Congressman Fong Votes to Advance FY2026 Appropriations Bills That Strengthen Public Safety, Restore Energy Dominance, and Deliver for the Central Valley

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) voted to pass H.R. 6938 - the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. Together, these bills deliver critical investments for public safety, national security, American energy production, and Central Valley communities, while also refocusing Washington spending by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. This legislation provides a total discretionary allocation of $78.011 billion, including $71.407 billion in non-defense funding and $6.604 billion in defense funding. Importantly, Congressman Fong secured nearly $21.6 million for projects in California's 20^th District, and up to $15 million for NASA's Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonic (MACH) Program.

"These investments put Central Valley families, farmers, and communities first and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly," said Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20). "I have secured critical federal investments for our region, while cutting $2 billion in wasteful spending. These resources will modernize aging water and wastewater infrastructure, enhance groundwater recharge and flood protection, expand public safety capabilities, support our tribal communities, invest in our local aerospace and defense, and prepare our workforce for next generation jobs."

Investments Secured by Congressman Fong for California's 20th District :

The FY2026 appropriations bills include critical investments for California's 20th Congressional District:

• City of Visalia - Groundwater Recharge Basin F Project
  $2,000,000 to expand stormwater capture, improve groundwater quality in the Kaweah Subbasin, and support a future 248-acre regional park.
• Tule River Tribe - Intake Structure and Pipeline Improvements
  $1,250,000 to replace aging water transmission infrastructure and ensure reliable, safe water access for the Tribe.
• City of Ridgecrest - Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement
  $1,000,000 to modernize a 70-year-old facility serving Ridgecrest and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
• Cerro Coso Community College - Cybersecurity Program
  $1,112,250 to establish a new cybersecurity education program supporting workforce development in Kern County.
• City of Lemoore - Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Water Meters
  $1,000,000 to improve water conservation, detect leaks, and protect groundwater resources vital to the community and Naval Air Station Lemoore.
• City of Tulare - Police Dispatch Expansion Project
  $579,150 to expand the Tulare Police Department's dispatch center, improving emergency response times and officer safety.
• Success Reservoir Enlargement Project
  $14,600,000 to finalize operational requirements for the expanded reservoir, improving flood protection and water reliability for Tulare County.
• The Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the bill includes language allowing up to $15 million for NASA's Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonic (MACH) Program, following agency evaluation. The directive prioritizes flight testing and requires NASA to brief House and Senate appropriators within 60 days of enactment.

Highlights of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

Refocusing Federal Spending and Protecting Taxpayer Dollars

• Increasing funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by $63 million to combat fentanyl trafficking and dismantle violent drug cartels.
• Reducing funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) by $40 million, reversing anti-Second Amendment overreach.
• Increasing funding for the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) by 18 percent to confront unfair foreign trade practices.
• Boosting funding for the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) by $44 million to counter malign activities by foreign adversaries.
• Requiring accountability and increased adjudications within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Strengthening National Security and American Innovation

• Supporting American research to counter the Chinese Communist Party's growing investments in science and technology.
• Includes $935 million for NASA Aeronautics
• Investing in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing.
• Supporting NASA's Artemis program to ensure U.S. leadership in space and counter CCP ambitions.
• Enhancing DOJ grant programs to combat the opioid crisis, child exploitation, school violence, and transnational organized crime.
• California's 20th District is home to the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, which has made groundbreaking advancements in aeronautics for generations. Provisions included in this bill helps advance the vital mission of this organization.

Defending American Values

• Maintaining longstanding Second Amendment protections, including prohibitions on:
  • Requiring export licenses for firearms.
  • Denying import applications for U.S.-origin Curio & Relic firearms and ammunition.
  • Blocking imports of shotguns for sporting purposes.
• Preserving Hyde-like pro-life protections, prohibiting DOJ funds from being used for abortion except to save the life of the mother.

Supporting Everyday Americans

• Providing strong support for state, local, and Tribal law enforcement through Byrne JAG and COPS Hiring grants.
• Increasing funding for the National Weather Service to protect families from severe weather.
• Encouraging economic growth to help reduce the cost of living.