Sign in Subscribe
Legislative bills

Bipartisan Senate Committee Approves Defense and Labor Spending Bills with Crucial Investments

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Senate Appropriations Committee has marked up and approved the draft fiscal year 2026 Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations acts in a 26-3 vote. Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ranking Member Chris Coons (D-DE) praised the bipartisan bills for making crucial investments in defense, education, and healthcare. The bills also reject significant cuts proposed by President Trump, including devastating cuts to critical programs for working families and students.

Key Takeaways:

  • The committee approved the draft fiscal year 2026 Defense appropriations bill with a 26-3 vote, marking a strong bipartisan effort to invest in defense and national security.
  • The bill increases funding for defense and rejects President Trump's proposed cuts to critical programs for working families and students, including education, healthcare, and workforce training.
  • Vice Chair Patty Murray emphasized that the bill prioritizes the needs of working families, investing in programs that keep families strong, such as healthcare, education, and workforce training.
  • The bill also rejects Trump's proposals to dismantle the Department of Education and destroy the Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) pushed for bipartisan cooperation, highlighting the importance of putting politics aside to focus on deterring China and strengthening our allies.
  • The committee approved the draft fiscal year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill with a 26-3 vote, with Vice Chair Murray praising the bill's investments in education, healthcare, and workforce training.
  • The bill rejects Trump's proposed cuts to critical programs for working families and students, including education, healthcare, and workforce training.
  • Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) lauded the bill for investing in cancer and Alzheimer's research, protecting the Department of Education, and strengthening her Alzheimer's-focused 988 Suicide Lifeline.
  • Both bills received unanimous manager's packages, which were adopted without opposition.

Statistics:

  • 26-3 vote to approve the draft fiscal year 2026 Defense appropriations bill.
  • 26-3 vote to approve the draft fiscal year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
  • $400 million increase for the NIH budget to continue making progress against cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and other critical health issues.
  • A 16-13 vote to update Senator Hyde Smith's amendment to provide better support for all rural hospitals.
  • The bill rejects $100 million in slush fund money provided for Russ Vought's Office of Management and Budget in the reconciliation bill and instead allocates $95 million to the Social Security Administration to improve customer service for Americans seeking to access the benefits they are owed.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations: Committee Approves Defense Funding Bill in a 26-3 Vote (Source: Senate Appropriations Committee)
  • U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations: Committee Approves Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill in a 26-3 Vote (Source: Senate Appropriations Committee)
  • Senate Appropriations Committee: Draft Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill (Source: Senate Appropriations Committee)
  • Senate Appropriations Committee: Draft Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill (Source: Senate Appropriations Committee)
  • Vice Chair Patty Murray's Opening Remarks (Source: Senate Appropriations Committee)

Read more