The Senate advanced a package of three energy and environment-focused spending bills on a procedural vote Monday evening.
Senators voted 80-13 to begin consideration of the fiscal 2026 Interior-Environment, Energy-Water and Commerce-Justice-Science bills. The bills are the final compromise versions and passed out of the House last week with sweeping bipartisan support.
Congressional leaders are hoping to be able to send the “minibus” to President Donald Trump’s desk as soon as this week, but ongoing disputes over a weather and climate lab, earmarks and other issues could delay action until the end of the month.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has said he does not intend to cancel the Senate’s scheduled recess next week. He expressed optimism Monday that senators will be able to strike a deal to vote on the minibus before the Jan. 30 funding deadline.
