Congressman John “Judge” Carter, representing Texas’ 31st District, voted in favor of the FY26 appropriations package covering Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment. The legislation aims to restore regular order in Congress by passing full-year appropriations bills instead of last-minute omnibus packages.
“This legislation reflects a deliberate, transparent process that respects Congress’s constitutional responsibility over federal spending,” said Rep. Carter. “Passing full-year appropriations bills through regular order provides stability, accountability, and certainty for the American people.”
The House’s approval of this bill is intended to fully fund key agencies through the end of the fiscal year. According to Rep. Carter, the package supports priorities such as national security, energy leadership, law enforcement resources to address fentanyl trafficking and violent crime, grid security, critical minerals development, geothermal energy initiatives, and modernization of nuclear deterrence capabilities.
The legislation also allocates funding for public lands management, wildland firefighting efforts, tribal public safety programs, and national parks. It maintains protections for the Second Amendment and prohibits taxpayer funds from being used for abortions.
“This is responsible governance,” Carter added. “By avoiding last-minute omnibus bills and passing full-year appropriations, Congress is doing its job and delivering results for the American people.”
Rep. Carter has a history of electoral success in his district. In 2024 he won re-election against Stuart Whitlow with 64.5% of the vote. He also secured victories in previous elections: defeating Donna Imam in 2020 with 53.5%, MJ Hegar in 2018 with 50.6%, Mike Clark in 2016 with 58.4%, Louie Minor in 2014 with 64.1%, and Stephen M. Wyman in 2012 with 61.3%.