FY 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill

Strategic Insights -

House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart presented the FY 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill, emphasizing its focus on advancing U.S. national security and promoting American interests abroad. The bill aims to reduce spending by 22% from the enacted level, prioritizing national security investments, and withholding funds from countries that fail to advance shared interests.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bill proposes a 22% reduction in spending from the enacted level, prioritizing national security investments.
  • The bill allocates $3.3 billion in security assistance to Israel, fully funding the United States-Israel Memorandum of Understanding.
  • The bill includes funding and conditions to confront the national security threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party, including prohibiting support for academic institutions partnering with PRC- or CCP-controlled colleges in Communist China.
  • The bill provides $500 million in foreign military financing and up to $2 billion in loans and loan guarantees for Taiwan to strengthen deterrence across the Taiwan Strait.
  • The bill creates the America First Opportunity Fund, which will enhance United States leverage abroad and enable a rapid response to crises.
  • The bill maintains all long-standing pro-life provisions, alongside enhanced oversight and transparency measures to ensure American taxpayer dollars do not fund abortions.
  • The bill blocks assistance to countries that fail to meet certain conditions, including Colombia, South Africa, and Mexico, among others.
  • The bill demands unprecedented accountability of the United Nations and other international organizations, bringing greater scrutiny to the actions of member states.
  • The bill includes a new provision to demand justice for victims murdered in the October 7 terrorist attacks, requiring full accountability for the UNRWA staff involved in this vicious attack.

Statistics:

  • 22% reduction in spending from the enacted level.
  • $3.3 billion in security assistance to Israel.
  • $500 million in foreign military financing and up to $2 billion in loans and loan guarantees for Taiwan.
  • $3.3 billion in funding for the America First Opportunity Fund.
  • 22% reduction in funding for the United Nations Regular Budget.
  • $1 billion reduction in funding for the World Health Organization.

Sources:

  • House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart. "Opening Remarks on FY 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill" (2023).