S. 2431: Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026

The bill appropriates $1.256 billion for the Department of the Interior for the fiscal year 2026. This funding is designated for land management and conservation efforts, with specific allocations towards operational expenses for agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The management of these allocated funds is set to continue until September 30, 2027.

Funding for Indian Affairs

The bill also provides funding for Indian Affairs programs, which includes:

• $4 million for land consolidation and contract support costs for tribal entities.
• $136.28 million for various construction projects aimed at supporting tribal infrastructure.
• $1.13 billion allocated for education programs benefiting Native American students.
• Provisions for wildland fire management and assistance to U.S. territories.

Operational Fees and Environmental Provisions

Additionally, the bill introduces new fees for inspections and operations related to wells and rigs, which will be assessed in fiscal year 2026. The fees will vary based on the number of wells and the depth of the water. The legislation also establishes billing procedures for operators. Other environmental-oriented provisions in the bill cover contracts related to:

• Wild horse care.
• Salmon marking.
• Various other environmental programs.

Water and Environmental Initiatives

In terms of water management, the bill allocates more than $1 billion for programs supporting non-public drinking water well owners and community assistance under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This funding is aimed at enhancing water quality and supporting broader environmental initiatives.

Indian Health Programs

The health programs outlined in the bill specify allocations that include:

• $82.4 million for the Indian Health Service.
• $264.7 million for the development and implementation of electronic health records.
• $4.8 billion designated for comprehensive health services incrementally starting in 2026.
• Support provisions for tribal organizations related to health services and contract support costs.

Reporting Requirements

Regarding reporting, the bill stipulates that reports can only be made public if they do not compromise national security or contain proprietary information. Additionally, these reports must be made available to Congressional committees at least 45 days prior to public release.

National Endowment for the Arts

The bill includes specific provisions for the National Endowment for the Arts, emphasizing funding aimed at underserved populations and particular types of fellowships while imposing restrictions on the funding's application.

Relevant Companies

None found.