Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies is one of twelve subcommittees within the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Like all appropriations subcommittees, it focuses on a specific slice of the federal budget rather than writing new laws. This subcommittee handles discretionary spending decisions for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, along with major independent agencies including NASA and the National Science Foundation.

The subcommittee's jurisdiction covers a wide range of federal operations critical to American economic and scientific competitiveness. It oversees funding for law enforcement agencies like the FBI and DEA, commerce-related bureaus including the Patent and Trademark Office and International Trade Administration, and scientific research institutions. This specialized focus allows the subcommittee to develop expertise in areas spanning national security, economic development, space exploration, and scientific innovation.

Chaired by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) with Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), the 18-member subcommittee works through the annual appropriations process. In July 2025, the subcommittee marked up the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill, which allocated $76.8 billion in discretionary spending. The bill subsequently advanced through the full committee and was enacted into law in January 2026, demonstrating the subcommittee's role in preparing legislation for final passage.