[119th Congress Public Law 37]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[[Page 139 STAT. 495]]
Public Law 119-37
119th Congress
An Act
Making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026,
and for other purposes. <<NOTE: Nov. 12, 2025 - [H.R. 5371]>>
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Continuing
Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction
and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.>>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Continuing Appropriations,
Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. References.
Sec. 4. Explanatory statement.
Sec. 5. Statement of appropriations.
DIVISION A--CONTINUING APPROPRIATONS ACT, 2026
DIVISION B--AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG
ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2026
Title I--Agricultural Programs
Title II--Farm Production and Conservation Programs
Title III--Rural Development Programs
Title IV--Domestic Food Programs
Title V--Foreign Assistance and Related Programs
Title VI--Related Agency and Food and Drug Administration
Title VII--General Provisions
DIVISION C--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2026
Title I--Legislative Branch
Title II--General Provisions
DIVISION D--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED
AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2026
Title I--Department of Defense
Title II--Department of Veterans Affairs
Title III--Related Agencies
Title IV--General Provisions
DIVISION E--EXTENSION OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
DIVISION F--HEALTH EXTENDERS
Title I--Public Health Extenders
Title II--Medicare
Title III--Human Services
Title IV--Medicaid
Title V--Food and Drug Administration
Title VI--No Surprises Act Implementation
DIVISION G--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXTENDERS
Title I--Health Care Matters
[[Page 139 STAT. 496]]
Title II--Benefits
Title III--Housing
Title IV--Other Matters
DIVISION H--MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 3. <<NOTE: 1 USC 1 note.>> REFERENCES.
Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ``this
Act'' contained in any division of this Act shall be treated as
referring only to the provisions of that division.
SEC. 4. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT.
The explanatory statement regarding this Act, printed in the Senate
section of the Congressional Record on or about November 9, 2025, and
submitted by the chair of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate,
shall have the same effect with respect to the allocation of funds and
implementation of divisions B through D of this Act as if it were a
joint explanatory statement of a committee of conference.
SEC. 5. STATEMENT OF APPROPRIATIONS.
The following sums in this Act are appropriated, out of any money in
the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2026.
DIVISION A-- <<NOTE: Continuing Appropriations Act,
2026. Applicability. Apportionments.>> CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT,
2026
The following sums are hereby appropriated, out of any money in the
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and out of applicable corporate or
other revenues, receipts, and funds, for the several departments,
agencies, corporations, and other organizational units of Government for
fiscal year 2026, and for other purposes, namely:
Sec. 101. Such amounts as may be necessary, at a rate for
operations as provided in the applicable appropriations Acts for fiscal
year 2025 and under the authority and conditions provided in such Acts,
for continuing projects or activities (including the costs of direct
loans and loan guarantees) that are not otherwise specifically provided
for in this Act, that were conducted in fiscal year 2025, and for which
appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in the
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025 (division A of Public Law
119-4), except sections 1110, 1113, and 1114; the proviso in paragraph
(4) of section 1602; and sections 1708 and 1808; and except section 540
of division C, and sections 110 and 112 of division D of Public Law 118-
42, as continued in effect by section 1101 of division A of Public Law
119-4; and except section 7069(b) of division F of Public Law 118-47, as
continued in effect by section 1101 of division A of Public Law 119-4.
Sec. 102. (a) No appropriation or funds made available or authority
granted pursuant to section 101 for the Department of Defense shall be
used for:
(1) the new production of items not funded for production in
fiscal year 2025 or prior years;
(2) the increase in production rates above those sustained
with fiscal year 2025 funds; or
(3) the initiation, resumption, or continuation of any
project, activity, operation, or organization (defined as any
project, subproject, activity, budget activity, program element,
and subprogram within a program element, and for any investment
items defined as a P-1 line item in a budget activity
[[Page 139 STAT. 497]]
within an appropriation account and an R-1 line item that
includes a program element and subprogram element within an
appropriation account) for which appropriations, funds, or other
authority were not available during fiscal year 2025.
(b) No appropriation or funds made available or authority granted
pursuant to section 101 for the Department of Defense shall be used to
initiate multi-year procurements utilizing advance procurement funding
for economic order quantity procurement unless specifically appropriated
later.
Sec. 103. Appropriations made by section 101 shall be available to
the extent and in the manner that would be provided by the pertinent
appropriations Act.
Sec. 104. Except as otherwise provided in section 102, no
appropriation or funds made available or authority granted pursuant to
section 101 shall be used to initiate or resume any project or activity
for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were not available
during fiscal year 2025.
Sec. 105. Appropriations made and authority granted pursuant to
this Act shall cover all obligations or expenditures incurred for any
project or activity during the period for which funds or authority for
such project or activity are available under this Act.
Sec. 106. Unless otherwise provided for in this Act or in the
applicable appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026, appropriations and
funds made available and authority granted pursuant to this Act shall be
available until whichever of the following first occurs:
(1) The enactment into law of an appropriation for any
project or activity provided for in this Act.
(2) The enactment into law of the applicable appropriations
Act for fiscal year 2026 without any provision for such project
or activity.
(3) <<NOTE: Expiration date.>> January 30, 2026.
Sec. 107. Expenditures made pursuant to this Act shall be charged
to the applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization whenever a bill
in which such applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization is
contained is enacted into law.
Sec. 108. Appropriations made and funds made available by or
authority granted pursuant to this Act may be used without regard to the
time limitations for submission and approval of apportionments set forth
in section 1513 of title 31, United States Code, but nothing in this Act
may be construed to waive any other provision of law governing the
apportionment of funds.
Sec. 109. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, except
section 106, for those programs that would otherwise have high initial
rates of operation or complete distribution of appropriations at the
beginning of fiscal year 2026 because of distributions of funding to
States, foreign countries, grantees, or others, such high initial rates
of operation or complete distribution shall not be made, and no grants
shall be awarded for such programs funded by this Act that would impinge
on final funding prerogatives.
Sec. 110. This Act shall be implemented so that only the most
limited funding action of that permitted in the Act shall be taken in
order to provide for continuation of projects and activities.
Sec. 111. <<NOTE: Extensions.>> (a) For entitlements and other
mandatory payments whose budget authority was provided in an
appropriations Act specified in section 101, and for activities under
the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, activities shall be continued at the
rate
[[Page 139 STAT. 498]]
to maintain program levels under current law, under the authority and
conditions provided in the applicable appropriations Act, to be
continued through the date specified in section 106(3) of this Act.
(b) <<NOTE: Time period.>> Notwithstanding section 106, obligations
for mandatory payments due on or about the first day of any month that
begins after October 2025 but not later than 30 days after the date
specified in section 106(3) may continue to be made, and funds shall be
available for such payments.
Sec. 112. Amounts made available under section 101 for civilian
personnel compensation and benefits in each department and agency may be
apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to avoid furloughs
within such department or agency, consistent with the applicable
appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025, except that such authority
provided under this section shall not be used until after the department
or agency has taken all necessary actions to reduce or defer non-
personnel-related administrative expenses.
Sec. 113. Funds appropriated by this Act may be obligated and
expended notwithstanding section 10 of Public Law 91-672 (22 U.S.C.
2412), section 15 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956
(22 U.S.C. 2680), section 313 of the Foreign Relations Authorization
Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 (22 U.S.C. 6212), and section 504(a)(1)
of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3094(a)(1)).
Sec. 114. (a)(1) For each amount incorporated by reference in this
Act that was previously designated by the Congress as an emergency
requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, each provision of law
designating each such amount as an emergency requirement pursuant to
such section shall not apply.
(2) Each amount incorporated by reference in this Act that was
designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to
section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act of 1985 in the following provisions of law are designated by
the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4001(a)(1)
of S. Con. Res. 14 (117th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the
budget for fiscal year 2022, and to legislation establishing fiscal year
2026 budget enforcement in the House of Representatives: section
11206(4) of division A of Public Law 119-4 and 7068(b) of division F of
Public Law 118-47, as continued in effect by section 1101 of division A
of Public Law 119-4.
(b) Each amount incorporated by reference in this Act that was
previously designated by the Congress as being for disaster relief
pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(D) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985 is designated by the Congress as being for
disaster relief pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget.
(c) Each amount incorporated by reference in this Act that was
previously designated in division B of Public Law 117-159, division J of
Public Law 117-58, or in section 443(b) of division G of Public Law 117-
328 by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent
resolution on the budget shall continue to be treated as an amount
specified in section 103(b) of division A of Public Law 118-5.
[[Page 139 STAT. 499]]
Sec. 115. <<NOTE: Rescissions. Extensions.>> (a) Rescissions or
cancellations of discretionary budget authority that continue pursuant
to section 101 in Treasury Appropriations Fund Symbols (TAFS)--
(1) to which other appropriations are not provided by this
Act, but for which there is a current applicable TAFS that does
receive an appropriation in this Act; or
(2) which are no-year TAFS and receive other appropriations
in this Act,
may be continued instead by reducing the rate for operations otherwise
provided by section 101 for such current applicable TAFS, as long as
doing so does not impinge on the final funding prerogatives of the
Congress.
(b) Rescissions or cancellations described in subsection (a) shall
continue in an amount equal to the lesser of--
(1) the amount specified for rescission or cancellation in
the applicable appropriations Act referenced in section 101 of
this Act; or
(2) <<NOTE: Effective date.>> the amount of balances
available, as of October 1, 2025, from the funds specified for
rescission or cancellation in the applicable appropriations Act
referenced in section 101 of this Act.
(c) <<NOTE: Deadline. List.>> No later than December 5, 2025, the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall provide to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Senate a comprehensive list of the rescissions or cancellations that
will continue pursuant to section 101: <<NOTE: Updates. Effective
date.>> Provided, That the information in such comprehensive list shall
be periodically updated to reflect any subsequent changes in the amount
of balances available, as of October 1, 2025, from the funds specified
for rescission or cancellation in the applicable appropriations Act
referenced in section 101, and such updates shall be transmitted to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Senate upon request.
Sec. 116. <<NOTE: Payments.>> Notwithstanding section 106(1),
amounts made available in divisions A through D of the Continuing
Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction
and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 for personnel pay,
allowances, and benefits in each department and agency shall be
available for payments pursuant to subsection (c) of section 1341 of
title 31, United States Code and such payments shall be made.
Sec. 117. <<NOTE: Ratification. Approval.>> Notwithstanding section
106(1), all obligations incurred and in anticipation of the
appropriations made and authority granted by divisions A through D of
the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military
Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 for the
purposes of maintaining the essential level of activity to protect life
and property and bringing about orderly termination of Government
function, and for purposes as otherwise authorized by law, are hereby
ratified and approved if otherwise in accord with the provisions of
divisions A through D of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture,
Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and
Extensions Act, 2026.
Sec. 118. <<NOTE: State and local
governments. Compensation. Reimbursement.>> (a) If a State (or another
Federal grantee) used State funds (or the grantee's non-Federal funds)
to continue carrying out a Federal program or furloughed State employees
(or the grantee's employees) whose compensation is advanced or
reimbursed in whole or in part by the Federal Government--
[[Page 139 STAT. 500]]
(1) such furloughed employees shall be compensated at their
standard rate of compensation for such period;
(2) the State (or such other grantee) shall be reimbursed
for expenses that would have been paid by the Federal Government
during such period had appropriations been available, including
the cost of compensating such furloughed employees, together
with interest thereon calculated under section 6503(d) of title
31, United States Code; and
(3) the State (or such other grantee) may use funds
available to the State (or the grantee) under such Federal
program to reimburse such State (or the grantee), together with
interest thereon calculated under section 6503(d) of title 31,
United States Code.
(b) <<NOTE: Definition.>> For purposes of this section, the term
``State'' and the term ``grantee'' shall have the meaning as such term
is defined under the applicable Federal program under subsection (a). In
addition, ``to continue carrying out a Federal program'' means the
continued performance by a State or other Federal grantee, during the
period of a lapse in appropriations, of a Federal program that the State
or such other grantee had been carrying out prior to the period of the
lapse in appropriations.
(c) <<NOTE: Time period.>> Notwithstanding section 106, the
authority under this section applies with respect to any period in
fiscal year 2026 (not limited to periods beginning or ending after the
date of the enactment of this Act) during which there occurs a lapse in
appropriations with respect to any department or agency of the Federal
Government which, but for such lapse in appropriations, would have paid,
or made reimbursement relating to, any of the expenses referred to in
this section with respect to the program involved.
Payments <<NOTE: Payments.>> and reimbursements under this authority
shall be made only to the extent and in amounts provided in advance in
appropriations Acts, including divisions A through D of the Continuing
Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction
and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.
Sec. 119. <<NOTE: Effective date.>> Notwithstanding section 106(1),
for the purposes of divisions A through D of the Continuing
Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction
and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, the time covered by such
divisions shall be considered to have begun on October 1, 2025.
Sec. 120. <<NOTE: Time period. Reduction in force.>> (a)
Prohibition.--Notwithstanding section 106(1), during the period between
the date of enactment of this Act and the date specified in section
106(3) of this Act, no federal funds may be used to initiate, carry out,
implement, or otherwise notice a reduction in force to reduce the number
of employees within any department, agency, or office of the Federal
Government.
(b) Applicability.--The prohibition under subsection (a) shall apply
to all civilian positions, whether permanent, temporary, full-time,
part-time, or intermittent, and without regard to the source of funding
for such positions.
(c) Exception.--The prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply
to--
(1) voluntary separations or retirements;
(2) actions necessary to comply with a court order; or
(3) actions taken, beginning only on the first day of a
lapse in appropriations, necessary to implement or maintain an
orderly shutdown of government operations.
[[Page 139 STAT. 501]]
(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the term ``reduction
in force'' means actions taken by an agency pursuant to section 3501
through 3504 of title 5, United States Code or section 3595 of such
title, or any similar reduction of positions at any department, agency,
or office of the Federal Government, unless such reduction has been
provided for in this Act.
(e) <<NOTE: Reduction in force. Time period.>> Notwithstanding
section 106(1), any reduction in force proposed, noticed, initiated,
executed, implemented, or otherwise taken by an Executive Agency between
October 1, 2025, and the date of enactment, shall have no force or
effect.
(1) <<NOTE: Effective date. Backpay.>> Any employee who
received notice of being subject to such a reduction in force
shall have that notice rescinded and be returned to employment
status as of September 30, 2025, without interruption. Such
employees shall receive all pay to which they otherwise would
have been entitled in the absence of receiving such notice,
including backpay in accordance with section 116 of this Act.
(2) <<NOTE: Deadline. Notices.>> Within 5 days of date of
enactment of this Act, each Federal agency shall send notice to
all affected employees and the chairs and ranking members of the
Appropriations Committees of the Senate and House of
Representatives of the withdrawal of the reduction in force
notice and the affected employee's reinstatement, if applicable.
(3) <<NOTE: Determination.>> Notices must include
reinstatement date and the amount of back pay determined in
paragraph (1), if applicable.
Sec. 121. Section 8302(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16
U.S.C. 3851a(b)) shall be applied by substituting the date specified in
section 106(3) of this Act for ``October 1, 2023''.
Sec. 122. (a) Amounts made available by section 101 for ``Department
of Justice--United States Marshals Service--Salaries and Expenses'' may
be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to maintain
program operations.
(b) In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, for
``Department of Justice--United States Marshals Service--Salaries and
Expenses'', there is appropriated $30,000,000, for an additional amount
for fiscal year 2026, to remain available until September 30, 2027, to
carry out protective operations.
Sec. 123. <<NOTE: Time period. 18 USC 3551 note.>> Any expiration
date established by section 235(b) of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984
(18 U.S.C. 3551 note; Public Law 98-473; 98 Stat. 2032), as such section
relates to chapter 311 of title 18, United States Code, and the United
States Parole Commission, shall not apply from October 1, 2025, through
the date specified in section 106(3) of this Act.
Sec. 124. <<NOTE: Contracts. Time periods.>> (a) For the closeout
of all Space Shuttle contracts and associated programs, amounts that
have expired but have not been cancelled in the Exploration, Space
Operations, Human Space Flight, Space Flight Capabilities, and
Exploration Capabilities appropriations accounts shall remain available
through fiscal year 2030 for the liquidation of valid obligations
incurred during the period of fiscal year 2001 through fiscal year 2013.
(b)(1) <<NOTE: Effective dates.>> Subject to paragraph (2), this
section shall become effective immediately upon enactment of this Act.
(2) If this Act is enacted after September 30, 2025, this section
shall be applied as if it were in effect on September 30, 2025.
Sec. 125. Section 3014(a) of title 18, United States Code, shall be
applied by substituting the date specified in section 106(3) of this Act
for ``September 30, 2025'': Provided, <<NOTE: Effective date.>> That
notwithstanding
[[Page 139 STAT. 502]]
section 119, this section shall take effect on the date of enactment of
this Act and shall not apply retroactively.
Sec. 126. During the period covered this Act, section
1930(a)(6)(B)(i) of title 28, United States Code, shall be applied as if
``During the 5-year period'' were struck.
Sec. 127. Notwithstanding section 101, the first proviso in each of
sections 8092 and 8096 of title VIII of division A of Public Law 118-47
shall be applied by substituting ``advances'' for ``reimbursements''.
Sec. 128. Notwithstanding sections 102 and 104, amounts made
available by section 101 to the Department of Defense for ``Research,
Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force'' shall be apportioned up to
the rate for operations necessary for the E-7 Wedgetail program, in an
amount not to exceed $199,676,000, only for the purpose of continued
rapid prototyping activities to maintain program schedule and transition
to production for the E-7 Wedgetail program.
Sec. 129. <<NOTE: Funds transfer.>> Of the unobligated balance of
funds available to the Department of Defense for the E-7 program under
the heading ``Aircraft Procurement, Air Force'' in Public Law 119-4,
$200,000,000 is hereby transferred to and merged with amounts available
for the E-7 program under the heading ``Research, Development, Test and
Evaluation, Air Force'' only for the purpose of continued rapid
prototyping activities to maintain program schedule and transition to
production for the E-7 Wedgetail program.
Sec. 130. Section 717(a) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50
U.S.C. 4564(a)) shall be applied by substituting the date specified in
section 106(3) of this Act for ``September 30, 2025''.
Sec. 131. Notwithstanding sections 102 and 104, amounts made
available by section 101 of this Act to the Department of Defense for
``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'' may be apportioned up to the rate
for operations necessary to fund completion of prior year shipbuilding
programs for the following programs:
(1) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'',
2013/2026: Carrier Replacement Program, $150,000,000;
(2) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'',
2016/2026: Virginia Class Submarine Program, $121,538,000;
(3) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'',
2016/2026: DDG 51 Program, $14,892,000;
(4) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'',
2017/2026: Virginia Class Submarine Program, $99,116,000;
(5) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'',
2017/2026: DDG 51 Program, $62,365,000;
(6) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'',
2017/2026: LHA Replacement Program, $93,603,000;
(7) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'',
2018/2026: Virginia Class Submarine Program, $289,761,000;
(8) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'',
2018/2026: DDG 51 Program, $104,238,000;
(9) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy'',
2019/2026: T-AO Fleet Oiler Program, $15,400,000;
(10) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion,
Navy'', 2020/2026: T-AO Fleet Oiler Program, $48,260,000;
[[Page 139 STAT. 503]]
(11) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion,
Navy'', 2022/2026: T-AO Fleet Oiler Program, $19,650,000;
(12) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion,
Navy'', 2022/2026: Expeditionary Sea Base Program, $30,000,000;
(13) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion,
Navy'', 2023/2026: T-AO Fleet Oiler Program, $6,530,000; and
(14) Under the heading ``Shipbuilding and Conversion,
Navy'', 2024/2026: T-AO Fleet Oiler Program, $6,200,000.
Sec. 132. <<NOTE: Reimbursement. Palau.>> Notwithstanding sections
102 and 104, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to use amounts
otherwise appropriated for such purposes to reimburse the Government of
Palau for land acquisition costs for defense sites in Palau.
Sec. 133. During the period covered by this Act, section
103(f)(4)(A) of Public Law 108-361 (the Calfed Bay-Delta Authorization
Act) shall be applied by substituting ``$32,600,000'' for
``$30,000,000''.
Sec. 134. (a) Amounts made available by section 101 in the first
proviso under the heading ``Department of Energy--Atomic Energy Defense
Activities--National Nuclear Security Administration--Weapons
Activities'' may be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary
to maintain current operations for the safe, secure transport of nuclear
weapons.
(b) <<NOTE: Notification. Deadline.>> The Director of the Office of
Management and Budget and the Secretary of Energy shall notify the
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Senate not later than 3 days after each use of the authority provided in
subsection (a).
Sec. 135. Notwithstanding section 101, the matter preceding the
first proviso under the heading ``Office of Personnel Management--
Salaries and Expenses'' in title V of division B of Public Law 118-47
shall be applied by substituting ``$197,446,000'' for ``$219,076,000'',
and the second proviso under such heading in such title of such division
of such Act shall be applied by substituting ``$214,605,000'' for
``$192,975,000''.
Sec. 136. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, except
section 106, the District of Columbia may expend local funds made
available under the heading ``District of Columbia--District of Columbia
Funds'' for such programs and activities under the District of Columbia
Appropriations Act, 2024 (title IV of division B of Public Law 118-47)
at the rate set forth in the Fiscal Year 2026 Local Budget Act of 2025
(D.C. Law 26-51), as modified as of the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 137. Notwithstanding section 101, paragraph (1) under the
heading ``Department of the Treasury--Departmental Offices--Salaries and
Expenses'' in title I of division B of Public Law 118-47 shall be
applied by substituting ``$1,350,000'' for ``$350,000'': Provided, That
such amounts may be obligated in the account and budget structure set
forth in the fiscal year 2026 President's Budget, submitted pursuant to
section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, and accompanying
justification materials.
Sec. 138. Amounts made available by section 101 for ``Small
Business Administration--Business Loans Program Account'' may be
apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to accommodate
increased demand for commitments for general business loans authorized
under paragraphs (1) through (35) of section 7(a) of the Small Business
Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)), for guarantees of trust
[[Page 139 STAT. 504]]
certificates authorized by section 5(g) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 634(g)), for commitments to guarantee loans under section 503 of
the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 697), and for
commitments to guarantee loans for debentures under section 303(b) of
the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 683(b)).
Sec. 139. Notwithstanding section 101, amounts are provided for
``Department of the Treasury--Office of Terrorism and Financial
Intelligence--Salaries and Expenses'' at a rate for operations of
$237,662,000.
Sec. 140. (a) Notwithstanding section 101, section 1605 of title VI
of division A of Public Law 119-4 shall be applied through the end of
the last applicable pay period that commences by the date specified in
section 106(3) of this Act by substituting ``the end of the last
applicable pay period that commences in calendar year 2025'' for ``the
date specified in section 1106 of this Act''.
(b) Notwithstanding section 101, section 747 of title VII of
division B of Public Law 118-47 shall be applied through the date
specified in section 106(3) of this Act by--
(1) substituting ``2025'' for ``2023'' each place it
appears;
(2) substituting ``2026'' for ``2024'' each place it
appears;
(3) substituting ``2027'' for ``2025''; and
(4) substituting ``section 747 of division B of Public Law
118-47, as continued in effect and modified by section 1605 of
title VI of division A of Public Law 119-4, as in effect on
September 30, 2025'' for ``section 747 of division E of Public
Law 117-328'' each place it appears.
(c) <<NOTE: Effective date.>> Subsection (b) shall not take effect
until the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or
after January 1, 2026.
Sec. 141. Section 1(b) of Public Law 117-25 (135 Stat. 297; 136
Stat. 2133; 136 Stat. 5984; 138 Stat. 1771; 139 Stat. 46) shall be
applied in each of paragraphs (3) and (4) by substituting the date
specified in section 106(3) of this Act for ``September 30, 2025''.
Sec. 142. Notwithstanding section 101, title V of division B of
Public Law 118-47 shall be applied as though the heading ``Commodity
Futures Trading Commission'' and the appropriation language thereunder,
as it appeared under the heading ``Independent Agencies'' in title VI of
division B of Public Law 118-42, appeared in title V of division B of
Public Law 118-47.
Sec. 143. In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101
for ``The Judiciary--Supreme Court of the United States--Salaries and
Expenses'', there is appropriated $28,000,000, for an additional amount
for fiscal year 2026, to remain available until expended, for the
protection of the Supreme Court Justices, including the purchase and
hire of passenger motor vehicles as authorized by 31 U.S.C. 1343 and
1344, to be expended as the Chief Justice may approve.
Sec. 144. Notwithstanding section 101, amounts are provided for
``The Judiciary--Courts of Appeals, District Courts, and Other Judicial
Services Defender Services'' at a rate for operations of $1,564,373,000:
Provided, That such amounts may be apportioned up to the rate for
operations necessary to make payments, including to panel attorneys and
related service providers, due under sections 3006A and 3599(g) of title
18, United States Code.
[[Page 139 STAT. 505]]
Sec. 145. Section 210G(i) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 124n(i)) shall be applied by substituting the date specified in
section 106(3) of this Act for ``September 30, 2025''.
Sec. 146. Section 225(e) of division A of Public Law 116-6 (49
U.S.C. 44901 note) shall be applied by substituting ``fiscal year 2019
through the date specified in section 106(3) of the Continuing
Appropriations Act, 2026'' for ``fiscal years 2019 through 2025''.
Sec. 147. Amounts made available by section 101 to the Department
of Homeland Security under the heading ``Federal Emergency Management
Agency--Disaster Relief Fund'' may be apportioned up to the rate for
operations necessary to carry out response and recovery activities under
the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
Sec. 148. Section 227(a) of the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement
Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. 1525(a)) shall be applied by substituting the date
specified in section 106(3) of this Act for ``September 30, 2025''.
Sec. 149. Section 111(a) of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing
Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. 1510(a)) shall be applied by substituting the date
specified in section 106(3) of this Act for ``September 30, 2025''.
Sec. 150. Section 2220A(s)(1) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
(6 U.S.C. 665g(s)(1)) shall be applied by substituting the date
specified in section 106(3) of this Act for ``September 30, 2025''.
Sec. 151. During the period covered by this Act, section 1701 of
title VII of division B of Public Law 117-43, as amended, shall be
applied by substituting ``calendar years 2021 through 2026'' for ``2021
or 2022 or 2023 or 2024'' each place it appears.
Sec. 152. Amounts made available by section 101 for ``Department of
the Interior--Department-Wide Programs--Wildland Fire Management'' and
``Department of Agriculture--Forest Service--Wildland Fire Management''
may be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary for wildfire
suppression activities.
Sec. 153. <<NOTE: Time periods.>> (a) In addition to amounts
otherwise provided by section 101, amounts are provided for ``Department
of Health and Human Services--Indian Health Service--Indian Health
Services'' at a rate for operations of $72,265,000, for an additional
amount for costs of staffing and operating facilities that were opened,
renovated, or expanded in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, and such amounts
may be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to staff and
operate such facilities.
(b) In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101,
amounts are provided for ``Department of Health and Human Services--
Indian Health Service--Indian Health Facilities'' at a rate for
operations of $8,050,000, for an additional amount for costs of staffing
and operating facilities that were opened, renovated, or expanded in
fiscal years 2025 and 2026, and such amounts may be apportioned up to
the rate for operations necessary to staff and operate such facilities.
Sec. 154. Of the amounts made available in the third paragraph
under the heading ``Environmental Protection Agency--State and Tribal
Assistance Grants'' in the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations
Act, 2023 (division N of Public Law 117-328), up to $54,000,000 shall be
available for technical assistance and grants under section 1442(b) of
the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C.
[[Page 139 STAT. 506]]
300j-1(b)) in areas where the President declared an emergency in August
of fiscal year 2022 pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.): Provided, That
amounts repurposed pursuant to this section that were previously
designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement
pursuant to section 4001(a)(1) of S. Con. Res. 14 (117th Congress), the
concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2022, and section
1(e) of H. Res. 1151 (117th Congress), as engrossed in the House of
Representatives on June 8, 2022, are designated as being for an
emergency requirement pursuant to section 4001(a)(1) of S. Con. Res 14
(117th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal
year 2022, and to legislation establishing fiscal year 2026 budget
enforcement in the House of Representatives.
Sec. 155. Notwithstanding section 101, the matter under the heading
``Department of Health and Human Services--Administration for Children
and Families--Children and Families Services Programs'' in title II of
division D of Public Law 118-47 shall be applied by adding the following
after the second proviso: ``Provided further, That for purposes of
section 640(a)(2)(B)(v) of such Act, the base grant for each of the
Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands
shall be $8,000,000, and shall be considered equal to the amount
provided for base grants for such jurisdictions under such Act for the
prior fiscal year:''.
Sec. 156. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, there is
appropriated--
(1) <<NOTE: Ashley Paige Turner.>> For payment to Ashley
Paige Turner, heir of Sylvester Turner, late a Representative
from the State of Texas, $174,000.
(2) <<NOTE: Ramona Grijalva.>> For payment to Ramona
Grijalva, widow of Raul M. Grijalva, late a Representative from
the State of Arizona, $174,000.
(3) <<NOTE: Catherine M. Smith.>> For payment to Catherine
M. Smith, widow of Gerald E. Connolly, late a Representative
from the Commonwealth of Virginia, $174,000.
Sec. 157. In addition to amounts otherwise made available for
``Capitol Police--United States Capitol Police Mutual Aid
Reimbursements'', there is appropriated $30,000,000, for an additional
amount for fiscal year 2026, to remain available until expended, for
reimbursements for mutual aid and related training provided under the
agreements described in section 7302 of Public Law 108-458: Provided,
That amounts provided by this section shall be subject to the same
authorities and conditions as if such amounts were provided by title I
of division C of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative
Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act,
2026: Provided further, <<NOTE: Notification. Deadline.>> That
obligation of the funds made available in this section in this Act shall
be subject to notification to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, the Senate
Committee on Rules and Administration, and the Committee on House
Administration of the amount and purpose of the expense within 15 days
of obligation.
Sec. 158. Section 1424(a) of the Better Utilization of Investments
Leading to Development Act of 2018 (22 U.S.C. 9624(a)) shall be applied
by substituting the date specified in section 106(3) of this Act for
``the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this
Act''.
[[Page 139 STAT. 507]]
Sec. 159. The fifth and sixth provisos under the heading
``Millennium Challenge Corporation'' in title III of division F of
Public Law 118-47 <<NOTE: 138 Stat. 745, 746.>> shall be amended by
striking ``December 31, 2024'' and inserting ``December 31, 2026'' each
place it appears.
Sec. 160. Section 562(c) of the European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development Act, as amended (22 U.S.C. 290l et seq.), is further
amended by adding the following new paragraph at the end:
``(13) <<NOTE: 22 USC 290l-10.>> Capital increase.--
``(A) Subscription authorized.--
``(i) The United States Governor of the Bank
may subscribe on behalf of the United States up to
40,000 additional shares of the paid-in capital
stock of the Bank.
``(ii) Any subscription by the United States
to additional paid-in capital stock of the Bank
shall be effective only to such extent and in such
amounts as are provided in advance in
appropriations Acts.
``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--In order to
pay for the increase in the United States subscription
to the Bank under paragraph (A), there are authorized to
be appropriated, without fiscal year limitation,
$437,457,804, for payment by the Secretary of the
Treasury.''.
Sec. 161. Notwithstanding section 106, during fiscal year 2026, the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development may use the unobligated
balances of amounts made available in prior fiscal years in paragraphs
(2), (3), and (8) under the heading ``Public and Indian Housing--Tenant-
Based Rental Assistance'' to support additional allocations under
subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1) and subparagraph (B) of paragraph (4)
of such heading to prevent the termination of rental assistance for
families as the result of insufficient funding in the calendar year 2025
funding cycle: Provided, That amounts repurposed pursuant to this
section that were previously designated by the Congress as an emergency
requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 are designated
by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to
section 4001(a)(1) of S. Con. Res. 14 (117th Congress), the concurrent
resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2022, and to legislation
establishing fiscal year 2026 budget enforcement in the House of
Representatives.
Sec. 162. Amounts made available by section 101 for ``Department of
Transportation--Office of the Secretary--Payments to Air Carriers'' may
be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary to maintain
Essential Air Service program operations.
Sec. 163. Section 4144(d) of the Motor Carrier Safety
Reauthorization Act of 2005 (49 U.S.C. 31100 note) shall be applied by
substituting the date specified in section 106(3) of this Act for
``September 30, 2025''.
This division may be cited as the ``Continuing Appropriations Act,
2026''.
[[Page 139 STAT. 508]]
DIVISION <<NOTE: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2026.>> B--
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND
RELATED AGENCY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2026
TITLE I
AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
Processing, Research, and Marketing
Office of the Secretary
(including transfers of funds)
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Secretary, $46,361,000
of which not to exceed $7,000,000 shall be available for the immediate
Office of the Secretary, of which $500,000 shall be for the
establishment of a Seafood Industry Liaison; not to exceed $1,700,000
shall be available for the Office of Homeland Security; not to exceed
$5,190,000 shall be available for the Office of Tribal Relations, of
which $1,000,000 shall be to continue a Tribal Public Health Resource
Center at a land grant university with existing indigenous public health
expertise to expand current partnerships and collaborative efforts with
indigenous groups to improve the delivery of public health services and
functions in American Indian communities focusing on indigenous food
sovereignty; not to exceed $5,250,000 shall be available for the Office
of Partnerships and Public Engagement, of which $1,500,000 shall be for
7 U.S.C. 2279(c)(5); not to exceed $18,721,000 shall be available for
the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, of which
$17,015,000 shall be available for Departmental Administration to
provide for necessary expenses for management support services to
offices of the Department and for general administration, security,
repairs and alterations, and other miscellaneous supplies and expenses
not otherwise provided for and necessary for the practical and efficient
work of the Department: Provided, That funds made available by this Act
to an agency in the Administration mission area for salaries and
expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support staff
for the Office; not to exceed $3,500,000 shall be available for the
Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations and
Intergovernmental Affairs to carry out the programs funded by this Act,
including programs involving intergovernmental affairs and liaison
within the executive branch; and not to exceed $5,000,000 shall be
available for the Office of Communications: Provided further, That the
Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to transfer funds appropriated
for any office of the Office of the Secretary to any other office of the
Office of the Secretary: Provided further, That no appropriation for
any office shall be increased or decreased by more than 5 percent:
Provided further, That not to exceed $22,000 of the amount made
available under this paragraph for the immediate Office of the Secretary
shall be available for official reception and representation expenses,
not otherwise provided for, as determined by the Secretary: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Reimbursement.>> That the amount made available under
this heading for Departmental Administration shall be reimbursed from
applicable appropriations in this Act for travel expenses incident to
the holding of hearings as required by 5 U.S.C. 551-558: Provided
further, That funds made available under this
[[Page 139 STAT. 509]]
heading for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Congressional
Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs shall be transferred to agencies
of the Department of Agriculture funded by this Act to maintain
personnel at the agency level: <<NOTE: Time period. Notification.>>
Provided further, That no funds made available under this heading for
the Office of Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations may be
obligated after 30 days from the date of enactment of this Act, unless
the Secretary has notified the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress on the allocation of these funds by USDA agency:
Provided further, <<NOTE: Time period. Notification.>> That during any
30 day notification period referenced in section 716 of this Act, the
Secretary of Agriculture shall take no action to begin implementation of
the action that is subject to section 716 of this Act or make any public
announcement of such action in any form.
Executive Operations
office of the chief economist
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Chief Economist,
$29,500,000, of which $10,000,000 shall be for grants or cooperative
agreements for policy research under 7 U.S.C. 3155: Provided, That of
the amounts made available under this heading, $2,425,000 shall be for
an interdisciplinary center based at a land grant university focused on
agricultural policy relevant to the Midwest region which will provide
private entities, policymakers, and the public with timely insights and
targeted economic solutions: Provided further, That of the amounts made
available under this heading, $500,000 shall be available to carry out
section 224 of subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6924), as amended by section 12504
of Public Law 115-334.
office of hearings and appeals
For necessary expenses of the Office of Hearings and Appeals,
$14,500,000.
office of budget and program analysis
For necessary expenses of the Office of Budget and Program Analysis,
$14,967,000.
Office of the Chief Information Officer
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Chief Information
Officer, $85,000,000, of which not less than $60,032,000 is for
cybersecurity requirements of the department.
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer,
$5,867,000.
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Civil Rights, $1,466,000: Provided, That funds made available by this
Act to an agency in the Civil Rights mission area for
[[Page 139 STAT. 510]]
salaries and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative
support staff for the Office.
Office of Civil Rights
For necessary expenses of the Office of Civil Rights, $30,000,000.
Agriculture Buildings and Facilities
(including transfers of funds)
For payment of space rental and related costs pursuant to Public Law
92-313, including authorities pursuant to the 1984 delegation of
authority from the Administrator of General Services to the Department
of Agriculture under 40 U.S.C. 121, for programs and activities of the
Department which are included in this Act, and for alterations and other
actions needed for the Department and its agencies to consolidate
unneeded space into configurations suitable for release to the
Administrator of General Services, and for the operation, maintenance,
improvement, and repair of Agriculture buildings and facilities, and for
related costs, $15,000,000, to remain available until expended.
Hazardous Materials Management
(including transfers of funds)
For necessary expenses of the Department of Agriculture, to comply
with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and the Solid Waste Disposal Act
(42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), $1,619,000, to remain available until
expended: Provided, That appropriations and funds available herein to
the Department for Hazardous Materials Management may be transferred to
any agency of the Department for its use in meeting all requirements
pursuant to the above Acts on Federal and non-Federal lands.
Office of Safety, Security, and Protection
For necessary expenses of the Office of Safety, Security, and
Protection, $24,000,000.
Office of Inspector General
For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General, including
employment pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-
452; 5 U.S.C. App.), $103,000,000, including such sums as may be
necessary for contracting and other arrangements with public agencies
and private persons pursuant to section 6(a)(9) of the Inspector General
Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452; 5 U.S.C. App.), and including not to
exceed $125,000 for certain confidential operational expenses, including
the payment of informants, to be expended under the direction of the
Inspector General pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public
Law 95-452; 5 U.S.C. App.) and section 1337 of the Agriculture and Food
Act of 1981 (Public Law 97-98).
[[Page 139 STAT. 511]]
Office of the General Counsel
For necessary expenses of the Office of the General Counsel,
$60,537,000.
Office of Ethics
For necessary expenses of the Office of Ethics, $4,500,000.
Office of the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for
Research, Education, and Economics, $1,884,000: Provided, That funds
made available by this Act to an agency in the Research, Education, and
Economics mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund
up to one administrative support staff for the Office: Provided
further, That of the amounts made available under this heading, $500,000
shall be made available for the Office of the Chief Scientist.
Economic Research Service
For necessary expenses of the Economic Research Service,
$90,612,000.
National Agricultural Statistics Service
For necessary expenses of the National Agricultural Statistics
Service, $185,000,000, of which up to $46,000,000 shall be available
until expended for the Census of Agriculture: Provided, That amounts
made available for the Census of Agriculture may be used to conduct
Current Industrial Report surveys subject to 7 U.S.C. 2204g(d) and (f):
Provided further, <<NOTE: Notification. Time period.>> That the
Secretary shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses
of Congress in writing at least 30 days prior to discontinuing data
collection programs and reports.
Agricultural Research Service
salaries and expenses
For <<NOTE: Notification. Advance approval.>> necessary expenses of
the Agricultural Research Service and for acquisition of lands by
donation, exchange, or purchase at a nominal cost not to exceed $100,000
and with prior notification and approval of the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, and for land exchanges where
the lands exchanged shall be of equal value or shall be equalized by a
payment of money to the grantor which shall not exceed 25 percent of the
total value of the land or interests transferred out of Federal
ownership, $1,793,063,000, which shall be for the purposes, and in the
amounts, specified in the table titled ``Agricultural Research Service
Salaries and Expenses'' in the explanatory statement described in
section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated
Act): <<NOTE: 7 USC 2254.>> Provided, That appropriations hereunder
shall be available for the operation and maintenance of aircraft and the
purchase of not to exceed one for replacement only: Provided
further, <<NOTE: 7 USC 2254.>> That appropriations hereunder shall be
available pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2250 for the construction, alteration,
and repair of
[[Page 139 STAT. 512]]
buildings and improvements, but unless otherwise provided, the cost of
constructing any one building shall not exceed $500,000, except for
headhouses or greenhouses which shall each be limited to $1,800,000,
except for 10 buildings to be constructed or improved at a cost not to
exceed $1,100,000 each, and except for four buildings to be constructed
at a cost not to exceed $5,000,000 each, and the cost of altering any
one building during the fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the
current replacement value of the building or $500,000, whichever is
greater: Provided further, That <<NOTE: Contracts.>> appropriations
hereunder shall be available for entering into lease agreements at any
Agricultural Research Service location for the construction of a
research facility by a non-Federal entity for use by the Agricultural
Research Service and a condition of the lease shall be that any facility
shall be owned, operated, and maintained by the non-Federal entity and
shall be removed upon the expiration or termination of the lease
agreement: Provided further, <<NOTE: Maryland.>> That the limitations
on alterations contained in this Act shall not apply to modernization or
replacement of existing facilities at Beltsville, Maryland: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Easements.>> That appropriations hereunder shall be
available for granting easements at the Beltsville Agricultural Research
Center: Provided further, That the foregoing limitations shall not
apply to replacement of buildings needed to carry out the Act of April
24, 1948 (21 U.S.C. 113a): Provided further, <<NOTE: Easements.>> That
appropriations hereunder shall be available for granting easements at
any Agricultural Research Service location for the construction of a
research facility by a non-Federal entity for use by, and acceptable to,
the Agricultural Research Service and a condition of the easements shall
be that upon completion the facility shall be accepted by the Secretary,
subject to the availability of funds herein, if the Secretary finds that
acceptance of the facility is in the interest of the United States:
Provided further, That funds may be received from any State, other
political subdivision, organization, or individual for the purpose of
establishing or operating any research facility or research project of
the Agricultural Research Service, as authorized by law:
<<NOTE: Reports.>> Provided further, That no later than 60 days from
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide a report
to the Committees on Appropriations of both House of Congress that
outlines the current funding levels, staffing levels, and hiring plans
in fiscal year 2026 for each research unit: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Funding estimates.>> That the Secretary shall include
in the department's fiscal year 2027 budget request estimates for
funding levels, staffing levels, and hiring plans for each research
unit: Provided further, That appropriations hereunder shall be
available for the Experienced Services Program at the Agricultural
Research Service (16 U.S.C. 3851).
buildings and facilities
For the acquisition of land, construction, repair, improvement,
extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities as
necessary to carry out the agricultural research programs of the
Department of Agriculture, where not otherwise provided, $60,650,000, to
remain available until expended, of which $57,650,000 shall be for the
purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this account in the table
titled ``Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending''
in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter
preceding division A of this
[[Page 139 STAT. 513]]
consolidated Act), and of which, in addition to amounts otherwise
available, $3,000,000 shall be for construction and facilities
improvements at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
research and education activities
For payments to agricultural experiment stations, for cooperative
forestry and other research, for facilities, and for other expenses,
$1,075,810,000, which shall be for the purposes, in the amounts, and for
the periods of availability specified in the table titled ``National
Institute of Food and Agriculture, Research and Education Activities''
in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter
preceding division A of this consolidated Act), of which $551,060,000
shall remain available until expended and of which $7,000,000 shall
remain available until September 30, 2027: Provided, That of the
amounts provided under this heading, $13,560,000 shall be for the
purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this account in the table
titled ``Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending''
in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter
preceding division A of this consolidated Act), to remain available
until expended, which shall not be subject to section 6(c) and section
6(d) of the Research Facilities Act (7 U.S.C. 390d): Provided further,
That each institution eligible to receive funds under the Evans-Allen
program receives no less than $1,000,000: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Grants. Alaska. Hawaii.>> That funds for education
grants for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions be
made available to individual eligible institutions or consortia of
eligible institutions with funds awarded equally to each of the States
of Alaska and Hawaii: Provided further, That funds for education grants
for 1890 institutions shall be made available to institutions eligible
to receive funds under 7 U.S.C. 3221 and 3222: Provided further, That
not more than 5 percent of the amounts made available by this or any
other Act to carry out the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
under 7 U.S.C. 3157 may be retained by the Secretary of Agriculture to
pay administrative costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out that
authority.
native american institutions endowment fund
For the Native American Institutions Endowment Fund authorized by
Public Law 103-382 (7 U.S.C. 301 note), $11,880,000, to remain available
until expended.
extension activities
For payments to States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam,
the Virgin Islands, Micronesia, the Northern Marianas, and American
Samoa, $561,100,000 which shall be for the purposes, in the amounts, and
for the periods of availability specified in the table titled ``National
Institute of Food and Agriculture, Extension Activities'' in the
explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding
division A of this consolidated Act), of which $33,500,000 shall remain
available until expended: Provided, That institutions eligible to
receive funds under 7 U.S.C. 3221 for cooperative extension receive no
less than $1,000,000:
[[Page 139 STAT. 514]]
Provided further, That funds for cooperative extension under sections
3(b) and (c) of the Smith-Lever Act (7 U.S.C. 343(b) and (c)) and
section 208(c) of Public Law 93-471 shall be available for retirement
and employees' compensation costs for extension agents.
integrated activities
For the integrated research, education, and extension grants
programs, including necessary administrative expenses, $40,100,000,
which shall be for the purposes, in the amounts, and for the periods of
availability specified in the table titled ``National Institute of Food
and Agriculture, Integrated Activities'' in the explanatory statement
described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this
consolidated Act), of which $8,000,000 shall remain available until
September 30, 2027: Provided, That notwithstanding any other provision
of law, indirect costs shall not be charged against any Extension
Implementation Program Area grant awarded under the Crop Protection/Pest
Management Program (7 U.S.C. 7626).
Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for
Marketing and Regulatory Programs, $1,617,000: Provided, That funds
made available by this Act to an agency in the Marketing and Regulatory
Programs mission area for salaries and expenses are available to fund up
to one administrative support staff for the Office.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
salaries and expenses
(including transfers of funds)
For necessary expenses of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, including up to $30,000 for representation allowances and for
expenses pursuant to the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4085),
$1,157,534,000 which shall be for the purposes, in the amounts, and for
the periods of availability specified in the table titled ``Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service'' in the explanatory statement described
in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated
Act), of which $594,551,000 shall remain available until expended, of
which $11,384,000 shall be for the purposes, and in the amounts,
specified for this account in the table titled ``Community Project
Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending'' in the explanatory statement
described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this
consolidated Act), to remain available until expended, and of which
$8,500,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2027:
Provided, <<NOTE: Brucellosis eradication.>> That no funds shall be
used to formulate or administer a brucellosis eradication program for
the current fiscal year that does not require minimum matching by the
States of at least 40 percent: Provided further, That this
appropriation shall be available for the purchase, replacement,
operation, and maintenance of aircraft: Provided further, That in
addition, in emergencies which threaten any segment
[[Page 139 STAT. 515]]
of the agricultural production industry of the United States, the
Secretary may transfer from other appropriations or funds available to
the agencies or corporations of the Department such sums as may be
deemed necessary, to be available only in such emergencies for the
arrest and eradication of contagious or infectious disease or pests of
animals, poultry, or plants, and for expenses in accordance with
sections 10411 and 10417 of the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C.
8310 and 8316) and sections 431 and 442 of the Plant Protection Act (7
U.S.C. 7751 and 7772), and any unexpended balances of funds transferred
for such emergency purposes in the preceding fiscal year shall be merged
with such transferred amounts: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Notification. Deadline.>> That the Secretary must
notify the Committees on Appropriations about any transfer of funds in
the preceding proviso within 15 days after such transfer being made:
Provided further, That appropriations hereunder shall be available
pursuant to law (7 U.S.C. 2250) for the repair and alteration of leased
buildings and improvements, but unless otherwise provided the cost of
altering any one building during the fiscal year shall not exceed 10
percent of the current replacement value of the building.
In <<NOTE: Fees. Reimbursement.>> fiscal year 2026, the agency is
authorized to collect fees to cover the total costs of providing
technical assistance, goods, or services requested by States, other
political subdivisions, domestic and international organizations,
foreign governments, or individuals, provided that such fees are
structured such that any entity's liability for such fees is reasonably
based on the technical assistance, goods, or services provided to the
entity by the agency, and such fees shall be reimbursed to this account,
to remain available until expended, without further appropriation, for
providing such assistance, goods, or services.
buildings and facilities
For plans, construction, repair, preventive maintenance,
environmental support, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase
of fixed equipment or facilities, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 2250, and
acquisition of land as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 2268a, $500,000, to remain
available until expended.
Agricultural Marketing Service
marketing services
For necessary expenses of the Agricultural Marketing Service,
$211,367,000, of which $6,000,000 shall be available for the purposes of
section 12306 of Public Law 113-79, and of which $1,000,000 shall be
available for the purposes of section 779 of division A of Public Law
117-103: Provided, That of the amounts made available under this
heading, $13,750,000, to remain available until expended, shall be to
carry out section 12513 of Public Law 115-334, of which $11,250,000
shall be for dairy business innovation initiatives established in Public
Law 116-6 and the Secretary shall take measures to ensure an equal
distribution of funds between these three regional innovation
initiatives: Provided further, That this appropriation shall be
available pursuant to law (7 U.S.C. 2250) for the alteration and repair
of buildings and improvements, but the cost of altering any one building
during the fiscal year
[[Page 139 STAT. 516]]
shall not exceed 10 percent of the current replacement value of the
building.
Fees <<NOTE: Fees.>> may be collected for the cost of
standardization activities, as established by regulation pursuant to law
(31 U.S.C. 9701), except for the cost of activities relating to the
development or maintenance of grain standards under the United States
Grain Standards Act, 7 U.S.C. 71 et seq.
limitation on administrative expenses
Not to exceed $62,596,000 (from fees collected) shall be obligated
during the current fiscal year for administrative expenses:
Provided, <<NOTE: Notification.>> That if crop size is understated and/
or other uncontrollable events occur, the agency may exceed this
limitation by up to 10 percent with notification to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
funds for strengthening markets, income, and supply (section 32)
(including transfers of funds)
Funds available under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7
U.S.C. 612c), shall be used only for commodity program expenses as
authorized therein, and other related operating expenses, except for:
(1) transfers to the Department of Commerce as authorized by the Fish
and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a et seq.); (2) transfers
otherwise provided in this Act; and (3) not more than $23,880,000 for
formulation and administration of marketing agreements and orders
pursuant to the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and the
Agricultural Act of 1961 (Public Law 87-128).
payments to states and possessions
For payments to departments of agriculture, bureaus and departments
of markets, and similar agencies for marketing activities under section
204(b) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1623(b)),
$500,000.
limitation on inspection and weighing services expenses
Not to exceed $55,000,000 (from fees collected) shall be obligated
during the current fiscal year for inspection and weighing services:
Provided, <<NOTE: Notification.>> That if grain export activities
require additional supervision and oversight, or other uncontrollable
factors occur, this limitation may be exceeded by up to 10 percent with
notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress.
Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Food
Safety, $1,117,000: Provided, That funds made available by this Act to
an agency in the Food Safety mission area for salaries and expenses are
available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
[[Page 139 STAT. 517]]
Food Safety and Inspection Service
For necessary expenses to carry out services authorized by the
Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and
the Egg Products Inspection Act, including not to exceed $10,000 for
representation allowances and for expenses pursuant to section 8 of the
Act approved August 3, 1956 (7 U.S.C. 1766), $1,215,200,000; and in
addition, $1,000,000 may be credited to this account from fees collected
for the cost of laboratory accreditation as authorized by section 1327
of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C.
138f): Provided, That funds provided for the Public Health Data
Communication Infrastructure system shall remain available until
expended: Provided further, <<NOTE: Employment positions.>> That no
fewer than 148 full-time equivalent positions shall be employed during
fiscal year 2026 for purposes dedicated solely to inspections and
enforcement related to the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (7 U.S.C.
1901 et seq.): Provided further, <<NOTE: Continuation.>> That the Food
Safety and Inspection Service shall continue implementation of section
11016 of Public Law 110-246 as further clarified by the amendments made
in section 12106 of Public Law 113-79: Provided further, That this
appropriation shall be available pursuant to law (7 U.S.C. 2250) for the
alteration and repair of buildings and improvements, but the cost of
altering any one building during the fiscal year shall not exceed 10
percent of the current replacement value of the building.
TITLE II
FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for Farm
Production and Conservation, $1,527,000: Provided, That funds made
available by this Act to an agency in the Farm Production and
Conservation mission area for salaries and expenses are available to
fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
Farm Production and Conservation Business Center
salaries and expenses
(including transfers of funds)
For necessary expenses of the Farm Production and Conservation
Business Center, $167,633,000, of which $1,000,000 shall be for the
implementation of section 773 of Public Law 117-328: Provided, That
$70,740,000 of amounts appropriated for the current fiscal year pursuant
to section 1241(a) of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 1985
(16 U.S.C. 3841(a)) shall be transferred to and merged with this
account.
[[Page 139 STAT. 518]]
Farm Service Agency
salaries and expenses
(including transfers of funds)
For necessary expenses of the Farm Service Agency, $1,125,000,000,
of which not less than $15,000,000 shall be for the hiring of new
employees to fill vacancies and anticipated vacancies at Farm Service
Agency county offices and farm loan officers and shall be available
until September 30, 2027: Provided, <<NOTE: Reports. Assessment.>>
That the agency shall submit a report by the end of the fourth quarter
of fiscal year 2026 to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses
of Congress that identifies for each project/investment that is
operational (a) current performance against key indicators of customer
satisfaction, (b) current performance of service level agreements or
other technical metrics, (c) current performance against a pre-
established cost baseline, (d) a detailed breakdown of current and
planned spending on operational enhancements or upgrades, and (e) an
assessment of whether the investment continues to meet business needs as
intended as well as alternatives to the investment: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Payments.>> That the Secretary is authorized to use
the services, facilities, and authorities (but not the funds) of the
Commodity Credit Corporation to make program payments for all programs
administered by the Agency: Provided further, That other funds made
available to the Agency for authorized activities may be advanced to and
merged with this account: Provided further, That of the amount
appropriated under this heading, $696,594,000 shall be made available to
county offices, to remain available until expended: Provided further,
That, notwithstanding the preceding proviso, any funds made available to
county offices in the current fiscal year that the Administrator of the
Farm Service Agency deems to exceed or not meet the amount needed for
the county offices may be transferred to or from the Farm Service Agency
for necessary expenses: Provided further, That none of the funds
available for any department or agency in this or any other
appropriations Acts, including prior year Acts, shall be used to close
Farm Service Agency county offices: Provided further, That none of
the <<NOTE: Notification. Advance approval.>> funds available in this or
any other Act, including prior year Acts, shall be used to permanently
relocate county based employees that would result in an office with two
or fewer employees without prior notification and approval of the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
state mediation grants
For grants pursuant to section 502(b) of the Agricultural Credit Act
of 1987, as amended (7 U.S.C. 5101-5106), $6,500,000: Provided, That
the Secretary of Agriculture may determine that United States
territories and Federally recognized Indian tribes are ``States'' for
the purposes of Subtitle A of such Act.
grassroots source water protection program
For necessary expenses to carry out wellhead or groundwater
protection activities under section 1240O of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-2), $7,500,000, to remain available until
expended.
[[Page 139 STAT. 519]]
dairy indemnity program
(including transfer of funds)
For necessary expenses involved in making indemnity payments to
dairy farmers and manufacturers of dairy products under a dairy
indemnity program, such sums as may be necessary, to remain available
until expended: Provided, That such program is carried out by the
Secretary in the same manner as the dairy indemnity program described in
the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001 (Public Law 106-387, 114 Stat.
1549A-12).
geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
For necessary expenses to carry out direct reimbursement payments to
geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers under section 1621 of
the Food Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 8792),
$3,500,000, to remain available until expended.
agricultural credit insurance fund program account
(including transfers of funds)
For gross obligations for the principal amount of direct and
guaranteed farm ownership (7 U.S.C. 1922 et seq.) and operating (7
U.S.C. 1941 et seq.) loans, emergency loans (7 U.S.C. 1961 et seq.),
Indian tribe land acquisition loans (25 U.S.C. 5136), boll weevil loans
(7 U.S.C. 1989), guaranteed conservation loans (7 U.S.C. 1924 et seq.),
to be available from funds in the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund, as
follows: $3,500,000,000 for guaranteed farm ownership loans and
$2,580,000,000 for farm ownership direct loans; $2,000,000,000 for
unsubsidized guaranteed operating loans and $1,633,000,000 for direct
operating loans; emergency loans, $14,388,000; Indian tribe land
acquisition loans, $20,000,000; guaranteed conservation loans,
$150,000,000; and for boll weevil eradication program loans,
$60,000,000: Provided, <<NOTE: Pink bollworm.>> That the Secretary
shall deem the pink bollworm to be a boll weevil for the purpose of boll
weevil eradication program loans.
For the cost of direct and guaranteed loans and grants, including
the cost of modifying loans as defined in section 502 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as follows: $1,000,000 for emergency
loans, to remain available until expended; $32,766,000 for farm
ownership direct loans, and $84,000 for boll weevil eradication program
loans.
In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the
direct and guaranteed loan programs, $326,053,000: Provided, That of
this amount, $305,803,000 shall be paid to the appropriation for ``Farm
Service Agency, Salaries and Expenses''.
Funds appropriated by this Act to the Agricultural Credit Insurance
Program Account for farm ownership, operating, conservation, and
emergency direct loans and loan guarantees may be transferred among
these programs: Provided, <<NOTE: Notification. Time period.>> That
the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress are notified
at least 15 days in advance of any transfer.
[[Page 139 STAT. 520]]
Risk Management Agency
salaries and expenses
For necessary expenses of the Risk Management Agency, $60,000,000:
Provided, That $1,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading
in this Act shall be available for compliance and integrity activities
required under section 516(b)(2)(C) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act of
1938 (7 U.S.C. 1516(b)(2)(C)), and shall be in addition to amounts
otherwise provided for such purpose: Provided further, That not to
exceed $1,000 shall be available for official reception and
representation expenses, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 1506(i).
Natural Resources Conservation Service
conservation operations
For necessary expenses for carrying out the provisions of the Act of
April 27, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 590a-f), including preparation of conservation
plans and establishment of measures to conserve soil and water
(including farm irrigation and land drainage and such special measures
for soil and water management as may be necessary to prevent floods and
the siltation of reservoirs and to control agricultural related
pollutants); operation of conservation plant materials centers;
classification and mapping of soil; dissemination of information;
acquisition of lands, water, and interests therein for use in the plant
materials program by donation, exchange, or purchase at a nominal cost
not to exceed $100 pursuant to the Act of August 3, 1956 (7 U.S.C.
2268a); purchase and erection or alteration or improvement of permanent
and temporary buildings; and operation and maintenance of aircraft,
$850,000,000, which shall be for the purposes and in the amounts
specified in the table titled ``Natural Resources Conservation Service,
Conservation Operations'' in the explanatory statement described in
section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act),
to remain available until September 30, 2027, of which $34,625,000 shall
for be for the purposes, and in the amounts specified for this account
in the table titled ``Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed
Spending'' in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the
matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act): Provided, That
appropriations hereunder shall be available pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 2250
for construction and improvement of buildings and public improvements at
plant materials centers, except that the cost of alterations and
improvements to other buildings and other public improvements shall not
exceed $250,000: Provided further, That when buildings or other
structures are erected on non-Federal land, that the right to use such
land is obtained as provided in 7 U.S.C. 2250a.
watershed and flood prevention operations
For necessary expenses to carry out preventive measures, including
but not limited to surveys and investigations, engineering operations,
works of improvement, and changes in use of land, in accordance with the
Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001-1005 and
1007-1009) and in accordance with the provisions of laws relating to the
activities of the Department,
[[Page 139 STAT. 521]]
$50,000,000, to remain available until expended, of which $32,360,000
shall be for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this
account in the table titled ``Community Project Funding/Congressionally
Directed Spending'' in the explanatory statement described in section 4
(in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act):
Provided, <<NOTE: Applicability.>> That for funds provided by this Act
or any other prior Act, the limitation regarding the size of the
watershed or subwatershed exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand acres
in which such activities can be undertaken shall only apply for
activities undertaken for the primary purpose of flood prevention
(including structural and land treatment measures): Provided further,
That of the amounts made available under this heading, $10,000,000 shall
be allocated to multi-benefit irrigation modernization projects and
activities that increase fish or wildlife habitat, reduce drought
impact, improve water quality or instream flow, or provide off-channel
renewable energy production.
watershed rehabilitation program
Under the authorities of section 14 of the Watershed Protection and
Flood Prevention Act, $3,000,000 is provided.
CORPORATIONS <<NOTE: Contracts.>>
The following corporations and agencies are hereby authorized to
make expenditures, within the limits of funds and borrowing authority
available to each such corporation or agency and in accord with law, and
to make contracts and commitments without regard to fiscal year
limitations as provided by section 104 of the Government Corporation
Control Act as may be necessary in carrying out the programs set forth
in the budget for the current fiscal year for such corporation or
agency, except as hereinafter provided.
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund
For payments as authorized by section 516 of the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1516), such sums as may be necessary, to remain
available until expended.
Commodity Credit Corporation Fund
reimbursement for net realized losses
(including transfers of funds)
For the current fiscal year, such sums as may be necessary to
reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for net realized losses
sustained, but not previously reimbursed, pursuant to section 2 of the
Act of August 17, 1961 (15 U.S.C. 713a-11): Provided, That of the funds
available to the Commodity Credit Corporation under section 11 of the
Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714i) for the
conduct of its business with the Foreign Agricultural Service, up to
$5,000,000 may be transferred to and used by the Foreign Agricultural
Service for information resource management activities of the Foreign
Agricultural Service that are not related to Commodity Credit
Corporation business: Provided further, <<NOTE: Notification. Time
period.>> That the Secretary shall notify the Committees on
Appropriations of the House and Senate in writing 15 days prior to
[[Page 139 STAT. 522]]
the obligation, commitment, or transfer of any emergency funds from the
Commodity Credit Corporation or the transfer or cancellation of any
previously obligated Commodity Credit Corporation funds: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Spend plan. Timeline.>> That such written notification
shall include a detailed spend plan for the anticipated uses of such
funds and an expected timeline for program execution if such obligation,
commitment, transfer, or cancellation exceeds $100,000,000.
hazardous waste management
(limitation on expenses)
For the current fiscal year, the Commodity Credit Corporation shall
not expend more than $15,000,000 for site investigation and cleanup
expenses, and operations and maintenance expenses to comply with the
requirement of section 107(g) of the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9607(g)), and
section 6001 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6961).
TITLE III
RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for
Rural Development, $1,620,000: Provided, That funds made available by
this Act to an agency in the Rural Development mission area for salaries
and expenses are available to fund up to one administrative support
staff for the Office.
Rural Development
salaries and expenses
(including transfers of funds)
For necessary expenses for carrying out the administration and
implementation of Rural Development programs, including activities with
institutions concerning the development and operation of agricultural
cooperatives; and for cooperative agreements; $312,000,000: Provided,
That of the amount made available under this heading, no less than
$75,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be used for
information technology expenses: Provided further, That notwithstanding
any other provision of law, funds appropriated under this heading may be
used for advertising and promotional activities that support Rural
Development programs: Provided further, That in addition to any other
funds appropriated for purposes authorized by section 502(i) of the
Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472(i)), any amounts collected under
such section, as amended by this Act, will immediately be credited to
this account and will remain available until expended for such purposes:
Provided further, That of the amount made available under this heading,
$2,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be for the
Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a pilot program that assists rural
hospitals to improve long-term operations and financial health,
including strategies to expand and sustain access
[[Page 139 STAT. 523]]
to maternal health care services, by providing technical assistance
through analysis of current hospital management practices.
Rural Housing Service
rural housing insurance fund program account
(including transfers of funds)
For gross obligations for the principal amount of direct and
guaranteed loans as authorized by title V of the Housing Act of 1949, to
be available from funds in the rural housing insurance fund, as follows:
$1,000,000,000 shall be for section 502 direct loans; $5,000,000 shall
be for a Single Family Housing Relending demonstration program for
Native American Tribes; and $25,000,000,000 shall be for section 502
unsubsidized guaranteed loans; $25,000,000 for section 504 housing
repair loans; $50,000,000 for section 515 rental housing; $400,000,000
for section 538 guaranteed multi-family housing loans; $10,000,000 for
credit sales of single family housing acquired property; $5,000,000 for
section 523 self-help housing land development loans; $5,000,000 for
section 524 site development loans; and $15,000,000 for section 514
direct farm labor housing loans.
For the cost of direct loans, guaranteed loans, and grants,
including the cost of modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as follows: section 502 direct loans,
$130,600,000, of which $32,650,000 shall remain available until
September 30, 2027; Single Family Housing Relending demonstration
program for Native American Tribes, $2,125,000; section 504 housing
repair loans, $4,333,000; repair, rehabilitation, and new construction
of section 515 rental housing, $15,130,000, to remain available until
expended; section 523 self-help housing land development loans,
$657,000; section 524 site development loans, $502,000; section 514 farm
labor housing loans, $4,761,000, to remain available until expended; and
farm labor housing grants, as authorized by section 516 of the Housing
Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1484, 1486), $6,000,000, to remain available
until expended: Provided, <<NOTE: Fees.>> That to support the loan
program level for section 538 guaranteed loans made available under this
heading the Secretary may charge or adjust any fees to cover the
projected cost of such loan guarantees pursuant to the provisions of the
Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), and the interest on
such loans may not be subsidized: Provided further, That applicants in
communities that have a current rural area waiver under section 541 of
the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490q) shall be treated as living in
a rural area for purposes of section 502 guaranteed loans provided under
this heading: Provided further, <<NOTE: Expiration date.>> That of the
amounts available under this paragraph for section 502 direct loans, no
less than $5,000,000 shall be available for direct loans for individuals
whose homes will be built pursuant to a program funded with a mutual and
self-help housing grant authorized by section 523 of the Housing Act of
1949 until June 1, 2026: Provided further, That the
Secretary <<NOTE: Incentives.>> shall implement provisions to provide
incentives to nonprofit organizations and public housing authorities to
facilitate the acquisition of Rural Housing Service (RHS) multifamily
housing properties by such nonprofit organizations and public housing
authorities that commit to keep such properties in the
[[Page 139 STAT. 524]]
RHS multifamily housing program for a period of time as determined by
the Secretary, with such incentives to include, but not be limited to,
the following: allow such nonprofit entities and public housing
authorities to earn a Return on Investment on the owner's initial equity
contributions, as defined by the Secretary, invested in the transaction;
and allow reimbursement of organizational costs associated with owner's
oversight of asset referred to as ``Asset Management Fee'' of up to
$7,500 per property.
In addition, for the cost of direct loans and grants, including the
cost of modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974, $30,000,000, to remain available until expended, for
a demonstration program for the preservation and revitalization of the
sections 514, 515, and 516 multi-family rental housing properties to
restructure existing USDA multi-family housing loans, as the Secretary
deems appropriate, expressly for the purposes of ensuring the project
has sufficient resources to preserve the project for the purpose of
providing safe and affordable housing for low-income residents and farm
laborers including reducing or eliminating interest; deferring loan
payments, subordinating, reducing or re-amortizing loan debt; and other
financial assistance including advances, payments and incentives
(including the ability of owners to obtain reasonable returns on
investment) required by the Secretary: Provided, <<NOTE: Contracts.>>
That the Secretary shall, as part of the preservation and revitalization
agreement, obtain a restrictive use agreement consistent with the terms
of the restructuring.
In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the
direct and guaranteed loan programs, $412,254,000 shall be paid to the
appropriation for ``Rural Development, Salaries and Expenses''.
rental assistance program
For rental assistance agreements entered into or renewed pursuant to
the authority under section 521(a)(2) of the Housing Act of 1949 or
agreements entered into in lieu of debt forgiveness or payments for
eligible households as authorized by section 502(c)(5)(D) of the Housing
Act of 1949, $1,715,000,000, and in addition such sums as may be
necessary, as authorized by section 521(c) of the Act, to liquidate debt
incurred prior to fiscal year 1992 to carry out the rental assistance
program under section 521(a)(2) of the Act:
Provided, <<NOTE: Determination.>> That amounts made available under
this heading shall be available for renewal of rental assistance
agreements for a maximum of 5,000 units where the Secretary determines
that a maturing loan for a project cannot reasonably be restructured
with another USDA loan or modification and the project was operating
with rental assistance under section 521 of the Housing Act of 1949:
Provided further, <<NOTE: Contracts. Time period.>> That the Secretary
may enter into rental assistance contracts in maturing properties with
existing rental assistance agreements notwithstanding any provision of
section 521 of the Housing Act of 1949, for a term of at least 10 years
but not more than 20 years: Provided further, That any
agreement <<NOTE: Determinations.>> to enter into a rental assistance
contract under section 521 of the Housing Act of 1949 for a maturing
property shall obligate the owner to continue to maintain the project as
decent, safe, and sanitary housing and to operate the development in
accordance with the Housing Act of 1949, except that
[[Page 139 STAT. 525]]
rents shall be based on current Fair Market Rents as established by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to 24 CFR 888
Subpart A, 42 U.S.C. 1437f and 3535d, to determine the maximum initial
rent and adjusted annually by the Operating Cost Adjustment Factor
pursuant to 24 CFR 888 Subpart B, unless the Agency determines that the
project's budget-based needs require a higher rent, in which case the
Agency may approve a budget-based rent level: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Time period.>> That rental assistance agreements
entered into or renewed during the current fiscal year shall be funded
for a one year period: Provided further, <<NOTE: Time period.>> That
upon request by an owner under section 514 or 515 of the Act, the
Secretary may renew the rental assistance agreement for a period of 20
years or until the term of such loan has expired, subject to annual
appropriations: Provided further, That any unexpended balances
remaining at the end of such one-year agreements may be transferred and
used for purposes of any debt reduction, maintenance, repair, or
rehabilitation of any existing projects; preservation; and rental
assistance activities authorized under title V of the Act: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Time period.>> That rental assistance provided under
agreements entered into prior to fiscal year 2026 for a farm labor
multi-family housing project financed under section 514 or 516 of the
Act may not be recaptured for use in another project until such
assistance has remained unused for a period of twelve consecutive
months, if such project has a waiting list of tenants seeking such
assistance or the project has rental assistance eligible tenants who are
not receiving such assistance: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Applicability.>> That such recaptured rental
assistance shall, to the extent practicable, be applied to another farm
labor multi-family housing project financed under section 514 or 516 of
the Act: Provided further, <<NOTE: Determination.>> That except as
provided in the seventh proviso under this heading and notwithstanding
any other provision of the Act, the Secretary may recapture rental
assistance provided under agreements entered into prior to fiscal year
2026 for a project that the Secretary determines no longer needs rental
assistance and use such recaptured funds for current needs: Provided
further, That in addition to any other available funds, the Secretary
may expend not more than $1,000,000 total, from the program funds made
available under this heading, for information technology improvements
under this heading.
rural housing voucher account
For the rural housing voucher program as authorized under section
542 of the Housing Act of 1949, but notwithstanding subsection (b) of
such section, $48,000,000, to remain available until expended:
Provided, That the funds made available under this heading shall be
available for rural housing vouchers to any low-income household
(including those not receiving rental assistance) residing in a property
financed with a section 515 loan which has been prepaid or otherwise
paid off after September 30, 2005, and is not receiving stand-alone
section 521 rental assistance: Provided further, That the amount of
such voucher shall be the difference between comparable market rent for
the section 515 unit and the tenant paid rent for such unit: Provided
further, That funds made available for such vouchers shall be subject to
the availability of annual appropriations: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Applicability.>> That the Secretary shall, to the
maximum extent practicable, administer such vouchers with current
regulations and administrative guidance
[[Page 139 STAT. 526]]
applicable to section 8 housing vouchers administered by the Secretary
of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: Provided further,
That in addition to any other available funds, the Secretary may expend
not more than $1,000,000 total, from the program funds made available
under this heading, for administrative expenses for activities funded
under this heading.
mutual and self-help housing grants
For grants and contracts pursuant to section 523(b)(1)(A) of the
Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1490c), $25,000,000, to remain available
until expended.
rural housing assistance grants
For grants for very low-income housing repair and rural housing
preservation made by the Rural Housing Service, as authorized by 42
U.S.C. 1474, and 1490m, $27,000,000, to remain available until expended.
rural community facilities program account
(including transfers of funds)
For gross obligations for the principal amount of direct and
guaranteed loans as authorized by section 306 and described in section
381E(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act,
$1,250,000,000 for direct loans and $650,000,000 for guaranteed loans.
For the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees and grants, including
the cost of modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, for rural community facilities
programs as authorized by section 306 and described in section
381E(d)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act,
$677,160,846 to remain available until expended, of which $659,160,846
shall be for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this
account in the table titled ``Community Project Funding/Congressionally
Directed Spending'' in the explanatory statement described in section 4
(in the matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act):
Provided, That $5,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading
shall be available for a Rural Community Development Initiative:
Provided further, That such funds shall be used solely to develop the
capacity and ability of private, nonprofit community-based housing and
community development organizations, low-income rural communities, and
Federally Recognized Native American Tribes to undertake projects to
improve housing, community facilities, community and economic
development projects in rural areas: Provided further, That such funds
shall be made available to qualified private, nonprofit and public
intermediary organizations proposing to carry out a program of financial
and technical assistance: Provided further, That such intermediary
organizations shall provide matching funds from other sources, including
Federal funds for related activities, in an amount not less than funds
provided: Provided further, <<NOTE: Loans. Grants.>> That any
unobligated balances from prior year appropriations under this heading
for the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees and grants, including
amounts deobligated or cancelled, may be made available to cover the
subsidy costs for direct loans, loan guarantees and or grants
[[Page 139 STAT. 527]]
under this heading in this fiscal year: Provided further, That no
amounts may be made available pursuant to the preceding proviso from
amounts that were designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement
pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 or that were specified in the
tables titled ``Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed
Spending'' in the explanatory statements accompanying prior year
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Acts, as described in section 4 in the
matter preceding division A of such Acts: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Notification. Advance approval.>> That no amounts may
be made available pursuant to the fifth proviso without prior
notification and approval of the Committees of Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress: Provided further, That $13,000,000 of the amount
appropriated under this heading shall be available for community
facilities grants, as authorized by section 306(a)(19) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, of which $8,000,000 shall
be for grants to tribal colleges as authorized by section 306(a)(25) of
such Act: Provided further, That sections 381E-H and 381N of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act are not applicable to the
funds made available under this heading: Provided further, That in
addition to any other available funds, the Secretary may expend not more
than $1,000,000 total, from the program funds made available under this
heading, for administrative expenses for activities funded under this
heading.
Rural Business--Cooperative Service
rural business program account
For gross obligations for the principal amount of guaranteed loans
as authorized by section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)), $1,750,000,000.
For the cost of loan guarantees and grants, for the rural business
development programs authorized by section 310B and described in
subsections (a), (c), (f) and (g) of section 310B of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act, $50,575,000, to remain available until
expended, of which no less than $100,000 shall be made available for one
or more qualified state technology council to promote private-sector
economic development in the bio-sciences: Provided, That of the amount
appropriated under this heading, $15,575,000 shall be for business and
industry guaranteed loans: Provided further, That of the amount
appropriated under this heading, $21,000,000 shall be for rural business
development grants as authorized by section 310B(c) of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act, of which not to exceed $500,000 shall be
made available for one grant to a qualified national organization to
provide technical assistance for rural transportation in order to
promote economic development: Provided further, That of the amount
appropriated under this heading, $10,000,000 shall be for grants to the
Delta Regional Authority (7 U.S.C. 2009aa et seq.), the Northern Border
Regional Commission (40 U.S.C. 15101 et seq.), the Southwest Border
Regional Commission (40 U.S.C. 15301 et seq.), and the Appalachian
Regional Commission (40 U.S.C. 14101 et seq.) for any Rural Community
Advancement Program purpose as described in section 381E(d) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, of which not more than 5
percent
[[Page 139 STAT. 528]]
may be used for administrative expenses: Provided further, That
$4,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be for
business grants to benefit Federally Recognized Native American Tribes,
including $250,000 for a grant to a qualified national organization to
provide technical assistance for rural transportation in order to
promote economic development: Provided further, That sections 381E-H
and 381N of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act are not
applicable to funds made available under this heading.
intermediary relending program fund account
(including transfer of funds)
For the principal amount of direct loans, as authorized by the
Intermediary Relending Program Fund Account (7 U.S.C. 1936b),
$9,000,000.
For the cost of direct loans, $2,495,000 as authorized by the
Intermediary Relending Program Fund Account (7 U.S.C. 1936b), of which
$250,000 shall be available through June 30, 2026, for Federally
Recognized Native American Tribes; and of which $499,000 shall be
available through June 30, 2026, for Mississippi Delta Region counties
(as determined in accordance with Public Law 100-460): Provided, That
such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as
defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
In addition, for administrative expenses to carry out the direct
loan programs, $4,468,000 shall be paid to the appropriation for ``Rural
Development, Salaries and Expenses''.
rural economic development loans program account
For the principal amount of direct loans, as authorized under
section 313B(a) of the Rural Electrification Act, for the purpose of
promoting rural economic development and job creation projects,
$50,000,000.
The cost of grants authorized under section 313B(a) of the Rural
Electrification Act, for the purpose of promoting rural economic
development and job creation projects shall not exceed $10,000,000.
rural cooperative development grants
For rural cooperative development grants authorized under section
310B(e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1932), $20,000,000: Provided, That of the amount appropriated under
this heading, $3,000,000 shall be for cooperative agreements for the
appropriate technology transfer for rural areas program; $3,000,000
shall be for grants for cooperative development centers, individual
cooperatives, or groups of cooperatives that serve socially
disadvantaged groups and a majority of the boards of directors or
governing boards of which are comprised of individuals who are members
of socially disadvantaged groups; $8,000,000, to remain available until
expended, shall be for value-added agricultural product market
development grants, as authorized by section 210A of the Agricultural
Marketing Act of 1946; and $1,000,000,
[[Page 139 STAT. 529]]
to remain available until expended, shall be for Agriculture Innovation
Centers authorized pursuant to section 6402 of Public Law 107-171.
rural microentrepreneur assistance program
For the principal amount of direct loans as authorized by section
379E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
2008s), $17,000,000.
For the cost of loans and grants, $4,000,000 under the same terms
and conditions as authorized by section 379E of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2008s).
rural energy for america program
For the principal amount of loan guarantees, under the same terms
and conditions as authorized by section 9007 of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107), $100,000,000.
healthy food financing initiative
For the cost of loans and grants that is consistent with section 243
of subtitle D of title II of the Department of Agriculture
Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6953), as added by section 4206 of
the Agricultural Act of 2014, for necessary expenses of the Secretary to
support projects that provide access to healthy food in underserved
areas, to create and preserve quality jobs, and to revitalize low-income
communities, $50,000, to remain available until expended: Provided,
That such costs of loans, including the cost of modifying such loans,
shall be as defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of
1974.
Rural Utilities Service
rural water and waste disposal program account
(including transfers of funds)
For gross obligations for the principal amount of direct and
guaranteed loans as authorized by section 306 and described in section
381E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as
follows: $1,015,000,000 for direct loans; and $50,000,000 for guaranteed
loans.
For the cost of direct loans, loan guarantees and grants, including
the cost of modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, for rural water, waste water, waste
disposal, and solid waste management programs authorized by sections
306, 306A, 306C, 306D, 306E, and 310B and described in sections
306C(a)(2), 306D, 306E, and 381E(d)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act, $445,864,564 to remain available until expended:
Provided, That $51,476,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading
shall be available for direct loans, of which no less than $3,876,000
shall be available for water and waste direct one percent loans for
distressed communities as the Secretary deems appropriate: Provided
further, That $1,000,000 shall be available for the rural utilities
program described in section 306(a)(2)(B) of such Act: Provided
further, That
[[Page 139 STAT. 530]]
$5,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be
available for the rural utilities program described in section 306E of
such Act, of which $1,000,000 shall be to provide subgrants to eligible
individuals for the construction, refurbishing, and servicing of
individually owned household decentralized waste water systems:
Provided further, That $7,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this
heading shall be for grants authorized by section 306A(i)(2) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act in addition to funding
authorized by section 306A(i)(1) of such Act: Provided further, That
$60,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading shall be for
loans and grants including water and waste disposal systems grants
authorized by section 306C(a)(2)(B) and section 306D of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act, and Federally Recognized Native American
Tribes authorized by 306C(a)(1) of such Act, and the Department of
Hawaiian Home Lands (of the State of Hawaii): Provided further, That
funding provided for section 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act may be provided to a consortium formed pursuant to
section 325 of Public Law 105-83: Provided further,
That <<NOTE: Alaska.>> not more than 2 percent of the funding provided
for section 306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act may
be used by the State of Alaska for training and technical assistance
programs and not more than 2 percent of the funding provided for section
306D of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act may be used by a
consortium formed pursuant to section 325 of Public Law 105-83 for
training and technical assistance programs: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Determination.>> That $35,000,000 of the amount
appropriated under this heading shall be for technical assistance grants
for rural water and waste systems pursuant to section 306(a)(14) of such
Act, unless the Secretary makes a determination of extreme need, of
which $10,000,000 shall be made available for a grant to a qualified
nonprofit multi-State regional technical assistance organization, with
experience in working with small communities on water and waste water
problems, the principal purpose of such grant shall be to assist rural
communities with populations of 3,300 or less, in improving the
planning, financing, development, operation, and management of water and
waste water systems, and of which not less than $800,000 shall be for a
qualified national Native American organization to provide technical
assistance for rural water systems for tribal communities: Provided
further, That $23,900,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading
shall be for contracting with qualified national organizations for a
circuit rider program to provide technical assistance for rural water
systems: Provided further, That $4,000,000 of the amounts made
available under this heading shall be for solid waste management grants:
Provided further, That $250,488,564 of the amounts made available under
this heading shall be for grants pursuant to section 306(a)(2)(a) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, of which $110,488,564 shall
be for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this account in
the table titled ``Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed
Spending'' in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the
matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act): Provided
further, That $8,000,000 of the amount appropriated under this heading
shall be transferred to, and merged with, the Rural Utilities Service,
High Energy Cost Grants Account to provide grants authorized under
section 19 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 918a):
Provided
[[Page 139 STAT. 531]]
further, <<NOTE: Loans. Deadline. Grants.>> That if any funds made
available for the direct loan subsidy costs under this heading remain
unobligated after July 31, 2026, such unobligated balances may be used
for grant programs funded under this heading: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Loans. Grants.>> That any unobligated balances from
prior year appropriations under this heading for the cost of direct
loans, loan guarantees and grants, including amounts deobligated or
cancelled, may be made available to cover the subsidy costs for direct
loans, loan guarantees and or grants under this heading in this fiscal
year: Provided further, That no amounts may be made available pursuant
to the two preceding provisos from amounts that were designated by the
Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution
on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act
of 1985, or that are specified for this account in the table titled
``Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending'' in the
explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding
division A of this consolidated Act): Provided further, That sections
381E-H and 381N of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act are
not applicable to the funds made available under this heading.
rural electrification and telecommunications loans program account
(including transfer of funds)
The principal amount of loans and loan guarantees as authorized by
sections 4, 305, 306, 313A, and 317 of the Rural Electrification Act of
1936 (7 U.S.C. 904, 935, 936, 940c-1, and 940g) shall be made as
follows: guaranteed rural electric loans made pursuant to section 306 of
that Act, $2,667,000,000; cost of money direct loans made pursuant to
sections 4, notwithstanding the one-eighth of one percent in 4(c)(2),
and 317, notwithstanding 317(c), of that Act, $4,333,000,000; guaranteed
underwriting loans pursuant to section 313A of that Act, $910,000,000;
for cost-of-money rural telecommunications loans made pursuant to
section 305(d)(2) of that Act, $350,000,000; and for guaranteed rural
telecommunications loans made pursuant to section 306 of that Act,
$200,000,000: Provided, That up to $2,000,000,000 shall be used for the
construction, acquisition, design, engineering or improvement of fossil-
fueled electric generating plants (whether new or existing) that utilize
carbon subsurface utilization and storage systems.
For the cost of direct loans as authorized by section 305(d)(2) of
the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 935(d)(2)), including
the cost of modifying loans, as defined in section 502 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, cost of money rural telecommunications
loans, $3,570,000.
In addition, $4,200,000 to remain available until expended, to carry
out section 6407 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
(7 U.S.C. 8107a): Provided, That the energy efficiency measures
supported by the funding in this paragraph shall contribute in a
demonstrable way to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the
direct and guaranteed loan programs, $33,270,000, which shall be paid to
the appropriation for ``Rural Development, Salaries and Expenses''.
[[Page 139 STAT. 532]]
distance learning, telemedicine, and broadband program
For grants for telemedicine and distance learning services in rural
areas, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq., $40,767,000, to remain
available until expended, of which $10,767,000 shall be for the
purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this account in the table
titled ``Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending''
in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter
preceding division A of this consolidated Act): Provided, That
$3,000,000 shall be made available for grants authorized by section 379G
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Grants.>> That funding provided under this heading for
grants under section 379G of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development
Act may only be provided to entities that meet all of the eligibility
criteria for a consortium as established by this section.
For the cost to continue a broadband loan and grant pilot program
established by section 779 of division A of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141) under the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.),
$50,750,000, to remain available until expended, of which $750,000 shall
be for the purposes, and in the amounts, specified for this account in
the table titled ``Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed
Spending'' in the explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the
matter preceding division A of this consolidated Act):
Provided, <<NOTE: Grants.>> That the Secretary may award grants
described in section 601(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 950bb(a)) for the purposes of carrying out such pilot
program: Provided further, That the cost of direct loans shall be
defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974:
Provided further, That at least 90 percent of the households to be
served by a project receiving a loan or grant under the pilot program
shall be in a rural area without sufficient access to broadband:
Provided further, That for purposes of such pilot program, a rural area
without sufficient access to broadband shall be defined as twenty-five
megabits per second downstream and three megabits per second upstream:
Provided further, That to the extent possible, projects receiving funds
provided under the pilot program must build out service to at least one
hundred megabits per second downstream, and twenty megabits per second
upstream: Provided further, That an entity to which a loan or grant is
made under the pilot program shall not use the loan or grant to
overbuild or duplicate broadband service in a service area by any entity
that has received a broadband loan from the Rural Utilities Service
unless such service is not provided sufficient access to broadband at
the minimum service threshold: Provided further, That not more than
four percent of the funds made available in this paragraph can be used
for administrative costs to carry out the pilot program and up to three
percent of funds made available in this paragraph may be available for
technical assistance and pre-development planning activities to support
the most rural communities: Provided further, That the Rural Utilities
Service is directed to expedite program delivery methods that would
implement this paragraph: Provided further, That for purposes of this
paragraph, the Secretary shall adhere to the notice, reporting and
service area assessment requirements set forth in section 701 of the
Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C. 950cc).
[[Page 139 STAT. 533]]
In addition, $17,000,000, to remain available until expended, for
the Community Connect Grant Program authorized by 7 U.S.C. 950bb-3.
TITLE IV
DOMESTIC FOOD PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for
Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, $1,127,000: Provided, That
funds made available by this Act to an agency in the Food, Nutrition and
Consumer Services mission area for salaries and expenses are available
to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
Food and Nutrition Service
child nutrition programs
(including transfers of funds)
For necessary expenses to carry out the Richard B. Russell National
School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.), except section 21, and the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.), except sections 17
and 21; $37,841,674,000 to remain available through September 30, 2027,
of which such sums as are made available under section 14222(b)(1) of
the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246), as
amended by this Act, shall be merged with and available for the same
time period and purposes as provided herein: Provided, That of the
total amount available, $18,691,638 shall be available to carry out
section 19 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.):
Provided further, That of the total amount available, $21,918,000 shall
be available to carry out studies and evaluations and shall remain
available until expended: Provided further, That of the total amount
available, $5,000,000 shall remain available until expended to carry out
section 18(g) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
U.S.C. 1769(g)): Provided further, That notwithstanding section
18(g)(3)(C) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
U.S.C. 1769(g)(3)(c)), the total grant amount provided to a farm to
school grant recipient in fiscal year 2026 shall not exceed $500,000:
Provided further, That of the total amount available, $10,000,000 shall
be available to provide competitive grants to State agencies for
subgrants to local educational agencies and schools to purchase the
equipment, with a value of greater than $1,000, needed to serve
healthier meals, improve food safety, and to help support the
establishment, maintenance, or expansion of the school breakfast
program: Provided further, That of the total amount available,
$4,378,000 shall be available for food safety education including
activities that support sections 17 and 21 of the Child Nutrition Act of
1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786, 1790) and to support the safe distribution of USDA
Foods, as defined in 7 CFR 250.2: Provided further, That of the total
amount available, $1,000,000 shall remain available until expended to
carry out activities authorized under subsections (a)(2) and (e)(2) of
section 21
[[Page 139 STAT. 534]]
of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769b-
1(a)(2) and (e)(2)): Provided further, That section 26(d) of the
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1769g(d)) is
amended in the first sentence by striking ``2010 through 2025'' and
inserting ``2010 through 2027'': Provided further, That section 9(h)(3)
of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C.
1758(h)(3)) is amended in the first sentence by striking ``For fiscal
year 2024'' and inserting ``For fiscal year 2026'': Provided further,
That section 9(h)(4) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
(42 U.S.C. 1758(h)(4)) is amended in the first sentence by striking
``For fiscal year 2024'' and inserting ``For fiscal year 2026''.
special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children
(wic)
For necessary expenses to carry out the special supplemental
nutrition program as authorized by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act
of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), $8,200,000,000, to remain available through
September 30, 2027, of which $150,000,000 shall be placed in reserve, to
remain available until expended, to be allocated as the Secretary deemed
necessary, notwithstanding section 17(i) of such Act, to support
participation should cost or participation exceed budget estimates:
Provided, That notwithstanding section 17(h)(10) of the Child Nutrition
Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(h)(10)), not less than $90,000,000 shall be
used for breastfeeding peer counselors and other related activities, and
$14,000,000 shall be used for infrastructure, including investments to
develop strategies to improve timely program data collection and
reporting: Provided further, That the Secretary shall use funds made
available under this heading to maintain the amount for the cash-value
voucher for women and children participants at an amount recommended by
the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine and adjusted
for inflation: Provided further, That none of the funds provided in
this account shall be available for the purchase of infant formula
except in accordance with the cost containment and competitive bidding
requirements specified in section 17 of such Act: Provided further,
That none of the funds provided shall be available for activities that
are not fully reimbursed by other Federal Government departments or
agencies unless authorized by section 17 of such Act: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Waiver authority.>> That upon termination of a
federally mandated vendor moratorium and subject to terms and conditions
established by the Secretary, the Secretary may waive the requirement at
7 CFR 246.12(g)(6) at the request of a State agency.
supplemental nutrition assistance program
For necessary expenses to carry out the Food and Nutrition Act of
2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), $107,481,218,000, of which $3,000,000,000,
to remain available through September 30, 2027, and $3,000,000,000, to
remain available through September 30, 2028, shall be placed in reserve
for use only in such amounts and at such times as may become necessary
to carry out program operations: Provided, That funds provided herein
shall be expended in accordance with section 16 of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008: Provided further, That of the funds made
available under this heading, $998,000 may be used to provide nutrition
education
[[Page 139 STAT. 535]]
services to State agencies and Federally Recognized Tribes participating
in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Provided
further, That of the funds made available under this heading,
$3,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2027, shall be used
to carry out section 4003(b) of Public Law 115-334 relating to
demonstration projects for tribal organizations: Provided further, That
of the funds made available under this heading, $4,000,000 shall be used
to carry out section 4208 of Public Law 115-334: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Workfare requirements.>> That this appropriation shall
be subject to any work registration or workfare requirements as may be
required by law: Provided further, That funds made available for
Employment and Training under this heading shall remain available
through September 30, 2027: Provided further, That funds made available
under this heading for section 28(d)(1), section 4(b), and section 27(a)
of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 shall remain available through
September 30, 2027: Provided further, That none of the funds made
available under this heading may be obligated or expended in
contravention of section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1183A): Provided further,
That <<NOTE: Contracts. Studies. Evaluation.>> funds made available
under this heading may be used to enter into contracts and employ staff
to conduct studies, evaluations, or to conduct activities related to
program integrity provided that such activities are authorized by the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
commodity assistance program
For necessary expenses to carry out disaster and commodity
assistance, $551,070,000, to remain available through September 30,
2027, of which $460,000,000 shall be for the Commodity Supplemental Food
Program, as authorized by section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer
Protection Act of 1973 (7 U.S.C. 612c note), $80,000,000 shall be for
the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983, $1,070,000 shall be for
assistance for the nuclear affected islands, as authorized by section
103(f)(2) of the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003
(Public Law 108-188), and $10,000,000 shall be for the Farmers' Market
Nutrition Program, as authorized by section 17(m) of the Child Nutrition
Act of 1966: Provided, That none of these funds shall be available to
reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for commodities donated to
the program: Provided further, That notwithstanding any other provision
of law, effective with funds made available in fiscal year 2026 to
support the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, as authorized by
section 4402 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, such
funds shall remain available through September 30, 2027: Provided
further, That of the funds made available under section 27(a) of the
Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2036(a)), the Secretary may use
up to 20 percent for costs associated with the distribution of
commodities.
nutrition programs administration
For necessary administrative expenses of the Food and Nutrition
Service for carrying out any domestic nutrition assistance program,
$160,000,000: Provided, That of the funds provided herein, $2,000,000
shall be used for the purposes of section 4404 of Public Law 107-171, as
amended by section 4401 of Public Law 110-246.
[[Page 139 STAT. 536]]
TITLE V
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND RELATED PROGRAMS
Office of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
For necessary expenses of the Office of the Under Secretary for
Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, $932,000: Provided, That funds
made available by this Act to any agency in the Trade and Foreign
Agricultural Affairs mission area for salaries and expenses are
available to fund up to one administrative support staff for the Office.
office of codex alimentarius
For necessary expenses of the Office of Codex Alimentarius,
$4,922,000, including not to exceed $100,000 for official reception and
representation expenses.
Foreign Agricultural Service
salaries and expenses
(including transfers of funds)
For necessary expenses of the Foreign Agricultural Service,
including not to exceed $250,000 for representation allowances and for
expenses pursuant to section 8 of the Act approved August 3, 1956 (7
U.S.C. 1766), $222,000,000, of which no more than 6 percent shall remain
available until September 30, 2027, for overseas operations to include
the payment of locally employed staff:
Provided, <<NOTE: Reimbursement.>> That the Service may utilize
advances of funds, or reimburse this appropriation for expenditures made
on behalf of Federal agencies, public and private organizations and
institutions under agreements executed pursuant to the agricultural food
production assistance programs (7 U.S.C. 1737) and the foreign
assistance programs of the United States Agency for International
Development: Provided further, That of the funds made available under
this heading, $5,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be
for the Cochran Fellowship Program, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 3293,
$4,000,000, to remain available until expended, shall be for the Borlaug
International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship program, as
authorized by 7 U.S.C. 3319j, and up to $2,000,000, to remain available
until expended, shall be for the purpose of offsetting fluctuations in
international currency exchange rates, subject to documentation by the
Foreign Agricultural Service: Provided further, That of the amount made
available under this heading, $1,000,000, shall be for the Secretary of
Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of State and heads of
other relevant Federal departments and agencies as applicable, to
conduct an interagency review and, within 60 days of enactment of this
Act, provide a detailed report outlining the process and agency needs to
support a transfer of the Food for Peace program from the U.S. Agency
for International Development to the Foreign Agricultural Service within
the Department of Agriculture: Provided further, That such report shall
include the requirements outlined in the section entitled ``Food for
Peace Interagency Review and
[[Page 139 STAT. 537]]
Report'' under the heading ``Food for Peace Title II Grants'' in Senate
Report 119-37 and shall also address any other needs that the Department
of Agriculture believes will be required to support successful
implementation of such program transfer.
food for peace title ii grants
For expenses during the current fiscal year, not otherwise
recoverable, and unrecovered prior years' costs, including interest
thereon, under the Food for Peace Act (Public Law 83-480), for
commodities supplied in connection with dispositions abroad under title
II of said Act, $1,200,000,000, to remain available until expended.
mcgovern-dole international food for education and child nutrition
program grants
For necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of section 3107
of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-
1), $240,000,000, to remain available until expended:
Provided, <<NOTE: Reimbursement.>> That the Commodity Credit
Corporation is authorized to provide the services, facilities, and
authorities for the purpose of implementing such section, subject to
reimbursement from amounts provided herein: Provided further, That of
the amount made available under this heading, not more than 10 percent,
but not less than $24,000,000, shall remain available until expended to
purchase agricultural commodities as described in subsection 3107(a)(2)
of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1736o-
1(a)(2)).
commodity credit corporation export (loans) credit guarantee program
account
(including transfers of funds)
For administrative expenses to carry out the Commodity Credit
Corporation's Export Guarantee Program, GSM 102 and GSM 103, $6,063,000,
to cover common overhead expenses as permitted by section 11 of the
Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and in conformity with the
Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, which shall be paid to the
appropriation for ``Foreign Agricultural Service, Salaries and
Expenses''.
TITLE VI
RELATED AGENCY AND FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Department of Health and Human Services
food and drug administration
salaries and expenses
(including transfers of funds)
For necessary expenses of the Food and Drug Administration,
including hire and purchase of passenger motor vehicles; for payment of
space rental and related costs pursuant to Public Law
[[Page 139 STAT. 538]]
92-313 for programs and activities of the Food and Drug Administration
which are included in this Act; for rental of special purpose space in
the District of Columbia or elsewhere; for miscellaneous and emergency
expenses of enforcement activities, authorized and approved by the
Secretary and to be accounted for solely on the Secretary's certificate,
not to exceed $25,000; and notwithstanding section 521 of Public Law
107-188; $6,957,972,000: Provided, That of the amount provided under
this heading, $1,556,039,000 shall be derived from prescription drug
user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379h, and shall be credited to this
account and remain available until expended; $478,166,000 shall be
derived from medical device user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j, and
shall be credited to this account and remain available until expended;
$670,900,000 shall be derived from human generic drug user fees
authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-42, and shall be credited to this account
and remain available until expended; $55,841,000 shall be derived from
biosimilar biological product user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-52,
and shall be credited to this account and remain available until
expended; $36,152,000 shall be derived from animal drug user fees
authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-12, and shall be credited to this account
and remain available until expended; $26,724,000 shall be derived from
generic new animal drug user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-21, and
shall be credited to this account and remain available until expended;
$712,000,000 shall be derived from tobacco product user fees authorized
by 21 U.S.C. 387s, and shall be credited to this account and remain
available until expended: Provided further, That in addition to and
notwithstanding any other provision under this heading, amounts
collected for prescription drug user fees, medical device user fees,
human generic drug user fees, biosimilar biological product user fees,
animal drug user fees, and generic new animal drug user fees that exceed
the respective fiscal year 2026 limitations are appropriated and shall
be credited to this account and remain available until expended:
Provided further, That fees derived from prescription drug, medical
device, human generic drug, biosimilar biological product, animal drug,
and generic new animal drug assessments for fiscal year 2026, including
any such fees collected prior to fiscal year 2026 but credited for
fiscal year 2026, shall be subject to the fiscal year 2026 limitations:
Provided further, That the Secretary may accept payment during fiscal
year 2026 of user fees specified under this heading and authorized for
fiscal year 2027, prior to the due date for such fees, and that amounts
of such fees assessed for fiscal year 2027 for which the Secretary
accepts payment in fiscal year 2026 shall not be included in amounts
under this heading: Provided further, That none of these funds shall be
used to develop, establish, or operate any program of user fees
authorized by 31 U.S.C. 9701: Provided further, That of the total
amount appropriated: (1) $1,171,319,000 shall be for the Human Foods
Program and for related field activities, including inspections,
investigations, and import operations, conducted by the Human Foods
Program, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of
the Chief Scientist, of which no less than $15,000,000 shall be used for
inspections of foreign seafood manufacturers and field examinations of
imported seafood; (2) $2,496,766,000 shall be for the Center for Drug
Evaluation and Research and for related field activities, including
inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted by the
Center,
[[Page 139 STAT. 539]]
the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of the Chief
Scientist, of which no less than $10,000,000 shall be for pilots to
increase unannounced foreign inspections and shall remain available
until expended; (3) $601,291,000 shall be for the Center for Biologics
Evaluation and Research and for related field activities, including
inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted by the
Center, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of
the Chief Scientist; (4) $278,185,000 shall be for the Center for
Veterinary Medicine and for related field activities, including
inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted by the
Center, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of
the Chief Scientist; (5) $894,063,000 shall be for the Center for
Devices and Radiological Health and for related field activities,
including inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted
by the Center, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the
Office of the Chief Scientist; (6) $71,758,000 shall be for the National
Center for Toxicological Research; (7) $688,038,000 shall be for the
Center for Tobacco Products and for related field activities, including
inspections, investigations, and import operations, conducted by the
Center, the Office of Inspections and Investigations, or the Office of
the Chief Scientist; (8) $205,180,000 shall be for Rent and Related
activities, of which $44,400,000 is for White Oak Consolidation, other
than the amounts paid to the General Services Administration for rent;
(9) $208,018,000 shall be for payments to the General Services
Administration for rent; and (10) $343,354,000 shall be for other
activities, including the Office of the Commissioner of Food and Drugs,
the Office of the Chief Scientist, the Office of the Chief Medical
Officer, and central services for these offices: Provided further, That
not to exceed $25,000 of this amount shall be for official reception and
representation expenses, not otherwise provided for, as determined by
the Commissioner: Provided further, That any transfer of funds pursuant
to, and for the administration of, section 770(n) of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379dd(n)) shall only be from amounts
made available under this heading for other activities and shall not
exceed $2,000,000: Provided further, That of the amounts that are made
available under this heading for ``other activities'', and that are not
derived from user fees, $1,500,000 shall be transferred to and merged
with the appropriation for ``Department of Health and Human Services--
Office of Inspector General'' for oversight of the programs and
operations of the Food and Drug Administration and shall be in addition
to funds otherwise made available for oversight of the Food and Drug
Administration: Provided further, That <<NOTE: Advance approval.>>
funds may be transferred from one specified activity to another with the
prior approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress.
In <<NOTE: Fees.>> addition, mammography user fees authorized by 42
U.S.C. 263b, export certification user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 381,
priority review user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 360n and 360ff, food
and feed recall fees, food reinspection fees, and voluntary qualified
importer program fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-31, outsourcing
facility fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-62, prescription drug
wholesale distributor licensing and inspection fees authorized by 21
U.S.C. 353(e)(3), third-party logistics provider licensing and
inspection fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 360eee-3(c)(1), third-party
auditor fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 384d(c)(8), medical
[[Page 139 STAT. 540]]
countermeasure priority review voucher user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C.
360bbb-4a, and fees relating to over-the-counter monograph drugs
authorized by 21 U.S.C. 379j-72 shall be credited to this account, to
remain available until expended.
buildings and facilities
For plans, construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration,
demolition, and purchase of fixed equipment or facilities of or used by
the Food and Drug Administration, where not otherwise provided,
$5,000,000, to remain available until expended.
INDEPENDENT AGENCY
Farm Credit Administration
limitation on administrative expenses
Not to exceed $106,500,000 (from assessments collected from farm
credit institutions, including the Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation) shall be obligated during the current fiscal year for
administrative expenses as authorized under 12 U.S.C. 2249: Provided,
That this limitation shall not apply to expenses associated with
receiverships: Provided further, <<NOTE: Notification.>> That the
agency may exceed this limitation by up to 10 percent with notification
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress:
Provided further, That the purposes of section 3.7(b)(2)(A)(i) of the
Farm Credit Act of 1971 (12 U.S.C. 2128(b)(2)(A)(i)), the Farm Credit
Administration may exempt, an amount in its sole discretion, from the
application of the limitation provided in that clause of export loans
described in the clause guaranteed or insured in a manner other than
described in subclause (II) of the clause.
TITLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
(including rescissions and transfers of funds)
Sec. 701. The Secretary may use any appropriations made available
to the Department of Agriculture in this Act to purchase new passenger
motor vehicles, in addition to specific appropriations for this purpose,
so long as the total number of vehicles purchased in fiscal year 2026
does not exceed the number of vehicles owned or leased in fiscal year
2018: Provided, <<NOTE: Determination.>> That, prior to purchasing
additional motor vehicles, the Secretary must determine that such
vehicles are necessary for transportation safety, to reduce operational
costs, and for the protection of life, property, and public safety:
Provided further, <<NOTE: Notification. Approval. Deadline.>> That the
Secretary may not increase the Department of Agriculture's fleet above
the 2018 level unless the Secretary notifies in writing, and receives
approval from, the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress within 30 days of the notification.
Sec. 702. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the
Secretary of Agriculture may transfer unobligated balances of
discretionary funds appropriated by this Act or any other available
unobligated discretionary balances that are remaining available of the
Department of Agriculture to the Working Capital Fund
[[Page 139 STAT. 541]]
for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment and for the
improvement, delivery, and implementation of Department financial, and
administrative information technology services, and other support
systems necessary for the delivery of financial, administrative, and
information technology services, including cloud adoption and migration,
of primary benefit to the agencies of the Department of Agriculture,
such transferred funds to remain available until expended:
Provided, <<NOTE: Advance approval.>> That none of the funds made
available by this Act or any other Act shall be transferred to the
Working Capital Fund without the prior approval of the agency
administrator: Provided further, <<NOTE: Notification. Advance
approval.>> That none of the funds transferred to the Working Capital
Fund pursuant to this section shall be available for obligation without
written notification to and the prior approval of the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Notification. Advance approval.>> That none of the
funds appropriated by this Act or made available to the Department's
Working Capital Fund shall be available for obligation or expenditure to
make any changes to the Department's National Finance Center without
written notification to and prior approval of the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress as required by section 716 of
this Act: Provided further, <<NOTE: Notification. Advance approval.>>
That none of the funds appropriated by this Act or made available to the
Department's Working Capital Fund shall be available for obligation or
expenditure to initiate, plan, develop, implement, or make any changes
to remove or relocate any systems, missions, personnel, or functions of
the offices of the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Information
Officer, co-located with or from the National Finance Center prior to
written notification to and prior approval of the Committee on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress and in accordance with the
requirements of section 716 of this Act: Provided further, That the
National Finance Center Information Technology Services Division
personnel and data center management responsibilities, and control of
any functions, missions, and systems for current and future human
resources management and integrated personnel and payroll systems (PPS)
and functions provided by the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief
Information Officer shall remain in the National Finance Center and
under the management responsibility and administrative control of the
National Finance Center: Provided further, That the Secretary of
Agriculture and the offices of the Chief Financial Officer shall
actively market to existing and new Departments and other government
agencies National Finance Center shared services including, but not
limited to, payroll, financial management, and human capital shared
services and allow the National Finance Center to perform technology
upgrades: Provided further, That of annual income amounts in the
Working Capital Fund of the Department of Agriculture allocated for the
National Finance Center, the Secretary shall reserve not more than 4
percent for the replacement or acquisition of capital equipment,
including equipment for the improvement, delivery, and implementation of
financial, administrative, and information technology services, and
other systems of the National Finance Center or to pay any unforeseen,
extraordinary cost of the National Finance Center: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Notification.>> That none of the amounts reserved
shall be available for obligation unless the Secretary submits written
notification of the obligation to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress: Provided further, That the limitations on the
obligation of funds pending notification to Congressional
[[Page 139 STAT. 542]]
Committees shall not apply to any obligation that, as determined by the
Secretary, is necessary to respond to a declared state of emergency that
significantly impacts the operations of the National Finance Center; or
to evacuate employees of the National Finance Center to a safe haven to
continue operations of the National Finance Center.
Sec. 703. No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall
remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless
expressly so provided herein.
Sec. 704. <<NOTE: Contracts.>> No funds appropriated by this Act
may be used to pay negotiated indirect cost rates on cooperative
agreements or similar arrangements between the United States Department
of Agriculture and nonprofit institutions in excess of 10 percent of the
total direct cost of the agreement when the purpose of such cooperative
arrangements is to carry out programs of mutual interest between the two
parties. This does not preclude appropriate payment of indirect costs on
grants and contracts with such institutions when such indirect costs are
computed on a similar basis for all agencies for which appropriations
are provided in this Act.
Sec. 705. Appropriations to the Department of Agriculture for the
cost of direct and guaranteed loans made available in the current fiscal
year shall remain available until expended to disburse obligations made
in the current fiscal year for the following accounts: The Rural
Development Loan Fund program account, the Rural Electrification and
Telecommunication Loans program account, and the Rural Housing Insurance
Fund program account.
Sec. 706. <<NOTE: Approvals.>> None of the funds made available to
the Department of Agriculture by this Act may be used to acquire new
information technology systems or significant upgrades, as determined by
the Office of the Chief Information Officer, without the approval of the
Chief Information Officer and the concurrence of the Executive
Information Technology Investment Review Board:
Provided, <<NOTE: Notification.>> That notwithstanding any other
provision of law, none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be transferred to the Office of the Chief
Information Officer without written notification to and the prior
approval of the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress:
Provided further, That notwithstanding section 11319 of title 40,
United States Code, none of the funds available to the Department of
Agriculture for information technology shall be obligated for projects,
contracts, or other agreements over $25,000 prior to receipt of written
approval by the Chief Information Officer: Provided further, That the
Chief Information Officer may authorize an agency to obligate funds
without written approval from the Chief Information Officer for
projects, contracts, or other agreements up to $250,000 based upon the
performance of an agency measured against the performance plan
requirements described in the explanatory statement accompanying Public
Law 113-235.
Sec. 707. Funds made available under section 524(b) of the Federal
Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524(b)) in the current fiscal year shall
remain available until expended to disburse obligations made in the
current fiscal year.
Sec. 708. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any former
Rural Utilities Service borrower that has repaid or prepaid an insured,
direct or guaranteed loan under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936,
or any not-for-profit utility that is eligible to receive an insured or
direct loan under such Act, shall be eligible for
[[Page 139 STAT. 543]]
assistance under section 313B(a) of such Act in the same manner as a
borrower under such Act.
Sec. 709. Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, not
more than $20,000,000 in unobligated balances from appropriations made
available for salaries and expenses in this Act for the Farm Service
Agency shall remain available through September 30, 2027, for
information technology expenses.
Sec. 710. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act may be used for first-class travel by the
employees of agencies funded by this Act in contravention of sections
301-10.122 through 301-10.124 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec. 711. In the case of each program established or amended by the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) or by a successor to that
Act, other than by title I or subtitle A of title III of such Act, or
programs for which indefinite amounts were provided in that Act, that is
authorized or required to be carried out using funds of the Commodity
Credit Corporation--
(1) such funds shall be available for salaries and related
administrative expenses, including technical assistance,
associated with the implementation of the program, without
regard to the limitation on the total amount of allotments and
fund transfers contained in section 11 of the Commodity Credit
Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714i); and
(2) the use of such funds for such purpose shall not be
considered to be a fund transfer or allotment for purposes of
applying the limitation on the total amount of allotments and
fund transfers contained in such section.
Sec. 712. Of the funds made available by this Act, not more than
$2,900,000 shall be used to cover necessary expenses of activities
related to all advisory committees, panels, commissions, and task forces
of the Department of Agriculture, except for panels used to comply with
negotiated rule makings and panels used to evaluate competitively
awarded grants.
Sec. 713. <<NOTE: Pornography.>> (a) None of the funds made
available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer
network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and
exchanging of pornography.
(b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall limit the use of funds necessary
for any Federal, State, tribal, or local law enforcement agency or any
other entity carrying out criminal investigations, prosecution, or
adjudication activities.
Sec. 714. Notwithstanding subsection (b) of section 14222 of Public
Law 110-246 (7 U.S.C. 612c-6; in this section referred to as ``section
14222''), none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by
this or any other Act shall be used to pay the salaries and expenses of
personnel to carry out a program under section 32 of the Act of August
24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c; in this section referred to as ``section 32'')
in excess of $1,716,293,000 (exclusive of carryover appropriations from
prior fiscal years), as follows: Child Nutrition Programs Entitlement
Commodities--$485,000,000; State Option Contracts--$5,000,000; Removal
of Defective Commodities--$2,500,000; Administration of section 32
Commodity Purchases--$40,971,000: Provided, <<NOTE: Notification. Time
period.>> That, of the total funds made available in the matter
preceding this proviso that remain unobligated on October 1, 2026, such
unobligated balances shall carryover into fiscal year 2027 and shall
remain available
[[Page 139 STAT. 544]]
until expended for any of the purposes of section 32, except that any
such carryover funds used in accordance with clause (3) of section 32
may not exceed $350,000,000 and may not be obligated until the Secretary
of Agriculture provides written notification of the expenditures to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least two
weeks in advance: Provided further, That, with the exception of any
available carryover funds authorized in any prior appropriations Act to
be used for the purposes of clause (3) of section 32, none of the funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this or any other Act shall
be used to pay the salaries or expenses of any employee of the
Department of Agriculture to carry out clause (3) of section 32.
Sec. 715. None of the funds appropriated by this or any other Act
shall be used to pay the salaries and expenses of personnel who prepare
or submit appropriations language as part of the President's budget
submission to the Congress for programs under the jurisdiction of the
Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
Drug Administration, and Related Agencies that assumes revenues or
reflects a reduction from the previous year due to user fees proposals
that have not been enacted into law prior to the submission of the
budget unless such budget submission identifies which additional
spending reductions should occur in the event the user fees proposals
are not enacted prior to the date of the convening of a committee of
conference for the fiscal year 2026 appropriations Act.
Sec. 716. <<NOTE: Notifications. Approvals. Time period.>> (a) None
of the funds provided by this Act, or provided by previous
appropriations Acts to the agencies funded by this Act that remain
available for obligation or expenditure in the current fiscal year, or
provided from any accounts in the Treasury derived by the collection of
fees available to the agencies funded by this Act, shall be available
for obligation or expenditure through a reprogramming, transfer of
funds, or reimbursements as authorized by the Economy Act, or in the
case of the Department of Agriculture, through use of the authority
provided by section 702(b) of the Department of Agriculture Organic Act
of 1944 (7 U.S.C. 2257) or section 8 of Public Law 89-106 (7 U.S.C.
2263), that--
(1) creates new programs;
(2) eliminates a program, project, or activity;
(3) increases funds or personnel by any means for any
project or activity for which funds have been denied or
restricted;
(4) relocates an office or employees;
(5) reorganizes offices, programs, or activities; or
(6) contracts out or privatizes any functions or activities
presently performed by Federal employees;
unless the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of Health and Human
Services (as the case may be) notifies in writing and receives approval
from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at
least 30 days in advance of the reprogramming of such funds or the use
of such authority.
(b) None of the funds provided by this Act, or provided by previous
Appropriations Acts to the agencies funded by this Act that remain
available for obligation or expenditure in the current fiscal year, or
provided from any accounts in the Treasury derived by the collection of
fees available to the agencies funded by this Act, shall be available
for obligation or expenditure for activities, programs, or projects
through a reprogramming or use of the
[[Page 139 STAT. 545]]
authorities referred to in subsection (a) involving funds in excess of
$500,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less, that--
(1) augments existing programs, projects, or activities;
(2) reduces by 10 percent funding for any existing program,
project, or activity, or numbers of personnel by 10 percent as
approved by Congress; or
(3) results from any general savings from a reduction in
personnel which would result in a change in existing programs,
activities, or projects as approved by Congress;
unless the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of Health and Human
Services (as the case may be) notifies in writing and receives approval
from the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at
least 30 days in advance of the reprogramming or transfer of such funds
or the use of such authority.
(c) The Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of Health and
Human Services shall notify in writing and receive approval from the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress before
implementing any program or activity not carried out during the previous
fiscal year unless the program or activity is funded by this Act or
specifically funded by any other Act.
(d) None of the funds provided by this Act, or provided by previous
Appropriations Acts to the agencies funded by this Act that remain
available for obligation or expenditure in the current fiscal year, or
provided from any accounts in the Treasury derived by the collection of
fees available to the agencies funded by this Act, shall be available
for--
(1) modifying major capital investments funding levels,
including information technology systems, that involves
increasing or decreasing funds in the current fiscal year for
the individual investment in excess of $500,000 or 10 percent of
the total cost, whichever is less;
(2) realigning or reorganizing new, current, or vacant
positions or agency activities or functions to establish a
center, office, branch, or similar entity with five or more
personnel; or
(3) carrying out activities or functions that were not
described in the budget request;
unless the agencies funded by this Act notify, in writing, the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least 30 days
in advance of using the funds for these purposes.
(e) <<NOTE: Confirmation.>> As described in this section, no funds
may be used for any activities unless the Secretary of Agriculture or
the Secretary of Health and Human Services receives from the Committee
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress written or electronic mail
confirmation of receipt of the notification as required in this section.
Sec. 717. <<NOTE: Fees.>> Notwithstanding section 310B(g)(5) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(g)(5)), the
Secretary may assess a one-time fee for any guaranteed business and
industry loan in an amount that does not exceed 3 percent of the
guaranteed principal portion of the loan.
Sec. 718. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available to the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug
Administration, or the Farm Credit Administration shall be used to
transmit or otherwise make available reports, questions, or responses to
questions that are a result of information requested for the
appropriations hearing process to any non-Department of
[[Page 139 STAT. 546]]
Agriculture, non-Department of Health and Human Services, or non-Farm
Credit Administration employee.
Sec. 719. <<NOTE: News stories. Notification.>> Unless otherwise
authorized by existing law, none of the funds provided in this Act, may
be used by an executive branch agency to produce any prepackaged news
story intended for broadcast or distribution in the United States unless
the story includes a clear notification within the text or audio of the
prepackaged news story that the prepackaged news story was prepared or
funded by that executive branch agency.
Sec. 720. <<NOTE: Time period. Reimbursement.>> No employee of the
Department of Agriculture may be detailed or assigned from an agency or
office funded by this Act or any other Act to any other agency or office
of the Department for more than 60 days in a fiscal year unless the
individual's employing agency or office is fully reimbursed by the
receiving agency or office for the salary and expenses of the employee
for the period of assignment.
Sec. 721. <<NOTE: Deadline. Obligation plan.>> Not later than 30
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and
the Chairman of the Farm Credit Administration shall submit to the
Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Senate a detailed obligation plan delineated by program, project, and
activity, as defined in the report accompanying this Act, for all
amounts made available by this Act and prior appropriations Acts that
remain available for obligation, including appropriated user fees and
loan authorizations: Provided, That such obligation plan shall include
breakdowns of estimated obligations for each such program, project, or
activity by fiscal quarter, source appropriation, and the number of
full-time equivalent positions supported: Provided further, That such
obligation plan shall serve as the baseline for reprogramming
notifications for the purposes of section 716 of this Act.
Sec. 722. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used
to propose, promulgate, or implement any rule, or take any other action
with respect to, allowing or requiring information intended for a
prescribing health care professional, in the case of a drug or
biological product subject to section 503(b)(1) of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353(b)(1)), to be distributed to such
professional electronically (in lieu of in paper form) unless and until
a Federal law is enacted to allow or require such distribution.
Sec. 723. <<NOTE: Determination. Prisons and prisoners.>> For the
purposes of determining eligibility or level of program assistance for
Rural Housing Service programs the Secretary shall not include
incarcerated prison populations.
Sec. 724. <<NOTE: Loans.>> For loans and loan guarantees that do
not require budget authority and for which the program level has been
established in this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may increase the
program level for such loans and loan guarantees by not more than 25
percent: Provided, <<NOTE: Notification. Time period.>> That prior to
the Secretary implementing such an increase, the Secretary notifies, in
writing, the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at
least 15 days in advance.
Sec. 725. <<NOTE: Notification. Advance approval.>> None of the
credit card refunds or rebates transferred to the Working Capital Fund
pursuant to section 729 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and
Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 (7
U.S.C. 2235a; Public Law 107-76) shall be available for obligation
without written
[[Page 139 STAT. 547]]
notification to, and the prior approval of, the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress: Provided, That the refunds
or rebates so transferred shall be available for obligation only for the
acquisition of property, plant and equipment, including equipment for
the improvement, delivery, and implementation of Departmental financial
management, information technology, and other support systems necessary
for the delivery of financial, administrative, and information
technology services, including cloud adoption and migration, of primary
benefit to the agencies of the Department of Agriculture.
Sec. 726. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used
to implement, administer, or enforce the ``variety'' requirements of the
final rule entitled ``Enhancing Retailer Standards in the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)'' published by the Department of
Agriculture in the Federal Register on December 15, 2016 (81 Fed. Reg.
90675) until the Secretary of Agriculture amends the definition of the
term ``variety'' as defined in section 278.1(b)(1)(ii)(C) of title 7,
Code of Federal Regulations, and ``variety'' as applied in the
definition of the term ``staple food'' as defined in section 271.2 of
title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, to increase the number of items
that qualify as acceptable varieties in each staple food category so
that the total number of such items in each staple food category exceeds
the number of such items in each staple food category included in the
final rule as published on December 15, 2016:
Provided, <<NOTE: Applicability. Effective date.>> That until the
Secretary promulgates such regulatory amendments, the Secretary shall
apply the requirements regarding acceptable varieties and breadth of
stock to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program retailers that were
in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).
Sec. 727. In carrying out subsection (h) of section 502 of the
Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472), the Secretary of Agriculture shall
have the same authority with respect to loans guaranteed under such
section and eligible lenders for such loans as the Secretary has under
subsections (h) and (j) of section 538 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1490p-2)
with respect to loans guaranteed under such section 538 and eligible
lenders for such loans.
Sec. 728. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act shall be available for the United States
Department of Agriculture to propose, finalize or implement any
regulation that would promulgate new user fees pursuant to 31 U.S.C.
9701 after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 729. Notwithstanding any provision of law that regulates the
calculation and payment of overtime and holiday pay for FSIS inspectors,
the Secretary may charge establishments subject to the inspection
requirements of the Poultry Products Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. 451 et
seq., the Federal Meat Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq., and the
Egg Products Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq., for the cost of
inspection services provided outside of an establishment's approved
inspection shifts, and for inspection services provided on Federal
holidays: Provided, That any sums charged pursuant to this paragraph
shall be deemed as overtime pay or holiday pay under section 1001(d) of
the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2, 135 Stat. 242):
Provided further, That sums received by the Secretary under this
paragraph shall, in addition to other available funds, remain available
until expended
[[Page 139 STAT. 548]]
to the Secretary without further appropriation for the purpose of
funding all costs associated with FSIS inspections.
Sec. 730. (a) The Secretary of Agriculture shall--
(1) <<NOTE: Audits. Evaluations.>> conduct audits in a
manner that evaluates the following factors in the country or
region being audited, as applicable--
(A) veterinary control and oversight;
(B) disease history and vaccination practices;
(C) livestock demographics and traceability;
(D) epidemiological separation from potential
sources of infection;
(E) surveillance practices;
(F) diagnostic laboratory capabilities; and
(G) emergency preparedness and response; and
(2) <<NOTE: Public information. Reports.>> promptly make
publicly available the final reports of any audits or reviews
conducted pursuant to paragraph (1).
(b) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> This section shall be applied in a
manner consistent with United States obligations under its international
trade agreements.
Sec. 731. (a)(1) <<NOTE: Iron and steel products.>> No Federal
funds made available for this fiscal year for the rural water, waste
water, waste disposal, and solid waste management programs authorized by
sections 306, 306A, 306C, 306D, 306E, and 310B of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926 et seq.) shall be used for a
project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a
public water or wastewater system unless all of the iron and steel
products used in the project are produced in the United States.
(2) <<NOTE: Definition.>> In this section, the term ``iron and
steel products'' means the following products made primarily of iron or
steel: lined or unlined pipes and fittings, manhole covers and other
municipal castings, hydrants, tanks, flanges, pipe clamps and
restraints, valves, structural steel, reinforced precast concrete, and
construction materials.
(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply in any case or category of cases
in which the Secretary of Agriculture (in this section referred to as
the ``Secretary'') or the designee of the Secretary finds that--
(1) applying subsection (a) would be inconsistent with the
public interest;
(2) iron and steel products are not produced in the United
States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a
satisfactory quality; or
(3) inclusion of iron and steel products produced in the
United States will increase the cost of the overall project by
more than 25 percent.
(c) <<NOTE: Waiver request. Public information. Records. Time
period.>> If the Secretary or the designee receives a request for a
waiver under this section, the Secretary or the designee shall make
available to the public on an informal basis a copy of the request and
information available to the Secretary or the designee concerning the
request, and shall allow for informal public input on the request for at
least 15 days prior to making a finding based on the request.
The <<NOTE: Web posting.>> Secretary or the designee shall make the
request and accompanying information available by electronic means,
including on the official public Internet Web site of the Department.
(d) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> This section shall be applied in a
manner consistent with United States obligations under international
agreements.
(e) The Secretary may retain up to 0.25 percent of the funds
appropriated in this Act for ``Rural Utilities Service--Rural Water
[[Page 139 STAT. 549]]
and Waste Disposal Program Account'' for carrying out the provisions
described in subsection (a)(1) for management and oversight of the
requirements of this section.
(f) Subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to a project for
which the engineering plans and specifications include use of iron and
steel products otherwise prohibited by such subsection if the plans and
specifications have received required approvals from State agencies
prior to the date of enactment of this Act.
(g) <<NOTE: Definition.>> For purposes of this section, the terms
``United States'' and ``State'' shall include each of the several
States, the District of Columbia, and each Federally recognized Indian
Tribe.
Sec. 732. <<NOTE: Lobbying>> None of the funds appropriated by
this Act may be used in any way, directly or indirectly, to influence
congressional action on any legislation or appropriation matters pending
before Congress, other than to communicate to Members of Congress as
described in 18 U.S.C. 1913.
Sec. 733. <<NOTE: Allocations.>> Of the total amounts made
available by this Act for direct loans and grants under the following
headings: ``Rural Housing Service--Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program
Account''; ``Rural Housing Service--Mutual and Self-Help Housing
Grants''; ``Rural Housing Service--Rural Housing Assistance Grants'';
``Rural Housing Service--Rural Community Facilities Program Account'';
``Rural Business--Cooperative Service--Rural Business Program Account'';
``Rural Business--Cooperative Service--Rural Economic Development Loans
Program Account''; ``Rural Business--Cooperative Service--Rural
Cooperative Development Grants''; ``Rural Business--Cooperative
Service--Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program''; ``Rural Utilities
Service--Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account''; ``Rural
Utilities Service--Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Loans
Program Account''; and ``Rural Utilities Service--Distance Learning,
Telemedicine, and Broadband Program'', to the maximum extent feasible,
at least 10 percent of the funds shall be allocated for assistance in
persistent poverty counties under this section, including,
notwithstanding any other provision regarding population limits, any
county seat of such a persistent poverty county that has a population
that does not exceed the authorized population limit by more than 10
percent: Provided, <<NOTE: Definition.>> That for purposes of this
section, the term ``persistent poverty counties'' means any county that
has had 20 percent or more of its population living in poverty over the
past 30 years, as measured by the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses, and
2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-year average, or any territory or
possession of the United States: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Applicability.>> That with respect to specific
activities for which program levels have been made available by this Act
that are not supported by budget authority, the requirements of this
section shall be applied to such program level.
Sec. 734. <<NOTE: Human embryos.>> None of the funds made available
by this Act may be used to notify a sponsor or otherwise acknowledge
receipt of a submission for an exemption for investigational use of a
drug or biological product under section 505(i) of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(i)) or section 351(a)(3) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262(a)(3)) in research in which a
human embryo is intentionally created or modified to include a heritable
genetic modification. Any such submission shall be deemed to have not
been received by the Secretary, and the exemption may not go into
effect.
[[Page 139 STAT. 550]]
Sec. 735. None of the funds made available by this or any other Act
may be used to enforce the final rule promulgated by the Food and Drug
Administration entitled ``Standards for the Growing, Harvesting,
Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption'', and published
on November 27, 2015, and the proposed rule issued by the Food and Drug
Administration pending at the Office of Management and Budget entitled
``Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding Produce
for Human Consumption Related to Agricultural Water'' (86 Fed. Reg.
69120 and 87 Fed. Reg. 42973), with respect to the regulation of
entities that grow, harvest, pack, or hold wine grapes, hops, pulse
crops, or almonds.
Sec. 736. <<NOTE: Time periods. School breakfast.>> For school
years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, none of the funds made available by this
Act may be used to restrict or limit the substitution of any vegetable
subgroup for fruits under the school breakfast program established under
section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773).
Sec. 737. None of the funds made available by this Act or any other
Act may be used--
(1) in contravention of section 7606 of the Agricultural Act
of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5940), subtitle G of the Agricultural
Marketing Act of 1946, or section 10114 of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018; or
(2) <<NOTE: Hemp and hemp seeds.>> to prohibit the
transportation, processing, sale, or use of hemp, or seeds of
such plant, that is grown or cultivated in accordance with
section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 or subtitle G of
the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, within or outside the
State in which the hemp is grown or cultivated.
Sec. 738. <<NOTE: Waiver authority.>> The Secretary of Agriculture
may waive the matching funds requirement under section 412(g) of the
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7
U.S.C. 7632(g)).
Sec. 739. The Secretary of Agriculture shall be included as a
member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
(CFIUS) on a case by case basis pursuant to the authorities in section
721(k)(2)(J) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C.
4565(k)(2)(J)) with respect to each covered transaction (as defined in
section 721(a)(4) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C.
4565(a)(4))) involving agricultural land, agriculture biotechnology, or
the agriculture industry (including agricultural transportation,
agricultural storage, and agricultural processing), as determined by the
CFIUS Chairperson in coordination with the Secretary of
Agriculture. <<NOTE: Notification. Foreign countries.>> The Secretary
of Agriculture shall, to the maximum extent practicable, notify CFIUS of
any agricultural land transaction that the Secretary of Agriculture has
reason to believe, based on information from or in cooperation with the
Intelligence Community, is a covered transaction (A) that may pose a
risk to the national security of the United States, with particular
emphasis on covered transactions of an interest in agricultural land by
foreign governments or entities of concern, as defined in 42 U.S.C.
19221(a), including the People's Republic of China, the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the Islamic
Republic of Iran; and (B) with respect to which a person is required to
submit a report to the Secretary of Agriculture under section 2(a) of
the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C.
3501(a)).
[[Page 139 STAT. 551]]
Sec. 740. There is hereby appropriated $2,000,000, to remain
available until expended, for a pilot program for the Secretary to
provide grants to qualified non-profit organizations and public housing
authorities to provide technical assistance, including financial and
legal services, to RHS multi-family housing borrowers to facilitate
property preservation through the acquisition of RHS multi-family
housing properties in areas where the Secretary determines a risk of
loss of affordable housing, by non-profit housing organizations and
public housing authorities as authorized by law that commit to keep such
properties in the RHS multi-family housing program for a period of time
as determined by the Secretary: Provided, That such funds may also be
used for technical assistance for non-profit organizations, public
housing authorities, and private owners for the decoupling of rental
assistance.
Sec. 741. Funds made available under title II of the Food for Peace
Act (7 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) may only be used to provide assistance to
recipient nations if adequate monitoring and controls, as determined by
the Administrator, are in place to ensure that emergency food aid is
received by the intended beneficiaries in areas affected by food
shortages and not diverted for unauthorized or inappropriate purposes.
Sec. 742. <<NOTE: Contracts. Poultry and poultry
products. Seafood. China. School lunches.>> None of the funds made
available by this Act may be used to procure raw or processed poultry
products or seafood imported into the United States from the People's
Republic of China for use in the school lunch program under the Richard
B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.), the Child
and Adult Care Food Program under section 17 of such Act (42 U.S.C.
1766), the Summer Food Service Program for Children under section 13 of
such Act (42 U.S.C. 1761), or the school breakfast program under the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.).
Sec. 743. <<NOTE: Time period. School lunches.>> For school year
2026-2027, only a school food authority that had a negative balance in
the nonprofit school food service account as of June 30, 2025, shall be
required to establish a price for paid lunches in accordance with
section 12(p) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
U.S.C. 1760(p)).
Sec. 744. <<NOTE: Grants. Science and technology. Research and
development.>> Any funds made available by this or any other Act that
the Secretary withholds pursuant to section 1668(g)(2) of the Food,
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5921(g)(2)),
as amended, shall be available for grants for biotechnology risk
assessment research: Provided, That the Secretary may transfer such
funds among appropriations of the Department of Agriculture for purposes
of making such grants.
Sec. 745. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds
available to the Department of Agriculture may be used to move any staff
office or any agency from the mission area in which it was located on
August 1, 2018, to any other mission area or office within the
Department in the absence of the enactment of specific legislation
affirming such move.
Sec. 746. The Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, may use funds appropriated under this
Act or any other Act for the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations
Program and the Watershed Rehabilitation Program carried out pursuant to
the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001 et
seq.), and for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program carried out
pursuant to section 403 of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16
U.S.C. 2203) to
[[Page 139 STAT. 552]]
provide technical services for such programs pursuant to section
1252(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3851(a)(1)),
notwithstanding subsection (c) of such section.
Sec. 747. <<NOTE: Determination.>> In administering the pilot
program established by section 779 of division A of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-141), the Secretary of
Agriculture may, for purposes of determining entities eligible to
receive assistance, consider those communities which are ``Areas Rural
in Character'': Provided, That not more than 10 percent of the funds
made available under the heading ``Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and
Broadband Program'' for the purposes of the pilot program established by
section 779 of Public Law 115-141 may be used for this purpose.
Sec. 748. In addition to amounts otherwise made available by this
Act and notwithstanding the last sentence of 16 U.S.C. 1310, there is
appropriated $2,000,000, to remain available until expended, to
implement non-renewable agreements on eligible lands, including flooded
agricultural lands, as determined by the Secretary, under the Water Bank
Act (16 U.S.C. 1301-1311).
Sec. 749. <<NOTE: Loans. Waste disposal. Telecom-
munications. Electricity.>> A bank referenced in 12 U.S.C. 2128 may
make and participate in loans and commitments and provide technical and
other financial assistance to cooperatives and any other public or
private entity (except for the Federal Government) for the purpose of
installing, maintaining, expanding, improving, or operating facilities
in a rural area as defined in 12 U.S.C. 2128(f) for the processing or
disposal of waste from any source, provision of telecommunication
services, and producing electricity from any source for use or sale by
the borrower.
Sec. 750. <<NOTE: Termination date.>> The Secretary shall set
aside for Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zones, until August 15,
2026, an amount of funds made available in title III under the headings
of Rural Housing Insurance Fund Program Account, Mutual and Self-Help
Housing Grants, Rural Housing Assistance Grants, Rural Community
Facilities Program Account, Rural Business Program Account, Rural
Development Loan Fund Program Account, and Rural Water and Waste
Disposal Program Account, equal to the amount obligated in REAP Zones
with respect to funds provided under such headings in the most recent
fiscal year any such funds were obligated under such headings for REAP
Zones, excluding the funding provided through any Community Project
Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending.
Sec. 751. There is hereby appropriated $2,000,000, to remain
available until expended, to carry out section 758 of division B of
Public Law 118-42, in addition to amounts otherwise available for such
purpose.
Sec. 752. <<NOTE: Listeria monocytogenes.>> None of the funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue or promote any new
guidelines or regulations applicable to food manufacturers of low risk
ready-to-eat (RTE) foods for Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) until the FDA
considers the available new science in developing the Compliance Policy
Guide (CPG), Guidance for FDA Staff, section 555.320 Listeria
monocytogenes regarding Lm in low-risk foods, meaning foods that do not
support the growth of Lm.
Sec. 753. For necessary expenses associated with cotton classing
activities pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 55, to include equipment and facility
upgrades, and in addition to any other funds made
[[Page 139 STAT. 553]]
available for this purpose, there is appropriated, $4,000,000, to remain
available until September 30, 2027: Provided, That amounts made
available in this section shall be treated as funds collected by fees
authorized under March 4, 1923, ch. 288, section 5, 42 Stat. 1518, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 55).
Sec. 754. For an additional amount for the Office of the Secretary,
$700,000, for the Office of Tribal Relations to cover costs incurred for
the slaughtering, processing, and voluntary meat inspection fees,
notwithstanding the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1622 et
seq.) and 9 CFR part 352, for bison owned by Tribal governments (as
defined by the List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131)), Tribal entities
(including Tribal organizations and corporations), and Tribal members
that slaughter and process bison at establishments that receive USDA
voluntary inspection or state inspection.
Sec. 755. <<NOTE: Determination. 5 USC 5547 note.>> If services
performed by APHIS employees are determined by the Administrator of the
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to be in response to an
animal disease or plant health emergency outbreak, any premium pay that
is funded, either directly or through reimbursement, shall be exempted
from the aggregate of basic pay and premium pay calculated under section
5547(b)(1) and (2) of title 5, United States Code, and any other
provision of law limiting the aggregate amount of premium pay payable on
a biweekly or calendar year basis.
Sec. 756. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used
to pay the salaries or expenses of personnel--
(1) to inspect horses under section 3 of the Federal Meat
Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 603);
(2) to inspect horses under section 903 of the Federal
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 1901
note; Public Law 104-127); or
(3) to implement or enforce section 352.19 of title 9, Code
of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
Sec. 757. There is hereby appropriated $2,000,000, to remain
available until expended, to carry out section 2103 of Public Law 115-
334: Provided, That the Secretary shall prioritize the wetland
compliance needs of areas with significant numbers of individual
wetlands, wetland acres, and conservation compliance requests.
Sec. 758. There is appropriated $3,000,000 for the emergency and
transitional pet shelter and housing assistance grant program
established under section 12502(b) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of
2018 (34 U.S.C. 20127).
Sec. 759. <<NOTE: Alcohol and alcoholic beverages.>> The National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) were tasked with
providing findings and recommendations on alcohol consumption for the
purposes of inclusion in the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as
required by section 772 of division A of the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328): Provided, That the Secretary of Health
and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture shall only consider
the findings and recommendations of the NASEM report in the development
of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and further, both
Secretaries shall ensure that the alcohol consumption recommendations in
the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans shall be based on the
preponderance of scientific and medical knowledge consistent with
section 5341 of title 7 of United States Code.
[[Page 139 STAT. 554]]
Sec. 760. <<NOTE: Applicability. Time periods. 7 USC 940c-2 note.>>
(a) Section 313B(a) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C.
940c-2(a)), shall be applied for fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year
thereafter until the specified funding has been expended as if the
following were inserted after the final period: ``In addition, the
Secretary shall use $9,465,000 of the funds available to carry out this
section in fiscal year 2024 for an additional amount for the same
purpose and under the same terms and conditions as the Rural Business
Development Grants authorized by section 310B of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)) and shall use $9,953,000 of
the funds available to carry out this section in fiscal year 2026 for an
additional amount for the same purpose and under the same terms and
conditions as the Rural Business Development Grants authorized by
section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1932(c)).''.
(b) Section 780 of division B of Public Law 118-42 and such section
as continued in effect as an authority and condition under section
1101(a)(1) of Public Law 119-4 shall no longer apply.
Sec. 761. <<NOTE: Genetic engineering.>> Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the acceptable market name of any engineered animal
approved prior to the effective date of the National Bioengineered Food
Disclosure Standard (February 19, 2019) shall include the words
``genetically engineered'' prior to the existing acceptable market name.
Sec. 762. For an additional amount for the Office of the Secretary,
$5,250,000, to remain available until expended, to continue the
Institute for Rural Partnerships as established in section 778 of Public
Law 117-103: Provided, <<NOTE: Continuation. Urban and rural areas.>>
That the Institute for Rural Partnerships shall continue to dedicate
resources to researching the causes and conditions of challenges facing
rural areas, and develop community partnerships to address such
challenges: Provided further, That administrative or other fees shall
not exceed one percent: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Coordination. Publication. Reports.>> That such
partnership shall coordinate and publish an annual report.
Sec. 763. There is hereby appropriated $500,000 to carry out the
duties of the working group established under section 770 of the
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (Public Law 116-6; 133 Stat.
89).
Sec. 764. <<NOTE: Reimbursement. Contracts.>> The agencies and
offices of the Department of Agriculture may reimburse the Office of the
General Counsel (OGC), out of the funds provided in this Act, for costs
incurred by OGC in providing services to such agencies or offices under
time-limited agreements entered into with such agencies and offices:
Provided, That such transfer authority is in addition to any other
transfer authority provided by law.
Sec. 765. Section 363 of the Multifamily Mortgage Foreclosure Act
of 1981 (12 U.S.C. 3702) is amended at paragraph (2)--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'';
(2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
``(F) section 514 or 515 of the Housing Act of 1949
(42 U.S.C. 1484, 1485).''.
Sec. 766. The last proviso in the second paragraph under the
heading ``Rural Community Facilities Program Account'' in division B of
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-
42) <<NOTE: 138 Stat. 85.>> shall be amended to read as follows:
``Provided further,
[[Page 139 STAT. 555]]
That in addition to any other available funds, the Secretary may expend
not more than $1,000,000 total, from the program funds made available
under this heading, for administrative expenses for activities funded
under this heading and in section 778(1).''.
Sec. 767. Of the unobligated balances from prior year
appropriations made available for conservation activities under the
heading ``Natural Resources Conservation Service--Conservation
Operations'', $30,000,000 are hereby rescinded: Provided, That no
amounts may be rescinded from amounts that were designated by the
Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution
on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act
of 1985.
Sec. 768. Of the unobligated balances from prior year
appropriations made available for the ``National Institute of Food and
Agriculture--Research and Education Activities'', $22,000,000 are hereby
rescinded: Provided, That no amounts may be rescinded from amounts that
were designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to
a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Sec. 769. Of the unobligated balances from prior year
appropriations made available under the heading ``Distance Learning,
Telemedicine, and Broadband Program'' for the cost to continue a
broadband loan and grant pilot program established by section 779 of
division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Public Law 115-
141) under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C.
901 et seq.), $20,000,000 are hereby rescinded: Provided, That no
amounts may be rescinded from amounts that were designated by the
Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution
on the budget or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act
of 1985.
Sec. 770. Of the unobligated balances from prior year
appropriations made available in the ``Working Capital Fund'',
$78,000,000 are hereby permanently rescinded: Provided, That no amounts
may be rescinded from amounts that were designated by the Congress as an
emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget
or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Sec. 771. <<NOTE: Notification. Advance approval.>> None of the
funds made available to the Department of Agriculture in this or any
other Act may be used to close or consolidate the resources or locations
of any existing Agricultural Research Service laboratories and
facilities without prior notification and approval of the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
Sec. 772. (a) Of the amounts made available in this Act under the
heading ``Department of Health and Human Services--Food and Drug
Administration--Salaries and Expenses'' that are derived from tobacco
product user fees authorized by 21 U.S.C. 387s, not less than
$200,000,000 shall be used by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs for
enforcement activities related to e-cigarettes, vapes, and other
electronic nicotine delivery systems (in this section referred to as
``ENDS''), including activities under section 801(a) of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 381(a)): Provided, That not
less than $2,000,000 of such amount shall be used to continue the
activities of the Federal multi-agency task force led by the Department
of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the FDA to further work
to bring all available criminal
[[Page 139 STAT. 556]]
and civil tools to bear against the illegal manufacture, importation,
distribution, and sale of e-cigarettes, vapes, and other ENDS products
from the Republic of China and other foreign countries.
(b) <<NOTE: Deadline. Update.>> Not later than 365 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall
update the FDA document titled ``Enforcement Priorities for Electronic
Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Other Deemed Products on the Market
Without Premarket Authorization'', published in January 2020 and updated
in April 2020, to expand FDA's prioritized enforcement to flavored
disposable ENDS products in addition to cartridge-based products and to
define the term ``disposable ENDS product.''
(c) <<NOTE: Reports. 21 USC 387v note.>> The Commissioner of Food
and Drugs shall submit a semi-annual written report to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the progress that the
Center for Tobacco Products is making in removing all illegal ENDS
products from the market: Provided, That the initial report shall be
submitted not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(d) Section 801(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21
U.S.C. 381(a)) is amended by striking ``drug or device'' each place it
appears in the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth sentences and inserting
``drug, device, or tobacco product''.
(e) <<NOTE: Reports.>> Within 180 days the FDA shall submit a
report to the Committee of Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
detailing the Agency's activities to educate retailers in determining
which products are legal for sale.
Sec. 773. (a) <<NOTE: Compliance.>> Fees derived from amounts
assessed and collected for fiscal year 2026, credited under the heading
``Department of Health and Human Services--Food and Drug
Administration--Salaries and Expenses'', and made available for
expenditure under such heading must comply with each provision contained
in current user fee authorizations, appropriations Acts, and commitment
letters, as transmitted from the Secretary of Health and Human Services
to the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the chair and ranking member of
the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives
regarding reauthorization of such current user fee authorizations:
Provided, <<NOTE: Definition.>> That the term current user fee
authorizations means those user fees authorized at 21 U.S.C. 379h, 21
U.S.C. 379j, 21 U.S.C. 379j-42, 21 U.S.C. 379j-52, 21 U.S.C. 379j-12, 21
U.S.C. 379j-21, 21 U.S.C. 387s, 42 U.S.C. 263b, 21 U.S.C. 381, 21 U.S.C.
360n and 360ff, 21 U.S.C. 379-j31, 21 U.S.C. 379j-62 , 21 U.S.C.
353(e)(3), 21 U.S.C. 360eee-3(c)(1), 21 U.S.C. 384d(c)(8), 21 U.S.C.
360bbb-4a, and 21 U.S.C. 379j-72.
(b)(1) <<NOTE: Reports.>> Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Food and Drug Administration shall submit to
the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Senate a report that includes obligation and outlay estimates and full-
time equivalent (FTE) personnel staffing estimates for fiscal year 2026
for each Food and Drug Administration program that uses both general
fund appropriations and funds derived from user fees: Provided, That
such report shall include a table with separate columns for general fund
appropriations and funds derived from user fees for such obligations,
outlays and FTE personnel staffing: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Certification.>> That such report shall be certified
by the Ombudsman of the Food and Drug Administration.
[[Page 139 STAT. 557]]
(2) <<NOTE: Update. Certification.>> The report in paragraph (1)
shall be updated, certified by the Ombudsman of the Food and Drug
Administration, and submitted to the Committees on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives and the Senate not later than 45 days after
each fiscal quarter until all such funds are expended:
Provided, <<NOTE: Plan.>> That a plan for such ongoing quarterly
reporting shall be submitted with the report required by subsection
(b)(1).
Sec. 774. (a) Section 260 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946
(7 U.S.C. 1636i) is amended by striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2026''.
(b) Section 942 of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 (7
U.S.C. 1635 note; Public Law 106-78) is amended by striking ``2025'' and
inserting ``2026''.
Sec. 775. <<NOTE: Assessment.>> None of the funds appropriated or
otherwise made available by this Act may be used by the Food and Drug
Administration to develop, issue, promote, or advance any final
guidelines or new regulations applicable to food manufacturers for long-
term population-wide sodium reduction actions until an assessment is
completed on the impact of the short-term sodium reduction targets.
Sec. 776. There is hereby appropriated $3,000,000, to remain
available until expended, for the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a
new pilot program to support on-the-ground local Energy Circuit Riders
who provide professional support to rural communities for the purpose of
undertaking projects that save energy and reduce emissions:
Provided, <<NOTE: Grants. Contracts.>> That for the purpose of the new
pilot program, the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary for
Rural Development, shall have the authority to provide amounts,
including in the form of grants, cooperative agreements, and other
financial assistance, to States, Indian Tribes, cooperative extension
services, institutions of higher education, cooperatives and cooperative
organizations, regional planning commissions or other public entities
serving two or more rural areas: Provided further, <<NOTE: Time
period.>> That the period of performance under this pilot program shall
be more than 3 but not more than 6 years: Provided further, That the
Federal share shall not be more than 75 percent: Provided further, That
an eligible entity using funds provided under the pilot program shall
offer assistance with energy planning, energy audits, applicable Federal
funding opportunities, tax incentives, project financing, grant writing,
community-based capacity building, or applicable State, local, and
utility-based incentives, including, as appropriate, coordinating with
relevant State energy offices.
Sec. 777. <<NOTE: Deadlines. Updates. Fish and fishing.>> For
purposes of applying the Federal Food Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
301 et seq.), within 30 days of enactment of this Act, the Food and Drug
Administration is directed to engage with industry stakeholders to
update the acceptable market name for the following fishes: Sebastes
alutus, Sebastes borealisn, Sebastes ciliatus, Sebastes crameri,
Sebastes entomelas, Sebastes flavidus, Sebastes goodei, Sebastes levis,
Sebastes melanops, Sebastes miniatus, Sebastes ovalis, Sebastes
paucispinis, Sebastes pinniger, Sebastes proriger, Sebastes reedi,
Sebastes ruberrimus, Sebastes rufus, and Sebastes serranoides:
Provided, That within 180 days of enactment of this Act, the Food and
Drug Administration is directed to provide industry stakeholders with
new marketing name proposals and is directed to update its Fish and
Fishery Products Hazards and Controls Guidance and any other relevant
guidance to reflect the new market name once a new marketing name is
agreed to expeditiously.
[[Page 139 STAT. 558]]
Sec. 778. <<NOTE: Hawaii. Coffee.>> For purposes of applying the
Federal Food Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), Hawaii
grown or produced coffee shall contain at least 51 percent of coffee
grown in Kona, Kau, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, or other areas of the State of
Hawaii: Provided, That based on the region it is produced or grown, the
common or usual names shall be Kona Coffee, Kau Coffee, Maui Coffee,
Oahu Coffee, Kauai Coffee, or Hawaii Coffee.
Sec. 779. <<NOTE: Notification. Advance approval.>> None of the
funds made available for any department or agency in this or any other
appropriations Acts, including prior year Acts, shall be used to close
Natural Resources Conservation Service or Rural Development mission area
field offices or to permanently relocate any field-based employees of
those agencies that would result in an office with two or fewer
employees without prior notification and approval of the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
Sec. 780. <<NOTE: Expiration date.>> No funds appropriated by this
Act may be used to administer or enforce the ``Requirements for
Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods'', published on
November 21, 2022 (87 Fed. Reg. 70910), or any other rule promulgated in
accordance with section 204 of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (21
U.S.C. 2223), prior to July 20, 2028. Further, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration shall:
(1) <<NOTE: Time period.>> Engage quarterly with the
regulated entities, including farms, restaurants, retail food
establishments, and warehouses distributing to retail food
establishments and restaurants, to identify and implement, as
appropriate, additional flexibilities for satisfying the rule's
lot-level tracking requirement, as appropriate, such that
regulated entities can comply with the November 21, 2022, rule
consistent with section 204(d)(1)(L)(iii), which prohibits the
agency from requiring product tracking to the case level.
(2) <<NOTE: Deadline. Recommenda- tions.>> Within 180 days
of enactment of this Act, the Food and Drug Administration is
directed to provide industry stakeholders with recommendations
for these additional flexibilities satisfying the rule's lot-
level tracking requirement, as appropriate.
(3) The FDA shall provide assistance to industry regarding
how to handle food waste recovery, reclamation, intra-company
transfers, customer returns under the rule and initiate a series
of hypothetical data intake exercises to test the capabilities
of the FDA's Product Tracing System and, upon request and as
resources allow, the covered entity systems and identify any
technical difficulties prior to full implementation.
Sec. 781. <<NOTE: Effective date. 7 USC 1639o note.>> Effective
365 days after the enactment of this Act, Section 297A of the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1639o) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as
paragraphs (4) through (8), respectively; and
(2) <<NOTE: Definitions.>> by striking paragraph (1) and
inserting the following:
``(1) Hemp.--
``(A) In general.--The term `hemp' means the plant
Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including
the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts,
cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of
isomers, whether growing or not, with a total
tetrahydrocannabinols concentration (including
tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) of not more than 0.3
percent on a dry weight basis.
[[Page 139 STAT. 559]]
``(B) Inclusion.--Such term includes industrial
hemp.
``(C) Exclusions.--Such term does not include--
``(i) any viable seeds from a Cannabis sativa
L. plant that exceeds a total
tetrahydrocannabinols concentration (including
tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) of 0.3 percent in the
plant on a dry weight basis; or
``(ii) any intermediate hemp-derived
cannabinoid products containing--
``(I) cannabinoids that are not
capable of being naturally produced by a
Cannabis sativa L. plant;
``(II) cannabinoids that--
``(aa) are capable of being
naturally produced by a Cannabis
sativa L. plant; and
``(bb) were synthesized or
manufactured outside the plant;
or
``(III) more than 0.3 percent
combined total of--
``(aa) total
tetrahydrocannabinols (including
tetrahydrocannabinolic acid);
and
``(bb) any other
cannabinoids that have similar
effects (or are marketed to have
similar effects) on humans or
animals as a
tetrahydrocannabinol (as
determined by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services); or
``(iii) any intermediate hemp-derived
cannabinoid products which are marketed or sold as
a final product or directly to an end consumer for
personal or household use; or
``(iv) any final hemp-derived cannabinoid
products containing--
``(I) cannabinoids that are not
capable of being naturally produced by a
Cannabis sativa L. plant;
``(II) cannabinoids that--
``(aa) are capable of being
naturally produced by a Cannabis
sativa L. plant; and
``(bb) were synthesized or
manufactured outside the plant;
or
``(III) greater than 0.4 milligrams
combined total per container of--
``(aa) total
tetrahydrocannabinols (including
tetrahydrocannabinolic acid);
and
``(bb) any other
cannabinoids that have similar
effects (or are marketed to have
similar effects) on humans or
animals as a
tetrahydrocannabinol (as
determined by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services).
``(2) Industrial hemp.--The term `industrial hemp' means
hemp--
``(A) grown for the use of the stalk of the plant,
fiber produced from such a stalk, or any other non-
cannabinoid derivative, mixture, preparation, or
manufacture of such a stalk;
``(B) grown for the use of the whole grain, oil,
cake, nut, hull, or any other non-cannabinoid compound,
derivative, mixture, preparation, or manufacture of the
seeds of such plant;
[[Page 139 STAT. 560]]
``(C) grown for purposes of producing microgreens or
other edible hemp leaf products intended for human
consumption that are derived from an immature hemp plant
that is grown from seeds that do not exceed the
threshold for total tetrahydrocannabinols concentration
specified in paragraph (1)(C)(i);
``(D) that is a plant that does not enter the stream
of commerce and is intended to support hemp research at
an institution of higher education (as defined in
section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001)) or an independent research institute; or
``(E) grown for the use of a viable seed of the
plant produced solely for the production or manufacture
of any material described in subparagraphs (A) through
(D).
``(3) Hemp-derived cannabinoid product.--
``(A) In general.--The term `hemp-derived
cannabinoid product' means any intermediate or final
product derived from hemp (other than industrial hemp),
that--
``(i) contains cannabinoids in any form; and
``(ii) is intended for human or animal use
through any means of application or
administration, such as inhalation, ingestion, or
topical application.
``(B) The term `intermediate hemp-derived
cannabinoid product' means a hemp-derived cannabinoid
product which--
``(i) is not yet in the final form or
preparation marketed or intended to be used or
consumed by a human or animal; or
``(ii) is a powder, liquid, tablet, oil, or
other product form which is intended or marketed
to be mixed, dissolved, formulated, or otherwise
added to or prepared with or into any other
substance prior to administration or consumption.
``(C) The term `container' means the innermost
wrapping, packaging, or vessel in direct contact with a
final hemp-derived cannabinoid product in which the
final hemp-derived cannabinoid product is enclosed for
retail sale to consumers, such as a jar, bottle, bag,
box, packet, can, carton, or cartridge.
``(D) The term container excludes bulk shipping
containers or outer wrappings that are not essential for
the final retail delivery or sale to an end consumer for
personal or household use.
``(E) Exclusion.--Such term does not include a drug
that is the subject of an application approved under
subsection (c) or (j) of section 505 of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355).''.
(3) <<NOTE: Deadline. Publication. Lists. 7 USC 1639o
note.>> Within 90 days of the enactment of this act, the Food
and Drug Administration, in consultation with other relevant
Federal agencies, shall publish--
(A) a list of all cannabinoids known to FDA to be
capable of being naturally produced by a Cannabis sativa
L. plant, as reflected in peer reviewed literature;
(B) a list of all tetrahydrocannabinol class
cannabinoids known to the agency to be naturally
occurring in the plant;
[[Page 139 STAT. 561]]
(C) a list of all other know cannabinoids with
similar effects to, or marketed to have similar effects
to, tetrahyrocannabinol class cannabinoids; and
(D) additional information and specificity about the
term ``container'', as defined in paragraph (3)(C).
Sec. 782. In addition to amounts otherwise made available, there is
hereby appropriated $2,000,000, to remain available until expended, for
the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program established pursuant
to section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public
Law 117-2) to award grants to processors of invasive, wild-caught
catfish.
Sec. 783. (a) <<NOTE: Time periods. 21 USC 343 note.>> During the
period beginning on the effective date of the final rule entitled ``Food
Labeling: Nutrient Content Claims; Definition of Term `Healthy' ''
published in the Federal Register by the Food and Drug Administration on
December 27, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 106064 et seq.) and ending on the
compliance date specified in such final rule (referred to in this
section as the ``compliance period''), a manufacturer may also continue
to comply with the requirements in effect on the day before such
effective date relating to an implied nutrient content claim of
``healthy'' made with respect to a food.
(b) In the case of a food that bears labeling making an implied
nutrition content claim that the food is ``healthy'' during the
compliance period, the manufacturer of the food shall not be directly or
indirectly subject to any State law requirement relating to labeling
making an implied nutrient content claim that a food is ``healthy''
during such period that is not identical to either--
(1) the Federal requirements for labeling to make an implied
nutrition content claim that a food is ``healthy'' that were in
effect on the day before the effective date of such final rule;
or
(2) the updated Federal requirements specified in the final
rule for such a claim.
Sec. 784. <<NOTE: Termination date.>> Of the unobligated balances
available in the Department of the Treasury, Treasury Forfeiture Fund,
established by section 9703 of title 31, United States Code,
$350,000,000 shall be permanently rescinded not later than September 30,
2026.
Sec. 785. <<NOTE: Reports. Determination.>> The Commissioner of
the Food and Drug Administration shall develop a report to determine the
cost and any implications associated with efforts to issue a proposed
rule and implement FDA guidance and enforcement for setting standards
for pet and animal food labeling and ingredient regulation: Provided,
That the report shall--
(1) cover intent for harmonization across state and Federal
regulatory bodies for pet and animal food labeling and
ingredients;
(2) <<NOTE: Timelines.>> include timelines for developing
guidelines, proposed regulations, resource and personnel needs
to implement such standards, and where FDA would need additional
authority to implement any proposed changes; and
be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within
120 days of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 786. Any remaining unobligated balances from amounts made
available by section 743 of division A of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31) may be used, in addition to
any funds otherwise made available for such purposes,
[[Page 139 STAT. 562]]
for plans, construction, repair, preventive maintenance, environmental
support, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase of fixed
equipment or facilities, as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 2250, and acquisition
of land as authorized by 7 U.S.C. 2268a.
Sec. 787. For fiscal year 2026, the maximum monthly allowances of
fluid milk for the following food packages described in section
246.10(e) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, are:
(1) For Food Package IV, 16 quarts.
(2) For Food Package V, 22 quarts.
(3) For Food Package VI, 16 quarts.
(4) For Food Package VII, 24 quarts.
(5) For Food Package III, the maximum monthly allowances of
fluid milk should conform to the changes made to food packages
IV, V, VI, and VII in this section.
Sec. 788. The Secretary of Agriculture shall--
(1) <<NOTE: Study. Determination.>> conduct a study to
determine the feasibility of applying the Buy American
requirement (as described in section 201.21(d) of title 7 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (2022)) to the supplemental
nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of
2008, and the special supplemental nutrition program as
authorized by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42
U.S.C. 1786), including the impact applying such requirement
would have on the agricultural economy of the United States; and
(2) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit the
results of such study to the House and Senate Committees on
Appropriations, the House Agriculture Committee, and the Senate
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
Sec. 789. (a) <<NOTE: Reports.>> The Secretary shall prepare a
report by account that details the status of all projects specified in
the table titled ``Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed
Spending'' in the explanatory statements accompanying prior year
Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Acts, as described in section 4 in the
matter preceding division A of such Acts: Provided, That such report
shall include a breakout showing the subset of projects for which funds
have not yet been obligated, or for which funds have been deobligated,
an explanation for each such project's obligation status, the fiscal
year in which funds were originally made available for such project, and
the period of availability of such funds.
(b) The Secretary shall submit the report described in subsection
(a) to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives
and the Senate on whichever of the following first occurs--
(1) concurrent with the department's budget request for
fiscal year 2027.
(2) February 15, 2026.
Sec. 790. <<NOTE: Notification. Time period.>> The Secretary of
Agriculture shall provide written notification to the House and Senate
Committees on Appropriations no fewer than 3 business days in advance of
termination of any grant, cooperative agreement, or contract award
totaling $1,000,000 or more issued from funds made available in this Act
or any previous Act: Provided, That such notification shall include the
recipient of the award, the amount of the award, the fiscal year for
which the funds for the award were appropriated, the account
[[Page 139 STAT. 563]]
and program, project, or activity from which the funds are being drawn,
the title of the award, and a detailed justification for the
termination.
This division may be cited as the ``Agriculture, Rural Development,
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act,
2026''.
DIVISION C-- <<NOTE: Legislative Branch Appropriations Act,
2026.>> LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2026
TITLE I <<NOTE: 2 USC 60a note.>>
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
SENATE
Expense Allowances
For expense allowances of the Vice President, $20,000; the President
Pro Tempore of the Senate, $40,000; Majority Leader of the Senate,
$40,000; Minority Leader of the Senate, $40,000; Majority Whip of the
Senate, $10,000; Minority Whip of the Senate, $10,000; President Pro
Tempore Emeritus, $15,000; Chairmen of the Majority and Minority
Conference Committees, $5,000 for each Chairman; and Chairmen of the
Majority and Minority Policy Committees, $5,000 for each Chairman; in
all, $195,000.
For representation allowances of the Majority and Minority Leaders
of the Senate, $15,000 for each such Leader; in all, $30,000.
Salaries, Officers and Employees
For compensation of officers, employees, and others as authorized by
law, including agency contributions, $311,543,000, which shall be paid
from this appropriation as follows:
office of the vice president
For the Office of the Vice President, $3,210,000.
office of the president pro tempore
For the Office of the President Pro Tempore, $904,000.
office of the president pro tempore emeritus
For the Office of the President Pro Tempore Emeritus, $392,000.
offices of the majority and minority leaders
For Offices of the Majority and Minority Leaders, $6,710,000.
offices of the majority and minority whips
For Offices of the Majority and Minority Whips, $4,212,000.
committee on appropriations
For salaries of the Committee on Appropriations, $22,710,000.
[[Page 139 STAT. 564]]
conference committees
For the Conference of the Majority and the Conference of the
Minority, at rates of compensation to be fixed by the Chairman of each
such committee, $2,049,000 for each such committee; in all, $4,098,000.
offices of the secretaries of the conference of the majority and the
conference of the minority
For Offices of the Secretaries of the Conference of the Majority and
the Conference of the Minority, $1,022,000.
policy committees
For salaries of the Majority Policy Committee and the Minority
Policy Committee, $2,093,000 for each such committee; in all,
$4,186,000.
office of the chaplain
For Office of the Chaplain, $699,000.
office of the secretary
For Office of the Secretary, $35,695,000.
office of the sergeant at arms and doorkeeper
For Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper, $130,353,000.
offices of the secretaries for the majority and minority
For Offices of the Secretary for the Majority and the Secretary for
the Minority, $2,785,000.
agency contributions and related expenses
For agency contributions for employee benefits, as authorized by
law, and related expenses, $94,567,000.
Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Senate
For salaries and expenses of the Office of the Legislative Counsel
of the Senate, $9,401,000.
Office of Senate Legal Counsel
For salaries and expenses of the Office of Senate Legal Counsel,
$1,431,000.
Expense Allowances of the Secretary of the Senate, Sergeant at Arms and
Doorkeeper of the Senate, and Secretaries for the Majority and Minority
of the Senate
For expense allowances of the Secretary of the Senate, $7,500;
Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, $7,500; Secretary for the
Majority of the Senate, $7,500; Secretary for the Minority of the
Senate, $7,500; in all, $30,000.
[[Page 139 STAT. 565]]
Contingent Expenses of the Senate
inquiries and investigations
For expenses of inquiries and investigations ordered by the Senate,
or conducted under paragraph 1 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the
Senate, section 112 of the Supplemental Appropriations and Rescission
Act, 1980 (Public Law 96-304), and Senate Resolution 281, 96th Congress,
agreed to March 11, 1980, $222,416,000, of which $22,242,000 shall
remain available until September 30, 2028.
u.s. senate caucus on international narcotics control
For expenses of the United States Senate Caucus on International
Narcotics Control, $613,000.
secretary of the senate
For expenses of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate,
$17,852,000, of which $13,274,000 shall remain available until September
30, 2030, and of which $4,578,000 shall remain available until expended.
sergeant at arms and doorkeeper of the senate
For expenses of the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of
the Senate, $229,845,000, of which $219,345,000 shall remain available
until September 30, 2030, and of which $10,500,000 shall remain
available until expended.
miscellaneous items
For miscellaneous items, $28,052,000 which shall remain available
until September 30, 2028.
senators' official personnel and office expense account
For Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account,
$645,431,000, of which $32,272,000 shall remain available until
September 30, 2028, and of which $7,000,000 shall be allocated solely
for the purpose of providing financial compensation to Senate interns.
official mail costs
For expenses necessary for official mail costs of the Senate,
$300,000.
Administrative Provisions
requiring amounts remaining in senators' official personnel and office
expense account to be used for deficit reduction or to reduce the
federal debt
Sec. 101. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any amounts
appropriated under this Act under the heading ``SENATE--Contingent
Expenses of the Senate--senators'
[[Page 139 STAT. 566]]
official personnel and office expense account'' shall be available for
obligation only during the fiscal year or fiscal years for which such
amounts are made available. Any unexpended balances under such
allowances remaining after the end of the period of availability shall
be returned to the Treasury in accordance with the undesignated
paragraph under the center heading ``GENERAL PROVISION'' under chapter
XI of the Third Supplemental Appropriation Act, 1957 (2 U.S.C. 4107) and
used for deficit reduction (or, if there is no Federal budget deficit
after all such payments have been made, for reducing the Federal debt,
in such manner as the Secretary of the Treasury considers appropriate).
delegation authority
Sec. 102. <<NOTE: 2 USC 6161.>> Section 104 of division I of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (2 U.S.C. 6154 note) shall be
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by adding the following after
``118th'' and before ``Congress'': ``and any subsequent'';
(2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``and ending on
January 7, 2025''; and
(3) in subsection (b), by striking ``on or after January 3,
2023''.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Salaries and Expenses
For salaries and expenses of the House of Representatives,
$2,083,055,000, as follows:
House Leadership Offices
For salaries and expenses, as authorized by law, $36,560,000,
including: Office of the Speaker, $10,499,000, including $35,000 for
official expenses of the Speaker; Office of the Majority Floor Leader,
$3,730,000, including $15,000 for official expenses of the Majority
Leader; Office of the Minority Floor Leader, $10,499,000, including
$17,500 for official expenses of the Minority Leader; Office of the
Majority Whip, including the Chief Deputy Majority Whip, $3,099,000,
including $5,000 for official expenses of the Majority Whip; Office of
the Minority Whip, including the Chief Deputy Minority Whip, $2,809,000,
including $5,000 for official expenses of the Minority Whip; Republican
Conference, $2,962,000; Democratic Caucus, $2,962,000:
Provided, <<NOTE: Time period.>> That such amount for salaries and
expenses shall remain available from January 3, 2026 until January 2,
2027.
Members' Representational Allowances
including members' clerk hire, official expenses of members, and
official mail
For Members' representational allowances, including Members' clerk
hire, official expenses, and official mail, $850,000,000.
[[Page 139 STAT. 567]]
Allowance for Compensation of Interns in Member Offices
For the allowance established under section 120 of the Legislative
Branch Appropriations Act, 2019 (2 U.S.C. 5322a) for the compensation of
interns who serve in the offices of Members of the House of
Representatives, $20,638,800, to remain available from January 3, 2026
until January 2, 2027: Provided, That notwithstanding section 120(b) of
such Act, an office of a Member of the House of Representatives may use
not more than $46,800 of the allowance available under this heading
during legislative year 2026.
Allowance for Compensation of Interns in House Leadership Offices
For the allowance established under section 113 of the Legislative
Branch Appropriations Act, 2020 (2 U.S.C. 5106) for the compensation of
interns who serve in House leadership offices, $586,000, to remain
available from January 3, 2026 until January 2, 2027: Provided, That of
the amount provided under this heading, $322,300 shall be available for
the compensation of interns who serve in House leadership offices of the
majority, to be allocated among such offices by the Speaker of the House
of Representatives, and $263,700 shall be available for the compensation
of interns who serve in House leadership offices of the minority, to be
allocated among such offices by the Minority Floor Leader.
Allowance for Compensation of Interns in House Standing, Special and
Select Committee Offices
For the allowance established under section 113(a)(1) of the
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103) for the
compensation of interns who serve in offices of standing, special, and
select committees (other than the Committee on Appropriations),
$2,600,000, to remain available from January 3, 2026 until January 2,
2027: Provided, That of the amount provided under this heading,
$1,300,000 shall be available for the compensation of interns who serve
in offices of the majority, and $1,300,000 shall be available for the
compensation of interns who serve in offices of the minority, to be
allocated among such offices by the Chair, in consultation with the
ranking minority member, of the Committee on House Administration.
Allowance for Compensation of Interns in House Appropriations Committee
Offices
For the allowance established under section 113(a)(2) of the
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103) for the
compensation of interns who serve in offices of the Committee on
Appropriations, $463,000: Provided, That of the amount provided under
this heading, $231,500 shall be available for the compensation of
interns who serve in offices of the majority, and $231,500 shall be
available for the compensation of interns who serve in offices of the
minority, to be allocated among such offices by the Chair, in
consultation with the ranking minority member, of the Committee on
Appropriations.
[[Page 139 STAT. 568]]
Committee Employees
Standing Committees, Special and Select
For salaries and expenses of standing committees, special and
select, authorized by House resolutions, $184,787,000: Provided, That
such amount shall remain available for such salaries and expenses until
December 31, 2026, except that $10,000,000 of such amount shall remain
available until expended for committee room upgrading.
Committee on Appropriations
For salaries and expenses of the Committee on Appropriations,
$31,294,000, including studies and examinations of executive agencies
and temporary personal services for such committee, to be expended in
accordance with section 202(b) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of
1946 and to be available for reimbursement to agencies for services
performed: Provided, That such amount shall remain available for such
salaries and expenses until December 31, 2026.
Salaries, Officers and Employees
For compensation and expenses of officers and employees, as
authorized by law, $460,603,000, including: for salaries and expenses of
the Office of the Clerk, including the positions of the Chaplain and the
Historian, and including not more than $25,000 for official
representation and reception expenses, of which not more than $20,000 is
for the Family Room and not more than $2,000 is for the Office of the
Chaplain, $48,992,000, of which $10,791,000 shall remain available until
expended; for salaries and expenses of the Office of the Sergeant at
Arms, including the position of Superintendent of Garages and the Office
of Emergency Management, and including not more than $3,000 for official
representation and reception expenses, $140,606,000, of which
$118,013,000 shall remain available until expended; for salaries and
expenses of the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer including not
more than $3,000 for official representation and reception expenses,
$233,248,000, of which $39,772,000 shall remain available until
expended; for salaries and expenses of the Office of the Whistleblower
Ombuds, $1,250,000; for salaries and expenses of the Office of the
Inspector General, $6,227,000; for salaries and expenses of the Office
of General Counsel, $2,079,000; for salaries and expenses of the Office
of the Parliamentarian, including the Parliamentarian, $2,000 for
preparing the Digest of Rules, and not more than $1,000 for official
representation and reception expenses, $2,404,000; for salaries and
expenses of the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House,
$4,998,000, of which $1,000,000 shall remain available until expended;
for salaries and expenses of the Office of the Legislative Counsel of
the House, $18,740,000; for salaries and expenses of the Office of
Interparliamentary Affairs, $994,000; for other authorized employees,
$1,065,000: Provided, That of the amount made available until expended
to the Office of the Sergeant at Arms under this heading,
[[Page 139 STAT. 569]]
$100,000,000 shall be for activities associated with providing security
for Members of the House of Representatives, including Delegates and the
Resident Commissioner to the Congress, their immediate families, and
other security purposes.
Allowances and Expenses
For allowances and expenses as authorized by House resolution or
law, $491,523,200, including: supplies, materials, administrative costs
and Federal tort claims, $1,555,000; official mail for committees,
leadership offices, and administrative offices of the House, $190,000;
Government contributions for health, retirement, Social Security,
contractor support for actuarial projections, and other applicable
employee benefits, $444,155,200, to remain available until March 31,
2027, except that $37,000,000 of such amount shall remain available
until expended; salaries and expenses for Business Continuity and
Disaster Recovery, $28,951,000, of which $6,000,000 shall remain
available until expended; transition activities for new members and
staff, $9,740,000, to remain available until expended; Green and Gold
Congressional Aide Program, $4,122,000, to remain available until
expended; Office of Congressional Conduct, $1,810,000; and miscellaneous
items including purchase, exchange, maintenance, repair and operation of
House motor vehicles, interparliamentary receptions, and gratuities to
heirs of deceased employees of the House, $1,000,000.
House <<NOTE: Approval.>> of Representatives Modernization Initiatives
Account
For the House of Representatives Modernization Initiatives Account
established under section 115 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations
Act, 2021 (2 U.S.C. 5513), $4,000,000, to remain available until
expended: Provided, That disbursement from this account is subject to
approval of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives: Provided further, That funds provided in this account
shall only be used for initiatives approved by the Committee on House
Administration.
Administrative Provisions
requiring amounts remaining in members' representational allowances to
be used for deficit reduction or to reduce the federal debt
Sec. 110. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any
amounts appropriated under this Act for ``HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES--
Salaries and Expenses--members' representational allowances'' shall be
available only for fiscal year 2026. Any amount remaining after all
payments are made under such allowances for fiscal year 2026 shall be
deposited in the Treasury and used for deficit reduction (or, if there
is no Federal budget deficit after all such payments have been made, for
reducing the Federal debt, in such manner as the Secretary of the
Treasury considers appropriate).
(b) <<NOTE: Regulations.>> The Committee on House Administration of
the House of Representatives shall have authority to prescribe
regulations to carry out this section.
[[Page 139 STAT. 570]]
(c) <<NOTE: Definition.>> As used in this section, the term
``Member of the House of Representatives'' means a Representative in, or
a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress.
limitation on amount available to lease vehicles
Sec. 111. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used
by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives to
make any payments from any Members' Representational Allowance for the
leasing of a vehicle, excluding mobile district offices, in an aggregate
amount that exceeds $1,000 for the vehicle in any month.
cybersecurity assistance for house of representatives
Sec. 112. The head of any Federal entity that provides assistance
to the House of Representatives in the House's efforts to deter,
prevent, mitigate, or remediate cybersecurity risks to, and incidents
involving, the information systems of the House shall take all necessary
steps to ensure the constitutional integrity of the separate branches of
the government at all stages of providing the assistance, including
applying minimization procedures to limit the spread or sharing of
privileged House and Member information.
long term lease requirements
Sec. 113. (a) Section 303(f) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42
U.S.C. 13212(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (C);
(2) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``branch, except that
it does include the House of Representatives with respect to an
acquisition described in paragraph (2)(C).'' and inserting
``branch.''; and
(3) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (C).
(b) <<NOTE: Applicability. 42 USC 13212 note.>> The amendments made
by this section apply to fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal
year.
use of child care center revolving fund
Sec. 114. (a) Section 312(d)(3) of the Legislative Branch
Appropriations Act, 1992 (2 U.S.C. 2062(d)(3)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) The payment of telecommunications expenses for
the Center, to include voicemail boxes, land lines, and
cell phones for Center employees, in connection with the
provision of child care services and as needed for
critical and emergent communications.''.
(b) Section 312(d)(3)(A) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 2062(d)(3)(A)) is
amended by inserting ``and assistant directors'' after ``director''.
(c) <<NOTE: Applicability. 2 USC 2062 note.>> The amendments made
by this section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2026 and each
succeeding fiscal year.
[[Page 139 STAT. 571]]
prohibition on certain technology
Sec. 115. (a) None of the funds appropriated by this Act or
otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for a Member, committee,
officer, or employee of the House of Representatives may be obligated,
awarded, or expended to procure or purchase covered information
technology equipment in cases where the manufacturer, bidder, or
offeror, or any subsidiary or parent entity of the manufacturer, bidder,
or offeror, of the equipment is an entity or parent company of an entity
listed on any of the following:
(1) The Chinese Military Company List of the Department of
Defense.
(2) The Non-SDN Chinese Military Industrial Complex
Companies List of the Department of the Treasury.
(3) <<NOTE: China.>> The Denied Persons List, Entity List,
or Military End User List of the Department of Commerce, if the
entity is--
(A) an agency or instrumentality of the People's
Republic of China;
(B) an entity headquartered in the People's Republic
of China; or
(C) directly or indirectly owned or controlled by an
agency, instrumentality, or entity described in
subparagraph (A) or (B).
(4) The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List of
the Department of Homeland Security.
(b) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> The prohibition under subsection (a)
shall apply to a case in which a Member, committee, officer, or employee
of the House of Representatives has entered into a contract with another
entity for the procurement or purchase of, or the expenditure of funds
on, covered information technology equipment.
(c) <<NOTE: Definition.>> In this section, the term ``covered
information technology equipment''--
(1) means a computer, printer, or interoperable
videoconferencing equipment for direct use by a Member,
committee, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives
in an office environment; and
(2) does not include services that use such equipment,
including cloud services.
limitation on treatment as fiduciary relationship
Sec. 116. (a) Section 13144 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Limitation on Treatment as Fiduciary Relationship.--For
purposes of this section, the relationship between a Member who is a
Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress
and who is providing care directly to a patient in the form of medical
services or dental services and the patient to whom such care is
provided shall not be considered a fiduciary relationship.''.
(b) <<NOTE: Applicability. 5 USC 13144 note.>> The amendment made
by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to compensation received in
fiscal year 2026 or any succeeding fiscal year.
member security
Sec. 117. (a) <<NOTE: Updates. Approval. 2 USC 5607.>> The Sergeant
at Arms of the House of Representatives may use funds made available for
providing security for the
[[Page 139 STAT. 572]]
residences of Members of the House to make essential security
improvements if the improvements are included in a category established
and updated as necessary by the Sergeant at Arms and approved and
regulated by the Committee on House Administration.
(b) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> This section shall apply with respect
to funds made available for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal
year.
JOINT ITEMS
For Joint Committees, as follows:
Joint Economic Committee
For salaries and expenses of the Joint Economic Committee,
$4,283,000, to be disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate.
Joint Committee on Taxation
For salaries and expenses of the Joint Committee on Taxation,
$14,000,000, to be disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the
House of Representatives.
For other joint items, as follows:
Office of the Attending Physician
For medical supplies, equipment, and contingent expenses of the
emergency rooms, and for the Attending Physician and their assistants,
including:
(1) an allowance of $3,500 per month to the Attending
Physician;
(2) an allowance of $2,500 per month to the Senior Medical
Officer;
(3) an allowance of $900 per month each to three medical
officers while on duty in the Office of the Attending Physician;
(4) an allowance of $900 per month to 2 assistants and $900
per month each not to exceed 11 assistants on the basis
heretofore provided for such assistants; and
(5) $3,388,000 for reimbursement to the Department of the
Navy for expenses incurred for staff and equipment assigned to
the Office of the Attending Physician, which shall be advanced
and credited to the applicable appropriation or appropriations
from which such salaries, allowances, and other expenses are
payable and shall be available for all the purposes thereof,
$4,856,000, to be disbursed by the Chief Administrative Officer
of the House of Representatives.
Office of Congressional Accessibility Services
Salaries and Expenses
For salaries and expenses of the Office of Congressional
Accessibility Services, $1,819,000, to be disbursed by the Secretary of
the Senate.
[[Page 139 STAT. 573]]
CAPITOL POLICE
Salaries
For salaries of employees of the Capitol Police, including overtime,
hazardous duty pay, and Government contributions for health, retirement,
social security, professional liability insurance, tuition
reimbursement, recruitment and retention bonuses, and other applicable
employee benefits, $653,422,000, of which overtime shall not exceed
$80,067,000 unless the Committees on Appropriations of the House and
Senate are notified, to be disbursed by the Chief of the Capitol Police
or a duly authorized designee.
General Expenses
For necessary expenses of the Capitol Police, including motor
vehicles, communications and other equipment, security equipment and
installation, uniforms, weapons, supplies, materials, training, medical
services, forensic services, Member protection-related activities and
equipment, stenographic services, personal and professional services,
the employee assistance program, the awards program, postage,
communication services, travel advances, relocation of instructor and
liaison personnel for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, and
not more than $7,500 to be expended on the certification of the Chief of
the Capitol Police in connection with official representation and
reception expenses, $198,928,000, to be disbursed by the Chief of the
Capitol Police or a duly authorized designee: Provided, That,
notwithstanding any other provision of law, the cost of basic training
for the Capitol Police at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
for fiscal year 2026 shall be paid by the Secretary of Homeland Security
from funds available to the Department of Homeland Security: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Drones. China.>> That none of the amounts made
available under this heading may be used to purchase a drone
manufactured in the People's Republic of China or by a business
affiliated with the People's Republic of China except for national
security purposes.
Administrative Provisions
authorizations regarding international training
Sec. 118. (a) Section 4120 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) An employee of the Capitol Police may receive training under
this section outside of the United States only with the prior approval
of the Capitol Police Board. <<NOTE: Definition.>> In this subsection,
the term `United States' means each of the several States of the United
States, the District of Columbia, and the territories and possessions of
the United States.''.
(b) <<NOTE: Applicability. 5 USC 4120 note.>> The amendment made by
subsection (a) shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2026 and each
succeeding fiscal year.
mutual aid transfer authority
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 119. Of the amounts made available under the heading ``Capitol
Police'' in this Act, up to $10,000,000 may be transferred
[[Page 139 STAT. 574]]
to ``Capitol Police--United States Capitol Police Mutual Aid
Reimbursements'' on September 30, 2026, and, once transferred, shall
remain available until September 30, 2030, to be used for reimbursements
for mutual aid and related training, including mutual aid and training
provided under the agreements described in section 7302 of Public Law
108-458: Provided, <<NOTE: Notification. Deadline.>> That obligation
of the funds transferred pursuant to this section shall be subject to
notification to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, the Senate Committee on Rules
and Administration and the Committee on House Administration of the
amount and purpose of the expense within 15 days of obligation.
OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL WORKPLACE RIGHTS
Salaries and Expenses
For salaries and expenses necessary for the operation of the Office
of Congressional Workplace Rights, $8,350,000, of which not more than
$1,000 may be expended on the certification of the Executive Director in
connection with official representation and reception expenses.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
For salaries and expenses necessary for operation of the
Congressional Budget Office, including not more than $6,000 to be
expended on the certification of the Director of the Congressional
Budget Office in connection with official representation and reception
expenses, $74,750,000, of which not less than $7,100,000 shall be for
cyber-security related expenses: Provided, That the Director shall use
not less than $500,000 of the amount made available under this heading
for (1) improving technical systems, processes, and models for the
purpose of improving the transparency of estimates of budgetary effects
to Members of Congress, employees of Members of Congress, and the
public, and (2) to increase the availability of models, economic
assumptions, and data for Members of Congress, employees of Members of
Congress, and the public: Provided further, That of the amounts made
available under this heading for cyber-security related expenses,
$2,750,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2027.
ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL
Capital Construction and Operations
For salaries for the Architect of the Capitol, and other personal
services, at rates of pay provided by law; for all necessary expenses
for surveys and studies, construction, operation, and general and
administrative support in connection with facilities and activities
under the care of the Architect of the Capitol, including the Botanic
Garden, Senate and House office buildings, and other facilities under
the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol; for furnishings and
office equipment; for official reception and representation expenses of
not more than $5,000, to be expended as the Architect
[[Page 139 STAT. 575]]
of the Capitol may approve; for purchase or exchange, maintenance, and
operation of a passenger motor vehicle, $159,450,000.
Capitol Building
For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation
of the Capitol, $74,460,000, of which $40,099,000 shall remain available
until September 30, 2030.
Capitol Grounds
For all necessary expenses for care and improvement of grounds
surrounding the Capitol, the Senate and House office buildings, and the
Capitol Power Plant, $19,385,000, of which $3,000,000 shall remain
available until September 30, 2030.
Senate Office Buildings
For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation
of Senate office buildings; and furniture and furnishings to be expended
under the control and supervision of the Architect of the Capitol,
$122,635,000, of which $16,900,000 shall remain available until
September 30, 2030, and of which $20,000,000 shall remain available
until expended.
House Office Buildings
For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care, and operation
of the House office buildings, $111,887,000, of which $24,390,000 shall
remain available until September 30, 2030, and of which $10,000,000
shall remain available until expended for a payment to the House
Historic Buildings Revitalization Fund.
Capitol Power Plant
For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation
of the Capitol Power Plant; and all electrical substations of the
Capitol; lighting, heating, power (including the purchase of electrical
energy) and water and sewer services for the Capitol, Senate and House
office buildings, Library of Congress buildings, and the grounds about
the same, Botanic Garden, Senate garage, and air conditioning
refrigeration not supplied from plants in any of such buildings; heating
the Government Publishing Office and Washington City Post Office, and
heating and chilled water for air conditioning for the Supreme Court
Building, the Union Station complex, the Thurgood Marshall Federal
Judiciary Building and the Folger Shakespeare Library, expenses for
which shall be advanced or reimbursed upon request of the Architect of
the Capitol and amounts so received shall be deposited into the Treasury
to the credit of this appropriation, $141,007,000, of which $22,600,000
shall remain available until September 30, 2030: Provided, That not
more than $10,000,000 of the funds credited or to be reimbursed to this
appropriation as herein provided shall be available for obligation
during fiscal year 2026.
Library Buildings and Grounds
For all necessary expenses for the mechanical and structural
maintenance, care and operation of the Library buildings and
[[Page 139 STAT. 576]]
grounds, $56,563,000, of which $18,000,000 shall remain available until
September 30, 2030.
Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security
For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation
of buildings, grounds and security enhancements of the United States
Capitol Police, wherever located, the Alternate Computing Facility, and
Architect of the Capitol security operations, $75,069,000, of which
$12,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2030:
Provided, <<NOTE: Drones. China.>> That none of the amounts made
available under this heading may be used to purchase a drone
manufactured in the People's Republic of China or by a business
affiliated with the People's Republic of China except for national
security purposes.
Botanic Garden
For all necessary expenses for the maintenance, care and operation
of the Botanic Garden and the nurseries, buildings, grounds, and
collections; and purchase and exchange, maintenance, repair, and
operation of a passenger motor vehicle; all under the direction of the
Joint Committee on the Library, $21,559,000, of which $5,000,000 shall
remain available until September 30, 2030: Provided, That, of the
amount made available under this heading, the Architect of the Capitol
may obligate and expend such sums as may be necessary for the
maintenance, care and operation of the National Garden established under
section 307E of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1989 (2
U.S.C. 2146), upon vouchers approved by the Architect of the Capitol or
a duly authorized designee.
Capitol Visitor Center
For all necessary expenses for the operation of the Capitol Visitor
Center, $29,901,000.
Administrative Provisions
no bonuses for contractors behind schedule or over budget
Sec. 120. <<NOTE: Determination.>> None of the funds made
available in this Act for the Architect of the Capitol may be used to
make incentive or award payments to contractors for work on contracts or
programs for which the contractor is behind schedule or over budget,
unless the Architect of the Capitol, or agency-employed designee,
determines that any such deviations are due to unforeseeable events,
government-driven scope changes, or are not significant within the
overall scope of the project and/or program.
administration of public outreach and services for capitol grounds and
arboretum
Sec. 121. <<NOTE: Approval. Contracts. Determination. 2 USC 1828
note.>> For this fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, the
Architect of the Capitol, subject to the approval of the Committees on
Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives, may enter
into cooperative agreements with entities under such terms as the
Architect determines advisable, in order to support
[[Page 139 STAT. 577]]
the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum in carrying out its duties,
authorities and mission, and may engage in plant material exchanges
between the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum and other entities including
Federal, State, or local government agencies, botanic gardens,
arboretums, educational institutions, non-profit organizations,
municipal parks, and gardens.
extension of availability for liquidation of valid obligations
Sec. 122. <<NOTE: Time periods.>> Funds previously made available
in title III of the Emergency Security Supplemental Appropriations Act,
2021 (Public Law 117-31) under the heading ``Legislative Branch--
Architect of the Capitol--Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and
Security'' that were available for obligation through fiscal year 2023
for the purposes and in the amounts specified in the first proviso under
such heading are to remain available through fiscal year 2032 for the
liquidation of valid obligations incurred in fiscal years 2021, 2022,
and 2023: Provided, That amounts repurposed pursuant to this section
that were previously designated by the Congress as an emergency
requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget
and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 are designated as an emergency
requirement pursuant to section 4001(a)(1) of S. Con. Res. 14 (117th
Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2022,
and to legislation establishing fiscal year 2026 budget enforcement in
the House of Representatives.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Salaries and Expenses
For all necessary expenses of the Library of Congress not otherwise
provided for, including development and maintenance of the Library's
catalogs; custody and custodial care of the Library buildings;
information technology services provided centrally; special clothing;
cleaning, laundering and repair of uniforms; preservation of motion
pictures in the custody of the Library; operation and maintenance of the
American Folklife Center in the Library; preparation and distribution of
catalog records and other publications of the Library; hire or purchase
of one passenger motor vehicle; and expenses of the Library of Congress
Trust Fund Board not properly chargeable to the income of any trust fund
held by the Board, $592,411,000, and, in addition, amounts credited to
this appropriation during fiscal year 2026 under the Act of June 28,
1902 (chapter 1301; 32 Stat. 480; 2 U.S.C. 150), shall remain available
until expended: Provided, That the Library of Congress may not obligate
or expend any funds derived from collections under the Act of June 28,
1902, in excess of the amount authorized for obligation or expenditure
in appropriations Acts: Provided further, That of the total amount
appropriated, not more than $18,000 may be expended, on the
certification of the Librarian of Congress, in connection with official
representation and reception expenses, including for the Overseas Field
Offices: Provided further, That of the total amount appropriated, no
less than $17,500,000 shall remain available until expended for the
Teaching with Primary Sources program, the Lewis-Houghton Civics and
Democracy Initiative, the Veterans History Project, the Surplus Books
Program,
[[Page 139 STAT. 578]]
upgrades of the Legislative Branch Financial Management System, and data
storage and migration efforts.
Copyright Office
salaries and expenses
For all necessary expenses of the Copyright Office, $102,386,000, of
which not more than $37,025,000, to remain available until expended,
shall be derived from collections credited to this appropriation during
fiscal year 2026 under sections 708(d) and 1316 of title 17, United
States Code: Provided, That the Copyright Office may not obligate or
expend any funds derived from collections under such section in excess
of the amount authorized for obligation or expenditure in appropriations
Acts: Provided further, That not more than $7,824,000 shall be derived
from collections during fiscal year 2026 under sections 111(d)(2),
119(b)(3), 803(e), and 1005 of such title: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Reduction.>> That the total amount available for
obligation shall be reduced by the amount by which collections are less
than $44,849,000: Provided further, That of the funds provided under
this heading, not less than $10,300,000 is for modernization
initiatives, of which $9,300,000 shall remain available until September
30, 2027: Provided further, That not more than $100,000 of the amount
appropriated is available for the maintenance of an ``International
Copyright Institute'' in the Copyright Office of the Library of Congress
for the purpose of training nationals of developing countries in
intellectual property laws and policies: Provided further, That not
more than $6,500 may be expended, on the certification of the Librarian
of Congress, in connection with official representation and reception
expenses for activities of the International Copyright Institute and for
copyright delegations, visitors, and seminars: Provided further, That,
notwithstanding any provision of chapter 8 of title 17, United States
Code, any amounts made available under this heading which are
attributable to royalty fees and payments received by the Copyright
Office pursuant to sections 111, 119, and chapter 10 of such title may
be used for the costs incurred in the administration of the Copyright
Royalty Judges program, with the exception of the costs of salaries and
benefits for the Copyright Royalty Judges and staff under section
802(e).
Congressional Research Service
salaries and expenses
For all necessary expenses to carry out the provisions of section
203 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 166) and to
revise and extend the Annotated Constitution of the United States of
America, $136,080,000: Provided, <<NOTE: Advance approval.>> That no
part of such amount may be used to pay any salary or expense in
connection with any publication, or preparation of material therefor
(except the Digest of Public General Bills), to be issued by the Library
of Congress unless such publication has obtained prior approval of
either the Committee on House Administration of the House of
Representatives or the Committee on Rules and Administration of the
Senate: Provided further, That this prohibition does not apply to
publication of non-confidential Congressional Research Service (CRS)
products: Provided further, That a non-confidential
[[Page 139 STAT. 579]]
CRS product includes any written product containing research or analysis
that is currently available for general congressional access on the CRS
Congressional Intranet, or that would be made available on the CRS
Congressional Intranet in the normal course of business and does not
include material prepared in response to Congressional requests for
confidential analysis or research.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
salaries and expenses
For all necessary expenses to carry out the Act of March 3, 1931
(chapter 400; 46 Stat. 1487; 2 U.S.C. 135a), $66,130,000: Provided,
That of the total amount appropriated, $650,000 shall be available to
contract to provide newspapers to blind and print disabled residents at
no cost to the individual.
Administrative Provision
reimbursable and revolving fund activities
Sec. 123. (a) In General.--For fiscal year 2026, the obligational
authority of the Library of Congress for the activities described in
subsection (b) may not exceed $342,285,000.
(b) Activities.--The activities referred to in subsection (a) are
reimbursable and revolving fund activities that are funded from sources
other than appropriations to the Library in appropriations Acts for the
legislative branch.
GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
Congressional Publishing
(including transfer of funds)
For authorized publishing of congressional information and the
distribution of congressional information in any format; publishing of
Government publications authorized by law to be distributed to Members
of Congress; and publishing, and distribution of Government publications
authorized by law to be distributed without charge to the recipient,
$80,000,000: Provided, That this appropriation shall not be available
for paper copies of the permanent edition of the Congressional Record
for individual Representatives, Resident Commissioners or Delegates
authorized under section 906 of title 44, United States Code: Provided
further, That this appropriation shall be available for the payment of
obligations incurred under the appropriations for similar purposes for
preceding fiscal years: Provided further, <<NOTE: Time period.>> That
notwithstanding the 2-year limitation under section 718 of title 44,
United States Code, none of the funds appropriated or made available
under this Act or any other Act for printing and binding and related
services provided to Congress under chapter 7 of title 44, United States
Code, may be expended to print a document, report, or publication after
the 27-month period beginning on the date that such document, report, or
publication is authorized by Congress to be printed, unless Congress
reauthorizes such printing in accordance with section 718 of title 44,
United States Code: Provided further, <<NOTE: Deadline. Time
period. Approval.>> That unobligated or unexpended balances of expired
discretionary funds made available
[[Page 139 STAT. 580]]
under this heading in this Act for this fiscal year may be transferred
to, and merged with, funds under the heading ``Government Publishing
Office Business Operations Revolving Fund'' no later than the end of the
fifth fiscal year after the last fiscal year for which such funds are
available for the purposes for which appropriated, to be available for
carrying out the purposes of this heading, subject to the approval of
the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Senate: Provided further, That this appropriation shall be available
for publishing congressionally mandated reports under the Access to
Congressionally Mandated Reports Act (subtitle D of title LXXII of
division G of Public Law 117-263): Provided further, That
notwithstanding sections 901, 902, and 906 of title 44, United States
Code, this appropriation may be used to prepare indexes to the
Congressional Record on only a monthly and session basis.
Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents
salaries and expenses
(including transfer of funds)
For expenses of the public information programs of the Office of
Superintendent of Documents necessary to provide for the cataloging and
indexing of Government publications in any format, and their
distribution to the public, Members of Congress, other Government
agencies, and designated depository and international exchange libraries
as authorized by law, $42,852,000: Provided, That amounts of not more
than $2,000,000 from current year appropriations are authorized for
producing and disseminating Congressional serial sets and other related
publications for the preceding two fiscal years to depository and other
designated libraries: Provided further, <<NOTE: Deadline. Time
period. Approval.>> That unobligated or unexpended balances of expired
discretionary funds made available under this heading in this Act for
this fiscal year may be transferred to, and merged with, funds under the
heading ``Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving
Fund'' no later than the end of the fifth fiscal year after the last
fiscal year for which such funds are available for the purposes for
which appropriated, to be available for carrying out the purposes of
this heading, subject to the approval of the Committees on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund
For payment to the Government Publishing Office Business Operations
Revolving Fund, $9,148,000, to remain available until expended, for
information technology development and facilities repair:
Provided, <<NOTE: Contracts.>> That the Government Publishing Office is
hereby authorized to make such expenditures, within the limits of funds
available and in accordance with law, and to make such contracts and
commitments without regard to fiscal year limitations as provided by
section 9104 of title 31, United States Code, as may be necessary in
carrying out the programs and purposes set forth
[[Page 139 STAT. 581]]
in the budget for the current fiscal year for the Government Publishing
Office Business Operations Revolving Fund: Provided further, That not
more than $7,500 may be expended on the certification of the Director of
the Government Publishing Office in connection with official
representation and reception expenses: Provided further, That the
Business Operations Revolving Fund shall be available for the hire or
purchase of not more than 12 passenger motor vehicles: Provided
further, That expenditures in connection with travel expenses of the
advisory councils to the Director of the Government Publishing Office
shall be deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of title 44,
United States Code: Provided further, That the Business Operations
Revolving Fund shall be available for temporary or intermittent services
under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates for
individuals not more than the daily equivalent of the annual rate of
basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of
such title: Provided further, That activities financed through the
Business Operations Revolving Fund may provide information in any
format: Provided further, That the Business Operations Revolving Fund
and the funds provided under the heading ``Public Information Programs
of the Superintendent of Documents'' may not be used for contracted
security services at Government Publishing Office's passport facility in
the District of Columbia.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
Salaries and Expenses
For necessary expenses of the Government Accountability Office,
including not more than $12,500 to be expended on the certification of
the Comptroller General of the United States in connection with official
representation and reception expenses; temporary or intermittent
services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at
rates for individuals not more than the daily equivalent of the annual
rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section
5315 of such title; hire of one passenger motor vehicle; advance
payments in foreign countries in accordance with section 3324 of title
31, United States Code; benefits comparable to those payable under
sections 901(5), (6), and (8) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22
U.S.C. 4081(5), (6), and (8)); and under regulations prescribed by the
Comptroller General of the United States, rental of living quarters in
foreign countries, $811,894,000, of which $5,000,000 shall remain
available until expended: Provided, That, in addition, $35,424,000 of
payments received under sections 782, 791, 3521, and 9105 of title 31,
United States Code, shall be available without fiscal year limitation:
Provided further, <<NOTE: Determinations.>> That this appropriation and
appropriations for administrative expenses of any other department or
agency which is a member of the National Intergovernmental Audit Forum
or a Regional Intergovernmental Audit Forum shall be available to
finance an appropriate share of either Forum's costs as determined by
the respective Forum, including necessary travel expenses of non-Federal
participants: Provided further, <<NOTE: Reimbursements.>> That
payments hereunder to the Forum may be credited as reimbursements to any
appropriation from which costs involved are initially financed:
Provided further, <<NOTE: Reimbursements. Notification.>> That amounts
made available under this heading shall be available to cover costs
incurred by the Tiny Findings
[[Page 139 STAT. 582]]
Child Development Center, in such amount and for such purposes as
determined by the Comptroller General, subject to prior notification
provided to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives and the Senate.
CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP FUND
For a payment to the Congressional Office for International
Leadership Fund for financing activities of the Congressional Office for
International Leadership under section 313 of the Legislative Branch
Appropriations Act, 2001 (2 U.S.C. 1151), $6,000,000:
Provided, <<NOTE: Russia.>> That funds made available to support
Russian participants shall only be used for those engaging in free
market development, humanitarian activities, and civic engagement, and
shall not be used for officials of the central government of Russia.
JOHN C. STENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
For payment to the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service
Development Trust Fund established under section 116 of the John C.
Stennis Center for Public Service Training and Development Act (2 U.S.C.
1105), $430,000.
TITLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
maintenance and care of private vehicles
Sec. 201. No part of the funds appropriated in this Act shall be
used for the maintenance or care of private vehicles, except for
emergency assistance and cleaning as may be provided under regulations
relating to parking facilities for the House of Representatives issued
by the Committee on House Administration and for the Senate issued by
the Committee on Rules and Administration.
fiscal year limitation
Sec. 202. No part of the funds appropriated in this Act shall
remain available for obligation beyond fiscal year 2026 unless expressly
so provided in this Act.
rates of compensation and designation
Sec. 203. Whenever in this Act any office or position not
specifically established by the Legislative Pay Act of 1929 (46 Stat. 32
et seq.) is appropriated for or the rate of compensation or designation
of any office or position appropriated for is different from that
specifically established by such Act, the rate of compensation and the
designation in this Act shall be the permanent law with respect thereto:
Provided, That the provisions in this Act for the various items of
official expenses of Members, officers, and committees of the Senate and
House of Representatives, and clerk hire for Senators and Members of the
House of Representatives shall be the permanent law with respect
thereto.
[[Page 139 STAT. 583]]
consulting services
Sec. 204. <<NOTE: Contracts. Public information.>> The expenditure
of any appropriation under this Act for any consulting service through
procurement contract, under section 3109 of title 5, United States Code,
shall be limited to those contracts where such expenditures are a matter
of public record and available for public inspection, except where
otherwise provided under existing law, or under existing Executive order
issued under existing law.
costs of legislative branch financial managers council
Sec. 205. <<NOTE: Determination.>> Amounts available for
administrative expenses of any legislative branch entity which
participates in the Legislative Branch Financial Managers Council
(LBFMC) established by charter on March 26, 1996, shall be available to
finance an appropriate share of LBFMC costs as determined by the LBFMC,
except that the total LBFMC costs to be shared among all participating
legislative branch entities (in such allocations among the entities as
the entities may determine) may not exceed $2,000.
limitation on transfers
Sec. 206. None of the funds made available in this Act may be
transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United
States Government, except pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer
authority provided in, this Act or any other appropriation Act.
guided tours of the capitol
Sec. 207. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), none of the
funds made available to the Architect of the Capitol in this Act may be
used to eliminate or restrict guided tours of the United States Capitol
which are led by employees and interns of offices of Members of Congress
and other offices of the House of Representatives and Senate, unless
through regulations as authorized by section 402(b)(8) of the Capitol
Visitor Center Act of 2008 (2 U.S.C. 2242(b)(8)).
(b) <<NOTE: Approval.>> At the direction of the Capitol Police
Board, or at the direction of the Architect of the Capitol with the
approval of the Capitol Police Board, guided tours of the United States
Capitol which are led by employees and interns described in subsection
(a) may be suspended temporarily or otherwise subject to restriction for
security or related reasons to the same extent as guided tours of the
United States Capitol which are led by the Architect of the Capitol.
limitation on telecommunications or video surveillance equipment
procurement
Sec. 208. (a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available under this Act may be used to acquire telecommunications or
video surveillance equipment produced by--
(1) <<NOTE: Huawei Technologies Company. ZTE Corporation.>>
Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation, Hytera
Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital
Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any
subsidiary or affiliate of such entities); or
[[Page 139 STAT. 584]]
(2) any entity that the Secretary of Defense, in
consultation with the Director of the National Intelligence or
the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably
believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise
connected to, the government of a foreign adversary.
(b) The term ``foreign adversary'' has the meaning given the term
``covered nation'' in section 4872(f) of title 10, United States Code.
prohibition on certain operational expenses
Sec. 209. <<NOTE: Pornography.>> (a) None of the funds made
available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer
network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and
exchanging of pornography.
(b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall limit the use of funds necessary
for any Federal, State, tribal, or local law enforcement agency or any
other entity carrying out criminal investigations, prosecution, or
adjudication activities or other official government activities.
limitation on cost of living adjustments for members
Sec. 210. <<NOTE: 2 USC 4501 note.>> Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, no adjustment shall be made under section 601(a) of
the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 4501) (relating to
cost of living adjustments for Members of Congress) during fiscal year
2026.
extension of pump act protections to congressional staff
Sec. 211. Section 203(a)(1) of the Congressional Accountability Act
of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1313(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and section 12(c)'' and inserting
``section 12(c), and section 18D''; and
(2) by inserting ``, 218d'' after ``212(c)''.
member protection
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 212. (a) For an additional amount for ``SENATE--Contingent
Expenses of the Senate--senators' official personnel and office expense
account'', $75,000,000, which shall be allocated to each personal office
in an equal amount, for payments for security enhancements and services
under section 4 of Senate Resolution 294 (96th Congress), agreed to
April 29, 1980, as amended by S. Res. 413 (119th Congress), agreed to
September 18, 2025: Provided, That unobligated balances of funds
appropriated pursuant to this subsection at the end of fiscal year 2026
not needed for fiscal year 2026 shall be transferred to ``SENATE--
Contingent Expenses of the Senate--miscellaneous items'', and shall
remain available until expended, for the purposes of such account, in
addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes: Provided
further, That such transfer authority is in addition to any other
transfer authority provided by law: Provided further, That
amounts <<NOTE: Advance approval.>> transferred pursuant to this
subsection may not be obligated without the prior approval of the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
[[Page 139 STAT. 585]]
(b) For an additional amount for ``SENATE--Contingent Expenses of
the Senate--sergeant at arms and doorkeeper of the senate'',
$18,500,000, to remain available until expended, of which $5,000,000
shall be for coordination and support of Member security programs,
$10,000,000 shall be for security-related activities for State offices,
and $3,500,000 shall be for the residential security system program:
Provided, That amounts made available pursuant to this subsection may be
transferred to ``SENATE--Salaries, Officers and Employees--office of the
sergeant at arms and doorkeeper'' and ``SENATE--Contingent Expenses of
the Senate--sergeant at arms business continuity and disaster recovery
fund'': Provided further, That the transfer authority provided pursuant
to the preceding proviso is in addition to any other transfer authority
provided by law: Provided further, That <<NOTE: Reimbursement.>> of
the amounts made available pursuant to this subsection, such sums as
necessary may be used to restore amounts, either directly, through
reimbursement, or through the transfer authority in the first proviso,
for obligations incurred for the same purposes by the Sergeant at Arms
and Doorkeeper of the Senate prior to the date of enactment of this Act:
Provided further, That <<NOTE: Allocations. Spending plan.>> amounts
made available pursuant to this subsection shall be allocated in
accordance with a spending plan submitted to the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate.
(c) For an additional amount for ``SENATE--Contingent Expenses of
the Senate--miscellaneous items'', $10,000,000, to remain available
until expended, which shall be for security, continuity and other
purposes: Provided, <<NOTE: Advance approval.>> That amounts made
available pursuant to this subsection may not be obligated without the
prior approval of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(d) None of the funds provided under the heading ``SENATE'' in this
or any prior Act that are used to provide personal protective services
to a Senator shall result in the designation or deputization of
individuals as agents of the Federal government.
requiring senate notification for disclosure of senate data
Sec. 213. (a) In General.--Section 10 of the Legislative Branch
Appropriations Act, 2005 (2 U.S.C. 6628) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as
paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) <<NOTE: Definition.>> the term `covered data' means
any electronic mail or other electronic or data communication,
other data (including metadata), or other information;'';
(D) by inserting after paragraph (3), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(4) the term `legal process' does not include a subpoena
issued in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Select
Committee on Ethics of the Senate;'';
(E) by striking paragraph (8), as so redesignated,
and inserting the following:
``(8) <<NOTE: Definition.>> the term `Senate data', with
respect to a Senate office--
``(A) means covered data of the Senate office; and
[[Page 139 STAT. 586]]
``(B) with respect to an individual described in
paragraph (9) acting in a personal capacity, only means
covered data that is transmitted, processed, or stored
through the use of an electronic system established,
maintained, or operated, or the use of electronic
services provided, by--
``(i) a provider for the Senate office, if the
Senate office or the Office of the SAA has
notified the provider for a Senate office that the
applicable device or account is a device or
account of the Senate office; or
``(ii) the Office of the SAA or an officer,
employee, or agent of the Office of the SAA, if
the Senate office has notified the Office of the
SAA that the applicable device or account is a
device or account of the Senate office;'';
(F) in paragraph (9), as so redesignated--
(i) by inserting ``(without regard to whether
the Senator is acting in his or her official
capacity, including acting in a personal capacity
and acting through his or her campaign for elected
office)'' after ``a Senator'';
(ii) by inserting ``(whether acting in his or
her personal or official capacity)'' after ``an
officer of the Senate''; and
(iii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``(whether acting in his or her personal
or official capacity); and''; and
(G) by adding at the end the following:
``(10) <<NOTE: Definition.>> the term `target of a criminal
investigation' means a person--
``(A) as to whom the prosecutor or the grand jury
has substantial evidence linking that person to the
commission of a crime;
``(B) who, in the judgment of the prosecutor, is a
putative defendant; and
``(C) whom the prosecutor, before the date of the
acquisition, subpoena, search, accessing, or disclosure
of the Senate data at issue, has formally designated as
a target in official records, which shall not include
any such designation that was made after such date that
purports to be retroactive.'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (d) through (h) as
subsections (e) through (i), respectively; and
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Notification.--
``(1) By providers.--
``(A) In general.--If any provider for a Senate
office receives any legal process seeking disclosure of
Senate data of the Senate office that is transmitted,
processed, or stored (whether temporarily or otherwise)
through the use of an electronic system established,
maintained, or operated, or the use of electronic
services provided, in whole or in part, by the provider
for a Senate office, the provider for a Senate office
shall notify the Senate office and, unless specified
otherwise by the Senate office, the Office of the SAA in
writing.
``(B) No limitations on notice.--A provider for a
Senate office shall not be barred from providing notice
[[Page 139 STAT. 587]]
to a Senate office and the Office of the SAA under
subparagraph (A) by operation of any court order, any
statutory provision, any other provision of law, any
rule of civil or criminal procedure, or any other rule,
regulation, or policy.
``(C) Limitation on liability.--A provider for a
Senate office shall not be liable under any criminal or
civil law for providing notice to a Senate office or the
Office of the SAA under this paragraph.
``(2) By saa.--
``(A) In general.--If the Office of the SAA or any
officer, employee, or agent of the Office of the SAA
receives any legal process seeking disclosure of Senate
data of a Senate office that is transmitted, processed,
or stored (whether temporarily or otherwise) through the
use of an electronic system established, maintained, or
operated, or the use of electronic services provided, in
whole or in part, by the Office of the SAA or the
officer, employee, or agent of the Office of the SAA,
the Office of the SAA or the officer, employee, or agent
of the Office of the SAA shall notify a Senate office in
writing.
``(B) No limitations on notice.--The Office of the
SAA and any officer, employee, or agent of the Office of
the SAA shall not be barred from providing notice to a
Senate office under subparagraph (A) by operation of any
court order, any statutory provision, any other
provision of law, any rule of civil or criminal
procedure, or any other rule, regulation, or policy.
``(C) Limitation on liability.--The Office of the
SAA and any officer, employee, or agent of the Office of
the SAA shall not be liable under any criminal or civil
law for providing notice to a Senate office under this
paragraph.
``(3) Special rule for target and non-target
investigations.--
``(A) <<NOTE: Courts. Time periods.>> Target
investigations.--
``(i) <<NOTE: Determination.>> In general.--
If a Senator is a target of a criminal
investigation, a court may, upon application by
the United States, issue an order delaying the
notice required under this subsection with respect
to an acquisition, subpoena, search, accessing, or
disclosure of Senate data in connection with such
investigation for a period of not more than 60
days if the court determines that there is reason
to believe that providing notice would--
``(I) endanger the life or physical
safety of any person;
``(II) result in flight from
prosecution;
``(III) result in destruction of or
tampering with evidence;
``(IV) result in intimidation of
potential witnesses; or
``(V) otherwise seriously jeopardize
an investigation or unduly delay a
trial.
``(ii) Renewal.--The court may renew such an
order for additional periods of not more than 60
days each, if the court makes a renewed
determination under clause (i).
[[Page 139 STAT. 588]]
``(B) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> All other
investigations.--For any investigation in which a
Senator is not a target of a criminal investigation, the
notice requirements under this subsection shall apply
without delay.
``(d) Private Cause of Action.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Instance.--The term `instance', with respect
to a violation of this section, means each discrete act
constituting a violation of this section, including each
individual--
``(i) device, account, record, or
communication channel subject to collection in a
manner in violation of this section;
``(ii) nondisclosure order or judicial sealing
order sought, maintained, or obtained; or
``(iii) search conducted.
``(B) Violation of this section.--The term
`violation of this section' means--
``(i) the seeking, maintaining, or obtaining
of a nondisclosure order or judicial sealing order
to prevent notification of a Senator, a Senate
office, or the Office of the SAA as required under
subsection (c); or
``(ii) Senate data was acquired, subpoenaed,
searched, accessed, or disclosed pursuant to a
search, seizure, or demand for information without
notice being provided as required under subsection
(c).
``(2) Cause of action.--Any Senator whose Senate data, or
the Senate data of whose Senate office, has been acquired,
subpoenaed, searched, accessed, or disclosed in violation of
this section may bring a civil action against the United States
if the violation was committed by an officer, employee, or agent
of the United States or of any Federal department or agency.
``(3) Relief.--
``(A) In general.--If a Senator prevails on a claim
under this subsection, the court shall award--
``(i) for each instance of a violation of this
section, the greater of statutory damages of
$500,000 or the amount of actual damages;
``(ii) reasonable attorney's fees and costs of
litigation; and
``(iii) such injunctive or declaratory relief
as may be appropriate.
``(B) Preliminary relief.--Upon motion by a Senator,
a court may award such preliminary injunctive relief as
the court determines appropriate with respect to a claim
under this subsection.
``(4) Limitations and immunity.--
``(A) Period of limitations.--A civil action under
this subsection may not be commenced later than 5 years
after the applicable Senator first obtains actual notice
of the violation of this section.
``(B) No immunity defense.--No officer, employee, or
agent of the United States or of any Federal department
or agency shall be entitled to assert any form of
absolute or qualified immunity as a defense to liability
under this subsection.
[[Page 139 STAT. 589]]
``(5) Waiver of sovereign immunity.--The United States
expressly waives sovereign immunity with respect to actions
brought under this subsection.
``(6) Affirmative defense for target investigations.--It
shall be an affirmative defense to an action under this
subsection if the United States establishes that each of the
following requirements are met:
``(A) At the time the Senate data was acquired,
subpoenaed, searched, accessed, or disclosed, the
Senator bringing the action was a target of a criminal
investigation.
``(B) A Federal judge issued an order authorizing a
delay of notice to the Senator under subsection
(c)(3)(A), based on written findings meeting the
requirements of such subsection.
``(C) The United States complied with the order
described in subparagraph (B), including that the delay
of notice did not exceed the period authorized by the
court.
``(D) Any related subpoena of, warrant relating to,
or access to Senate data was carried out strictly within
the temporal and subject-matter scope authorized by the
order, if any, authorizing the subpoena, warrant, or
access.
``(7) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to--
``(A) limit or impair the constitutional protections
afforded to Members of Congress, including to
protections under article I, section 6, clause 1 of the
Constitution of the United States (commonly known as the
`Speech or Debate Clause'); or
``(B) restrict the authority of the Senate or any
Senate office to intervene in or defend against any
legal process seeking disclosure of Senate data.''.
(b) <<NOTE: 2 USC 6628 note.>> Limited Retroactive Applicability.--
(1) <<NOTE: Applicability. Effective date.>> In general.--
The amendments made by this section shall apply to any
acquisition, subpoena, search, accessing, or disclosure of
Senate data (as defined in section 10(a) of the Legislative
Branch Appropriations Act, 2005 (2 U.S.C. 6628(a)), as amended
by this section), and to any failure to disclose such an
acquisition, subpoena, search, accessing, or disclosure,
occurring on or after January 1, 2022.
(2) Period of limitations.--
(A) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term
``violation of section 10'' has the meaning given the
term ``violation of this section'' in subsection (d) of
section 10 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act,
2005 (2 U.S.C. 6628), as added by this section.
(B) Period.--With respect to any violation of
section 10 with respect to which the applicable Senator
first obtained actual notice of the violation of section
10 before the date of enactment of this Act, a civil
action under subsection (d) of section 10 of the
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2005 (2 U.S.C.
6628), as added by this section, may not be commenced
later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this
Act.
This division may be cited as the ``Legislative Branch
Appropriations Act, 2026''.
[[Page 139 STAT. 590]]
DIVISION D-- <<NOTE: Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026.>> MILITARY CONSTRUCTION,
VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2026
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Military Construction, Army
For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of
temporary or permanent public works, military installations, facilities,
and real property for the Army as currently authorized by law, including
personnel in the Army Corps of Engineers and other personal services
necessary for the purposes of this appropriation, and for construction
and operation of facilities in support of the functions of the Commander
in Chief, $2,381,909,000, to remain available until September 30, 2030:
Provided, <<NOTE: Determination. Notification.>> That, of this amount,
not to exceed $415,688,000 shall be available for study, planning,
design, architect and engineer services, and host nation support, as
authorized by law, unless the Secretary of the Army determines that
additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the
determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That of the
amount made available under this heading, $377,950,000 shall be for the
projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table
under the heading ``Military Construction, Army'' in the explanatory
statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of
this consolidated Act), in addition to amounts otherwise available for
such purposes.
Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of
temporary or permanent public works, naval installations, facilities,
and real property for the Navy and Marine Corps as currently authorized
by law, including personnel in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command
and other personal services necessary for the purposes of this
appropriation, $5,725,724,000, to remain available until September 30,
2030: Provided, <<NOTE: Determination. Notification.>> That, of this
amount, not to exceed $629,088,000 shall be available for study,
planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by
law, unless the Secretary of the Navy determines that additional
obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and
the reasons therefor: Provided further, That of the amount made
available under this heading, $290,690,000 shall be for the projects and
activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table under the heading
``Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'' in the explanatory
statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of
this consolidated Act), in addition to amounts otherwise available for
such purposes.
Military Construction, Air Force
For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of
temporary or permanent public works, military installations, facilities,
and real property for the Air Force as currently authorized
[[Page 139 STAT. 591]]
by law, including personnel in the Department of the Air Force when
designated by the Secretary of Defense to direct and supervise Military
Construction projects in accordance with section 2851 of title 10,
United States Code, and other personal services necessary for the
purposes of this appropriation, $3,926,273,000, to remain available
until September 30, 2030:
Provided, <<NOTE: Determination. Notification.>> That, of this amount,
not to exceed $646,573,000 shall be available for study, planning,
design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law,
unless the Secretary of the Air Force determines that additional
obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and
the reasons therefor: Provided further, That of the amount made
available under this heading, $361,800,000 shall be for the projects and
activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table under the heading
``Military Construction, Air Force'' in the explanatory statement
described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this
consolidated Act), in addition to amounts otherwise available for such
purposes.
Military Construction, Defense-Wide
(including transfer of funds)
For acquisition, construction, installation, and equipment of
temporary or permanent public works, installations, facilities, and real
property for activities and agencies of the Department of Defense (other
than the military departments), as currently authorized by law,
$3,784,301,000, to remain available until September 30, 2030: Provided,
That such amounts of this appropriation as may be determined by the
Secretary of Defense may be transferred to such appropriations of the
Department of Defense available for military construction or family
housing as the Secretary may designate, to be merged with and to be
available for the same purposes, and for the same time period, as the
appropriation or fund to which transferred: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Determination. Notification.>> That, of the amount,
not to exceed $226,301,000 shall be available for study, planning,
design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law,
unless the Secretary of Defense determines that additional obligations
are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the
reasons therefor: Provided further, That of the amount made available
under this heading, $82,000,000 shall be for the projects and
activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table under the heading
``Military Construction, Defense-Wide'' in the explanatory statement
described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this
consolidated Act), in addition to amounts otherwise available for such
purposes.
Military Construction, Army National Guard
For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and
conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the Army
National Guard, and contributions therefor, as authorized by chapter
1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction
Authorization Acts, $272,930,000, to remain available until September
30, 2030: Provided, <<NOTE: Determination. Notification.>> That, of
the amount, not to exceed $80,080,000 shall be available for study,
planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by
law, unless
[[Page 139 STAT. 592]]
the Director of the Army National Guard determines that additional
obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and
the reasons therefor: Provided further, That of the amount made
available under this heading, $112,050,000 shall be for the projects and
activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table under the heading
``Military Construction, Army National Guard'' in the explanatory
statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of
this consolidated Act), in addition to amounts otherwise available for
such purposes.
Military Construction, Air National Guard
For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and
conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the Air
National Guard, and contributions therefor, as authorized by chapter
1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction
Authorization Acts, $292,546,000, to remain available until September
30, 2030: Provided, <<NOTE: Determination. Notification.>> That, of
the amount, not to exceed $73,646,000 shall be available for study,
planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as authorized by
law, unless the Director of the Air National Guard determines that
additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the
determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That of the
amount made available under this heading, $95,900,000 shall be for the
projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table
under the heading ``Military Construction, Air National Guard'' in the
explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding
division A of this consolidated Act), in addition to amounts otherwise
available for such purposes.
Military Construction, Army Reserve
For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and
conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the Army
Reserve as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code,
and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $92,239,000, to remain
available until September 30, 2030:
Provided, <<NOTE: Determination. Notification.>> That, of the amount,
not to exceed $6,013,000 shall be available for study, planning, design,
and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the
Chief of the Army Reserve determines that additional obligations are
necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the
reasons therefor: Provided further, That of the amount made available
under this heading, $50,000,000 shall be for the projects and
activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table under the heading
``Military Construction, Army Reserve'' in the explanatory statement
described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of this
consolidated Act), in addition to amounts otherwise available for such
purposes.
Military Construction, Navy Reserve
For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and
conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the
reserve components of the Navy and Marine Corps as authorized
[[Page 139 STAT. 593]]
by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code, and Military
Construction Authorization Acts, $52,255,000, to remain available until
September 30, 2030: Provided, <<NOTE: Determination. Notification.>>
That, of the amount, not to exceed $2,255,000 shall be available for
study, planning, design, and architect and engineer services, as
authorized by law, unless the Secretary of the Navy determines that
additional obligations are necessary for such purposes and notifies the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the
determination and the reasons therefor: Provided further, That of the
amount made available under this heading, $50,000,000 shall be for the
projects and activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table
under the heading ``Military Construction, Navy Reserve'' in the
explanatory statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding
division A of this consolidated Act), in addition to amounts otherwise
available for such purposes.
Military Construction, Air Force Reserve
For construction, acquisition, expansion, rehabilitation, and
conversion of facilities for the training and administration of the Air
Force Reserve as authorized by chapter 1803 of title 10, United States
Code, and Military Construction Authorization Acts, $116,468,000, to
remain available until September 30, 2030:
Provided, <<NOTE: Determination. Notifications.>> That, of the amount,
not to exceed $7,170,000 shall be available for study, planning, design,
and architect and engineer services, as authorized by law, unless the
Chief of the Air Force Reserve determines that additional obligations
are necessary for such purposes and notifies the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the determination and the
reasons therefor: Provided further, That of the amount made available
under this heading, $56,010,000 shall be for the projects and
activities, and in the amounts, specified in the table under the heading
``Military Construction, Air Force Reserve'' in the explanatory
statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of
this consolidated Act), in addition to amounts otherwise available for
such purposes.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Security Investment Program
For the United States share of the cost of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization Security Investment Program for the acquisition and
construction of military facilities and installations (including
international military headquarters) and for related expenses for the
collective defense of the North Atlantic Treaty Area as authorized by
section 2806 of title 10, United States Code, and Military Construction
Authorization Acts, $481,832,000, to remain available until expended.
Department of Defense Base Closure Account
For deposit into the Department of Defense Base Closure Account,
established by section 2906(a) of the Defense Base Closure and
Realignment Act of 1990 (10 U.S.C. 2687 note), $465,161,000, to remain
available until expended.
[[Page 139 STAT. 594]]
Family Housing Construction, Army
For expenses of family housing for the Army for construction,
including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and
alteration, as authorized by law, $228,558,000, to remain available
until September 30, 2030.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Army
For expenses of family housing for the Army for operation and
maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor construction,
principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums, as authorized by
law, $388,418,000.
Family Housing Construction, Navy and Marine Corps
For expenses of family housing for the Navy and Marine Corps for
construction, including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion,
extension, and alteration, as authorized by law, $177,597,000, to remain
available until September 30, 2030.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Navy and Marine Corps
For expenses of family housing for the Navy and Marine Corps for
operation and maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor
construction, principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums, as
authorized by law, $384,108,000.
Family Housing Construction, Air Force
For expenses of family housing for the Air Force for construction,
including acquisition, replacement, addition, expansion, extension, and
alteration, as authorized by law, $274,230,000, to remain available
until September 30, 2030.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Air Force
For expenses of family housing for the Air Force for operation and
maintenance, including debt payment, leasing, minor construction,
principal and interest charges, and insurance premiums, as authorized by
law, $369,765,000.
Family Housing Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide
For expenses of family housing for the activities and agencies of
the Department of Defense (other than the military departments) for
operation and maintenance, leasing, and minor construction, as
authorized by law, $53,374,000.
Department of Defense
Family Housing Improvement Fund
For the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund,
$8,315,000, to remain available until expended, for family housing
initiatives undertaken pursuant to section 2883 of title 10, United
States Code, providing alternative means of acquiring and improving
military family housing and supporting facilities.
[[Page 139 STAT. 595]]
Department of Defense
Military Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund
For the Department of Defense Military Unaccompanied Housing
Improvement Fund, $497,000, to remain available until expended, for
unaccompanied housing initiatives undertaken pursuant to section 2883 of
title 10, United States Code, providing alternative means of acquiring
and improving military unaccompanied housing and supporting facilities.
Administrative Provisions
Sec. 101. <<NOTE: Contracts. Approval.>> None of the funds made
available in this title shall be expended for payments under a cost-
plus-a-fixed-fee contract for construction, where cost estimates exceed
$25,000, to be performed within the United States, except Alaska,
without the specific approval in writing of the Secretary of Defense
setting forth the reasons therefor.
Sec. 102. Funds made available in this title for construction shall
be available for hire of passenger motor vehicles.
Sec. 103. <<NOTE: Certification.>> Funds made available in this
title for construction may be used for advances to the Federal Highway
Administration, Department of Transportation, for the construction of
access roads as authorized by section 210 of title 23, United States
Code, when projects authorized therein are certified as important to the
national defense by the Secretary of Defense.
Sec. 104. None of the funds made available in this title may be
used to begin construction of new bases in the United States for which
specific appropriations have not been made.
Sec. 105. <<NOTE: Determinations.>> None of the funds made
available in this title shall be used for purchase of land or land
easements in excess of 100 percent of the value as determined by the
Army Corps of Engineers or the Naval Facilities Engineering Command,
except: (1) where there is a determination of value by a Federal court;
(2) purchases negotiated by the Attorney General or the designee of the
Attorney General; (3) where the estimated value is less than $25,000; or
(4) as otherwise determined by the Secretary of Defense to be in the
public interest.
Sec. 106. None of the funds made available in this title shall be
used to: (1) acquire land; (2) provide for site preparation; or (3)
install utilities for any family housing, except housing for which funds
have been made available in annual Acts making appropriations for
military construction.
Sec. 107. <<NOTE: Notification.>> None of the funds made available
in this title for minor construction may be used to transfer or relocate
any activity from one base or installation to another, without prior
notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress.
Sec. 108. <<NOTE: Steel.>> None of the funds made available in
this title may be used for the procurement of steel for any construction
project or activity for which American steel producers, fabricators, and
manufacturers have been denied the opportunity to compete for such steel
procurement.
Sec. 109. None of the funds available to the Department of Defense
for military construction or family housing during the current fiscal
year may be used to pay real property taxes in any foreign nation.
[[Page 139 STAT. 596]]
Sec. 110. <<NOTE: Notification.>> None of the funds made available
in this title may be used to initiate a new installation overseas
without prior notification to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress.
Sec. 111. <<NOTE: Contracts. Japan.>> None of the funds made
available in this title may be obligated for architect and engineer
contracts estimated by the Government to exceed $500,000 for projects to
be accomplished in Japan, in any North Atlantic Treaty Organization
member country, or in countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, unless such
contracts are awarded to United States firms or United States firms in
joint venture with host nation firms.
Sec. 112. <<NOTE: Kwajalein Atoll. Contracts.>> None of the funds
made available in this title for military construction in the United
States territories and possessions in the Pacific and on Kwajalein
Atoll, or in countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, may be used to award
any contract estimated by the Government to exceed $1,000,000 to a
foreign contractor: Provided, That this section shall not be applicable
to contract awards for which the lowest responsive and responsible bid
of a United States contractor exceeds the lowest responsive and
responsible bid of a foreign contractor by greater than 20 percent:
Provided further, That this section shall not apply to contract awards
for military construction on Kwajalein Atoll for which the lowest
responsive and responsible bid is submitted by a Marshallese contractor.
Sec. 113. <<NOTE: Notification. Military exercise. Time period.>>
The Secretary of Defense shall inform the appropriate committees of both
Houses of Congress, including the Committees on Appropriations, of plans
and scope of any proposed military exercise involving United States
personnel 30 days prior to its occurring, if amounts expended for
construction, either temporary or permanent, are anticipated to exceed
$100,000.
Sec. 114. Funds appropriated to the Department of Defense for
construction in prior years shall be available for construction
authorized for each such military department by the authorizations
enacted into law during the current session of Congress.
Sec. 115. For military construction or family housing projects that
are being completed with funds otherwise expired or lapsed for
obligation, expired or lapsed funds may be used to pay the cost of
associated supervision, inspection, overhead, engineering and design on
those projects and on subsequent claims, if any.
Sec. 116. <<NOTE: Deadline. Contracts. Time period.>>
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any funds made available to
a military department or defense agency for the construction of military
projects may be obligated for a military construction project or
contract, or for any portion of such a project or contract, at any time
before the end of the fourth fiscal year after the fiscal year for which
funds for such project were made available, if the funds obligated for
such project: (1) are obligated from funds available for military
construction projects; and (2) do not exceed the amount appropriated for
such project, plus any amount by which the cost of such project is
increased pursuant to law.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 117. <<NOTE: Time periods. Notifications. Determination.>>
Subject to 30 days prior notification, or 14 days for a notification
provided in an electronic medium pursuant to sections 480 and 2883 of
title 10, United States Code, to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress, such
[[Page 139 STAT. 597]]
additional amounts as may be determined by the Secretary of Defense may
be transferred to: (1) the Department of Defense Family Housing
Improvement Fund from amounts appropriated for construction in ``Family
Housing'' accounts, to be merged with and to be available for the same
purposes and for the same period of time as amounts appropriated
directly to the Fund; or (2) the Department of Defense Military
Unaccompanied Housing Improvement Fund from amounts appropriated for
construction of military unaccompanied housing in ``Military
Construction'' accounts, to be merged with and to be available for the
same purposes and for the same period of time as amounts appropriated
directly to the Fund: Provided, That appropriations made available to
the Funds shall be available to cover the costs, as defined in section
502(5) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, of direct loans or loan
guarantees issued by the Department of Defense pursuant to the
provisions of subchapter IV of chapter 169 of title 10, United States
Code, pertaining to alternative means of acquiring and improving
military family housing, military unaccompanied housing, and supporting
facilities.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 118. In addition to any other transfer authority available to
the Department of Defense, amounts may be transferred from the
Department of Defense Base Closure Account to the fund established by
section 1013(d) of the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan Development
Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 3374) to pay for expenses associated with the
Homeowners Assistance Program incurred under 42 U.S.C. 3374(a)(1)(A).
Any amounts transferred shall be merged with and be available for the
same purposes and for the same time period as the fund to which
transferred.
Sec. 119. <<NOTE: Time periods. 10 USC 2821 note.>>
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, funds made available in this
title for operation and maintenance of family housing shall be the
exclusive source of funds for repair and maintenance of all family
housing units, including general or flag officer quarters:
Provided, <<NOTE: Notifications.>> That not more than $35,000 per unit
may be spent annually for the maintenance and repair of any general or
flag officer quarters without 30 days prior notification, or 14 days for
a notification provided in an electronic medium pursuant to sections 480
and 2883 of title 10, United States Code, to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress, except that an after-the-fact
notification shall be submitted if the limitation is exceeded solely due
to costs associated with environmental remediation that could not be
reasonably anticipated at the time of the budget submission: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Reports. Time period.>> That the Under Secretary of
Defense (Comptroller) is to report annually to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress all operation and maintenance
expenditures for each individual general or flag officer quarters for
the prior fiscal year.
Sec. 120. Amounts contained in the Ford Island Improvement Account
established by subsection (h) of section 2814 of title 10, United States
Code, are appropriated and shall be available until expended for the
purposes specified in subsection (i)(1) of such section or until
transferred pursuant to subsection (i)(3) of such section.
[[Page 139 STAT. 598]]
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 121. <<NOTE: Time period. Determination.>> During the 5-year
period after appropriations available in this Act to the Department of
Defense for military construction and family housing operation and
maintenance and construction have expired for obligation, upon a
determination that such appropriations will not be necessary for the
liquidation of obligations or for making authorized adjustments to such
appropriations for obligations incurred during the period of
availability of such appropriations, unobligated balances of such
appropriations may be transferred into the appropriation ``Foreign
Currency Fluctuations, Construction, Defense'', to be merged with and to
be available for the same time period and for the same purposes as the
appropriation to which transferred.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 122. Amounts appropriated or otherwise made available in an
account funded under the headings in this title may be transferred among
projects and activities within the account in accordance with the
reprogramming guidelines for military construction and family housing
construction contained in Department of Defense Financial Management
Regulation 7000.14-R, Volume 3, Chapter 7, of April 2021, as in effect
on the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 123. None of the funds made available in this title may be
obligated or expended for planning and design and construction of
projects at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sec. 124. For an additional amount for the accounts and in the
amounts specified, to remain available until September 30, 2030:
``Military Construction, Army'', $144,000,000;
``Military Construction, Army National Guard'', $15,500,000;
``Military Construction, Air National Guard'', $11,000,000;
and
``Military Construction, Army Reserve'', $15,000,000:
Provided, That such funds may only be obligated to carry out
construction and cost to complete projects identified in the respective
military department's unfunded priority list for fiscal year 2025 or
2026 submitted to Congress: Provided further, That such projects are
subject to authorization prior to obligation and expenditure of funds to
carry out construction: Provided further, <<NOTE: Deadline. Expenditure
plan.>> That not later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of the military department concerned, or their designee, shall
submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an
expenditure plan for funds provided under this section.
Sec. 125. <<NOTE: Allotment. Contracts.>> All amounts appropriated
to the ``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Army'',
``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'',
``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Air Force'', and
``Department of Defense--Military Construction, Defense-Wide'' accounts
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in a National Defense
Authorization Act specified for fiscal year 2026 in the funding table in
section 4601 of that Act shall be immediately available and allotted to
contract for the full scope of authorized projects.
Sec. 126. <<NOTE: Time periods.>> Notwithstanding section 116 of
this Act, funds made available in this Act or any available unobligated
balances from
[[Page 139 STAT. 599]]
prior appropriations Acts may be obligated before October 1, 2027 for
fiscal year 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 military construction projects
for which project authorization has not lapsed or for which
authorization is extended for fiscal year 2026 by a National Defense
Authorization Act: Provided, That no amounts may be obligated pursuant
to this section from amounts that were designated by the Congress as an
emergency requirement pursuant to a concurrent resolution on the budget
or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Sec. 127. <<NOTE: Definition.>> For the purposes of this Act, the
term ``congressional defense committees'' means the Committees on Armed
Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the
Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs of the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Subcommittee on
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs of the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
Sec. 128. For an additional amount for the accounts and in the
amounts specified for design for child development centers, to remain
available until September 30, 2030:
``Military Construction, Army'', $5,000,000;
``Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'',
$5,000,000; and
``Military Construction, Air Force'', $5,000,000:
Provided, <<NOTE: Deadline. Expenditure plan.>> That not later than
60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the
military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure
plan for funds provided under this section.
Sec. 129. For an additional amount for the accounts and in the
amounts specified for design for barracks, to remain available until
September 30, 2030:
``Military Construction, Army'', $5,000,000;
``Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'',
$5,000,000; and
``Military Construction, Air Force'', $5,000,000:
Provided, <<NOTE: Deadline. Expenditure plan.>> That not later than
60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the
military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure
plan for funds provided under this section.
Sec. 130. For an additional amount for the accounts and in the
amounts specified for unspecified minor construction for demolition, to
remain available until September 30, 2030:
``Military Construction, Army'', $10,000,000;
``Military Construction, Navy and Marine Corps'',
$25,000,000; and
``Military Construction, Air Force'', $10,000,000:
Provided, <<NOTE: Deadline. Expenditure plan.>> That not later than
60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the
military department concerned, or their designee, shall submit to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an expenditure
plan for funds provided under this section.
Sec. 131. <<NOTE: Cuba.>> None of the funds made available by this
Act may be used to carry out the closure or realignment of the United
States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
[[Page 139 STAT. 600]]
Sec. 132. <<NOTE: Virginia. Cemeteries.>> Notwithstanding
limitations in this and prior Acts on the obligation or expenditure of
military construction appropriations for planning and design and
construction of projects at Arlington National Cemetery, unobligated
funds available to the Department of the Army for military construction
projects may be obligated for access road projects at Arlington National
Cemetery that have been authorized in accordance with section 210 of
title 23, United State Code.
TITLE II
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Veterans Benefits Administration
compensation and pensions
(including transfer of funds)
For the payment of compensation benefits to or on behalf of veterans
and a pilot program for disability examinations as authorized by section
107 and chapters 11, 13, 18, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United
States Code; pension benefits to or on behalf of veterans as authorized
by chapters 15, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code; and
burial benefits, the Reinstated Entitlement Program for Survivors,
emergency and other officers' retirement pay, adjusted-service credits
and certificates, payment of premiums due on commercial life insurance
policies guaranteed under the provisions of title IV of the
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 541 et seq.) and for
other benefits as authorized by sections 107, 1312, 1977, and 2106, and
chapters 23, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code,
$5,850,000,000, which shall be in addition to funds previously
appropriated under this heading that became available on October 1,
2025, to remain available until expended; and, in addition,
$246,630,525,000, which shall become available on October 1, 2026, to
remain available until expended: Provided, <<NOTE: Reimbursement.>>
That not to exceed $29,454,647 of the amount made available for fiscal
year 2027 under this heading shall be reimbursed to ``General Operating
Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'', and ``Information
Technology Systems'' for necessary expenses in implementing the
provisions of chapters 51, 53, and 55 of title 38, United States Code,
the funding source for which is specifically provided as the
``Compensation and Pensions'' appropriation: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Reimbursement.>> That such sums as may be earned on an
actual qualifying patient basis, shall be reimbursed to ``Medical Care
Collections Fund'' to augment the funding of individual medical
facilities for nursing home care provided to pensioners as authorized.
readjustment benefits
For the payment of readjustment and rehabilitation benefits to or on
behalf of veterans as authorized by chapters 21, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36,
39, 41, 51, 53, 55, and 61 of title 38, United States Code,
$4,877,886,000, which shall be in addition to funds previously
appropriated under this heading that became available on October 1,
2025, to remain available until expended; and, in addition,
$24,703,528,000, which shall become available on October
[[Page 139 STAT. 601]]
1, 2026, to remain available until expended: Provided, That expenses
for rehabilitation program services and assistance which the Secretary
is authorized to provide under subsection (a) of section 3104 of title
38, United States Code, other than under paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and
(11) of that subsection, shall be charged to this account.
veterans insurance and indemnities
For military and naval insurance, national service life insurance,
servicemen's indemnities, service-disabled veterans insurance, and
veterans mortgage life insurance as authorized by chapters 19 and 21 of
title 38, United States Code, $97,893,000, which shall become available
on October 1, 2026, to remain available until expended.
veterans housing benefit program fund
For the cost of direct and guaranteed loans, such sums as may be
necessary to carry out the program, as authorized by subchapters I
through III of chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code: Provided,
That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as
defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974:
Provided further, That, during fiscal year 2026, within the resources
available, not to exceed $500,000 in gross obligations for direct loans
are authorized for specially adapted housing loans.
In addition, for administrative expenses to carry out the direct and
guaranteed loan programs, $266,736,842.
vocational rehabilitation loans program account
For the cost of direct loans, $45,428, as authorized by chapter 31
of title 38, United States Code: Provided, That such costs, including
the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as defined in section 502 of
the Congressional Budget Act of 1974: Provided further, That funds made
available under this heading are available to subsidize gross
obligations for the principal amount of direct loans not to exceed
$1,394,442.
In addition, for administrative expenses necessary to carry out the
direct loan program, $507,254, which may be paid to the appropriation
for ``General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration''.
native american veteran housing loan program account
For the cost of direct loans, $6,865,235, as authorized by
subchapter V of chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code: Provided,
That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as
defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974:
Provided further, That funds made available under this heading are
available to subsidize gross obligations for the principal amount of
direct loans not to exceed $75,000,000.
In addition, for administrative expenses to carry out the direct
loan program authorized by subchapter V of chapter 37 of title 38,
United States Code, $5,845,241.
[[Page 139 STAT. 602]]
general operating expenses, veterans benefits administration
For necessary operating expenses of the Veterans Benefits
Administration, not otherwise provided for, including hire of passenger
motor vehicles, reimbursement of the General Services Administration for
security guard services, and reimbursement of the Department of Defense
for the cost of overseas employee mail, $3,881,000,000:
Provided, <<NOTE: Determination.>> That expenses for services and
assistance authorized under paragraphs (1), (2), (5), and (11) of
section 3104(a) of title 38, United States Code, that the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs determines are necessary to enable entitled veterans:
(1) to the maximum extent feasible, to become employable and to obtain
and maintain suitable employment; or (2) to achieve maximum independence
in daily living, shall be charged to this account: Provided further,
That, of the funds made available under this heading, not to exceed 10
percent shall remain available until September 30, 2027.
Veterans Health Administration
medical services
For necessary expenses for furnishing, as authorized by law,
inpatient and outpatient care and treatment to beneficiaries of the
Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans described in section 1705(a)
of title 38, United States Code, including care and treatment in
facilities not under the jurisdiction of the Department, and including
medical supplies and equipment, bioengineering services, food services,
and salaries and expenses of healthcare employees hired under title 38,
United States Code, assistance and support services for caregivers as
authorized by section 1720G of title 38, United States Code, loan
repayments authorized by section 604 of the Caregivers and Veterans
Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-163; 124 Stat. 1174;
38 U.S.C. 7681 note), monthly assistance allowances authorized by
section 322(d) of title 38, United States Code, grants authorized by
section 521A of title 38, United States Code, and administrative
expenses necessary to carry out sections 322(d) and 521A of title 38,
United States Code, and hospital care and medical services authorized by
section 1787 of title 38, United States Code; $59,858,000,000, plus
reimbursements, which shall become available on October 1, 2026, and
shall remain available until September 30, 2027: Provided, That, of the
amount made available on October 1, 2026, under this heading,
$2,000,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2028:
Provided further, <<NOTE: Rescission.>> That of the $75,039,000,000
that became available on October 1, 2025, previously appropriated under
this heading in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025
(division A of Public Law 119-4), $15,889,000,000 is hereby rescinded:
Provided further, That, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a priority for the
provision of medical treatment for veterans who have service-connected
disabilities, lower income, or have special needs: Provided further,
That, notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall give priority funding for the provision of basic
medical benefits to veterans in enrollment priority groups 1 through 6:
Provided further, <<NOTE: Drugs and drug abuse.>> That, notwithstanding
any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
[[Page 139 STAT. 603]]
authorize the dispensing of prescription drugs from Veterans Health
Administration facilities to enrolled veterans with privately written
prescriptions based on requirements established by the Secretary:
Provided further, That the implementation of the program described in
the previous proviso shall incur no additional cost to the Department of
Veterans Affairs: Provided further, That the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall ensure that sufficient amounts appropriated under this
heading for medical supplies and equipment are available for the
acquisition of prosthetics designed specifically for female veterans:
Provided further, That nothing in section 2044(e) of title 38, United
States Code, may be construed as limiting amounts that may be made
available under this heading for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 in this or
prior Acts.
medical community care
For necessary expenses for furnishing health care to individuals
pursuant to chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, at non-
Department facilities, $38,700,000,000, plus reimbursements, which shall
become available on October 1, 2026, and shall remain available until
September 30, 2027: Provided, That, of the amount made available on
October 1, 2026, under this heading, $2,000,000,000 shall remain
available until September 30, 2028.
medical support and compliance
For necessary expenses in the administration of the medical,
hospital, nursing home, domiciliary, construction, supply, and research
activities, as authorized by law; administrative expenses in support of
capital policy activities; and administrative and legal expenses of the
Department for collecting and recovering amounts owed the Department as
authorized under chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, and the
Federal Medical Care Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. 2651 et seq.),
$12,000,000,000, plus reimbursements, which shall become available on
October 1, 2026, and shall remain available until September 30, 2027:
Provided, That, of the amount made available on October 1, 2026, under
this heading, $350,000,000 shall remain available until September 30,
2028: Provided further, That, of the $12,700,000,000 that became
available on October 1, 2025, previously appropriated under this heading
in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025 (division A of
Public Law 119-4), $610,000,000 is hereby rescinded.
medical facilities
For necessary expenses for the maintenance and operation of
hospitals, nursing homes, domiciliary facilities, and other necessary
facilities of the Veterans Health Administration; for administrative
expenses in support of planning, design, project management, real
property acquisition and disposition, construction, and renovation of
any facility under the jurisdiction or for the use of the Department;
for oversight, engineering, and architectural activities not charged to
project costs; for repairing, altering, improving, or providing
facilities in the several hospitals and homes under the jurisdiction of
the Department, not otherwise provided for, either by contract or by the
hire of temporary employees and purchase of materials; for leases of
facilities; and for laundry services;
[[Page 139 STAT. 604]]
$145,917,000, which shall be in addition to funds previously
appropriated under this heading that became available on October 1,
2025; and, in addition, $11,700,000,000, plus reimbursements, which
shall become available on October 1, 2026, and shall remain available
until September 30, 2027: Provided, That, of the amount made available
on October 1, 2026, under this heading, $500,000,000 shall remain
available until September 30, 2028.
medical and prosthetic research
For necessary expenses in carrying out programs of medical and
prosthetic research and development as authorized by chapter 73 of title
38, United States Code, $945,000,000, plus reimbursements, shall remain
available until September 30, 2027: Provided, That the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall ensure that sufficient amounts appropriated under
this heading are available for prosthetic research specifically for
female veterans, and for toxic exposure research.
National Cemetery Administration
For necessary expenses of the National Cemetery Administration for
operations and maintenance, not otherwise provided for, including
uniforms or allowances therefor; cemeterial expenses as authorized by
law; purchase of one passenger motor vehicle for use in cemeterial
operations; hire of passenger motor vehicles; and repair, alteration or
improvement of facilities under the jurisdiction of the National
Cemetery Administration, $498,500,000, of which not to exceed 10 percent
shall remain available until September 30, 2027.
Departmental Administration
general administration
(including transfer of funds)
For necessary operating expenses of the Department of Veterans
Affairs, not otherwise provided for, including administrative expenses
in support of Department-wide capital planning, management and policy
activities, uniforms, or allowances therefor; not to exceed $25,000 for
official reception and representation expenses; hire of passenger motor
vehicles; and reimbursement of the General Services Administration for
security guard services, $429,000,000, which shall be for the offices
and in the amounts specified under this heading in the explanatory
statement described in section 4 (in the matter preceding division A of
this consolidated Act), of which not to exceed 10 percent for each such
office shall remain available until September 30, 2027: Provided, That
funds provided under this heading may be transferred to ``General
Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration''.
board of veterans appeals
For necessary operating expenses of the Board of Veterans Appeals,
$280,000,000, of which not to exceed 10 percent shall remain available
until September 30, 2027.
[[Page 139 STAT. 605]]
information technology systems
(including transfer of funds)
For necessary expenses for information technology systems and
telecommunications support, including developmental information systems
and operational information systems; for pay and associated costs; and
for the capital asset acquisition of information technology systems,
including management and related contractual costs of said acquisitions,
including contractual costs associated with operations authorized by
section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, $5,919,000,000, plus
reimbursements: Provided, That $1,422,916,000 shall be for pay and
associated costs, of which not to exceed 3 percent shall remain
available until September 30, 2027: Provided further, That
$3,917,921,000 shall be for operations and maintenance, of which not to
exceed 5 percent shall remain available until September 30, 2027, and of
which $118,900,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2030, for
the purpose of facility activations related to projects funded by the
``Construction, Major Projects'', ``Construction, Minor Projects'',
``Medical Facilities'', ``National Cemetery Administration'', ``General
Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'', and ``General
Administration'' accounts: Provided further, That $578,163,000 shall be
for information technology systems development, and shall remain
available until September 30, 2027: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Approval.>> That amounts made available for salaries
and expenses, operations and maintenance, and information technology
systems development may be transferred among the three subaccounts after
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs requests from the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the
transfer and an approval is issued: Provided further, That amounts made
available for the ``Information Technology Systems'' account for
development may be transferred among projects or to newly defined
projects: Provided further, <<NOTE: Time period. Approval.>> That no
project may be increased or decreased by more than $3,000,000 of cost
prior to submitting a request to the Committees on Appropriations of
both Houses of Congress to make the transfer and an approval is issued,
or absent a response, a period of 30 days has elapsed.
veterans electronic health record
For activities related to implementation, preparation, development,
interface, management, rollout, and maintenance of a Veterans Electronic
Health Record system, including contractual costs associated with
operations authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code,
and salaries and expenses of employees hired under titles 5 and 38,
United States Code, $3,400,000,000, to remain available until September
30, 2028: Provided, <<NOTE: Time period. Reports. Updates.>> That the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress quarterly reports detailing
obligations, expenditures, and deployment implementation by facility,
including any changes from the deployment plan or schedule: Provided
further, That the funds provided in this account shall only be available
to the Office of the Deputy Secretary, to be administered by that
Office: Provided further, <<NOTE: Effective date. Plan. Deadline.>>
That 30 percent of the funds made available under this heading shall not
be available until July 1, 2026, and are contingent upon the Secretary
of Veterans
[[Page 139 STAT. 606]]
Affairs providing to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress a plan by June 1, 2026, containing the following:
(1) <<NOTE: Updates. Cost estimate.>> an updated life-cycle
cost estimate for the EHRM program based on the Department's
acceleration of deployments announced in March 2025;
(2) <<NOTE: Updates. Deployment schedule.>> an updated
facility-by-facility deployment schedule for all facilities to
receive the EHRM program;
(3) <<NOTE: Certification. Deadline.>> a certification that
all VA facilities using the new EHR on or before April 1, 2024,
have exceeded or met certain health care performance baseline
metrics indicating they have returned to their service delivery
levels in place prior to the deployment of the new EHR;
(4) <<NOTE: Contracts. Time periods.>> a description of the
projected Federal VA staffing levels, contract support, and
other relevant activities required, and the resources required
to fund those activities, to meet the deployment goal as
outlined in (2), including target Federal and contracted
staffing levels at VA Central Office and, each local VA medical
center with a slated deployment in 2026 and 2027, as well as
contract support to provide technical and other change
management support to carry out the deployments; and
(5) <<NOTE: Certification.>> a certification that the
Department has achieved at least four consecutive successful
site deployments without any incidents of a delay in care or
patient harm which must be disclosed under Veterans Health
Administration Directive 1004.08 which are attributable to EHR
systems.
office of inspector general
For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General, to
include information technology, in carrying out the provisions of the
Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), $296,000,000, of
which not to exceed 10 percent shall remain available until September
30, 2027.
construction, major projects
For constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the
facilities, including parking projects, under the jurisdiction or for
the use of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or for any of the
purposes set forth in sections 316, 2404, 2406 and chapter 81 of title
38, United States Code, not otherwise provided for, including planning,
architectural and engineering services, construction management
services, maintenance or guarantee period services costs associated with
equipment guarantees provided under the project, services of claims
analysts, offsite utility and storm drainage system construction costs,
and site acquisition, where the estimated cost of a project is more than
the amount set forth in section 8104(a)(3)(A) of title 38, United States
Code, or where funds for a project were made available in a previous
major project appropriation, $1,394,000,000, of which $621,615,000 shall
remain available until September 30, 2030, and of which $772,385,000
shall remain available until expended:
Provided, <<NOTE: Notification. Approval.>> That except for advance
planning activities, including needs assessments which may or may not
lead to capital investments, and other capital asset management related
activities, including portfolio development and management activities,
and planning, cost estimating, and design for major medical facility
projects and major
[[Page 139 STAT. 607]]
medical facility leases and investment strategy studies funded through
the advance planning fund and the planning and design activities funded
through the design fund, staffing expenses, and funds provided for the
purchase, security, and maintenance of land for the National Cemetery
Administration and the Veterans Health Administration through the land
acquisition line item, none of the funds made available under this
heading shall be used for any project that has not been notified to
Congress through the budgetary process or that has not been approved by
the Congress through statute, joint resolution, or in the explanatory
statement accompanying such Act and presented to the President at the
time of enrollment: Provided further, <<NOTE: Time period. Deployment
plan.>> That funds provided for the Veterans Health Administration
through the land acquisition line item shall be only for projects
included on the five year development plan notified to Congress through
the budgetary process: Provided further, <<NOTE: Reimbursement.>> That
such sums as may be necessary shall be available to reimburse the
``General Administration'' account for payment of salaries and expenses
of all Office of Construction and Facilities Management employees to
support the full range of capital infrastructure services provided,
including minor construction and leasing services: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Contracts. Deadline.>> That funds made available under
this heading for fiscal year 2026, for each approved project shall be
obligated: (1) by the awarding of a construction documents contract by
September 30, 2026; and (2) by the awarding of a construction contract
by September 30, 2027: Provided further, <<NOTE: Reports.>> That the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall promptly submit to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a written report on any
approved major construction project for which obligations are not
incurred within the time limitations established above: Provided
further, That notwithstanding the requirements of section 8104(a) of
title 38, United States Code, amounts made available under this heading
for seismic program management activities shall be available for the
completion of both new and existing seismic projects of the Department.
construction, minor projects
For constructing, altering, extending, and improving any of the
facilities, including parking projects, under the jurisdiction or for
the use of the Department of Veterans Affairs, including planning and
assessments of needs which may lead to capital investments,
architectural and engineering services, maintenance or guarantee period
services costs associated with equipment guarantees provided under the
project, services of claims analysts, offsite utility and storm drainage
system construction costs, and site acquisition, or for any of the
purposes set forth in sections 316, 2404, 2406 and chapter 81 of title
38, United States Code, not otherwise provided for, where the estimated
cost of a project is equal to or less than the amount set forth in
section 8104(a)(3)(A) of title 38, United States Code, $350,000,000, of
which $231,000,000 shall remain available until September 30, 2030, and
of which $119,000,000 shall remain available until expended, along with
unobligated balances of previous ``Construction, Minor Projects''
appropriations which are hereby made available for any project where the
estimated cost is equal to or less than the amount set forth in such
section: Provided, That funds made available under this heading shall
be for: (1) repairs to any of the nonmedical
[[Page 139 STAT. 608]]
facilities under the jurisdiction or for the use of the Department which
are necessary because of loss or damage caused by any natural disaster
or catastrophe; and (2) temporary measures necessary to prevent or to
minimize further loss by such causes.
grants for construction of state extended care facilities
For grants to assist States to acquire or construct State nursing
home and domiciliary facilities and to remodel, modify, or alter
existing hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary facilities in State
homes, for furnishing care to veterans as authorized by sections 8131
through 8137 of title 38, United States Code, $275,000,000, to remain
available until expended.
grants for construction of veterans cemeteries
For grants to assist States and tribal organizations in
establishing, expanding, or improving veterans cemeteries as authorized
by section 2408 of title 38, United States Code, $150,000,000, to remain
available until expended.
Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund
For investment in the delivery of veterans' health care associated
with exposure to environmental hazards, the expenses incident to the
delivery of veterans' health care and benefits associated with exposure
to environmental hazards, and medical and other research relating to
exposure to environmental hazards, as authorized by section 324 of title
38, United States Code, and in addition to the amounts otherwise
available for such purposes in the appropriations provided in this or
prior Acts, including the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (Public Law
118-5), $52,676,000,000, to remain available until expended.
Administrative Provisions
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 201. Any appropriation for fiscal year 2026 for ``Compensation
and Pensions'', ``Readjustment Benefits'', and ``Veterans Insurance and
Indemnities'' may be transferred as necessary to any other of the
mentioned appropriations: Provided, <<NOTE: Approval. Time period.>>
That, before a transfer may take place, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall request from the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress the authority to make the transfer and such
Committees issue an approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days
has elapsed.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 202. Not to exceed 1 percent of amounts made available for the
Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2026, in this or any
other Act, including prior Acts, under the ``Medical Services'',
``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', and
``Medical Facilities'' accounts may be transferred among the accounts:
Provided, That no such account shall be increased by more than 1
percent, in this or any other Act, by
[[Page 139 STAT. 609]]
any such transfer: Provided further, <<NOTE: Notification.>> That
amounts may be transferred pursuant to this section only upon written
notification from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress of the amount and purpose of
the transfer: Provided further, That the transfer authority provided in
this section is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by
law.
Sec. 203. Appropriations available in this title for salaries and
expenses shall be available for services authorized by section 3109 of
title 5, United States Code; hire of passenger motor vehicles; lease of
a facility or land or both; and uniforms or allowances therefore, as
authorized by sections 5901 through 5902 of title 5, United States Code.
Sec. 204. No appropriations in this title (except the
appropriations for ``Construction, Major Projects'' and ``Construction,
Minor Projects'') shall be available for the purchase of any site for or
toward the construction of any new hospital or home.
Sec. 205. <<NOTE: Reimbursement.>> No appropriations in this title
shall be available for hospitalization or examination of any persons
(except beneficiaries entitled to such hospitalization or examination
under the laws providing such benefits to veterans, and persons
receiving such treatment under sections 7901 through 7904 of title 5,
United States Code, or the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.)), unless reimbursement
of the cost of such hospitalization or examination is made to the
``Medical Services'' account at such rates as may be fixed by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 206. <<NOTE: Time period.>> Appropriations available in this
title for ``Compensation and Pensions'', ``Readjustment Benefits'', and
``Veterans Insurance and Indemnities'' shall be available for payment of
prior year accrued obligations required to be recorded by law against
the corresponding prior year accounts within the last quarter of fiscal
year 2025.
Sec. 207. <<NOTE: Payments.>> Appropriations available in this
title shall be available to pay prior year obligations of corresponding
prior year appropriations accounts resulting from sections 3328(a),
3334, and 3712(a) of title 31, United States Code, except that if such
obligations are from trust fund accounts they shall be payable only from
``Compensation and Pensions''.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 208. <<NOTE: Reimbursements.>> Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, during fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall, from the National Service Life Insurance Fund under
section 1920 of title 38, United States Code, the Veterans' Special Life
Insurance Fund under section 1923 of title 38, United States Code, and
the United States Government Life Insurance Fund under section 1955 of
title 38, United States Code, reimburse the ``General Operating
Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'' and ``Information
Technology Systems'' accounts for the cost of administration of the
insurance programs financed through those accounts: Provided, That
reimbursement shall be made only from the surplus earnings accumulated
in such an insurance program during fiscal year 2026 that are available
for dividends in that program after claims have been paid and
actuarially determined reserves have been set aside: Provided further,
That if the cost of administration of such an
[[Page 139 STAT. 610]]
insurance program exceeds the amount of surplus earnings accumulated in
that program, reimbursement shall be made only to the extent of such
surplus earnings: Provided further, <<NOTE: Determination.>> That the
Secretary shall determine the cost of administration for fiscal year
2026 which is properly allocable to the provision of each such insurance
program and to the provision of any total disability income insurance
included in that insurance program.
Sec. 209. Amounts deducted from enhanced-use lease proceeds to
reimburse an account for expenses incurred by that account during a
prior fiscal year for providing enhanced-use lease services shall be
available until expended.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 210. Funds available in this title or funds for salaries and
other administrative expenses shall also be available to reimburse the
Office of Resolution Management, the Office of Employment Discrimination
Complaint Adjudication, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution function
within the Office of Human Resources and Administration for all services
provided at rates which will recover actual costs but not to exceed
$134,342,000 for the Office of Resolution Management, $7,607,000 for the
Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint Adjudication, and
$7,586,000 for the Alternative Dispute Resolution function within the
Office of Human Resources and Administration: Provided, <<NOTE: Cost
estimates.>> That payments may be made in advance for services to be
furnished based on estimated costs: Provided further, That amounts
received shall be credited to the ``General Administration'' and
``Information Technology Systems'' accounts for use by the office that
provided the service.
Sec. 211. <<NOTE: Disclosure. Reimbursement.>> No funds of the
Department of Veterans Affairs shall be available for hospital care,
nursing home care, or medical services provided to any person under
chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, for a non-service-connected
disability described in section 1729(a)(2) of such title, unless that
person has disclosed to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in such form
as the Secretary may require, current, accurate third-party
reimbursement information for purposes of section 1729 of such title:
Provided, That the Secretary may recover, in the same manner as any
other debt due the United States, the reasonable charges for such care
or services from any person who does not make such disclosure as
required: Provided further, That any amounts so recovered for care or
services provided in a prior fiscal year may be obligated by the
Secretary during the fiscal year in which amounts are received.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 212. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, proceeds or
revenues derived from enhanced-use leasing activities (including
disposal) may be deposited into the ``Construction, Major Projects'' and
``Construction, Minor Projects'' accounts and be used for construction
(including site acquisition and disposition), alterations, and
improvements of any medical facility under the jurisdiction or for the
use of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such sums as realized are in
addition to the amount provided for in ``Construction, Major Projects''
and ``Construction, Minor Projects''.
Sec. 213. Amounts made available under ``Medical Services'' are
available--
[[Page 139 STAT. 611]]
(1) for furnishing recreational facilities, supplies, and
equipment; and
(2) for funeral expenses, burial expenses, and other
expenses incidental to funerals and burials for beneficiaries
receiving care in the Department.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 214. Such sums as may be deposited into the Medical Care
Collections Fund pursuant to section 1729A of title 38, United States
Code, may be transferred to the ``Medical Services'' and ``Medical
Community Care'' accounts to remain available until expended for the
purposes of these accounts.
Sec. 215. <<NOTE: Contracts. Alaska. Native Americans.>> The
Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into agreements with Federally
Qualified Health Centers in the State of Alaska and Indian Tribes and
Tribal organizations which are party to the Alaska Native Health Compact
with the Indian Health Service, to provide healthcare, including
behavioral health and dental care, to veterans in rural
Alaska. <<NOTE: Compliance.>> The Secretary shall require participating
veterans and facilities to comply with all appropriate rules and
regulations, as established by the Secretary. <<NOTE: Definition.>> The
term ``rural Alaska'' shall mean those lands which are not within the
boundaries of the municipality of Anchorage or the Fairbanks North Star
Borough.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 216. Such sums as may be deposited into the Department of
Veterans Affairs Capital Asset Fund pursuant to section 8118 of title
38, United States Code, may be transferred to the ``Construction, Major
Projects'' and ``Construction, Minor Projects'' accounts, to remain
available until expended for the purposes of these accounts.
Sec. 217. <<NOTE: Reports.>> Not later than 30 days after the end
of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a report
on the financial status of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the
preceding quarter: Provided, That, at a minimum, the report shall
include the direction contained in the paragraph entitled ``Quarterly
reporting'', under the heading ``General Administration'' in the joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 114-223.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 218. Amounts made available under the ``Medical Services'',
``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'',
``Medical Facilities'', ``General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits
Administration'', ``Board of Veterans Appeals'', ``General
Administration'', and ``National Cemetery Administration'' accounts for
fiscal year 2026 may be transferred to or from the ``Information
Technology Systems'' account: Provided, That such transfers may not
result in a more than 10 percent aggregate increase in the total amount
made available by this Act for the ``Information Technology Systems''
account: Provided further, <<NOTE: Approval.>> That, before a transfer
may take place, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to
make the transfer and an approval is issued.
[[Page 139 STAT. 612]]
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 219. Of the amounts appropriated to the Department of Veterans
Affairs for fiscal year 2026 for ``Medical Services'', ``Medical
Community Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', ``Medical
Facilities'', ``Construction, Minor Projects'', and ``Information
Technology Systems'', up to $654,954,000, plus reimbursements, may be
transferred to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, established by section 1704
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public
Law 111-84; 123 Stat. 2571) and may be used for operation of the
facilities designated as combined Federal medical facilities as
described by section 706 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat.
4500): Provided, <<NOTE: Notification.>> That additional funds may be
transferred from accounts designated in this section to the Joint
Department of Defense--Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility
Demonstration Fund upon written notification by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress: Provided further, That <<NOTE: Repeal.>> section 220 of
title II of division A of Public Law 118-42, as continued by section
1101(a)(10) of division A of Public Law 119-4, <<NOTE: Ante, p. 12.>>
is repealed.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 220. Of the amounts appropriated to the Department of Veterans
Affairs which become available on October 1, 2026, for ``Medical
Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and
Compliance'', and ``Medical Facilities'', up to $739,918,000, plus
reimbursements, may be transferred to the Joint Department of Defense--
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund,
established by section 1704 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 123 Stat. 2571) and may be used
for operation of the facilities designated as combined Federal medical
facilities as described by section 706 of the Duncan Hunter National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122
Stat. 4500): Provided, <<NOTE: Notification.>> That additional funds
may be transferred from accounts designated in this section to the Joint
Department of Defense--Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility
Demonstration Fund upon written notification by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of
Congress.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 221. Such sums as may be deposited into the Medical Care
Collections Fund pursuant to section 1729A of title 38, United States
Code, for healthcare provided at facilities designated as combined
Federal medical facilities as described by section 706 of the Duncan
Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public
Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 4500) shall also be available: (1) for transfer
to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of Veterans Affairs
Medical Facility Demonstration Fund, established by section 1704 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-
84; 123 Stat. 2571); and (2) for operations of the facilities designated
as combined Federal medical facilities as described by section 706
[[Page 139 STAT. 613]]
of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2009 (Public Law 110-417; 122 Stat. 4500): Provided, That,
notwithstanding section 1704(b)(3) of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84; 123 Stat. 2573), amounts
transferred to the Joint Department of Defense--Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund shall remain available until
expended.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 222. Of the amounts available in this title for ``Medical
Services'', ``Medical Community Care'', ``Medical Support and
Compliance'', and ``Medical Facilities'', a minimum of $15,000,000 shall
be transferred to the DOD-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, as
authorized by section 8111(d) of title 38, United States Code, to remain
available until expended, for any purpose authorized by section 8111 of
title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 223. None of the funds available to the Department of Veterans
Affairs, in this or any other Act, may be used to replace the current
system by which the Veterans Integrated Service Networks select and
contract for diabetes monitoring supplies and equipment.
Sec. 224. <<NOTE: Notifications. Deadlines.>> The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall notify the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress of all bid savings in a major construction project
that total at least $5,000,000, or 5 percent of the programmed amount of
the project, whichever is less: Provided, That such notification shall
occur within 14 days of a contract identifying the programmed amount:
Provided further, That the Secretary shall notify the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 14 days prior to the
obligation of such bid savings and shall describe the anticipated use of
such savings.
Sec. 225. <<NOTE: Approval.>> None of the funds made available for
``Construction, Major Projects'' may be used for a project in excess of
the scope specified for that project in the original justification data
provided to the Congress as part of the request for appropriations
unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs receives approval from the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
Sec. 226. <<NOTE: Reports. Data.>> Not later than 30 days after
the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress a
quarterly report containing performance measures and data from each
Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office: Provided, That, at a
minimum, the report shall include the direction contained in the section
entitled ``Disability claims backlog'', under the heading ``General
Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'' in the joint
explanatory statement accompanying Public Law 114-223: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Time period.>> That the report shall also include
information on the number of appeals pending at the Veterans Benefits
Administration as well as the Board of Veterans Appeals on a quarterly
basis.
Sec. 227. <<NOTE: Notification. Deadline.>> The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall provide written notification to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress 15 days prior to
organizational changes which result in the transfer of 25 or more full-
time equivalents from one organizational unit of the Department of
Veterans Affairs to another.
[[Page 139 STAT. 614]]
Sec. 228. <<NOTE: Time period. Notification.>> The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall provide on a quarterly basis to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress notification of any single
national outreach and awareness marketing campaign in which obligations
exceed $1,000,000.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 229. <<NOTE: Determination.>> The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs, upon determination that such action is necessary to address
needs of the Veterans Health Administration, may transfer to the
``Medical Services'' account not to exceed 1 percent of any
discretionary appropriations made available for fiscal year 2026 in this
title (except the appropriation made to the ``General Operating
Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration'' account) or not to exceed 1
percent of any discretionary unobligated balances within the Department
of Veterans Affairs, including not to exceed 1 percent of those
appropriated for fiscal year 2026, that were provided in advance by
appropriations Acts: Provided, That the transfer authority provided in
this section is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by
law: Provided further, That no amounts may be transferred from amounts
that were designated by Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to
a concurrent resolution on the budget or the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985: Provided further, That such
authority to transfer may not be used unless for higher priority items,
based on emergent healthcare requirements, than those for which
originally appropriated and in no case where the item for which funds
are requested has been denied by Congress: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Determination.>> That, upon determination that all or
part of the funds transferred from an appropriation are not necessary,
such amounts may be transferred back to that appropriation and shall be
available for the same purposes as originally appropriated: Provided
further, <<NOTE: Notification.>> That before a transfer may take place
pursuant to this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must provide
written notification of the amount and purpose of the transfer to the
Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 230. Amounts made available for the Department of Veterans
Affairs for fiscal year 2026, under the ``Board of Veterans Appeals''
and the ``General Operating Expenses, Veterans Benefits Administration''
accounts may be transferred between such accounts:
Provided, <<NOTE: Approval.>> That before a transfer may take place,
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to make the
transfer and receive approval of that request.
Sec. 231. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not reprogram funds
among major construction projects or programs if such instance of
reprogramming will exceed a cumulative $7,000,000, unless such
reprogramming is approved by the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress.
Sec. 232. <<NOTE: Suicide hotline.>> (a) The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall ensure that the toll-free suicide hotline under section
1720F(h) of title 38, United States Code--
(1) provides to individuals who contact the hotline
immediate assistance from a trained professional; and
[[Page 139 STAT. 615]]
(2) adheres to all requirements of the American Association
of Suicidology.
(b)(1) None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to
enforce or otherwise carry out any Executive action that prohibits the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs from appointing an individual to occupy a
vacant civil service position, or establishing a new civil service
position, at the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to such a
position relating to the hotline specified in subsection (a).
(2) <<NOTE: Definitions.>> In this subsection--
(A) the term ``civil service'' has the meaning given such
term in section 2101(1) of title 5, United States Code; and
(B) the term ``Executive action'' includes--
(i) any Executive order, Presidential memorandum, or
other action by the President; and
(ii) any agency policy, order, or other directive.
(c)(1) <<NOTE: Study. Time period. Analysis. Data. Effective
date.>> The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a study on the
effectiveness of the hotline specified in subsection (a) during the 5-
year period beginning on January 1, 2016, based on an analysis of
national suicide data and data collected from such hotline.
(2) <<NOTE: Determinations.>> At a minimum, the study required by
paragraph (1) shall--
(A) determine the number of veterans who contact the hotline
specified in subsection (a) and who receive follow up services
from the hotline or mental health services from the Department
of Veterans Affairs thereafter;
(B) determine the number of veterans who contact the hotline
who are not referred to, or do not continue receiving, mental
health care who commit suicide; and
(C) determine the number of veterans described in
subparagraph (A) who commit or attempt suicide.
Sec. 233. <<NOTE: Effective date. Time period.>> Effective during
the period beginning on October 1, 2018, and ending on January 1, 2027,
none of the funds made available to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by
this or any other Act may be obligated or expended in contravention of
the ``Veterans Health Administration Clinical Preventive Services
Guidance Statement on the Veterans Health Administration's Screening for
Breast Cancer Guidance'' published on May 10, 2017, as issued by the
Veterans Health Administration National Center for Health Promotion and
Disease Prevention.
Sec. 234. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of
Veterans Affairs for the ``Medical Services'' account may be used to
provide--
(1) fertility counseling and treatment using assisted
reproductive technology to a covered veteran or the spouse of a
covered veteran; or
(2) adoption reimbursement to a covered veteran.
(b) <<NOTE: Definitions.>> In this section:
(1) The term ``service-connected'' has the meaning given
such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
(2) The term ``covered veteran'' means a veteran, as such
term is defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code,
who has a service-connected disability that results in the
inability of the veteran to procreate without the use of
fertility treatment.
(3) The term ``assisted reproductive technology'' means
benefits relating to reproductive assistance provided to a
[[Page 139 STAT. 616]]
member of the Armed Forces who incurs a serious injury or
illness on active duty pursuant to section 1074(c)(4)(A) of
title 10, United States Code, as described in the memorandum on
the subject of ``Policy for Assisted Reproductive Services for
the Benefit of Seriously or Severely Ill/Injured (Category II or
III) Active Duty Service Members'' issued by the Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs on April 3, 2012, and
the guidance issued to implement such policy, including any
limitations on the amount of such benefits available to such a
member except that--
(A) the time periods regarding embryo
cryopreservation and storage set forth in part III(G)
and in part IV(H) of such memorandum shall not apply;
and
(B) such term includes embryo cryopreservation and
storage without limitation on the duration of such
cryopreservation and storage.
(4) The term ``adoption reimbursement'' means reimbursement
for the adoption-related expenses for an adoption that is
finalized after the date of the enactment of this Act under the
same terms as apply under the adoption reimbursement program of
the Department of Defense, as authorized in Department of
Defense Instruction 1341.09, including the reimbursement limits
and requirements set forth in such instruction.
(c) Amounts made available for the purposes specified in subsection
(a) of this section are subject to the requirements for funds contained
in section 508 of division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2018 (Public Law 115-141).
Sec. 235. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made
available by this Act or any other Act for the Department of Veterans
Affairs may be used in a manner that is inconsistent with: (1) section
842 of the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the
Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2006 (Public Law 109-115; 119 Stat. 2506); or (2)
section 8110(a)(5) of title 38, United States Code.
Sec. 236. <<NOTE: Contracts.>> Section 842 of Public Law 109-115
shall not apply to conversion of an activity or function of the Veterans
Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, or National
Cemetery Administration to contractor performance by a business concern
that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more Indian Tribes as
defined in section 5304(e) of title 25, United States Code, or one or
more Native Hawaiian Organizations as defined in section 637(a)(15) of
title 15, United States Code.
Sec. 237. (a) <<NOTE: Discontinuation. Records. Deadline. 38 USC
note prec. 5701.>> The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation
with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Labor, shall
discontinue collecting and using Social Security account numbers to
authenticate individuals in all information systems of the Department of
Veterans Affairs for all individuals not later than September 30, 2026.
(b) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may collect and use a Social
Security account number to identify an individual, in accordance with
section 552a of title 5, United States Code, in an information system of
the Department of Veterans Affairs if and only if the use of such number
is necessary to:
(1) obtain or provide information the Secretary requires
from an information system that is not under the jurisdiction of
the Secretary;
[[Page 139 STAT. 617]]
(2) comply with a law, regulation, or court order;
(3) perform anti-fraud activities; or
(4) identify a specific individual where no adequate
substitute is available.
(c) The matter in subsections (a) and (b) shall supersede section
237 of division A of Public Law 118-42.
Sec. 238. <<NOTE: Time periods. Applicability.>> For funds
provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year
2026 and 2027 for ``Medical Services'', section 239 of division A of
Public Law 114-223 shall apply.
Sec. 239. None of the funds appropriated in this or prior
appropriations Acts or otherwise made available to the Department of
Veterans Affairs may be used to transfer any amounts from the Filipino
Veterans Equity Compensation Fund to any other account within the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sec. 240. <<NOTE: Time periods. Child care.>> Of the funds
provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year
2026 and fiscal year 2027 for ``Medical Services'', funds may be used in
each year to carry out and expand the child care program authorized by
section 205 of Public Law 111-163, notwithstanding subsection (e) of
such section.
Sec. 241. <<NOTE: Contracts. Claims.>> None of the funds
appropriated or otherwise made available in this title may be used by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement related to
resolving a dispute or claim with an individual that would restrict in
any way the individual from speaking to Members of Congress or their
staff on any topic not otherwise prohibited from disclosure by Federal
law or required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of
national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs.
Sec. 242. <<NOTE: Time periods. Applicability.>> For funds
provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year
2026 and 2027, section 258 of division A of Public Law 114-223 shall
apply.
Sec. 243. (a) <<NOTE: Records. Compliance.>> None of the funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to deny
an Inspector General funded under this Act timely access to any records,
documents, or other materials available to the department or agency over
which that Inspector General has responsibilities under the Inspector
General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), or to prevent or impede the
access of the Inspector General to such records, documents, or other
materials, under any provision of law, except a provision of law that
expressly refers to such Inspector General and expressly limits the
right of access.
(b) A department or agency covered by this section shall provide its
Inspector General access to all records, documents, and other materials
in a timely manner.
(c) Each Inspector General shall ensure compliance with statutory
limitations on disclosure relevant to the information provided by the
establishment over which that Inspector General has responsibilities
under the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 401 et seq.).
(d) <<NOTE: Reports.>> Each Inspector General covered by this
section shall report to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate
and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives
within 5 calendar days of any failure by any department or agency
covered by this section to comply with this requirement.
Sec. 244. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used
in a manner that would increase wait times for veterans who seek care at
medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
[[Page 139 STAT. 618]]
Sec. 245. <<NOTE: Time
periods. Notification. Proposal. Deadline. Approval.>> None of the
funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act to the
Veterans Health Administration may be used in fiscal year 2026 to
convert any program which received specific purpose funds in fiscal year
2025 to a general purpose funded program unless the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs submits written notification of any such proposal to
the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress at least 30
days prior to any such action and an approval is issued by the
Committees.
Sec. 246. <<NOTE: Time periods. Applicability.>> For funds
provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for each of fiscal year
2026 and 2027, section 248 of division A of Public Law 114-223 shall
apply.
Sec. 247. (a) <<NOTE: Research and development. Effective
date. Animals. Approval. Reports. 38 USC 303 note.>> None of the funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to
conduct research commencing on or after July 1, 2025, that uses any
canine, feline, or non-human primate unless the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs approves such research specifically and in writing pursuant to
subsection (b).
(b)(1) <<NOTE: Certification.>> The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
may approve the conduct of research commencing on or after July 1, 2025,
using canines, felines, or non-human primates if the Secretary certifies
that--
(A) the scientific objectives of the research can only be
met by using such canines, felines, or non-human primates and
cannot be met using other animal models, in vitro models,
computational models, human clinical studies, or other research
alternatives;
(B) such scientific objectives are necessary to advance
research benefiting veterans and are directly related to an
illness or injury that is combat-related as defined by 10 U.S.C.
1413(e);
(C) the research is consistent with the revised Department
of Veterans Affairs canine research policy document dated
December 15, 2017, including any subsequent revisions to such
document; and
(D) ethical considerations regarding minimizing the harm
experienced by canines, felines, or non-human primates are
included in evaluating the scientific necessity of the research.
(2) The Secretary may not delegate the authority under this
subsection.
(c) If the Secretary approves any new research pursuant to
subsection (b), not later than 30 days before the commencement of such
research, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations
of the Senate and House of Representatives a report describing--
(1) the nature of the research to be conducted using
canines, felines, or non-human primates;
(2) the date on which the Secretary approved the research;
(3) the USDA pain category on the approved use;
(4) the justification for the determination of the Secretary
that the scientific objectives of such research could only be
met using canines, felines, or non-human primates, and methods
used to make such determination;
(5) the frequency and duration of such research; and
(6) the protocols in place to ensure the necessity, safety,
and efficacy of the research, and animal welfare.
(d) Not later than December 31, 2025, and biannually thereafter, the
Secretary shall submit to such Committees a report describing--
[[Page 139 STAT. 619]]
(1) any research being conducted by the Department of
Veterans Affairs using canines, felines, or non-human primates
as of the date of the submittal of the report;
(2) the circumstances under which such research was
conducted using canines, felines, or non-human primates;
(3) the justification for using canines, felines, or non-
human primates to conduct such research;
(4) the protocols in place to ensure the necessity, safety,
and efficacy of such research; and
(5) the development and adoption of alternatives to canines,
felines, or non-human primate research.
(e) <<NOTE: Inspections.>> Not later than December 31, 2025, and
annually thereafter, the Department of Veterans Affairs must submit to
voluntary U.S. Department of Agriculture inspections of canine, feline,
and non-human primate research facilities.
(f) <<NOTE: Time period.>> Not later than December 31, 2025, and
annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to such Committees a
report describing--
(1) any violations of the Animal Welfare Act, the Public
Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory
Animals, or other Department of Veterans Affairs policies
related to oversight of animal research found during that
quarter in VA research facilities;
(2) immediate corrective actions taken; and
(3) specific actions taken to prevent their recurrence.
(g) <<NOTE: Implementation plan. Deadline.>> The Department shall
implement a plan under which the Secretary will eliminate the research
conducted using canines, felines, or non-human primates by not later
than September 20, 2026.
Sec. 248. (a) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may use amounts
appropriated or otherwise made available in this title to ensure that
the ratio of veterans to full-time employment equivalents within any
program of rehabilitation conducted under chapter 31 of title 38, United
States Code, does not exceed 125 veterans to one full-time employment
equivalent.
(b) <<NOTE: Reports.>> Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report on the programs of rehabilitation conducted under chapter 31 of
title 38, United States Code, including--
(1) an assessment of the veteran-to-staff ratio for each
such program; and
(2) recommendations for such action as the Secretary
considers necessary to reduce the veteran-to-staff ratio for
each such program.
Sec. 249. <<NOTE: Time periods.>> Amounts made available for the
``Veterans Health Administration, Medical Community Care'' account in
this or any other Act for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 may be used for
expenses that would otherwise be payable from the Veterans Choice Fund
established by section 802 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and
Accountability Act, as amended (38 U.S.C. 1701 note).
Sec. 250. <<NOTE: Time periods.>> Obligations and expenditures
applicable to the ``Medical Services'' account in fiscal years 2017
through 2019 for aid to state homes (as authorized by section 1741 of
title 38, United States Code) shall remain in the ``Medical Community
Care'' account for such fiscal years.
Sec. 251. Of the amounts made available for the Department of
Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2026, in this or any other Act, under
the ``Veterans Health Administration--Medical Services'',
[[Page 139 STAT. 620]]
``Veterans Health Administration--Medical Community Care'', ``Veterans
Health Administration--Medical Support and Compliance'', ``Veterans
Health Administration--Medical Facilities'', and ``Cost of War Toxic
Exposures Fund'' accounts, $1,429,181,000 shall be made available for
gender-specific care and programmatic efforts to deliver care for women
veterans; $698,000,000 shall be made available for suicide prevention
outreach programs; $3,500,000,000 shall be made available for the
Caregivers program; $42,000,000 shall be made available for the National
Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; $80,000,000 shall be made
available for the Neurology Centers of Excellence; $342,455,000 shall be
made available for rural health care; $3,459,121,000 shall be made
available for veterans' homelessness programs; $6,356,000,000 shall be
made available for telehealth for veterans; $709,573,000 shall be made
available for opioid prevention and treatment programs; and, $31,997,000
shall be made available for the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance
Program.
Sec. 252. Of the unobligated balances available in fiscal year 2026
in the ``Recurring Expenses Transformational Fund'' established in
section 243 of division J of Public Law 114-113, and in addition to any
funds otherwise made available for such purposes in this, prior, or
subsequent fiscal years, $900,000,000 shall be available for
constructing, altering, extending, and improving medical facilities of
the Veterans Health Administration, including all supporting activities
and required contingencies, during the period of availability of the
Fund: Provided, <<NOTE: Execution plan. Approval. Time period.>> That
prior to obligation of any of the funds provided in this section, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs must provide a plan for the execution of
the funds appropriated in this section to the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress and such Committees issue an
approval, or absent a response, a period of 30 days has elapsed.
(including transfer of funds)
Sec. 253. Of the $75,039,000,000 that became available on October
1, 2025, previously appropriated under the heading ``Veterans Health
Administration--Medical Services'' in the Full-Year Continuing
Appropriations Act, 2025 (division A of Public Law 119-4),
$2,030,000,000 shall be transferred to ``Veterans Health
Administration--Medical Facilities''.
Sec. 254. <<NOTE: Deadline. Expenditure plan. Reports. Time
period.>> Not later than 30 days after enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of both
Houses of Congress an expenditure plan for funds made available in this
Act and any available unobligated balances from prior Acts, including
the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-5), for the Cost
of War Toxic Exposures Fund: Provided, That the budget resource
categories supporting the Veterans Health Administration shall be
reported by the subcategories ``Medical Services'', ``Medical Community
Care'', ``Medical Support and Compliance'', and ``Medical and Prosthetic
Research'': Provided further, <<NOTE: Update.>> That not later than 30
days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Secretary shall submit a
quarterly report on the status of the funds, including, at a minimum, an
update on obligations by program, project or activity.
Sec. 255. <<NOTE: Time period. Determination.>> Any amounts
transferred to the Secretary and administered by a corporation referred
to in section 7364(b) of
[[Page 139 STAT. 621]]
title 38, United States Code, between October 1, 2017 and September 30,
2018 for purposes of carrying out an order placed with the Department of
Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 1535 of title 31, United States
Code, that are available for obligation pursuant to section 7364(b)(1)
of title 38, United States Code, are to remain available for the
liquidation of valid obligations incurred by such corporation during the
period of performance of such order, provided that the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs determines that such amounts need to remain available
for such liquidation.
Sec. 256.
<<NOTE: Closures. Assessment. Realignment. Reports. Analysis. Urban and
rural areas.>> None of the funds in this or any other Act may be used
to close Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, domiciliaries, or
clinics, conduct an environmental assessment, or to diminish healthcare
services at existing Veterans Health Administration medical facilities
as part of a planned realignment of services until the Secretary
provides to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress
a report including an analysis of how any such planned realignment of
services will impact access to care for veterans living in rural or
highly rural areas, including travel distances and transportation costs
to access a Department medical facility and availability of local
specialty and primary care.
Sec. 257. Unobligated balances available under the headings
``Construction, Major Projects'' and ``Construction, Minor Projects''
may be obligated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for a facility
pursuant to section 2(e)(1) of the Communities Helping Invest through
Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016 (Public Law
114-294; 38 U.S.C. 8103 note), as amended, to provide additional funds
or to fund an escalation clause under such section of such Act:
Provided, <<NOTE: Obligation request. Approval. Time period.>> That
before such unobligated balances are obligated pursuant to this section,
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall request from the Committees on
Appropriations of both Houses of Congress the authority to obligate such
unobligated balances and such Committees issue an approval, or absent a
response, a period of 30 days has elapsed: Provided further,
That <<NOTE: Notice.>> the request to obligate such unobligated
balances must provide Congress notice that the entity described in
section 2(a)(2) of Public Law 114-294, as amended, has exhausted
available cost containment approaches as set forth in the agreement
under section 2(c) of such Public Law.
Sec. 258. (a) <<NOTE: Contracts. Information
technology. Lists. China.>> None of the funds appropriated by this Act
or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of
Veterans Affairs may be obligated, awarded, or expended to procure or
purchase covered information technology equipment in cases where the
manufacturer, bidder, or offeror, or any subsidiary or parent entity of
the manufacturer, bidder, or offeror, of the equipment is an entity, or
parent company of an entity listed on any of the following:
(1) the Department of Defense's Chinese Military Company
List;
(2) the Department of the Treasury's Non-SDN Chinese
Military Industrial Complex Companies List;
(3) the Department of Commerce's Denied Persons List, Entity
List, or Military End User List, if the entity is--
(A) an agency or instrumentality of the People's
Republic of China;
(B) an entity headquartered in the People's Republic
of China; or
[[Page 139 STAT. 622]]
(C) directly or indirectly owned or controlled by an
agency, instrumentality, or entity described in
subparagraph (A) or (B); or
(4) the Department of Homeland Security's Uyghur Forced
Labor Prevention Act Entity List.
(b) Applicability to Third Parties.--The prohibition in subsection
(a) also applies in cases in which the Secretary has contracted with a
third party for the procurement, purchase, or expenditure of funds on
any of the equipment and software described in such subsection.
(c) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``covered
information technology equipment'' shall mean the following equipment
used in an office environment: computers, printers, or interoperable
videoconferencing equipment used in or by the Department of Veterans
Affairs directly. ``Covered information technology equipment'' shall not
refer to services that use such equipment, including cloud services.
Sec. 259. <<NOTE: Time period. Regulations.>> During the period
beginning on October 1, 2025 and ending on September 30, 2026, none of
the funds made available by this Act may be used to administer,
implement, or enforce the final rule issued by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs relating to ``Change in Rates VA Pays for Special Modes of
Transportation'' (88 Fed. Reg. 10032) and published on February 16,
2023.
Sec. 260. <<NOTE: Fees. Contracts. Determination.>> None of the
funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used
to pay award or incentive fees for contractors whose performance has
been judged to be below satisfactory, behind schedule, over budget, or
has failed to meet the basic requirements of a contract, unless the
Agency determines that any such deviations are due to unforeseeable
events, government-driven scope changes, or are not significant within
the overall scope of the project and/or program and unless such awards
or incentive fees are consistent with section 16.401(e)(2) of the
Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Sec. 261. The Department is directed to maintain staffing levels to
facilitate the Department's own goals, including that benefits claims
are adjudicated according to the 125 day goal, and that healthcare
appointments and service are provided in the timeframes required by
statute and regulation.
Sec. 262. <<NOTE: Time period. Briefings. Timeline. Cost
estimate.>> The Department is directed to provide quarterly briefings
to the Committees on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress on the
status of implementation of the provisions in Public Law 118-42 related
to veterans in the Freely Associated States (FAS) in a way that is
consistent with Congressional intent, including engagement with FAS
governments, a projected timeline for veterans in the FAS to receive
hospital care and medical services, and an estimate of the cost of
implementation.
Sec. 263. <<NOTE: Contracts. Notification. Contingency plans.>>
None of the amounts appropriated by this title may be obligated or
expended to cancel a contract with a value that exceeds $10,000,000
until the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has submitted to the Committees
on Appropriations of both Houses of Congress an advance notification and
written explanation of contingency plans to replace the relevant service
being cancelled, including any necessary change in the Department's
staffing levels.
Sec. 264. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used
to reduce the staffing, hours of operation, or services of the Veterans
Crisis Line or any other suicide prevention program of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
[[Page 139 STAT. 623]]
TITLE III
RELATED AGENCIES
American Battle Monuments Commission
salaries and expenses
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, of the American
Battle Monuments Commission, including the acquisition of land or
interest in land in foreign countries; purchases and repair of uniforms
for caretakers of national cemeteries and monuments outside of the
United States and its territories and possessions; rent of office and
garage space in foreign countries; purchase (one-for-one replacement
basis only) and hire of passenger motor vehicles; not to exceed $15,000
for official reception and representation expenses; and insurance of
official motor vehicles in foreign countries, when required by law of
such countries, $110,000,000, to remain available until expended.
foreign currency fluctuations account
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for, of the American
Battle Monuments Commission, such sums as may be necessary, to remain
available until expended, for purposes authorized by section 2109 of
title 36, United States Code.
United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
salaries and expenses
For necessary expenses for the operation of the United States Court
of Appeals for Veterans Claims as authorized by sections 7251 through
7298 of title 38, United States Code, $49,000,000, of which $3,000,000
shall be available until September 30, 2027: Provided, That $4,256,000
shall be available for the purpose of providing financial assistance as
described and in accordance with the process and reporting procedures
set forth under this heading in Public Law 102-229.
Department of Defense--Civil
Cemeterial Expenses, Army
salaries and expenses
For necessary expenses for maintenance, operation, and improvement
of Arlington National Cemetery and Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National
Cemetery, including the purchase or lease of passenger motor vehicles
for replacement on a one-for-one basis only, and not to exceed $2,000
for official reception and representation expenses, $118,780,450, of
which not to exceed $15,000,000 shall remain available until September
30, 2028. In addition, such sums as may be necessary for parking
maintenance, repairs and replacement, to be derived from the ``Lease of
Department of Defense Real Property for Defense Agencies'' account.
[[Page 139 STAT. 624]]
Armed Forces Retirement Home
trust fund
For expenses necessary for the Armed Forces Retirement Home to
operate and maintain the Armed Forces Retirement Home--Washington,
District of Columbia, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home--Gulfport,
Mississippi, to be paid from funds available in the Armed Forces
Retirement Home Trust Fund, $80,000,000, to remain available until
September 30, 2027, of which $2,072,000 shall remain available until
expended for construction and renovation of the physical plants at the
Armed Forces Retirement Home--Washington, District of Columbia, and the
Armed Forces Retirement Home--Gulfport, Mississippi: Provided, That of
the amounts made available under this heading from funds available in
the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund, $27,000,000 shall be paid
from the general fund of the Treasury to the Trust Fund.
Administrative Provision
Sec. 301. Amounts deposited into the special account established
under 10 U.S.C. 7727 are appropriated and shall be available until
expended to support activities at the Army National Military Cemeteries.
TITLE IV
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 401. No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall
remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year unless
expressly so provided herein.
Sec. 402. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used
for any program, project, or activity, when it is made known to the
Federal entity or official to which the funds are made available that
the program, project, or activity is not in compliance with any Federal
law relating to risk assessment, the protection of private property
rights, or unfunded mandates.
Sec. 403. All departments and agencies funded under this Act are
encouraged, within the limits of the existing statutory authorities and
funding, to expand their use of ``E-Commerce'' technologies and
procedures in the conduct of their business practices and public service
activities.
Sec. 404. <<NOTE: Reports. Notifications.>> Unless stated
otherwise, all reports and notifications required by this Act shall be
submitted to the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives and the Subcommittee on Military Construction
and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies of the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate.
Sec. 405. None of the funds made available in this Act may be
transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United
States Government except pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer
authority provided in, this or any other appropriations Act.
Sec. 406. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used
for a project or program named for an individual serving
[[Page 139 STAT. 625]]
as a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner of the United States
House of Representatives.
Sec. 407. (a) <<NOTE: Public information. Web
posting. Reports. Determination.>> Any agency receiving funds made
available in this Act, shall, subject to subsections (b) and (c), post
on the public Web site of that agency any report required to be
submitted by the Congress in this or any other Act, upon the
determination by the head of the agency that it shall serve the national
interest.
(b) Subsection (a) shall not apply to a report if--
(1) the public posting of the report compromises national
security; or
(2) the report contains confidential or proprietary
information.
(c) <<NOTE: Time period.>> The head of the agency posting such
report shall do so only after such report has been made available to the
requesting Committee or Committees of Congress for no less than 45 days.
Sec. 408. (a) <<NOTE: Pornography.>> None of the funds made
available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer
network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and
exchanging of pornography.
(b) Nothing in subsection (a) shall limit the use of funds necessary
for any Federal, State, tribal, or local law enforcement agency or any
other entity carrying out criminal investigations, prosecution, or
adjudication activities.
Sec. 409. <<NOTE: Travel pay.>> None of the funds made available
in this Act may be used by an agency of the executive branch to pay for
first-class travel by an employee of the agency in contravention of
sections 301-10.122 through 301-10.124 of title 41, Code of Federal
Regulations.
Sec. 410. <<NOTE: Contracts.>> None of the funds made available in
this Act may be used to execute a contract for goods or services,
including construction services, where the contractor has not complied
with Executive Order No. 12989.
Sec. 411. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used
in contravention of section 101(e)(8) of title 10, United States Code.
Sec. 412. (a) <<NOTE: Detainees. Cuba.>> In General.--None of the
funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of
Defense in this Act may be used to construct, renovate, or expand any
facility in the United States, its territories, or possessions to house
any individual detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, for the purposes of detention or imprisonment in the custody or
under the control of the Department of Defense.
(b) The prohibition in subsection (a) shall not apply to any
modification of facilities at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba.
(c) An individual described in this subsection is any individual
who, as of June 24, 2009, is located at United States Naval Station,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and who--
(1) is not a citizen of the United States or a member of the
Armed Forces of the United States; and
(2) is--
(A) in the custody or under the effective control of
the Department of Defense; or
(B) otherwise under detention at United States Naval
Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 413. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 5502
[[Page 139 STAT. 626]]
of title 38, United States Code, in any case arising out of the
administration by the Secretary of laws and benefits under such title,
to report a person who is deemed mentally incapacitated, mentally
incompetent, or to be experiencing an extended loss of consciousness as
a person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective under subsection
(d)(4) or (g)(4) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code, without
the order or finding of a judge, magistrate, or other judicial authority
of competent jurisdiction that such person is a danger to himself or
herself or others.
Sec. 414. <<NOTE: Lobbying.>> None of the funds appropriated by
this Act may be used in any way, directly or indirectly, to influence
congressional action on any legislation or appropriation matter pending
before Congress, other than to communicate to Members of Congress as
described in 18 U.S.C. 1913.
Sec. 415. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the
policies and requirements described in the transmittal sheet of the
Veterans Health Administration published on August 8, 2019, titled
``Smoke-Free Policy for Employees at VA Health Care Facilities (VHA
Directive 1085.01)'' remain in effect.
Sec. 416. (a) <<NOTE: Reports.>> Each department or agency funded
in this or any other appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026 shall, no
later than 60 days after enactment of this Act, report to the Committees
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate on
funds that are allotted and available for obligation as of the end of
the reporting period and on obligations as of the end of the reporting
period: Provided, That such report shall be delineated by: (1) program,
project, and activity level; (2) public law making such funds available;
and (3) period of availability: Provided further, That <<NOTE: Time
period.>> such reports shall be transmitted to the Committees monthly
thereafter, on the fifteenth of each such month, during the period of
availability of the relevant funds.
(b) <<NOTE: Definition.>> The term ``reporting period'' as used in
this section means the month that precedes the date on which the
department or agency transmits the report to the Committees.
This division may be cited as the ``Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026''.
DIVISION E--EXTENSION OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS
SEC. 5001. <<NOTE: Applicability.>> UNITED STATES GRAIN STANDARDS
ACT EXTENSION.
(a) Sections 7(j)(5), 7A(l)(4), and 21(e) of the United States Grain
Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79(j)(5), 79a(l)(4), 87j(e)) shall be applied by
substituting ``January 30, 2026'' for ``September 30, 2025'' each place
it appears.
(b) <<NOTE: 7 USC 79d note.>> Sections 7D and 19(a) of the United
States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79d, 87h(a)) shall be applied by
substituting ``2026'' for ``2025'' each place it appears.
SEC. 5002. EXTENSION OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS.
(a) <<NOTE: 7 USC 9001 note.>> Extension.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
section and the amendments made by this section, notwithstanding
any other provision of law, the authorities (including any
limitations on such authorities) provided by each provision of
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334;
[[Page 139 STAT. 627]]
132 Stat. 4490) and each provision of law amended by that Act
(and for mandatory programs at such funding levels) as in effect
(including pursuant to section 4101 of division D of the
American Relief Act, 2025 (Public Law 118-158; 138 Stat. 1767))
on September 30, 2025, shall continue and be carried out until
the date specified in paragraph (2).
(2) Date specified.--With respect to an authority described
in paragraph (1), the date specified in this paragraph is the
later of--
(A) September 30, 2026;
(B) the date specified with respect to such
authority in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-334; 132 Stat. 4490) or a provision of
law amended by that Act (Public Law 115-334; 132 Stat.
4490), including any amendments made to such provisions
by--
(i) titles I and V of Public Law 119-21 (139
Stat. 80, 137);
(ii) the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor
Recreation Experiences Act (Public Law 118-234;
138 Stat. 2836); and
(iii) any other provisions of law enacted
after the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-334; 132 Stat. 4490); and
(C) the date in effect with respect to such
authority pursuant to section 4101 of division D of the
American Relief Act, 2025 (Public Law 118-158; 138 Stat.
1767)).
(b) Discretionary Programs.--Programs carried out using the
authorities described in subsection (a)(1) that are funded by
discretionary appropriations (as defined in section 250(c) of the
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C.
900(c))) shall be subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) Commodity Programs.--
(1) Dairy forward pricing program.--Section 1502(e)(2) of
the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
8772(e)(2)) is amended by striking ``2028'' and inserting
``2029''.
(2) <<NOTE: 7 USC 9092 note.>> Suspension of permanent
price support authorities.--The provisions of law specified in--
(A) subsections (a) and (b) of section 1602 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9092)--
(i) shall not be applicable to the 2026 crops
of covered commodities (as defined in section 1111
of that Act (7 U.S.C. 9011)), cotton, and sugar;
and
(ii) shall not be applicable to milk through
December 31, 2026; and
(B) section 1602(c) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 9092(c))
shall not be applicable to the crops of wheat planted
for harvest in calendar year 2026.
(d) Other Programs.--
(1) Trade.--Section 302(h)(2) of the Bill Emerson
Humanitarian Trust Act (7 U.S.C. 1736f-1(h)(2)) is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30,
2026''.
(2) Grazinglands research laboratory.--Section 7502 of the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246;
122 Stat. 2019; 132 Stat. 4817; 138 Stat. 1769) is amended by
striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2026''.
(3) Energy.--Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8110(b)) is amended
[[Page 139 STAT. 628]]
in paragraphs (1)(A) and (2)(A) by striking ``2025'' each place
it appears and inserting ``2026''.
(e) <<NOTE: 7 USC 9001 note.>> Exceptions.--
(1) Commodities.--Subsection (a) does not apply with respect
to mandatory funding under section 1614(c)(4) of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9097(c)(4)).
(2) Conservation.--
(A) Mandatory funding.--Subsection (a) does not
apply with respect to mandatory funding under the
following provisions of law:
(i) Section 1240O(b)(3) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839bb-2(b)(3)).
(ii) Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section
1241(a)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16
U.S.C. 3841(a)(1)) for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
(B) Limitations.--Subsection (a) does not apply with
respect to limitations under the following provisions of
law:
(i) Section 1240G of the Food Security Act of
1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-7).
(ii) Section 1240L(f) of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-24(f)).
(3) Rural development.--Subsection (a) does not apply with
respect to mandatory funding under section 313B(e)(2) of the
Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940c-2(e)(2)).
(4) Research.--Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to
mandatory funding under the following provisions of law:
(A) Section 1446(b)(1) of the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7
U.S.C. 3222a(b)(1)).
(B) Section 7601(g)(1)(A) of the Agricultural Act of
2014 (7 U.S.C. 5939(g)(1)(A)).
(5) Energy.--Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to
mandatory funding under the following provisions of law:
(A) Section 9002(k)(1) of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8102(k)(1)).
(B) Section 9003(g)(1)(A) of the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8103(g)(1)(A)).
(6) Horticulture.--Subsection (a) does not apply with
respect to mandatory funding under the following provisions of
law:
(A) Section 2123(c)(4) of the Organic Foods
Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6522(c)(4)).
(B) Section 10109(c)(1) of the Agriculture
Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-334).
(7) Miscellaneous.--Subsection (a) does not apply with
respect to mandatory funding under section 209(c) of the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1627a(c)).
(f) Reports.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), any requirement
under a provision of law described in paragraph (1) of
subsection (a) to submit a report on a recurring basis, and the
final report under which was required to be submitted during
fiscal year 2025, shall continue, and the requirement shall be
carried out, on the same recurring basis, until the later of the
dates specified in paragraph (2) of that subsection.
[[Page 139 STAT. 629]]
(2) Appropriations required.--If discretionary
appropriations (as defined in section 250(c) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C.
900(c))) are required to carry out a reporting requirement
described in paragraph (1), the application of that paragraph to
that reporting requirement shall be subject to the availability
of appropriations.
(g) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made by this
section shall be applied and administered as if this section and those
amendments had been enacted on September 30, 2025.
DIVISION F-- <<NOTE: Time periods.>> HEALTH EXTENDERS
TITLE I--PUBLIC HEALTH EXTENDERS
SEC. 6101. EXTENSION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS, NATIONAL HEALTH
SERVICE CORPS, AND TEACHING HEALTH
CENTERS THAT OPERATE GME PROGRAMS.
(a) Extension for Community Health Centers.--Section 10503(b)(1) of
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 254b-2(b)(1))
is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(K) $1,423,890,411 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2025, and ending on January 30, 2026; and''.
(b) Extension for the National Health Service Corps.--Section
10503(b)(2) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C.
254b-2(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (K), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(L) $115,315,068 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2025, and ending on January 30, 2026.''.
(c) Teaching Health Centers That Operate Graduate Medical Education
Programs.--Section 340H(g)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 256h(g)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) $58,493,151 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2025, and ending on January 30, 2026.''.
(d) Application of Provisions.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
amendments made by this section shall be subject to the requirements
contained in Public Law 117-328 for funds for programs authorized under
sections 330 through 340 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
254b et seq.).
(e) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3014(h)(4) of title 18, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``and section 2101(d) of division B
of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025''
and inserting ``section 2101(d) of division B of the Full-Year
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, and section 6101(d)
of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch,
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026''.
[[Page 139 STAT. 630]]
SEC. 6102. EXTENSION OF SPECIAL DIABETES PROGRAMS.
(a) Extension of Special Diabetes Programs for Type I Diabetes.--
Section 330B(b)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c-
2(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) $53,145,205 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2025, and ending on January 30, 2026, to
remain available until expended.''.
(b) Extending Funding for Special Diabetes Programs for Indians.--
Section 330C(c)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c-
3(c)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) $53,145,205 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2025, and ending on January 30, 2026, to
remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 6103. NATIONAL HEALTH SECURITY EXTENSIONS.
(a) Section 319(e)(8) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
247d(e)(8)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting
``January 30, 2026''.
(b) Section 319L(e)(1)(D) of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 247d-7e(e)(1)(D)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2025''
and inserting ``January 30, 2026''.
(c) Section 319L-1(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
247d-7f(b)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting
``January 30, 2026''.
(d)(1) Section 2811A(g) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
300hh-10b(g)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2025'' and
inserting ``January 30, 2026''.
(2) Section 2811B(g)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
300hh-10c(g)(1)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2025'' and
inserting ``January 30, 2026''.
(3) Section 2811C(g)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
300hh-10d(g)(1)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2025'' and
inserting ``January 30, 2026''.
(e) Section 2812(c)(4)(B) of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 300hh-11(c)(4)(B)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2025''
and inserting ``January 30, 2026''.
TITLE II--MEDICARE
SEC. 6201. EXTENSION OF INCREASED INPATIENT HOSPITAL PAYMENT
ADJUSTMENT FOR CERTAIN LOW-VOLUME
HOSPITALS.
(a) In General.--Section 1886(d)(12) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(12)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``in fiscal year 2026''
and inserting ``during the portion of fiscal year 2026 beginning
on January 31, 2026, and ending on September 30, 2026, and in
fiscal year 2027'';
(2) in subparagraph (C)(i)--
[[Page 139 STAT. 631]]
(A) in the matter preceding subclause (I)--
(i) by inserting ``or portion of a fiscal
year'' after ``for a fiscal year''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and the portion of fiscal
year 2026 beginning on October 1, 2025, and ending
on January 30, 2026'' after ``through 2025'';
(B) in subclause (III), by inserting ``and the
portion of fiscal year 2026 beginning on October 1,
2025, and ending on January 30, 2026'' after ``through
2025''; and
(C) in subclause (IV), by striking ``fiscal year
2026'' and inserting ``the portion of fiscal year 2026
beginning on January 31, 2026, and ending on September
30, 2026, and fiscal year 2027''; and
(3) in subparagraph (D)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting
``or during the portion of fiscal year 2026 beginning on
October 1, 2025, and ending on January 30, 2026'' after
``through 2025''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by inserting ``and the portion
of fiscal year 2026 beginning on October 1, 2025, and
ending on January 30, 2026'' after ``through 2025''.
(b) <<NOTE: 42 USC 1395ww note.>> Implementation.--Notwithstanding
any other provision of law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
may implement the amendments made by this section by program instruction
or otherwise.
SEC. 6202. EXTENSION OF THE MEDICARE-DEPENDENT HOSPITAL (MDH)
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 1886(d)(5)(G) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(G)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``October 1, 2025'' and
inserting ``January 31, 2026''; and
(2) in clause (ii)(II), by striking ``October 1, 2025'' and
inserting ``January 31, 2026''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) In general.--Section 1886(b)(3)(D) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(b)(3)(D)) is amended--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``October 1, 2025'' and inserting ``January 31, 2026'';
and
(B) in clause (iv), by inserting ``and the portion
of fiscal year 2026 beginning on October 1, 2025, and
ending on January 30, 2026'' after ``through fiscal year
2025''.
(2) Permitting hospitals to decline reclassification.--
Section 13501(e)(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of
1993 (42 U.S.C. 1395ww note) is amended by inserting ``, or the
portion of fiscal year 2026 beginning on October 1, 2025, and
ending on January 30, 2026'' after ``through fiscal year 2025''.
SEC. 6203. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR QUALITY MEASURE ENDORSEMENT,
INPUT, AND SELECTION.
Section 1890(d)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395aaa(d)(2)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ``and $14,030,000'' and inserting
``$14,030,000''; and
(B) by inserting the following before the period at
the end: ``, and $13,300,000 for fiscal year 2026''; and
[[Page 139 STAT. 632]]
(2) in the third sentence, by striking ``and 2024 and the
period beginning on October 1, 2024, and ending on September 30,
2025,'' and inserting ``2024, 2025, and 2026''.
SEC. 6204. EXTENDING ACUTE HOSPITAL CARE AT HOME WAIVER
AUTHORITIES.
Section 1866G(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc-
7(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting
``January 30, 2026''.
SEC. 6205. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR MEDICARE HOSPICE SURVEYS.
Section 3(a)(2) of the IMPACT Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-
185) <<NOTE: 128 Stat. 1968.>> is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) $2,000,000 for the period beginning on October
1, 2025, and ending on January 30, 2026.''.
SEC. 6206. EXTENSION OF ADD-ON PAYMENTS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES.
Section 1834(l) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(l)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (12)(A), by striking ``October 1, 2025''
and inserting ``January 31, 2026''; and
(2) in paragraph (13), by striking ``October 1, 2025'' each
place it appears and inserting ``January 31, 2026'' in each such
place.
SEC. 6207. EXTENSION OF THE WORK GEOGRAPHIC INDEX FLOOR.
Section 1848(e)(1)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-
4(e)(1)(E)) is amended by striking ``October 1, 2025'' and inserting
``January 31, 2026''.
SEC. 6208. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN TELEHEALTH FLEXIBILITIES.
(a) Removing Geographic Requirements and Expanding Originating Sites
for Telehealth Services.--Section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395m(m)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(B)(iii), by striking ``ending September
30, 2025'' and inserting ``ending January 30, 2026''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(C)(iii), by striking ``ending on
September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``ending on January 30,
2026''.
(b) Expanding Practitioners Eligible To Furnish Telehealth
Services.--Section 1834(m)(4)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395m(m)(4)(E)) is amended by striking ``ending on September 30, 2025''
and inserting ``ending on January 30, 2026''.
(c) Extending Telehealth Services for Federally Qualified Health
Centers and Rural Health Clinics.--Section 1834(m)(8)(A) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)(8)(A)) is amended by striking ``ending
on September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``ending on January 30, 2026''.
(d) Delaying the In-Person Requirements Under Medicare for Mental
Health Services Furnished Through Telehealth and Telecommunications
Technology.--
[[Page 139 STAT. 633]]
(1) Delay in requirements for mental health services
furnished through telehealth.--Section 1834(m)(7)(B)(i) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)(7)(B)(i)) is amended, in
the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking ``on or after
October 1, 2025'' and inserting ``on or after January 31,
2026''.
(2) Mental health visits furnished by rural health
clinics.--Section 1834(y)(2) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395m(y)(2)) is amended by striking ``October 1, 2025''
and inserting ``January 31, 2026''.
(3) Mental health visits furnished by federally qualified
health centers.--Section 1834(o)(4)(B) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(o)(4)(B)) is amended by striking ``October
1, 2025'' and inserting ``January 31, 2026''.
(e) Allowing for the Furnishing of Audio-Only Telehealth Services.--
Section 1834(m)(9) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)(9)) is
amended by striking ``ending on September 30, 2025'' and inserting
``ending on January 30, 2026''.
(f) Extending Use of Telehealth To Conduct Face-to-Face Encounter
Prior to Recertification of Eligibility for Hospice Care.--Section
1814(a)(7)(D)(i)(II) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395f(a)(7)(D)(i)(II)) is amended by striking ``ending on September 30,
2025'' and inserting ``ending on January 30, 2026''.
(g) <<NOTE: 42 USC 1395m note.>> Program Instruction Authority.--
The Secretary of Health and Human Services may implement the amendments
made by this section through program instruction or otherwise.
SEC. 6209. REVISING PHASE-IN OF MEDICARE CLINICAL LABORATORY TEST
PAYMENT CHANGES.
(a) Revised Phase-in of Reductions From Private Payor Rate
Implementation.--Section 1834A(b)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395m-1(b)(3)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (ii), by inserting ``and for the period
beginning on January 1, 2026, and ending on January 30, 2026''
after ``2025''; and
(2) in clause (iii), by striking ``for each of 2026 through
2028'' and inserting ``for the period beginning on January 31,
2026, and ending on December 31, 2026, and for each of 2027 and
2028''.
(b) Revised Reporting Period for Reporting of Private Sector Payment
Rates for Establishment of Medicare Payment Rates.--Section
1834A(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m-1(a)(1)(B))
is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``December 31, 2025'' and
inserting ``January 31, 2026''; and
(2) in clause (ii), by striking ``January 1, 2026, and
ending March 31, 2026'' and inserting ``February 1, 2026, and
ending April 30, 2026''.
SEC. 6210. EXTENSION OF FUNDING OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE FOR LOW-
INCOME PROGRAMS.
(a) State Health Insurance Assistance Programs.--Subsection
(a)(1)(B) of section 119 of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and
Providers Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. 1395b-3 note) is amended--
(1) in clause (xiii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (xiv), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
[[Page 139 STAT. 634]]
(3) by inserting after clause (xiv) the following new
clause:
``(xv) for the period beginning on October 1,
2025, and ending on January 30, 2026,
$5,013,699.''.
(b) Area Agencies on Aging.--Subsection (b)(1)(B) of such section
119 is amended--
(1) in clause (xiii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (xiv), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after clause (xiv) the following new
clause:
``(xv) for the period beginning on October 1,
2025, and ending on January 30, 2026,
$5,013,699.''.
(c) Aging and Disability Resource Centers.--Subsection (c)(1)(B) of
such section 119 is amended--
(1) in clause (xiii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (xiv), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after clause (xiv) the following new
clause:
``(xv) for the period beginning on October 1,
2025, and ending on January 30, 2026,
$1,671,233.''.
(d) Coordination of Efforts to Inform Older Americans About Benefits
Available Under Federal and State Programs.--Subsection (d)(2) of such
section 119 is amended--
(1) in clause (xiii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (xiv), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after clause (xiv) the following new
clause:
``(xv) for the period beginning on October 1, 2025,
and ending on January 30, 2026, $5,013,699.''.
SEC. 6211. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY INCLUSION OF AUTHORIZED ORAL
ANTIVIRAL DRUGS AS COVERED PART D DRUGS.
Section 1860D-2(e)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395w-102(e)(1)(C)) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2025'' and
inserting ``January 30, 2026''.
SEC. 6212. MEDICARE IMPROVEMENT FUND.
Section 1898(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395iii(b)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``fiscal year 2026'' and inserting ``fiscal
year 2027''; and
(2) by striking ``$1,804,000,000'' and inserting
``$1,403,000,000''.
SEC. 6213. MEDICARE SEQUESTRATION.
Section 251A(6)(D) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit
Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901a(6)(D)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``10 months'' and inserting
``11 months''; and
(2) in clause (ii), by striking ``2 months'' and inserting
``1 month''.
TITLE III--HUMAN SERVICES
SEC. 6301. SEXUAL RISK AVOIDANCE EDUCATION EXTENSION.
Section 510 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 710) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
[[Page 139 STAT. 635]]
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``2023, for the period
beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on
November 17, 2023, for the period beginning on
November 18, 2023, and ending on January 19, 2024,
for the period beginning on January 20, 2024, and
ending on March 8, 2024, for the period beginning
on March 9, 2024, and ending on September 30,
2024, and for fiscal year 2025'' and inserting
``2025, and for the period beginning on October 1,
2025, and ending on January 30, 2026''; and
(ii) by striking ``fiscal year 2024'' and
inserting ``fiscal year 2026''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``through 2023'' and
inserting ``through 2025'';
(II) by striking ``fiscal year 2024
or 2025'' and inserting ``fiscal year
2026''; and
(III) by inserting ``(or, with
respect to the applicable period, for
fiscal year 2026)'' after ``an
application for the fiscal year''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking
``2024 or 2025'' and inserting ``2026''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ``2023, for the period
beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on November 17, 2023,
an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the amount
appropriated for the corresponding period for fiscal year 2023,
for the period beginning on November 18, 2023, and ending on
January 19, 2024, an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the
amount appropriated for the corresponding period for fiscal year
2023, for the period beginning on January 20, 2024, and ending
on March 8, 2024, an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the
amount appropriated for the period at the end of the
corresponding sentence for fiscal year 2023, for the period
beginning on March 9, 2024, and ending on September 30, 2024, an
amount equal to the pro rata portion of the amount appropriated
for the corresponding period for fiscal year 2023, and for for
fiscal year 2025, an amount equal to the amount appropriated for
fiscal year 2024'' and inserting ``2025, and for the period
beginning on October 1, 2025, and ending on January 30, 2026, an
amount equal to the pro rata portion of the amount appropriated
for the corresponding period for fiscal year 2025''.
SEC. 6302. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY EDUCATION EXTENSION.
Section 513 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 713) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding
clause (i), by striking ``2023, for the period beginning
on October 1, 2023, and ending on November 17, 2023, for
the period beginning on November 18, 2023, and ending on
January 19, 2024, for the period beginning on January
20, 2024, and ending on March 8, 2024, for the period
beginning on March 9, 2024, and ending on September 30,
2024, and for fiscal year 2025'' and inserting ``2025,
and for
[[Page 139 STAT. 636]]
the period beginning on October 1, 2025, and ending on
January 30, 2026''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``the period
beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on November 17,
2023, for the period beginning on November 18, 2023, and
ending on January 19, 2024, for the period beginning on
January 20, 2024, and ending on March 8, 2024, for the
period beginning on March 9, 2024, and ending on
September 30, 2024, and for fiscal year 2025'' and
inserting ``fiscal years 2024 and 2025, and for the
period beginning on October 1, 2025, and ending on
January 30, 2026'';
(2) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ``2024 or 2025'' and
inserting ``2026''; and
(3) in subsection (f), by striking ``2023, for the period
beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on November 17, 2023,
an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the amount
appropriated for the corresponding period for fiscal year 2023,
for the period beginning on November 18, 2023, and ending on
January 19, 2024, an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the
amount appropriated for the corresponding period for fiscal year
2023, for the period beginning on January 20, 2024, and ending
on March 8, 2024, an amount equal to the pro rata portion of the
amount appropriated for the corresponding period for fiscal year
2023, for the period beginning on March 9, 2024, and ending on
September 30, 2024, an amount equal to the pro rata portion of
the amount appropriated for the corresponding period for fiscal
year 2023, and for fiscal year 2025, an amount equal to the
amount appropriated for fiscal year 2024 for fiscal year 2024''
and inserting ``2025, and for the period beginning on October 1,
2025, and ending on January 30, 2026, an amount equal to the pro
rata portion of the amount appropriated for the corresponding
period for fiscal year 2025''.
SEC. 6303. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR FAMILY-TO-FAMILY HEALTH
INFORMATION CENTERS.
Section 501(c)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
701(c)(1)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (vii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (viii), by adding ``; and'' at the end; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(ix) for the period beginning on October 1, 2025, and
ending on January 30, 2026, an amount equal to the pro rata
portion of the amount appropriated for fiscal year 2025.''.
TITLE IV--MEDICAID
SEC. 6401. MODIFYING CERTAIN DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE HOSPITAL
ALLOTMENTS.
(a) Extending Tennessee DSH Allotments.--Section 1923(f)(6)(A)(vi)
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r-4(f)(6)(A)(vi)) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by inserting ``and a portion of fiscal
year 2026'' after ``2025''; and
(2) by inserting ``, and the DSH allotment for Tennessee for
the portion of fiscal year 2026 beginning October 1, 2025,
[[Page 139 STAT. 637]]
and ending January 30, 2026, shall be $17,748,493, which may be
claimed as fiscal year 2026 uncompensated care costs'' before
the period.
(b) Delaying DSH Allotment Reductions.--Section 1923(f) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r-4(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (7)(A)--
(A) in clause (i)--
(i) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by
striking ``For each of fiscal years 2026 through
2028'' and inserting ``For the period beginning
January 31, 2026, and ending September 30, 2026,
and for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028'';
(ii) in subclause (I), by inserting ``or
period'' after ``the fiscal year''; and
(iii) in subclause (II), by inserting ``or
period'' after ``in the fiscal year''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``for each of fiscal
years 2026 through 2028'' and inserting ``for the period
beginning January 31, 2026, and ending September 30,
2026, and for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028''; and
(2) in paragraph (8), by striking ``2027'' and inserting
``2028''.
TITLE V-- <<NOTE: Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee
Amendments.>> FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 6501. <<NOTE: 21 USC 301 note.>> SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug
User Fee Amendments''.
SEC. 6502. <<NOTE: 21 USC 379j-71 note.>> FINDING.
Congress finds that the fees authorized by the amendments made in
this title will be dedicated to over-the-counter (OTC) monograph drug
activities, as set forth in the goals identified for purposes of part 10
of subchapter C of chapter VII of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (21 U.S.C. 379j-71 et seq.), in the letters from the Secretary of
Health and Human Services to the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and
Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, as
set forth in the Congressional Record.
SEC. 6503. DEFINITIONS.
Section 744L(9)(A) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21
U.S.C. 379j-71(9)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (v), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(2) in clause (vi)--
(A) by striking ``addition'' and inserting ``the
addition''; and
(B) by striking the period and inserting ``; or'';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) the addition or modification of a testing
procedure applicable to one or more OTC monograph drugs,
provided that such additional or modified testing
procedure reflects a voluntary consensus standard with
respect to pharmaceutical quality that is--
[[Page 139 STAT. 638]]
``(I) established by a national or
international standards development organization;
and
``(II) recognized by the Secretary through a
process described in guidance for industry,
initially published in July 2023, or any successor
guidance, publicly available on the website of the
Food and Drug Administration, which addresses
voluntary consensus standards for pharmaceutical
quality.''.
SEC. 6504. AUTHORITY TO ASSESS AND USE OTC MONOGRAPH FEES.
(a) Types of Fees.--Section 744M(a)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379j-72(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``on December 31 of the fiscal year
or at any time during the preceding 12-month period''
and inserting ``at any time during the applicable period
specified in clause (ii) for a fiscal year'';
(B) by striking ``Each person'' and inserting the
following:
``(i) Assessment of fees.--Each person''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Applicable period.--For purposes of
clause (i), the applicable period is--
``(I) for fiscal year 2026, the 12-
month period ending on December 31,
2025;
``(II) for fiscal year 2027, the 9-
month period ending on September 30,
2026; and
``(III) for fiscal year 2028 and
each subsequent fiscal year, the 12-
month period ending on September 30 of
the preceding fiscal year.'';
(2) in subparagraph (B)(i), by amending subclause (I) to
read as follows:
``(I) has ceased all activities
related to OTC monograph drugs prior
to--
``(aa) for purposes of
fiscal year 2026, January 1,
2025;
``(bb) for purposes of
fiscal year 2027, January 1,
2026; and
``(cc) for purposes of
fiscal year 2028 and each
subsequent fiscal year, October
1 of the preceding fiscal year;
and''; and
(3) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
``(D) Due date.--
``(i) Fiscal year 2026.--For fiscal year 2026,
the facility fees required under subparagraph (A)
shall be due on the later of--
``(I) the first business day of June
of such year; or
``(II) the first business day after
the enactment of an appropriations Act
providing for the collection and
obligation of fees under this section
for such year.
``(ii) Fiscal year 2027.--For fiscal year
2027, the facility fees required under
subparagraph (A) shall be due--
``(I) in a first installment
representing 50 percent of such fee, on
the later of--
[[Page 139 STAT. 639]]
``(aa) October 1, 2026; or
``(bb) the first business
day after the enactment of an
appropriations Act providing for
the collection and obligation of
fees under this section for such
year; and
``(II) in a second installment
representing the remaining 50 percent of
such fee, on--
``(aa) February 1, 2027; or
``(bb) if an appropriations
Act described in subclause
(I)(bb) is not in effect on
February 1, 2027, the first
business day after enactment of
such an appropriations Act.
``(iii) Subsequent fiscal years.--For fiscal
year 2028 and each subsequent fiscal year, the
facility fees required under subparagraph (A)
shall be due on the later of--
``(I) the first business day on or
after October 1 of the fiscal year; or
``(II) the first business day after
the date of enactment of an
appropriations Act providing for the
collection and obligation of fees under
this section for the fiscal year.''.
(b) Fee Revenue Amounts.--Section 744M(b) of the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379j-72(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Fee Revenue Amounts.--
``(1) In general.--For each of the fiscal years 2026 through
2030, fees under subsection (a)(1) shall be established to
generate a total facility fee revenue amount equal to the sum
of--
``(A) the annual base revenue for the fiscal year
(as determined under paragraph (2));
``(B) the dollar amount equal to the inflation
adjustment for the fiscal year (as determined under
subsection (c)(1));
``(C) the dollar amount equal to the operating
reserve adjustment for the fiscal year, if applicable
(as determined under subsection (c)(2));
``(D) additional direct cost adjustments (as
determined under subsection (c)(3));
``(E) an additional dollar amount equal to--
``(i) $2,373,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(ii) $1,233,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
``(iii) $854,000 for fiscal year 2028; and
``(F) in the case of a fiscal year for which the
Secretary applies the one-time facility fee workload
adjustment under subsection (c)(4), the dollar amount
equal to such adjustment.
``(2) Annual base revenue.--For purposes of paragraph (1),
the dollar amount of the annual base revenue for a fiscal year
shall be--
``(A) for fiscal year 2026, the dollar amount of the
total revenue amount established for fiscal year 2025
under this subsection as in effect on the day before the
date of enactment of the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug
User Fee Amendments, not including any adjustments
[[Page 139 STAT. 640]]
made for such fiscal year 2025 under subsection (c)(2),
as so in effect; and
``(B) for fiscal years 2027 through 2030, the dollar
amount of the total revenue amount established under
this subsection for the previous fiscal year, not
including any adjustments made for such previous fiscal
year under subsection (c)(2) or (c)(3).''.
(c) Adjustments; Annual Fee Setting.--Section 744M(c) of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379j-72(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding
clause (i)--
(i) by striking ``subsection (b)(2)(B)'' and
inserting ``subsection (b)(1)(B)''; and
(ii) by striking ``fiscal year 2022 and each
subsequent fiscal year'' and inserting ``each
fiscal year'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``fiscal year
2022'' and all that follows through the period at the
end and inserting the following: ``a fiscal year shall
be equal to the product of--
``(i) for fiscal year 2026--
``(I) the fee for fiscal year 2025
under subsection (a)(2); and
``(II) the inflation adjustment
percentage under subparagraph (C); and
``(ii) for each of fiscal years 2027 through
2030--
``(I) the applicable fee under
subsection (a)(2) for the preceding
fiscal year; and
``(II) the inflation adjustment
percentage under subparagraph (C).'';
and
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
inserting ``the sum of'' after ``is equal to'';
(ii) by striking clause (i);
(iii) by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II)
of clause (ii) as clauses (i) and (ii),
respectively, and adjusting the margins
accordingly;
(iv) by striking ``(ii) for each of fiscal
years 2024 and 2025, the sum of--''; and
(v) in clause (ii), as so redesignated, by
striking ``Washington-Baltimore, DC-MD-VA-WV'' and
inserting ``Washington-Arlington-Alexandria-DC-VA-
MD-WV'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``fiscal year 2021 and
subsequent fiscal years'' and inserting ``each
fiscal year'';
(ii) by striking ``subsections (b)(1)(B) and
(b)(2)(C)'' and inserting ``subsection
(b)(1)(C)''; and
(iii) by striking ``the number of weeks
specified in subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``10
weeks'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (B);
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as
subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
[[Page 139 STAT. 641]]
(D) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by
striking ``paragraph (4) establishing'' and inserting
``paragraph (5) publishing'';
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``subsection (b)(2)(D)'' and inserting
``subsection (b)(1)(D)''; and
(B) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (E) and
inserting the following:
``(A) $135,000 for fiscal year 2026;
``(B) $300,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(C) $55,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(D) $30,000 for fiscal year 2029; and
``(E) $0 for fiscal year 2030.''; and
(4) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) One-time facility fee workload adjustment.--
``(A) In general.--In addition to the adjustments
under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), the Secretary may
further increase the fee revenues and fees through a
one-time adjustment made for fiscal year 2028, 2029, or
2030, in accordance with this paragraph.
``(B) Adjustment described.--
``(i) Conditions for adjustment.--An
adjustment under this paragraph may be made for a
fiscal year only if--
``(I) an adjustment under this
paragraph had not been made for any
prior fiscal year;
``(II) the average number of OTC
monograph drug facilities subject to a
facility fee under subsection (a)(1)
over the period of the preceding 3
fiscal years exceeds 1,625; and
``(III) with respect to facilities
described in subclause (II), the average
number of such facilities (expressed as
a percentage) that appeared on the
arrears lists pursuant to subsection
(e)(1)(A)(i) over the period of the
preceding 3 fiscal years is less than 30
percent.
``(ii) Amount of adjustment.--An adjustment
under this paragraph for a fiscal year shall equal
the product of--
``(I) the total facility revenue
amount determined under subsection (b)
for the fiscal year, exclusive of the
adjustment under this paragraph for such
fiscal year; and
``(II) the excess facility
percentage described in clause (iii).
``(iii) Excess facility percentage.--The
excess facility percentage described in this
clause is--
``(I) the amount by which the
average number of OTC monograph drug
facilities subject to a facility fee
under subsection (a)(1) over the
preceding 3 fiscal years exceeds 1,625;
divided by
``(II) 1,625.
``(5) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Annual fee setting.--The
Secretary shall, not later than 60 days before the first day of
each fiscal year--
[[Page 139 STAT. 642]]
``(A) establish for such fiscal year, based on the
revenue amounts under subsection (b) and the adjustments
provided under this subsection--
``(i) OTC monograph drug facility fees under
subsection (a)(1); and
``(ii) OTC monograph order request fees under
subsection (a)(2); and
``(B) <<NOTE: Federal Register, publication.>>
publish such fee revenue amounts, facility fees, and OTC
monograph order request fees in the Federal Register.''.
(d) Crediting and Availability of Fees.--Section 744M(f) of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379j-72(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(D)--
(A) in the subparagraph heading, by striking ``in
subsequent years''; and
(B) by striking ``(after fiscal year 2021)''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``2021 through 2025'' and
inserting ``2026 through 2030''.
SEC. 6505. REAUTHORIZATION; REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Performance Report.--Section 744N of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379j-73) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Beginning with fiscal year 2021,
and not later than 120 calendar days after the end of
each fiscal year thereafter'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--Not later than 120 calendar days after
the end of each fiscal year'';
(B) by striking ``section 3861(b) of the CARES Act''
and inserting ``section 6502 of the Over-the-Counter
Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) <<NOTE: Effective date.>> Additional information.--
Beginning with fiscal year 2026, the annual report under this
subsection shall include--
``(A) the progress of the Food and Drug
Administration in achieving the goals, and future plans
for meeting the goals, including--
``(i) the number of Tier 1 OTC monograph order
requests for which a proposed order was issued,
and the number of such requests for which a final
order was issued, in the previous fiscal year;
``(ii) the number of Tier 2 OTC monograph
order requests for which a proposed order was
issued, and the number of such requests for which
a final order was issued, in the previous fiscal
year;
``(iii) the number of specified safety OTC
monograph order requests for which a proposed
order was issued, and the number of such requests
for which a final order was issued, in the
previous fiscal year;
``(iv) the number of generally recognized as
safe and effective finalization OTC monograph
order requests for which a proposed order was
issued, and the number of such requests for which
a final order was issued, in the previous fiscal
year;
[[Page 139 STAT. 643]]
``(v) the average timeline for processing OTC
monograph order requests, in the aggregate and by
submission type, in the previous fiscal year; and
``(vi) postmarket safety activities with
respect to OTC monograph drugs, including--
``(I) collecting, developing, and
reviewing safety information on OTC
monograph drugs, including adverse event
reports;
``(II) developing and using improved
analytical tools, adverse event data-
collection systems, including
information technology systems, to
assess potential safety problems,
including access to external databases;
and
``(III) activities under section
760;
``(B) information regarding registration of OTC
monograph drug facilities and contract manufacturing
organization facilities and payment of registration fees
by such facilities, including--
``(i) the OTC monograph drug facilities and
contract manufacturing organization facilities
that were first registered under section 510(c) or
510(i) in the fiscal year; and
``(ii) for each OTC monograph drug facility
and contract manufacturing organization facility
that was assessed a facility fee under section
744M(a) in the fiscal year, whether the facility
paid such fee;
``(C) the status of implementation of evidence and
testing standards under section 505G(r) for
nonprescription drugs intended for topical
administration, including--
``(i) the application of evidence or testing
standards; and
``(ii) the number of active ingredient
requests for nonprescription drugs intended for
topical administration reviewed using the
standards under section 505G(b); and
``(D) the progress of the Food and Drug
Administration in allowing nonclinical testing
alternatives to animal testing for the consideration of
sunscreen active ingredients.
``(3) Confidentiality.--Nothing in paragraph (2) shall be
construed to authorize the disclosure of information that is
prohibited from disclosure under section 301(j) of this Act or
section 1905 of title 18, United States Code, or that is subject
to withholding under section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United States
Code.'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``fiscal year 2021 and
each subsequent fiscal year'' and inserting ``each fiscal
year''; and
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking ``2025'' each place it appears and
inserting ``2030''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Minutes of negotiation meetings.--
``(A) <<NOTE: Web posting.>> Public availability.--
The Secretary shall make publicly available, on the
public website of the Food and Drug Administration,
robust written minutes of all negotiation meetings
conducted under this subsection between
[[Page 139 STAT. 644]]
the Food and Drug Administration and the regulated
industry, not later than 30 days after each such
negotiation meeting.
``(B) Content.--The robust written minutes described
under subparagraph (A) shall contain, in detail, any
substantive proposal made by any party to the
negotiations as well as significant controversies or
differences of opinion during the negotiations and their
resolution.''.
(b) GAO Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 2027, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives a report assessing the supply chain of over-the-
counter monograph drugs.
(2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall
include an assessment of--
(A) the overall stability of the supply chain of
over-the-counter monograph drugs;
(B) what information is collected by the Food and
Drug Administration with respect to the supply chain of
over-the-counter monograph drugs;
(C) how the Food and Drug Administration uses
information collected on the supply chain of over-the-
counter monograph drugs to inform regulatory decisions;
(D) how the Food and Drug Administration coordinates
with other Federal agencies to monitor and mitigate
disruptions to the supply chain of over-the-counter
monograph drugs; and
(E) the unique characteristics of the over-the-
counter monograph drug marketplace and what additional
authorities or information the Food and Drug
Administration may need to ensure the stability of the
supply chain of over-the-counter monograph drugs.
SEC. 6506. TREATMENT OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS FOR TOPICAL
ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--Section 505G of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355h) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(r) Evidence and Testing Standards for Active Ingredients for
Topical Administration.--
``(1) Evidence and testing standards for active ingredients
for topical administration.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) in evaluating the generally recognized as safe
and effective status of active ingredients used in
nonprescription drugs intended for topical
administration for purposes of subsection (a), utilize
standards that allow for the use of real world evidence
(as defined in section 505F(b)), as appropriate, as part
of a comprehensive evaluation of scientific evidence to
demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of such active
ingredients, to supplement evidence from traditional
clinical trials, provided that such standards allow the
Secretary to evaluate whether the benefits of such
active ingredients outweigh the risks; and
[[Page 139 STAT. 645]]
``(B) apply subsection (b)(6)(C) to the regulation
of active ingredients used in drugs intended for topical
administration.
``(2) Non-animal testing methods for topical active
ingredients.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall consider the
types of nonclinical tests described in paragraphs (1)
through (4) of the first subsection (z) of section 505
(as inserted by section 3209(a)(2) of the Health
Extenders, Improving Access to Medicare, Medicaid, and
CHIP, and Strengthening Public Health Act of 2022
(division FF of Public Law 117-328)), or any other
alternative to animal testing that the Secretary
determines appropriate, in the consideration of drugs
intended for topical administration under this section.
``(B) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Guidance.--Not later than
1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection,
the Secretary shall issue new draft guidance on how
sponsors can use nonclinical testing alternatives to
animal testing, as appropriate, to meet safety and
efficacy standards under this section for drugs intended
for topical administration.
``(3) Clarification.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to alter, supersede, or limit the standards for making
determinations of whether a drug is generally recognized as safe
and effective under section 201(p) or the standards set forth
under section 505 for determining the safety and effectiveness
of drugs.''.
(b) <<NOTE: 21 USC 360fff-3 note.>> Sunscreen Final Administrative
Order.--A final administrative order on nonprescription sunscreen active
ingredients issued under section 3854 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,
and Economic Security Act (Public Law 116-136; 21 U.S.C. 360fff-3 note)
shall--
(1) account for historical data regarding the safety of
sunscreen active ingredients that have previously been accepted
for marketing in the United States;
(2) account for the role of broad spectrum sunscreens with a
Sun Protection Factor of 15 or higher in effective skin cancer
prevention; and
(3) incorporate the evidence and testing standards for
sunscreen active ingredients detailed in section 505G(r) of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355h) (as added
by subsection (a)).
SEC. 6507. INCREASING THE CLARITY AND PREDICTABILITY OF THE
PROCESS FOR DEVELOPING APPLICATIONS FOR
RX-TO-NONPRESCRIPTION SWITCHES.
(a) In General.--Section 505(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355(b)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(7) Rx-to-nonprescription switches.--
``(A) Meetings.--Any person planning to submit an
application for an Rx-to-nonprescription switch may
submit to the Secretary a written request for a meeting,
for purposes of developing a plan for such application
that addresses the potential risks to public health of
such switch and the evidence necessary to support such
application, including the design of any necessary
studies, and the
[[Page 139 STAT. 646]]
format and content of the planned application. The
Secretary may grant such a meeting, as appropriate,
consistent with established procedures for granting
meetings with, and providing written responses to,
applications under this section. <<NOTE: Records.>>
Each such meeting shall be documented in meeting
minutes.
``(B) Guidance.--
``(i) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> In general.--Not
later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this paragraph, the Secretary shall issue
guidance to increase the clarity and
predictability of the process and standards for
approval of applications for nonprescription drugs
under this section, including in the case of
applications for an Rx-to-nonprescription switch,
especially with respect to prescription drugs with
well-established safety profiles for which an
applicant may seek approval for nonprescription
use.
``(ii) Contents.--The guidance under clause
(i) shall--
``(I) describe how published reports
in medical literature, any previous
finding of safety or effectiveness for
the drug under this section, the results
of significant human experience with the
drug, unpublished studies and other
data, and other sources of information
may be used to support an application
for a nonprescription drug, including in
the context of an application for an Rx-
to-nonprescription switch;
``(II) <<NOTE: Procedures.>> set
forth procedures for sponsors to request
meetings described in subparagraph (A)
and document the recommendations made in
such meetings;
``(III) describe evidentiary
expectations to support approval of an
application for a nonprescription drug,
including in the context of an
application for an Rx-to-nonprescription
switch, including how sponsors can
demonstrate that consumers can
appropriately self-select and use the
drug and comprehend the nonprescription
drug label; and
``(IV) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>>
provide recommendations for how
mechanisms, in addition to the required
Drug Facts Label, such as mobile
applications and decisions aids, can be
incorporated into the information
submitted in support of an application
for an Rx-to-nonprescription switch.
``(C) <<NOTE: Deadline. Public information. Web
posting.>> Plan to engage with stakeholders.--Not later
than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
paragraph, the Secretary shall develop and make publicly
available on the website of the Food and Drug
Administration a plan to engage stakeholders on steps
and factors for application holders and other
stakeholders to consider in identifying approved
prescription drugs that may be promising candidates for
applications for an Rx-to-nonprescription switch.
``(D) Definition.--For purposes of this paragraph,
the term `Rx-to-nonprescription switch' means the
approval of an application, or supplemental application,
as applicable,
[[Page 139 STAT. 647]]
submitted under this section by the holder of an
approved application for a prescription drug seeking
approval to market such drug as a nonprescription drug,
including for--
``(i) a full Rx-to-nonprescription switch,
under which a drug previously approved for
prescription use only is--
``(I) approved for nonprescription
use under the same conditions as applied
to the drug when approved for
prescription use; or
``(II) approved for nonprescription
use subject to one or more additional
conditions for nonprescription use; and
``(ii) a partial Rx-to-nonprescription switch,
under which the drug is approved for
nonprescription use only under certain conditions
described in the approved labeling, while the drug
otherwise remains approved for prescription use
only.
``(E) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this
paragraph shall be construed to--
``(i) supersede or modify the authority of the
Secretary under section 505G with respect to the
regulation of OTC monograph drugs; or
``(ii) authorize the disclosure by the
Secretary of confidential commercial information
or trade secrets.''.
(b) GAO Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy
and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that
evaluates--
(A) the number of applications for an Rx-to-
nonprescription switch approved during the period
beginning on October 1, 2022, and ending on the date of
the report;
(B) the number of drugs for which an application for
an Rx-to-nonprescription switch was approved during such
period subject to an additional condition for
nonprescription use;
(C) among the drugs for which an application for a
full or partial Rx-to-nonprescription switch was
approved during such period, the average length of time
from receipt by the Food and Drug Administration of the
application to the approval of such application;
(D) the number of partial Rx-to-nonprescription
switch applications approved during such period, and the
number of applications for such a partial switch not
approved;
(E) any barriers to timely and predictable review of
applications for an Rx-to-nonprescription switch;
(F) engagement by the Food and Drug Administration
with public stakeholders, including public meetings or
additional activities to support review of applications
for an Rx-to-nonprescription switch; and
(G) opportunities for collaboration between the
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and the Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the purpose of
analyzing health insurance claims data for commonly
prescribed
[[Page 139 STAT. 648]]
drugs that appear to be suitable for an Rx-to-
nonprescription switch.
(2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``Rx-to-
nonprescription switch'' has the meaning given such term in
paragraph (7) of section 505(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 244(b)), as added by subsection (a).
SEC. 6508. REGULATION OF CERTAIN NONPRESCRIPTION DRUGS THAT ARE
MARKETED WITHOUT AN APPROVED DRUG
APPLICATION.
(a) Development Advice to Sponsors or Requestors.--Section 505G(h)
of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355h(h)) is
amended by striking ``sponsors or requestors'' and inserting ``sponsors,
requestors, or organizations nominated by sponsors or requestors to
represent their interests in a proceeding''.
(b) Technical Correction.--Section 505G(b)(2)(A)(iv)(III) of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355h(b)(2)(A)(iv)(III))
is amended by striking ``requestors'' and inserting ``sponsors or
requestors''.
SEC. 6509. SUNSET DATES.
(a) <<NOTE: 21 USC 379j-71 note.>> Authorization.--Sections 744L
and 744M of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379j-71;
379j-72) shall cease to be effective October 1, 2030.
(b) <<NOTE: 21 USC 379j-73 note.>> Reporting Requirements.--Section
744N of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379j-73)
shall cease to be effective January 31, 2031.
SEC. 6510. <<NOTE: Fees. 21 USC 355 note.>> EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this title shall take effect on October 1,
2025, or the date of the enactment of this Act, whichever is later,
except that fees under part 10 of subchapter C of chapter VII of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379j-71 et seq.) shall
be assessed beginning October 1, 2025, regardless of the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6511. <<NOTE: 21 USC 379j-71 note.>> SAVINGS CLAUSE.
Notwithstanding the amendments made by this title, part 10 of
subchapter C of chapter VII of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(21 U.S.C. 379j-71 et seq.), as in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act, shall continue to be in effect with respect to
assessing and collecting any fee required by such part for a fiscal year
prior to fiscal year 2026.
TITLE VI--NO SURPRISES ACT IMPLEMENTATION
SEC. 6601. EXTENDING AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING FOR NO SURPRISES ACT
IMPLEMENTATION.
Section 118(a) of division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260) <<NOTE: 134 Stat. 2889.>> is amended--
(1) by striking ``otherwise appropriated, to the Secretary
of Health and Human Services'' and inserting the following:
``otherwise appropriated--
``(1) to the Secretary of Health and Human Services'';
[[Page 139 STAT. 649]]
(2) in paragraph (1), as so inserted, by striking
``September 30, 2025.'' and inserting ``January 30, 2026; and'';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in
addition to amounts otherwise appropriated under paragraph (1),
$14,000,000 for the period beginning on October 1, 2025, and
ending on January 30, 2026.''.
DIVISION G--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EXTENDERS
TITLE I--HEALTH CARE MATTERS
SEC. 7101. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTION OF COPAYMENTS FOR
HOSPITAL CARE AND NURSING HOME CARE.
Section 1710(f)(2)(B) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7102. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE NURSING HOME CARE
TO CERTAIN VETERANS WITH SERVICE-
CONNECTED DISABILITIES.
Section 1710A(d) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7103. EXTENSION OF STAFF SERGEANT PARKER GORDON FOX SUICIDE
PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 201(j) of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental
Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-171; 38 U.S.C. 1720F
note) is amended by striking ``the date that is three years after the
date on which the first grant is awarded under this section'' and
inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7104. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR EXPANSION OF RURAL ACCESS
NETWORK FOR GROWTH ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM.
Section 2(d) of the Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act of
2021 (Public Law 117-21; 38 U.S.C. 1712A note) is amended by striking
``2025'' and inserting ``2026''.
TITLE II--BENEFITS
SEC. 7201. <<NOTE: Time period.>> EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT FOR
QUARTERLY BRIEFINGS ON ADMINISTRATION OF
AUTHORITIES RELATING TO DETERMINATIONS
REGARDING PRESUMPTIONS OF SERVICE
CONNECTION BASED ON TOXIC EXPOSURE.
Section 202(b)(2) of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson
Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (Public
Law 117-168) <<NOTE: 136 Stat. 1774.>> is amended by striking ``On a
quarterly basis during the two-year period beginning on the date of the
enactment of this Act,'' and inserting ``On a quarterly basis during the
period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on
December 31, 2026,''.
[[Page 139 STAT. 650]]
SEC. 7202. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT RELATING TO RESTORATION OF
ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE IN
CASES OF CLOSURE OR DISAPPROVAL OF
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
Section 3699(c)(2)(C) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7203. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY CLARIFICATION OF LICENSURE
REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTOR MEDICAL
PROFESSIONALS TO PERFORM MEDICAL
DISABILITY EXAMINATIONS FOR THE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS UNDER
PILOT PROGRAM FOR USE OF CONTRACT
PHYSICIANS FOR DISABILITY EXAMINATIONS.
Section 2002(a)(4) of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D.
Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law
116-315; 38 U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended by striking ``five years'' and
inserting ``six years''.
SEC. 7204. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO MAINTAIN REGIONAL OFFICE IN
REPUBLIC OF PHILIPPINES.
Section 315(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
TITLE III--HOUSING
SEC. 7301. EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR
HOMELESS WOMEN VETERANS AND HOMELESS
VETERANS WITH CHILDREN REINTEGRATION
GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 2021A(f)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2026''.
SEC. 7302. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION
FOR SERIOUSLY MENTALLY ILL AND HOMELESS
VETERANS.
(a) General Treatment.--Section 2031(b) of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting
``September 30, 2026''.
(b) Additional Services at Certain Locations.--Section 2033(d) of
title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``September 30,
2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7303. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VERY LOW-INCOME
VETERAN FAMILIES IN PERMANENT HOUSING.
Section 2044(e) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(9) $660,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.''.
SEC. 7304. EXTENSION OF FUNDING FOR GRANT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS
VETERANS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
Section 2061(d)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2026''.
[[Page 139 STAT. 651]]
SEC. 7305. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR
SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING FOR DISABLED
VETERANS RESIDING TEMPORARILY IN HOUSING
OWNED BY A FAMILY MEMBER.
Section 2102A(e) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7306. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR SPECIALLY ADAPTED HOUSING
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 2108(g) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7307. IMPROVEMENTS TO PARTIAL CLAIM PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Clarification of Relationship to Other Powers of Secretary.--
<<NOTE: Determination.>> Section 3720(h) of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``of subsection (a)'' and all that follows
through the period at the end and inserting ``of subsection (a) in
conjunction with the purchase of a loan under section 3732(a)(2) of this
title unless the Secretary determines the purchase would be made
consistent with section 3732(d) of this title.''.
(b) Administration of Partial Claim Program.--Section 3737 of such
title is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``first lien
guaranteed loan for such property'' and inserting ``amount of
indebtedness under the guaranteed loan that the Secretary does
not purchase''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2)(B)(ii), by striking ``120
days'' and inserting ``180 days''; and
(B) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) An amount paid to the holder of a loan as a partial claim--
``(A) shall not alter the guaranty calculation specified by
section 3703 of this title;
``(B) shall be included, for the purpose of a liquidation
sale, in the same manner as any other advance allowed by the
Secretary; and
``(C) shall not be claimed under the guaranty or increase
the Secretary's cost of acquisition of the property securing the
defaulted loan.''.
(c) Requirements of Loan Holder.--Section (d)(1) of such section is
amending by inserting ``and servicing the loan'' after ``documents''.
(d) Default and Foreclosure.--Subsection (e) of such section is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``an individual
who'' and all that follows through the period at the end
and inserting the following: ``a borrower who defaults
on a partial claim shall be liable to the Secretary for
any loss suffered by the Secretary with respect to such
default, and such loss may be recovered in the same
manner as any other debt due the United States. The
Secretary shall
[[Page 139 STAT. 652]]
not restore housing loan entitlement under section
3702(b) of this title until such loss is repaid in
full.''; and
(B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) The Secretary may charge administrative costs, fees, and
interest, as appropriate, with respect to any default under a partial
claim in a manner similar to the interest and administrative costs
charged under section 5315 of this title.''; and
(2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Notwithstanding section 2410 of title 28, a non-judicial sale
of real property to satisfy a loan guaranteed under this chapter shall
discharge the property from a partial claim interest held by the
Secretary, provided that the holder of the guaranteed loan conducts the
non-judicial sale and distributes the sale proceeds, if any, in
accordance with the State or local law where such property is
situated.''.
(e) Guidance in Advance of Regulations.--Subsection (h) of such
section is amended to read as follows:
``(h) Guidance in Advance of Regulations.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary may, before prescribing regulations,
issue administrative guidance with respect to the Partial Claim Program
under this section and the loss mitigation options prescribed under
section 3732(d) of this title, including any additional terms,
conditions, and requirements the Secretary determines necessary.''.
SEC. 7308. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORTS ON PARTIAL
CLAIM PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS AND OTHER MATTERS.
(a) Annual Reports.--
(1) <<NOTE: Time period.>> In general.--Not later than one
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every year
thereafter until the Partial Claim Program terminates, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report.
(2) Elements.--Each report required by paragraph (1) shall
include, for the period covered by the report and disaggregated
by quarter, the following:
(A) Key data on the performance of the Partial Claim
Program, including--
(i) the number of partial claims filed and
approved; and
(ii) the redefault and foreclosure rates of
loans for which a partial claim was made.
(B) A comparison of the data described in
subparagraph (A) with data on the performance of other
loss mitigation options provided by the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
(C) The number of housing loans insured, guaranteed,
or made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under
chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code.
(D) The number of applications for housing loan
benefits under such chapter denied.
(E) The number of housing loans insured, guaranteed,
or made by the Secretary under such chapter refinanced
under section 3710(a)(8) or 3712 of title 38, United
States Code.
[[Page 139 STAT. 653]]
(F) The number of veterans who owe a payment on a
mortgage associated with a loan insured, guaranteed, or
made by the Secretary under such chapter that is at
least--
(i) 60 days late; and
(ii) 90 days late.
(b) Assessment.--
(1) In general.--Not later than one year before the Partial
Claim Program terminates, the Comptroller General shall--
(A) conduct an assessment of the benefits and
challenges of the Partial Claim Program; and
(B) submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of
the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the
House of Representatives a report on the findings of the
Comptroller General with respect to that assessment.
(2) Considerations.--In conducting the assessment required
by paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall consider the
following:
(A) The characteristics of borrowers for whom a
partial claim was made compared to the characteristics
of borrowers provided other loss mitigation options by
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(B) The performance of loans guaranteed under
chapter 37 of title 38, United States Code, following
various loss mitigation actions.
(C) The information the Department considered in
determining whether a borrower would benefit from a
partial claim compared to other loss mitigation options.
(D) The costs to taxpayers of the Partial Claim
Program compared to the costs of other loss mitigation
options provided by the Department.
(E) Any similarities and differences in the
Department's administration and use of the Partial Claim
Program compared to the Department's administration and
use of the COVID-19 Veterans Assistance Partial Claim
Payment program established under subpart F of part 36
of title 38, Code of Regulations.
(F) The information the Department learned from the
COVID-19 Veterans Assistance Partial Claim Payment
program and the extent to which those lessons learned
were applied to the Partial Claim Program.
(G) The types of information the Department
collected to monitor the performance and effectiveness
of the Partial Claim Program and how the Department used
that information to make any needed adjustments to the
program.
(H) How the use by the Department of partial claims
compares to the use of partial claims by other Federal
housing agencies, including, for each partial claim
program--
(i) the volume of loans for which partial
claims have been made;
(ii) the results for borrowers (including
redefault and foreclosure rates); and
(iii) the costs to taxpayers.
(c) Partial Claim Program Defined.--In this section, the term
``Partial Claim Program'' means the Partial Claim Program
[[Page 139 STAT. 654]]
of the Department of Veterans Affairs carried out under section 3737 of
title 38, United States Code.
TITLE IV--OTHER MATTERS
SEC. 7401. EXTENSION OF SUBPOENA AUTHORITY OF INSPECTOR GENERAL OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 312(d)(7)(A) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7402. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENT FOR ANNUAL REPORT ON USE OF
AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE EQUITABLE RELIEF.
Section 503(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``December 31, 2025'' and inserting ``December 31, 2026''.
SEC. 7403. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR SECRETARY OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS TO TRANSPORT INDIVIDUALS TO AND
FROM FACILITIES OF DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Section 111A(a)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7404. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY RELATING TO VENDEE LOAN PROGRAM.
Section 3733(a)(8) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``September 30, 2025''
and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7405. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY.
Section 8118(a)(5) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``September 30, 2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2026''.
SEC. 7406. <<NOTE: 38 USC 111A note.>> RETROACTIVE EFFECTIVE
DATE.
The amendments made by this division, except for the amendments made
by section 7307, shall take effect as if enacted on September 30, 2025.
DIVISION H--MISCELLANEOUS
SEC. 8001. BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
(a) Statutory PAYGO Scorecards.--The budgetary effects of this
division and divisions E through G shall not be entered on either PAYGO
scorecard maintained pursuant to section 4(d) of the Statutory Pay-As-
You-Go Act of 2010.
(b) Senate PAYGO Scorecards.--The budgetary effects of this division
and divisions E through G shall not be entered on any PAYGO scorecard
maintained for purposes of section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th
Congress).
(c) Classification of Budgetary Effects.--Notwithstanding Rule 3 of
the Budget Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the joint explanatory
statement of the committee of conference accompanying Conference Report
105-217 and section 250(c)(8) of the
[[Page 139 STAT. 655]]
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, the budgetary
effects of this division and divisions E through G shall not be
estimated--
(1) for purposes of section 251 of such Act;
(2) for purposes of an allocation to the Committee on
Appropriations pursuant to section 302(a) of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974; and
(3) for purposes of paragraph (4)(C) of section 3 of the
Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 as being included in an
appropriation Act.
(d) <<NOTE: Effective date. Determination.>> Balances on the PAYGO
Scorecards.--Effective on the date of the adjournment of the first
session of the 119th Congress, and for the purposes of the annual report
issued pursuant to section 5 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010
(2 U.S.C. 934) after such adjournment and for determining whether a
sequestration order is necessary under such section, the balances on the
PAYGO scorecards established pursuant to paragraphs (4) and (5) of
section 4(d) of such Act shall be zero.
Approved November 12, 2025.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 5371:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 171 (2025):
Sept. 19, considered and passed House. Considered and failed
Senate.
Sept. 30, considered and failed Senate.
Nov. 10, considered and passed Senate, amended.
Nov. 12, House concurred in Senate amendment.
DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2025):
Nov. 12, Presidential remarks.
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