# Summary of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
This comprehensive appropriations bill provides funding for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies for fiscal year 2026. Key provisions include:
## Major Funding Provisions
- $2 billion for Rural Development programs
- $1.5 billion for Food and Drug Administration operations
- $2 million for the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program
- $2 million for Section 758 of P.L. 118-42
- $1.5 million for grants under Section 12502 of Public Law 115-334
## Significant Restrictions on Fund Usage
- **Prohibits funds** for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or any program promoting Critical Race Theory (Section 755)
- **Prohibits implementation** of certain proposed rules on poultry grower contracting and livestock markets (Section 729)
- **Restricts SNAP variety requirements** until regulatory amendments are made (Section 726)
- **Prohibits new guidelines** for Listeria monocytogenes until FDA considers new science (Section 756)
- **Prohibits new sodium reduction regulations** until impact assessment is completed (Section 757)
- **Requires congressional approval** for reprogramming of funds (Section 716)
- **Limits indirect cost rates** on cooperative agreements to 10% of total direct cost (Section 704)
## Other Notable Provisions
- Rescinds $100 million from WIC program unobligated balances (Section 722)
- Rescinds $100 million from conservation activities unobligated balances (Section 778)
- Rescinds $100 million from Inflation Reduction Act funds (Section 779)
- Prohibits use of funds for certain tobacco product regulations (Section 773)
- Requires specific study on applying "Buy American" requirements to nutrition programs (Section 775)
- Prohibits use of funds for certain food traceability rules before August 1, 2028 (Section 766)
The bill contains numerous specific restrictions on how federal funds may be spent, reflecting a strong emphasis on limiting government spending and regulating program implementation through detailed legislative language.
HR 4494, the Flood Insurance Relief Act, allows homeowners to deduct qualified flood insurance premiums from their taxable income. It directly affects individual homeowners who pay for flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or approved private policies. The deduction applies only to premiums paid for covered property, with a limit: it phases out for taxpayers earning over $200,000 individually ($400,000 for joint returns). The bill modifies the tax code to add this deduction as a new line item, effective for tax years after enactment.
HR 5755, the No Budget, No Pay Act, requires Congress to pass a budget resolution and all regular appropriations bills by October 1 each fiscal year, or members of Congress (excluding the Vice President) will not receive pay starting October 2. The bill mandates that pay is withheld for each day after October 1 until both chambers approve the budget resolution and all appropriations bills. It explicitly prohibits retroactive payment for any withheld pay period and establishes procedures for Senate and House committees to certify compliance with the deadlines. The law takes effect February 1, 2027, and directly affects congressional members' salaries based on budget process deadlines.
HR 5542, the "End Government Shutdowns Act," automatically funds all federal programs at 99% of the previous fiscal year's level if Congress fails to pass regular appropriations bills by the start of a new fiscal year. This prevents shutdowns by ensuring continuous operations, with funding decreasing by 1% every 30 days until a new budget is enacted. The bill directly affects all federal agencies and programs that would otherwise face funding gaps during budget disputes. It requires funding to continue at reduced levels until a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution is signed into law, avoiding government shutdowns through this automatic mechanism.
This bill creates federal grants to fund 3-year demonstration projects that train low-income individuals (under 138% of the federal poverty level) to become doulas or midwives. It requires states to already recognize and permit these professionals to practice, and applicants must partner with entities like workforce boards, hospitals, or community organizations. The $10 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026 will support programs focused on accessible career pathways with high training standards, fair wages, and health benefits. Projects must include rigorous evaluations to identify effective models for building this workforce, particularly for underserved communities.
HR 5130, the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025, would automatically continue funding for most federal programs at previous year's levels if Congress fails to pass full-year appropriations by the start of the fiscal year. The bill would provide automatic funding for 14 days, extendable by 14-day periods until Congress passes an appropriations bill, while excluding entitlement programs like food stamps and Social Security. During these automatic funding periods, the bill restricts government travel to essential activities only, limits use of campaign funds for travel, and requires Congress to prioritize passing appropriations bills over other business. This would affect all federal agencies and programs that would otherwise face a shutdown, as well as Members of Congress and their staff who would face new travel restrictions during these periods.
HR 5401, the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026, ensures military personnel, civilian Defense workers, and supporting contractors receive pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2026. It appropriates emergency funds for active-duty service members, reserves, and their supporting personnel (including Coast Guard staff under DHS) if regular appropriations aren't enacted by the end of the fiscal year. The bill provides necessary pay and allowances during any period when full-year funding is unavailable, covering both active service and support roles. Funding expires when regular appropriations are passed, a funding resolution is enacted, or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. This is a procedural measure to prevent pay delays for military and support staff during fiscal year 2026 funding lapses.
The HEATS Act ensures continued funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) during federal government shutdowns. It directs the use of unappropriated Treasury funds to pay for LIHEAP benefits when discretionary federal funding lapses, preventing interruption in aid for eligible households. This directly affects low-income families who rely on LIHEAP to cover heating and cooling costs. The bill creates a specific mechanism to maintain these critical energy assistance payments without requiring new congressional appropriations during shutdown periods.
HR 5126, the HIV Prevention Now Act, appropriates $2.165 billion for the CDC's National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention for fiscal year 2026. This funding is in addition to existing CDC appropriations and must be used exclusively by that specific center for its programs, with no transfer to other entities. The bill directly affects the CDC's public health operations by providing dedicated resources for prevention and treatment programs targeting HIV, viral hepatitis, STDs, and tuberculosis. It does not create new policies or alter eligibility but ensures sustained funding for existing prevention efforts at the federal level.
HR 5220, the Congressional Power of the Purse Act, strengthens Congress's authority over federal spending by preventing the executive branch from withholding appropriated funds. The bill requires federal agencies to report on budget management, adds penalties for failing to comply with congressional oversight requirements, and establishes new procedures for congressional review of national emergencies. It directly affects federal agencies, the executive branch, and the balance of power between Congress and the President regarding budget authority. The law aims to increase transparency and accountability in how government funds are managed and spent.
