U.S. lawmakers have taken an initial step to reject the administration’s proposed budget for NASA, with a House subcommittee advancing a funding bill that would significantly increase spending for the agency in fiscal year 2027.
The House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee approved a bill allocating $24.4 billion to NASA, above the administration’s $18.8 billion request. The measure passed on an 8–6 vote along party lines and will move to the full House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
The proposed funding level would keep NASA’s budget broadly in line with fiscal year 2026 allocations, when Congress also rejected cuts put forward by the administration. The bill includes increased funding across most of NASA’s major divisions.
Space science would receive $6 billion, compared with the administration’s $3.9 billion request, though still below the $7.3 billion approved in FY26. Space exploration funding would total $8.9 billion, slightly above the proposed $8.5 billion. Space operations would increase to $4.4 billion from $3 billion, while space technology funding would rise to $913 million from $624.3 million. Aeronautics would receive $850 million, up from $609.5 million.
Hal Rogers said the bill reflects the need to maintain U.S. leadership in space exploration. “NASA’s successful Artemis II mission around the Moon was an inspiring reminder that we must remain ahead of global competition—and that same vision is reflected throughout this bill,” he said in a statement.
Despite the higher funding levels, Democrats opposed the bill, citing concerns beyond NASA’s budget, including reductions in programs related to gun violence prevention, rural economic support, and assistance for lower-income communities.
Grace Meng also criticized proposed reductions within NASA’s science programs. “For decades, the United States was a destination for the world’s top researchers to come and do their best work,” she said. “Now we are beginning to lose our own scientific talent to opportunities overseas, as a result of this administration’s attacks on science and universities.”
The broader appropriations bill also outlines funding for other agencies. It includes $10.15 billion for the U.S. Department of Commerce, including $5.9 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and $7 billion for the National Science Foundation, both above the administration’s proposals but below prior congressional levels.
