House Republicans Advance Multiple Fiscal 2026 Funding Bills

House Republicans have advanced multiple fiscal year 2026 spending bills focused on defense, veterans affairs, and homeland security, emphasizing increased funding for immigration enforcement and military infrastructure under President Trump. The appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs total about $453 billion, including a 3 percent boost in discretionary funding, aiming to enhance veteran health care and military family support, though Democrats warn this could lead to privatization and reduced care quality. The Homeland Security funding bill proposes around $66 billion in discretionary funds, including a nearly $1 billion increase for ICE to expand detention capacity and boosts for FEMA and other agencies. Meanwhile, the GOP’s Legislative Branch appropriations bill seeks to cut nearly half of the Government Accountability Office’s budget, drawing Democratic criticism for potentially undermining federal oversight and accountability. In Maine, lawmakers are advancing nearly 300 special appropriations bills under tight budget constraints, addressing issues like ghost guns and worker protections, while the House Appropriations Committee aims to complete all 12 fiscal 2026 spending bills this summer despite delays and Democratic amendments. These legislative efforts reflect Republican priorities on defense, immigration enforcement, and government spending reductions, amid ongoing Democratic concerns about the impacts on services and oversight.