House FY27 appropriations bills move away from some cuts, but Congress still needs to finish the job to fund co-op priorities

As Congress moves deeper into the FY2027 appropriations process to fund the federal government, House bills released to date show that cooperative priorities are still very much in play.

Earlier this month, the Administration released the President's Budget Request for FY27 to outline its priorities and proposed funding levels. Following the release of the Budget request, the House began work to draft and consider appropriations bills.

While the Senate Appropriations Committee Markup Schedule has not been announced, Chair Susan Collings (R-ME) is aiming to finish consideration of FY27 spending bills before July.

As lawmakers shape FY2027 funding bills, NCBA CLUSA encourages members to advocate for full funding of key co-op programs.

Where the House bills stand

• Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program: House FY27 proposal includes $4 million; FY26 funding was $5 million; the President requested $0 and the closure of Rural Business-Cooperative Services.
• Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP): House FY27 proposal includes $4.535 million; FY26 enacted funding was $4.2 million; the President requested $0.
• CDFI Fund: House FY27 proposal includes $276.6 million; FY26 enacted funding was $324 million; Treasury requested $119.5 million.
• Cooperative Development Program: House FY27 proposal includes $13.875 million; FY26 Appropriations provided $13.875 million; the President requested $0.
• Department of Labor Employee Ownership Initiative: The House Department of Labor Funding Bill is not yet published. FY26 Appropriations provided $2 million.
• Rural Business Development Grants: House FY27 would provide $18 million; FY26 enacted funding was $21 million; the President requested $0.

The takeaway is clear: the House has improved on several of the Administration's proposed cuts, but final FY2027 funding still needs to do more to protect cooperative development, rural business growth, community finance and employee ownership. NCBA CLUSA members should keep pressing Congress to reject proposed eliminations and strengthen final funding for the programs co-ops rely on.

Tell Congress to preserve the programs co-ops rely on

As a member of NCBA CLUSA, you can help shape the final outcome. Contact your representative and senators now. Tell lawmakers that cooperatives are practical, community-rooted partners in creating jobs, preserving businesses and supporting resilient local economies. Congress should support strong final FY2027 funding for key cooperative programs such as RCDG, RESP, the CDFI Fund, the Cooperative Development Program and the Employee Ownership Initiative.

Learn more about FY27 Appropriations Priorities and NCBA CLUSA engagement

For more information on NCBA CLUSA's advocacy priorities and resources, visit ncbaclusa.coop/advocacy or contact[email protected].