January 16, 2026
Government Funding Bills Advance as January 30 Deadline Nears
Congress is making progress in the appropriations process ahead of the January 30 deadline by advancing spending bills in multi-bill “minibus” packages. This approach allows lawmakers to move several funding bills at once as they work toward full year government funding for FY26.
Justice Funding Secured Through September 30
The Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) appropriations bill, which funds the Department of Justice and key public safety programs, passed the House last week as part of a three-bill minibus package. On January 15, the Senate approved the same package, clearing the bill for final enactment. With both chambers having passed identical legislation, the bill now heads to the President for signature. Once signed, the CJS bill will provide full year FY26 funding for DOJ agencies and grant programs through September 30.
Where the Appropriations Process Stands
With passage of the latest minibus, Congress has now approved six of the twelve annual appropriations bills. Earlier packages funded Agriculture, the Legislative Branch, Military Construction VA, Financial Services, and National Security State programs. The recent Senate vote marks the halfway point in the appropriations process and reduces the number of bills that must be completed before the January 30th deadline.
Remaining Bills Still Under Negotiation
The remaining appropriations bills include funding for Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Transportation and Housing and Urban Development; and Homeland Security. These are among the largest spending measures, and negotiations are ongoing. The House has passed additional funding packages and is expected to consider remaining measures before leaving town later this month. The Senate is entering a brief recess next week but is expected to continue work on the outstanding appropriations bills while the House is out. Leaders in both chambers have expressed confidence that full year funding can be completed before January 30, though several key decisions remain unresolved.
FY 2026 Commerce–Justice–Science Minibus: Key Justice Funding Line Items
Below is a high-level overview of selected Department of Justice and public safety funding levels included in the FY 2026 Commerce–Justice–Science minibus package. To view the full legislative text and complete appropriation amounts, please click here.
Federal Law Enforcement (DOJ Components)
- U.S. Marshals Service: $3.9 billion
- Drug Enforcement Administration: $2.6 billion
- U.S. Attorneys’ Offices: $2.6 billion
State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance
Office of Justice Programs (OJP) — $3.1 billion
- Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program: $964 million
- Project Safe Neighborhoods: $13 million
- Body-Worn Camera Program: $15 million
- Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training: $6 million
- VALOR Program: $12.5 million
- Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) / STOIC Act programs: $10 million
- Bulletproof Vest Program: $30 million
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office — $800 million
- Collaborative Reform Initiative – Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC): $5.5 million
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Programs
- $720 million
Crime Victims Fund
- $1.95 billion
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- 5 percent set aside for Tribal community use
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IACP Participates in FBI Law Enforcement Partner Engagement Council Inaugural Meeting
The International Association of Chiefs of Police participated in the FBI’s inaugural Law Enforcement Partner Engagement Council (LEPEC), held on January 13 at FBI Headquarters. The meeting brought together representatives from ten national police and law enforcement organizations, including IACP, to discuss collaboration, information sharing, and coordination on public safety issues. The session was attended by FBI Director Kash Patel, who joined the participating organizations for the Council’s first convening. The LEPEC is expected to meet at least quarterly throughout the year.
Nominee Developments
- Sara Carter, nominee for Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), was confirmed by the Senate on January 6, 2026, by a 52–48 vote.
- Robert Cekada, nominee for Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), was originally nominated during the first session of the 119th Congress and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The nomination was returned to the President on January 3 under Senate Rule XXXI, which automatically returns pending nominations at the close of a session if the Senate has not completed action. The President renominated Cekada on January 13, 2026, and the nomination was again referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The confirmation process will now restart, beginning with committee consideration.
Upcoming Congressional Hearings
Wednesday, January 21
Cybersecurity, TSA, and Science & Technology Oversight | 10:00 a.m., 310 CHOB House Homeland Security Committee Hearing | Link to hearing Embedded Threats in U.S. Transportation Systems | 2:00 p.m., 2141 RHOB House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Oversight Hearing | Link to hearing
Thursday, January 22
Ports of Entry and Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology | 10:00 a.m., 310 CHOB House Homeland Security Committee, Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Hearing | Link to hearing
