Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026

# Summary of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 This comprehensive appropriations bill allocates funding for the fiscal year 2026 to the Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education, and several related agencies. The bill contains numerous specific funding allocations, restrictions, and procedural requirements. Key elements include: 1. **Major Funding Areas**: - HHS receives significant funding for programs including Medicaid, CHIP, Social Security, and public health initiatives - Education receives substantial funding for student financial assistance, career and technical education, and research - Related agencies receive funding for programs like the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Social Security Administration 2. **Key Restrictions**: - Prohibits using funds for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or to save a woman's life (Section 506-507) - Bans funding for embryonic research or creation of human embryos for research (Section 508) - Prohibits funding for advocacy of drug legalization (Section 509) - Requires transparency in reporting how federal funds are used (Section 505) - Prohibits using funds for propaganda or political activities (Section 503) 3. **Specific Provisions**: - Requires detailed reporting to Congress about fund usage (Sections 516-517) - Mandates notification to Congress before reprogramming funds (Section 514) - Includes numerous rescission provisions that cancel previously appropriated funds - Contains specific requirements for managing federal contracts and grants - Establishes restrictions on using funds for certain types of research or activities 4. **Notable Funding Amounts**: - $24.6 billion for Student Financial Assistance - $49.4 billion for the Supplemental Security Income Program - $14.7 billion for Social Security Administration administrative expenses - $3.2 billion for Higher Education programs - $2.1 billion for Career, Technical, and Adult Education The bill represents a comprehensive funding package with specific constraints on how funds may be used, reflecting ongoing policy debates about government spending priorities in health, education, and social services.