Haridopolos Says House Spending Package Delivers Millions to Space Coast
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) announced that a House-passed federal appropriations package includes multiple community funding projects for the Space Coast, covering water quality efforts in the Indian River Lagoon, career and aerospace education, and upgraded public safety aviation equipment for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
What Is the Spending Minibus?
The legislation, formally titled the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 6938), is a combined appropriations measure — commonly called a “minibus” — bundling multiple spending bills into one package. The U.S. House passed the three-bill measure by a sweeping 397-28 vote, according to the House Appropriations Committee. The White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy in support of the legislation.
What Haridopolos Says Is Included for the Space Coast
According to Haridopolos’ office, the package includes nearly $14 million directed toward improving water quality and the long-term ecological health of the Indian River Lagoon. The funding is aimed at addressing ongoing environmental challenges facing the lagoon.
The bill also includes more than $2 million to establish a new Aviation Assembly and Fabrication Program at Brevard Public Schools’ Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School. The program is described as hands-on training designed to prepare students for careers in the aerospace and aviation sectors.
On the public safety front, the legislation includes $500,000 for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to modernize its search-and-rescue helicopter, with the goal of improving operational effectiveness for the agency’s aviation unit.
NASA Funding Also Highlighted
Haridopolos also highlighted broader national space investment within the package, noting that the legislation includes $24.4 billion allocated for NASA, which the congressman connected to America’s continued leadership in space exploration and innovation.
“My top priority in Congress is making sure the federal government works for the people it serves,” Haridopolos said in a statement.
What Happens Next
The appropriations package must still be approved by the U.S. Senate and signed into law before any of the identified funding can be finalized and distributed. The bill’s text is available through the official Congress.gov H.R. 6938 page.