Scott Statement on FY26 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior Minibus Appropriations Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 6938, the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior Minibus Appropriations Act:

"This bipartisan Minibus Appropriations Act repudiates many of the draconian cuts requested by President Trump in his FY26 budget request. While it does not increase federal investments to keep pace with inflation, this package will provide a modest overall funding increase for FY26. Democrats were successful in securing language reasserting Congress's power of the purse. The bill also includes funding to help bring down costs for the American people and eliminates all of the partisan poison pill policy provisions included in the earlier House-passed versions of these bills.

"As co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Caucus, I helped secure increased funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program, a critical federal-state partnership that has guided Chesapeake Bay restoration for more than 40 years. This bill also maintains funding for a variety of Chesapeake Bay-related programs across the federal government helping to clean the Bay, increase recreational opportunities, and expand our local economy.

"The minibus also makes key investments in scientific research, including funding for the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, or Jefferson Lab, in Newport News. Jefferson Lab is conducting research at the forefront of nuclear physics to help us better understand the building blocks of our universe. Jefferson Lab is also leading a Department of Energy project building state-of-the-art data management infrastructure that will enable researchers throughout the United States to study fields previously inaccessible due to technological limitations. This bill provides the funding that Jefferson Lab needs to continue its research and develop this computing infrastructure.

"Additionally, the minibus maintains funding for the Community Relations Service (CRS) at the Department of Justice. I recently led a letter urging the Department of Justice to preserve this important agency. CRS plays a critical role in responding to community conflict through collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and local communities to facilitate peaceful resolutions and to reduce incidents rooted in hate. The minibus also includes funding to support re-entry and rehabilitation services for individuals returning to their communities or who need help - some of the most effective programs that help reduce crime and recidivism.

"Finally, I am pleased that the bill includes $4.97 million in Community Project Funding for Virginia's Third Congressional District. These projects will directly benefit the Hampton Roads community by making critical investments in our communities. I am also pleased that this bill includes $4 million for the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River dredging which is an important priority supporting our local economy. I am honored to represent Virginia's Third Congressional District in Congress, and I will continue fighting to make sure that federal resources are available to strengthen the Hampton Roads community."

Community Project Funding requested by Congressman Scott included in the FY26 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, and Interior Minibus Appropriations Act include:

• Old Dominion University, Improving Success in Siting Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Reduction using Digital Twins as Decision Support Initiative, $1,031,000;
• An Achievable Dream Inc., Social and Emotional Support and Crisis Prevention Initiative, $790,000;
• Urban League of Hampton Roads, Incarcerated Persons Reentry Initiative, $1,039,000;
• City of Newport News, Youth Diversion Program: Friday Night Nets, $750,000;
• Hampton Roads Police Athletic League, Hampton Roads Youth Crime Prevention and Community Engagement Program, $860,000;
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Norfolk District, General Reevaluation Report - Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management, $500,000.

For more information and to access factsheets on the FY26 Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, Interior Minibus Appropriations Act, please click the links below:

• Extreme Republican Policy Riders Eliminated
• Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Division
• Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Division
• Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Division

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