Congressman Ken Calvert joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 6938, a funding package covering commerce, justice, science, energy and water development, and interior and environment appropriations for 2026. The bill passed with a vote of 397 to 28.
“The package of appropriations bills approved by the House funds many American priorities, including the fight against fentanyl, restoring American energy dominance, bolstering our nuclear defense systems, and improving water infrastructure,” said Rep. Calvert. “Many of my priorities for our region, California, and the nation were incorporated into this bill. As a senior member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I’m pleased this final package includes funding for California water infrastructure. I also strongly support the significant investment the bill makes for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure.”
The legislation allocates $62.5 million for surface and groundwater storage projects in the Western United States and $12.5 million for water recycling projects in that region. It provides $19.4 million to support research aimed at optimizing water storage and reducing flood risk through improved reservoir operations using weather forecasts.
Additional measures include $20 million to help conserve Colorado River water among Lower Basin States and $14 million for coastal data systems that assist with planning maritime activities and emergency response.
In terms of environmental initiatives, language in the bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to brief on air quality monitoring in Coachella Valley. The package sets aside $1.5 billion for wildland fire management efforts, eliminates funding for the Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation, and provides $3.2 billion to support National Park Service programs.
Justice-related provisions include an increase in funding—$105 million—for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber Tipline program; $3 million is designated for NOAA atmospheric river monitoring to aid emergency preparedness; NASA’s Space Grant Program receives $58 million; while $2 million is allocated to enhance DEA tracking of fentanyl production through wastewater testing technology.
Ken Calvert has represented California’s 41st District in Congress since 1993 (https://calvert.house.gov/about). He was born in Corona, California in 1953 where he currently resides (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/C000059). Calvert earned his Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in 1975.
