# National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 - Summary
This comprehensive appropriations bill authorizes funding for U.S. diplomatic and national security programs for fiscal year 2026 with several notable funding allocations, restrictions, and policy directives.
## Key Funding Allocations
- **$94 million** for global Internet freedom programs
- **$160 million** for women's economic empowerment
- **$40 million** for the Madeleine K. Albright Women's Leadership Program
- **$200 million** for prevention of violence against women and girls
- **$120 million** for women, peace, and security initiatives
- **$737.6 million** for basic education (including secondary education)
- **$216.8 million** for higher education
- **$292.6 million** for biodiversity conservation
- **$768 million** for food security and agricultural development
- **$111 million** for activities to combat trafficking in persons
- **$300 million** for the Countering Russian Influence Fund
- **$1.7 billion** for the America First Opportunity Fund
## Major Restrictions and Prohibitions
1. **UN and International Organizations**:
- Prohibits funding for UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency)
- Prohibits funding for the UN Human Rights Council
- Requires certification before funding UN entities
- Withholds 25% of UN contributions if Taiwan isn't granted observer status
2. **Geopolitical Restrictions**:
- Prohibits funding for the Russian Federation government
- Prohibits funding for countries supporting Russian annexation of Crimea
- Prohibits funding for countries recognizing independence of Russian-occupied Georgian territories
3. **Program Restrictions**:
- Prohibits funding for drag queen workshops, performances, or documentaries
- Prohibits funding for programs teaching concepts of systemic racism or sexism
- Prohibits funding for transgender-related medical procedures for minors
- Prohibits funding for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is endangered
- Prohibits funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology or related research
4. **Gaza and West Bank Oversight**:
- Requires certification of oversight policies to prevent funds from reaching Hamas
- Mandates third-party monitoring of aid to Gaza
- Requires regular reporting to Congress on aid usage
- Prohibits admission and resettlement of foreign nationals from Gaza
## Other Significant Provisions
- **Rescissions**: $4.3 billion in unobligated balances from previous appropriations are permanently rescinded
- **Spending Requirements**: Mandates specific spend plans for various programs
- **Anti-DEI Restrictions**: Prohibits funding for certain diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- **Human Rights**: Requires certification that all Department of State employees will receive anti-trafficking training
- **Environmental**: Prohibits funding for climate change programs that violate Executive Order 14162
This bill represents a comprehensive approach to U.S. foreign assistance with significant restrictions on funding for certain countries, programs, and activities, while emphasizing oversight for funds provided to Gaza and West Bank.
The Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025 automatically provides funding for most federal government programs if Congress fails to pass a full budget by the start of a new fiscal year. It sets initial funding at 94% of the previous year's level for 90 days, then reduces it by 1% every subsequent 90 days until a budget is approved. Programs like food assistance (under the Food and Nutrition Act) maintain full current funding, while other agencies face gradual cuts to prevent shutdowns. This ensures continuous government operations without requiring new legislation during budget delays.
HR 5552, the "Eliminate Shutdowns Act," would automatically continue federal funding for most government programs during a funding gap. If Congress fails to pass annual appropriations bills by the start of a fiscal year, the bill would automatically provide funding at the previous year's level for 14 days, extending in 14-day increments until a new funding bill is enacted. This applies to all federal programs except those specifically prohibited or covered by other laws, including maintaining current funding for entitlement programs like food assistance under the Food and Nutrition Act. The bill aims to prevent shutdowns by ensuring continuous operations without requiring new congressional action during the funding gap. It would take effect on September 30, 2025.
HR 6054, the Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act of 2025, requires federal cancer research funding to allocate pediatric research dollars proportionally based on the U.S. child population. Specifically, for fiscal years 2026 and beyond, the percentage of cancer research funds dedicated to pediatric cancer must match the ratio of children under 18 to the total U.S. population, as determined by the Census Bureau. This directly affects how federal cancer research dollars are distributed, ensuring pediatric cancer research receives funding aligned with the proportion of young patients. The bill mandates this calculation annually, shifting funding allocation toward pediatric research without specifying new programs or budget increases.
HR 6044, the Pay Our Patriots Act, ensures military personnel and essential Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) staff continue receiving pay during a government shutdown. It appropriates funds from the Treasury to cover "covered pay and allowances" for active-duty military members and specific FAA employees (like air traffic controllers) deemed essential for air safety during any lapse in regular appropriations. The bill mandates that payments be made at the rate in effect before the shutdown began, with funds immediately available and not subject to reductions. This funding continues until either a new appropriations bill is passed or the end of the fiscal year in which the shutdown began.
This bill ensures uninterrupted WIC benefits during government funding gaps by directing emergency Treasury funds to cover the program in fiscal year 2026 if Congress fails to pass regular appropriations. It directly affects WIC participants (women, infants, and children) and state agencies administering the program, preventing service disruptions. Key provisions include retroactive reimbursement for states that covered costs between September 30, 2025, and the bill’s enactment date, and funding that lasts until fiscal year 2026 appropriations are approved. The bill’s mechanisms bypass standard budget processes to maintain WIC operations during fiscal lapses.
Prevent Government Shutdowns Act This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if the appropriations bills for a fiscal year have not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations at the rate of operations that was provided for the prior fiscal year to continue programs, projects, and activities that were funded in the preceding fiscal year. The bill also limits official travel, congressional recesses or adjournments, and the consideration of legislation that is unrelated to appropriations after the beginning of a fiscal year if the appropriations process has not been completed.
HR 5849, the USCP Act, ensures Capitol Police officers continue receiving pay during government shutdowns. It directs funds from the Treasury to cover Capitol Police salaries and expenses if discretionary funding lapses after the bill's enactment. This directly affects U.S. Capitol Police employees, guaranteeing they are paid even when the federal government is partially closed. The bill provides a specific funding mechanism to prevent pay interruptions during shutdowns. It does not alter Capitol Police duties or create new requirements.
This bill ensures SNAP (food stamp) benefits continue uninterrupted during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2026. It directs the USDA to use existing Treasury funds to pay SNAP benefits if Congress fails to pass a full-year budget for the Department of Agriculture by September 30, 2025. The bill also covers retroactive payments for missed benefits starting September 30, 2025, through the bill's enactment date. Benefits funded this way stop once Congress enacts a full FY2026 budget for the USDA. It directly affects SNAP recipients who rely on these benefits during budget delays.
The GUARD Act (HR 5893) ensures uninterrupted Social Security Administration (SSA) operations during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. It appropriates necessary funds to cover SSA administrative expenses if Congress fails to pass full-year funding before the fiscal year begins. This guarantees the SSA continues processing retiree payments and responding to congressional inquiries without interruption. The bill directly affects SSA operations and retirees who rely on timely benefit disbursements. It does not change benefit amounts or eligibility but secures funding continuity for administrative functions.
