Congressional Appropriators take action on Commerce, Justice, Science FY26 Appropriations Bill

Update: January 9, 2026: On January 8, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill, which is wonderful news for the afterschool STEM community! The Senate will schedule a vote in the coming weeks, so please continue advocating to your Senators to sustain funding for STEM education and afterschool STEM.

As we begin the new year, Congress has taken an important step in shaping federal investments that directly affect afterschool STEM programs across the country. This week, top appropriators in the U.S. Senate and House released the text of three bipartisan, bicameral fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills covering Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS); Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.

For educators, families, and advocates who care deeply about afterschool STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), the CJS bill is especially significant. It includes funding for many of the federal agencies that form the backbone of our nation’s STEM learning ecosystem. While the White House’s proposed FY26 budget called for drastic cuts to several of these programs, congressional negotiators ultimately chose a different path—preserving funding for many key initiatives, though not without some difficult compromises.

What’s in the CJS Bill for STEM Education?

The National Science Foundation (NSF), long a cornerstone of STEM education and research, would receive $8.75 billion under the proposed bill. While this is nearly $500 million less than FY25 levels, it is far higher than the White House’s proposed $4.14 billion. Importantly, NSF’s STEM education programs would be funded at just over $938 million. This includes $55 million for the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program—a critical source of support for museums, afterschool programs, and community-based STEM learning. However, this represents a $7.5 million cut from last year.

NASA also fares relatively well in the bill. The agency would receive $24.44 billion—$5.63 billion above the White House request. NASA’s STEM Engagement programs, which inspire young people through hands-on learning and real-world connections to space science and exploration, would remain funded at $143 million, the same level as FY25.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would receive $6.171 billion, including nearly $35 million for its Office of Education, slightly decreased from FY25. This funding supports programs like Bay-Watershed Education and Training (BWET), which connects students to environmental science and local ecosystems through experiential learning, including through afterschool programs. BWET programs would receive $8.7 million under the bill, the same as in FY25.

The Department of Commerce would see an increase overall, with $11.132 billion in funding—$744 million more than FY25. Notably, this includes $41 million for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hubs) Program, enough to support up to two implementation grants that can help build regional STEM and innovation ecosystems.

Why Advocacy Still Matters

The NSF, NASA, NOAA, and other science agencies play a vital role in inspiring young people, supporting educators, and connecting students to real-world STEM role models. At a time when our economy, workforce, and democracy increasingly depend on STEM literacy, federal investment should be growing—not shrinking. For afterschool STEM programs already stretched thin, flat or reduced funding can limit access, innovation, and reach, especially for students historically underrepresented in STEM fields.

While this bill reflects stagnation or cuts to important STEM education programs, it is a step in the right direction, given the compromise Congress has had to negotiate. The Afterschool STEM Hub has always advocated for the continued investment in STEM education programs at the science mission agencies, and we are pleased that the Appropriations Committees have recognized the importance of these funding streams.

The CJS bill has not yet been voted on by the full House and Senate, meaning there is still time for advocates to make their voices heard. Now is the moment to act. STEM education advocates can and should urge Congress now to pass this bill and strengthen support for STEM education within the CJS bill and across all federal agencies. Afterschool STEM programs are not extras—they are essential pathways to opportunity, curiosity, and the future our young people deserve.

Take action now by letting your Congressional representatives know that we must sustain funding for STEM education and support for afterschool STEM programs.