Strong Secures NASA, FBI Wins in FY27 Bill

U.S. Representative Dale Strong is touting major victories for North Alabama after the House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies spending bill on Wednesday.

Strong, who serves as Vice Chair of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, said the legislation strengthens federal support for NASA programs based in Huntsville while also backing FBI operations at Redstone Arsenal.

“As Vice Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee, I am proud to support this bill. It right-sizes and refocuses spending on the essentials — keeping our nation competitive and safe and advancing American superiority in space and science,” Strong said.

“This bill streamlines federal spending to focus on core pillars – national security, law enforcement, and American leadership in space and science – to ensure taxpayer dollars are reserved for mission-critical outcomes. In pushing back against wasteful spending, we are building a more accountable and efficient government that remains steadfast in its primary responsibilities to the American people.”

The measure now heads to the full U.S. House for consideration.

Among the largest items in the bill is continued funding for NASA’s Artemis program and related projects managed through Marshall Space Flight Center.

The legislation includes $2.6 billion for the Space Launch System rocket program, which is led by Marshall and remains central to NASA’s long-term lunar exploration plans. The bill also provides up to $110 million for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion research, a technology federal officials say could support faster crewed missions to Mars while boosting national security and commercial space operations.

Lawmakers also included:

• $2.2 billion for continued development of the Human Landing System tied to the Artemis III mission
• $1.4 billion for upgrades to the Orion spacecraft used in deep-space missions

The broader House appropriations package places a strong focus on American space leadership and competition with China, according to committee leaders.

Strong also highlighted several provisions tied to the FBI’s growing footprint at Redstone Arsenal.

The bill supports continued operations at FBI Redstone, including investments in counter-drone missions and upgrades to forensic and ballistic research facilities located on the arsenal.

According to Strong’s office, the provisions are designed to improve the FBI’s ability to detect unauthorized drone activity, strengthen evidence analysis, and support violent crime investigations nationwide.

The legislation also advances several Republican policy priorities. Those provisions include restrictions on certain Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives rules adopted during the Biden administration, including regulations involving pistol braces. The bill further seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and reduce funding for what Republicans described as progressive grant programs while preserving support for state and local law enforcement.

The House Appropriations Committee approved the measure Tuesday by a 32-28 vote. Committee leaders said the bill would reduce overall discretionary spending by roughly $670 million compared to fiscal year 2026 levels while increasing investments in law enforcement, anti-fentanyl efforts, and strategic space programs.

The Commerce, Justice, and Science bill is one of the key annual spending packages Congress must pass to fund NASA, the Department of Justice, the FBI, NOAA, and related federal agencies.