Press Releases
Includes Millions for Kentucky Infrastructure, Coal Communities, First Responders, Combatting Opioid Abuse, Spurring Innovation in Business and Education, and more
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers celebrates final passage of the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act (H.R.6938) in both chambers of Congress, now awaiting President Trump’s signature.
As one of 12 cardinal members of the House Appropriations Committee, serving as Chairman of Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS), Congressman Rogers helped author the three appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026, providing nearly $175 billion to advance President Trump’s America First priorities, replace Biden-era policies, rein in job-killing regulations and cut wasteful spending. The package reinforces President Trump’s bold agenda on trade and combating illicit drug trafficking, while spurring the nation’s dominance in nuclear deterrence programs, energy independence, and innovation.
“Kentucky will be receiving vital funding in this package, including nearly $40 million in Community Project Funding earmarks that I requested to help our first responders in Eastern Kentucky, expand clean drinking water and reliable wastewater in our region, expand space science opportunities at Morehead State University’s Space Science Center, and to continue driving down overdose death rates through Operation UNITE’s important work for substance abuse prevention and education efforts,” said Congressman Rogers. “This bill also helps coal communities in Kentucky and across the country with $80 million for grants through the Economic Development Administration, as well as $28 million for the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program in Kentucky. It is an honor to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee on behalf of the people of Southern and Eastern Kentucky.”
Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District will receive:
Nearly $40 million in Congressman Rogers’ Community Project Funding Requests, including:
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$20 million for new communications equipment for first responders in Southern and Eastern Kentucky to help during emergency response and natural disasters;
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$10 Million for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 531 Environmental Infrastructure Program, expanding access to reliable drinking water and wastewater resources exclusively in Southern and Eastern Kentucky homes, schools and business;
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$7.54 million for the Morehead State University Space Science Center’s Payload Operations Center to continue innovative aerospace education and engineering; and
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$2 million for Operation UNITE to continue substance abuse prevention and treatment projects in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
Coal Communities
Focusing on economic development in Rural America and coal communities, this bill provides $135 million for the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, with Kentucky being awarded nearly $28 million for 2026. Congressman Rogers created the AMLER program for several coal producing states in 2016, as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, to help revitalize the economy in coal communities. Further, this bill provides $80 million for the Assistance to Coal Communities Program, providing grants that have been competitively awarded to Eastern Kentucky communities for many years. Congressman Rogers also secured $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission, including $10 million for broadband deployment and $16 million for basic infrastructure in Central Appalachia.
Combatting Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking
In addition to providing $3.2 billion for the DEA to continue dismantling drug cartels, this pro-law enforcement bill provides increased funding for state and local police through Byrne JAG grants and COPS hiring grants. It also includes $35 million for the nationwide Hal Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and $12 million for non-profits that are focused on substance abuse prevention and education.
Making America Safer during Severe Storms
In light of catastrophic severe weather in Kentucky and other states nationwide, this bill invests more than $6 billion in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operations to improve weather prediction capabilities and equipment. It also includes $10 million for staffing in National Weather Service (NWS) offices and specifically supports purchases of private sector data to fill NWS radar gaps in Kentucky. Ongoing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ flood control projects in Eastern Kentucky are also fully supported in the legislation.
Providing Opportunities in Rural Kentucky
Once again, Congressman Rogers protected $610 million for the long-awaited construction of a new federal prison facility in Letcher County, which will create more than 300 new jobs in Eastern Kentucky.
This bill also expands the 10-20-30 program to fight rural persistent poverty for more EDA grants, a bipartisan program that Congressman Rogers has championed for many years, alongside Congressman Clyburn from Georgia.
Protecting Taxpayer Dollars and Constitutional Rights
While this legislation makes key investments in successful programs, it also dismantles federal bureaucracy that stalls job creation and energy independence. It also supports American values and principles by supporting longstanding 2nd Amendment rights and pro-life provisions to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding abortions.
Click here to read H.R. 6938.
Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026.- Bill Summary, here.
- Bill Summary, here.
- Bill Summary, here.