U.S. Representative Dale Strong, who represents Alabama’s 5th district and serves as Vice Chairman of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, announced that the House has passed three Fiscal Year 2026 funding bills. These bills include appropriations for Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
According to Strong, these measures are intended to reduce wasteful spending in Washington while focusing on national priorities such as space leadership, energy development, and public safety. As Vice Chairman of the subcommittee, Strong emphasized his involvement in ensuring that North Alabama’s interests were addressed in the final legislation.
“This legislation makes crucial investments that secure the future of the Space Launch System, Human Landing System, and nuclear thermal propulsion. These targeted investments reinforce U.S. leadership in space, strengthen national security, and directly support the Marshall Space Flight Center.
“The bill also supports local law enforcement through critical grant programs and provides robust funding to combat and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. It supports FBI Redstone’s operations and ensures our dedicated FBI agents are back in the field and out of the Beltway to better protect America,” said Strong.
The Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act for 2026 allocates significant resources for NASA programs important to North Alabama. Funding includes $2.33 billion for the Space Launch System beyond Artemis II and III missions; over $2 billion for the Human Landing System; up to $120 million for nuclear thermal propulsion; and a minimum of 3.2% of NASA’s research budget directed toward Small Business Innovation Research awards.
The bill also addresses law enforcement by increasing support for state and local agencies combating violent crime and drug trafficking. Investments at FBI Redstone aim to expand its role as a center for innovation and training.
For energy initiatives, appropriations will expand domestic production—including nuclear—and modernize nuclear weapons infrastructure. Water infrastructure improvements are included to help protect communities from natural disasters.
The Interior Appropriations Act prioritizes responsible land management while investing in water infrastructure upgrades. The legislation seeks to promote domestic energy production by easing regulations on farmers and small businesses established during previous administrations.
Strong is currently serving his first term in Congress after replacing Mo Brooks in 2023 (https://strong.house.gov/about). He previously served both in the Alabama House of Representatives and on the Madison County Commission (https://strong.house.gov/about). Born in Monrovia in 1970, Strong resides in Huntsville (https://strong.house.gov/about), holding a BS from Athens State University (https://strong.house.gov/about).
If enacted by the Senate and signed into law by the President, this package would represent six out of twelve full-year FY26 appropriations bills completed so far—an approach described by Strong as more transparent than previous omnibus packages.
