House panel backs 2027 bill keeping NASA at 2026 levels, rejecting 23% White House cut
WASHINGTON — A House appropriations subcommittee advanced a fiscal year 2027 spending bill on April 30 that would keep NASA’s overall budget flat at 2026 levels, rejecting a 23% cut proposed by the White House. The Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee approved the measure on an 8–6 party-line vote, sending it to the full Appropriations Committee for a May 13 markup.
The bill, released April 29, provides $24.438 billion for NASA, matching the agency’s fiscal 2026 funding. The administration had requested $18.829 billion for 2027.
While the top line remains unchanged, the bill reshuffles funding across NASA accounts: exploration would receive $8.926 billion, an increase of more than $1.1 billion from 2026; science would receive $6 billion, $1.25 billion less than in 2026 but well above the administration’s $3.9 billion proposal.
The legislation makes smaller cuts to aeronautics and space technology and provides a small increase to space operations. The bill follows the administration’s proposal to eliminate NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, but it relocates two of that office’s major programs — the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and Space Grant — to the Safety, Security and Mission Services account.
Republican leaders said the measure sustains the agency’s lunar exploration goals. Subcommittee Chair Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., citing the “recent success of Artemis 2,” called this a critical moment to invest in human spaceflight and ensure American astronauts are first to return to the moon.
At an April 27 subcommittee hearing, he described the administration’s NASA request as “disappointing” and argued for more investment to keep pace with China. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., who chairs the full committee, similarly pointed to the “success of Artemis 2,” saying the bill continues support for innovation and NASA to ensure the United States sets the pace.
Democrats opposed the legislation, citing cuts to research and education. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-N.Y., the committee’s ranking member, noted that lawmakers recently celebrated the “remarkable success of the Artemis mission,” but argued Republicans are now proposing to slash funding for NASA science, aeronautics and education initiatives.
Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., whose district includes NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said he appreciates the overall commitment to the agency and praised Jared Isaacman, but voiced concerns about reductions to science and other budgets. No amendments were offered during the subcommittee session.
Members signaled they may introduce amendments at the full committee markup, which will also include the release of the bill’s report detailing additional guidance for NASA and other agencies.