nations Organizations and Reviewing United States Support to All International Organizations.” The President can choose to fund these international organizations out of the A1OF if he chooses.
Educational and Cultural Exchanges -691
Transition Initiatives (TI) -75 TI funds short-term assistance that aims to shape political outcomes in countries. The Budget eliminates the TI account.
Complex Crisis Fund -55 The Complex Crisis Fund is a fund for nation-building projects. The Budget eliminates this account and redirects crisis funding to the IHA and ERMA accounts.
National Endowment for Democracy (NED) -315 The Budget eliminates funding for NED.
Global Health Programs/Family Planning -6,233 The United States is the largest global contributor to programs that provide family planning. The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief funding is preserved for any current beneficiaries.
Food for Peace (Title II) -1,619 The Food for Peace program spends $1.6 billion to ship food overseas.
Contribution to the Global Environmental Facility and Climate Investment Funds -275 The Budget proposes to eliminate contributions to the Global Environment Facility and the Climate Investment Funds.
Contributions to Multilateral Development Banks (African Development Bank, African Development Fund) -555 Consistent with Executive Order 14169, “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” the Budget proposes to eliminate contributions to the African Development Fund. The Budget also includes $3.2 billion over three years for the U.S. Government contribution to the International Development Association.
Other Treasury International Reductions -86 The Budget proposes to eliminate several of the Department of the Treasury’s international assistance programs, including the Debt Restructuring account, and contributions to the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program.
Small Agency Eliminations
Cuts, Reductions, and Consolidations
  • 400 Years of African American History Commission
  • Corporation for National and Community Service (operating as AmeriCorps)
  • Corporation for Public Broadcasting
  • Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
  • Institute of Museum and Library Sciences
  • Inter-American Foundation
  • Marine Mammal Commission
  • National Endowment for the Arts
  • National Endowment for the Humanities
  • Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation
  • U.S. African Development Foundation
  • U.S. Agency for Global Media
  • U.S. Institute of Peace
  • U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
  • Woodrow Wilson Center
  • Presidio Trust
-3,586 The Budget includes the elimination of, or the elimination of Federal funding for, the following small agencies. Agencies in bold are in this appropriations bill.
  • Delta Regional Authority
  • Denali Commission
  • Northern Border Regional Commission
  • Southeast Crescent Regional Commission
  • Southwest Border Regional Commission
  • Great Lakes Authority
The Budget eliminates six small regional commissions. The Budget continues funding for Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) operations at $14 million.
House Appropriations Committee
   National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee

06/24/2025 at 10:00AM

Full Committee Markup of FY26 Homeland Security Bill

Full committee markup, originally scheduled for June 12.

Homeland Security:

Budget request

Department of Homeland Security
Increases
Program$ Change from 2025 Enacted (in millions)Description
DHS +43,800 Amounts for DHS in the 2026 Budget complement amounts that the Administration has requested as part of the reconciliation bill currently under consideration in the Congress. Reconciliation would allocate more than $175 billion in additional multiyear budget authority to implement the Administration’s priorities in the homeland security space of which at least an estimated $43.8 billion would be allocated in 2026. Reconciliation funding in 2026 would enable DHS to fully implement the President’s mass removal campaign, finish construction of the border wall on the Southwest border, procure advanced border security technology, modernize the fleet and facilities of the Coast Guard, and enhance Secret Service protective operations. Reconciliation would also provide funding to bolster State and local capacity to enhance security around key events and facilities, and prepare for upcoming special events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
Cuts, Reductions, and Consolidations
Program$ Change from 2025 Enacted (in millions)Description
Non-Disaster Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant Programs -646 The Budget reduces FEMA grant programs. FEMA under the previous administration made equity a top priority for emergency relief, which will end. The National Domestic Preparedness Consortium will be eliminated.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) -491 The Budget refocuses CISA on Federal network defense and enhancing the security and resilience of critical infrastructure. The Budget eliminates programs focused on misinformation and propaganda as well as external engagement offices such as international affairs.
Shelter and Services Program -650 The Budget proposes eliminating the Shelter and Services Program.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Screening -247 The Budget reduces Transportation Security Officer levels.
House Appropriations Committee
2359 Rayburn

06/24/2025 at 10:00AM

Locking in the DOGE Cuts

A subcommittee hearing entitled “Locking in the DOGE Cuts: Ending Waste, Fraud, and Abuse for Good.”

Witnesses:

  • Emily DiVito (Minority Witness), Senior Advisor for Economic Policy, Groundwork Collaborative
  • Matthew Dickerson, Director of Budget Policy, The Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC)
  • David Burton, Senior Fellow in Economic Policy, The Heritage Foundation
  • Dan Lips, Senior Fellow, Foundation for American Innovation
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee
   Delivering on Government Efficiency Subcommittee
HVC 210 Capitol Visitor Center

06/24/2025 at 10:00AM

Domestic Rare-Earth Mining

Full committee hearing entitled “Securing America’s Mineral Future: Unlocking the Economic Value Beneath Our Feet.” The purpose of this hearing is to highlight the role that American small businesses play in the rare earth minerals (REMs) and critical minerals industry.

Hearing memo

Witnesses:

  • Aaron T. Dowd, Chief Executive Officer, Rare Earth Salts
  • Harvey Kaye, Executive Director, U.S. Critical Materials
  • Ken Mushinski, President and Chief Executive Officer, Rare Element Resources
  • Dr. Laura Stoy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rivalia Chemical Co.
House Small Business Committee
2360 Rayburn

06/24/2025 at 10:00AM

Rail Modernization

A subcommittee hearing entitled “America Builds: The Role of Innovation and Technology in a Safe and Efficient Rail System.”

Witnesses:

  • David Shannon, General Manager, RailPulse
  • Brigham McCown, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Eric Gebhardt, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Wabtec; on behalf of Railway Supply Institute
  • Tony Cardwell, President, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division, International Brotherhood of Teamsters
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
   Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee
2167 Rayburn

06/24/2025 at 10:00AM

Full Committee Markup of FY26 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill, Continued

Full committee markup.

Continued from June 11 and June 12.

Budget request:

Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Increases
Program(millions of $)Description
Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) +15 FSIS inspects meat, poultry, and egg product plants to ensure food safety nationwide. Several States have their own equivalent inspection program, and FSIS shares in the cost of these programs. Increases are needed to support increased production and demand for services.
Rental Assistance Grants +74 The Budget provides funding to renew the rental assistance grant contracts at $1.7 billion. This prevents the default of the $9 billion in USDA underwritten multifamily housing direct loans, that depend on the rental assistance grants for the debt service.
Cuts, Reductions, and Consolidations
Program(millions of $)Description
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) -602 The Budget eliminates programming in NIFA, such as activities related to climate change, renewable energy, and promoting DEI in education that were prioritized under the Biden Administration. In addition, the Budget reduces funding for formula grants. Instead, the Budget focuses on the merit-based Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. The Budget protects funding to youth and K-12 programs such as 4-H clubs, tribal colleges, and universities. This investment would help prepare future generations of farmers. It also ensures HBCUs are amply funded.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and USDA Research Statistical Agencies -159 The Budget reduces funding for research sites across the Nation and reduces funding for research projects. The Budget also makes small reductions to the Economic Research Service and National Agricultural Statistics Service to stop climate research added by the Biden Administration while ensuring some analysis and data collection continues.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)—Private Lands Conservation Operations -754 The Budget eliminates discretionary funding for conservation technical assistance. While funding has helped producers deploy conservation practices on their lands, many have been forced to participate in the program in order to comply with State environmental regulations such as California’s Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program, which regulates agricultural runoff.
NRCS Watershed Operations -16 The Budget eliminates funding to renovate locally owned dams in the NRCS Watershed Programs. These programs received an influx of funding through IIJA. Currently, there is over $100 million in unobligated balances between the two programs.
Rural Development Programs -721 Infrastructure loans are prioritized for aging rural water and wastewater systems, as well as technical assistance through the “Circuit Rider” program balanced with reductions in the grants. Other specialty water grants and earmarks are not funded except where the tax base cannot support loans, including maintaining funding for Native American Tribes. Community facility grants are eliminated, as the Congress has been earmarking nearly 100 percent of them. No new USDA funding is needed for broadband expansion. The Budget would also eliminate rural business programs, single family housing direct loans, self-help housing grants, telecommunications loans, and rural housing vouchers. Rural Development salaries and expenses are reduced commensurately.
Farm Service Agency (FSA) Salaries and Expenses: Farm Production and Conservation-Business Center (FPACBC) -358 The first Trump Administration placed the FSA, NRCS, and Risk Management Agency under one umbrella: FPAC-BC. The staff-heavy FSA struggles with hiring due in part because of labor market competition. The Budget reduces funding in order to reflect the Agency’s plans for efficiencies, which include improving online services.
National Forest System Management -392 The Budget reduces salaries and expenses by $342 million, and saves an additional $50 million by eliminating funding for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration program, and reducing funding for recreation, vegetation and watershed management, and land management regulation. The Budget fully supports the Executive Order 14225, “Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production,” to improve forest management and increase domestic timber production. The requested funding level supports timber sales, hazardous fuels removal, mineral extraction, grazing, and wildlife habitat management.
Forest Service Operations -391 The Budget reduces funding for expenses including salaries and facility leases to streamline the Agency’s management structure and reduce their real property footprint.
State, Local, Tribal, and NGO Conservation Programs -303 The Budget reduces grant programs that subsidize management of State and privately-owned forests. While the Budget provides reduced support for Federal wildland fire management activities, these partners should be encouraged to fund their own community preparedness and risk mitigation activities.
Forest and Rangeland Research (Except Forest Inventory and Analysis) -300 The President has pledged to manage national forests for their intended purpose of producing timber. The Budget reduces funding for the Forest and Rangeland Research program because it is out of step with timber production, but maintains funding for Forest Inventory and Analysis, a longstanding census of forest resources and conditions.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) -425 The Budget ends CSFP and replaces it with MAHA food boxes. The MAHA food boxes provide food directly to seniors. Unlike the current approach using food banks, which provide those in need with shelf-stable foods, MAHA boxes would be filled with commodities sourced from domestic farmers and given directly to American households.
McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program -240 The McGovern-Dole Food for Education program buys agricultural commodities from U.S. farmers and donates them in the form of foreign aid. Only a small portion of the program’s funding goes toward purchasing U.S. commodities, given the high transportation costs and large portion of funding provided for technical assistance. While these donated commodities totaled only $37 million in 2023 (0.01 percent of all U.S. crop sales), they undercut commodity prices in markets abroad. The elimination of this program is consistent with the elimination of other in-kind international food donation programs in the Budget, including Food for Progress and Food for Peace Title II Grants.
House Appropriations Committee
2359 Rayburn

06/23/2025 at 07:30PM

Markup of FY26 Legislative Branch Bill

Subcommittee markup.

Budget requests:

U.S. House of Representatives budget requests:

House Appropriations Committee
   Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee
H-140 Capitol

06/23/2025 at 06:00PM