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The House voted 397-28 to pass H.R. 6938, a major funding bill that provides money for several government departments including Commerce, Justice, and Energy for the 2026 fiscal year.
This vote was to pass H.R. 6938, a comprehensive spending package known as a 'minibus.' The bill allocates money for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Energy, and Interior, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and various scientific agencies for the 2026 fiscal year. It includes specific funding for trade enforcement, local economic development, and national security activities related to sensitive technology exports. In the House of Representatives, a 'vote on passage' is the final hurdle for a bill to clear that specific chamber. Since this bill involves government spending, it is a critical step in the annual budget process. Passing the bill ensures that the covered federal agencies have the financial resources needed to operate and avoid a government shutdown. The bill passed with an overwhelming bipartisan majority, meaning large numbers of both Democrats and Republicans supported it. Following this vote, the bill eventually moved through the rest of the legislative process and was signed into law, providing budget certainty for these government functions through September 2026.
Following this House passage, the bill moved toward the Senate for consideration and was ultimately signed by the President on January 23, 2026.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This bill is essential for government operations; it prevents shutdowns for major agencies and funds national priorities like law enforcement and scientific research.
Who’s affected. Federal Employees: Ensures continued salary payments and operational budgets for those working in the funded departments. · U.S. Exporters: Provides $582 million for trade promotion and helps protect businesses from unfair foreign trade practices. · Local Communities: Allocates $400 million for economic development programs intended to create jobs and foster innovation.
Democrats. The Democratic caucus was nearly unanimous in support, with 97 members voting yes and only 3 voting no.
Republicans. The Republican caucus strongly supported the measure with 95 members voting yes, though 11 members voted against it.
On Passage
Jan 8, 2026
The House voted 397-28 to pass H.R.
6938, a major funding bill that provides money for several government departments including Commerce, Justice, and Energy for the 2026 fiscal year.
This was a final vote in the House of Representatives to approve the text of the bill. In the U.S. Congress, both the House and the Senate must pass identical versions of a bill before it can be sent to the President to become law.
Following this House passage, the bill moved toward the Senate for consideration and was ultimately signed by the President on January 23, 2026.
This bill is essential for government operations; it prevents shutdowns for major agencies and funds national priorities like law enforcement and scientific research.
The vote showed strong bipartisan consensus, with the vast majority of both parties voting in favor of the funding package.
The Democratic caucus was nearly unanimous in support, with 97 members voting yes and only 3 voting no.
The Republican caucus strongly supported the measure with 95 members voting yes, though 11 members voted against it.
The single independent member voted in favor of the bill.