HR 7148: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026

HR 7148 in plain English: This law provides full-year FY2026 appropriations for the Department of Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, State Department, and other agencies, while funding the Department of Homeland Security at FY2025 levels through February 13, 2026. It also extends numerous expiring programs, including the National Flood Insurance Program, TANF, and several immigration and cybersecurity authorities.

Stated purpose

To provide full-year funding for several major federal departments and agencies for fiscal year 2026, and to temporarily continue funding for the Department of Homeland Security while also extending various expiring federal programs and authorities.

Key points

• Funds the Department of Defense for FY2026, including $58.2 billion for Army operations and maintenance and $74.7 billion for Navy and Marine Corps operations and maintenance.
• Provides continuing appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security at FY2025 funding levels through February 13, 2026.
• Includes shipbuilding funds such as $3.9 billion for Columbia Class Submarines and $2.7 billion for Virginia Class Submarines.
• Extends expiring programs including the National Flood Insurance Program, TANF, and several cybersecurity authorities.
• Covers five of the twelve regular FY2026 appropriations bills across defense, labor, health, education, transportation, and foreign affairs.

Arguments supporters make

• Passing a consolidated appropriations bill keeps the government funded and running, preventing a shutdown that would disrupt services millions of Americans rely on.
• Extending expiring programs like TANF, the National Flood Insurance Program, and health care authorities ensures vulnerable people do not lose critical support while Congress works on longer-term solutions.
• Funding defense, diplomacy, transportation, housing, and education together in one bill reflects congressional priorities and provides agencies the budget certainty they need to plan and operate effectively.

Arguments opponents make

• Bundling five major appropriations bills into one massive package limits lawmakers' ability to debate and vote on each area of spending separately, reducing transparency and accountability.
• Giving DHS only temporary funding at prior-year levels rather than a full appropriation may hamper border security and other homeland security operations during an uncertain period.
• Large consolidated spending bills are often passed quickly with limited public scrutiny, making it easier to include provisions or funding levels that would face more opposition if considered individually.

Tradeoffs

Passing one large bill funds the government and avoids a shutdown, but reduces the ability of lawmakers and the public to carefully examine each spending decision; keeping DHS at FY2025 levels maintains continuity but may not reflect current needs or policy priorities.

Current status in Congress: Became law.

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