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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) says a House-passed appropriations “minibus” package includes several Space Coast community projects aimed at water quality improvements, career education, and public safety.
In a statement released Tuesday, Haridopolos said the package combines multiple appropriations bills funding public safety, scientific research, environmental protection, and critical water infrastructure. The legislation is formally titled the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 6938).
The U.S. House passed the three-bill minibus last week by a 397-28 vote, according to a House Appropriations Committee press release and reporting from The Associated Press. The White House also issued a Statement of Administration Policy supporting the measure.
Indian River Lagoon water quality: Haridopolos’ office said the package includes nearly $14 million to improve water quality and the long-term health of the Indian River Lagoon and protect marine wildlife.
Career education and aerospace workforce training: The release cites more than $2 million to establish Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School’s new Aviation Assembly and Fabrication Program, described as hands-on training intended to prepare students for careers in the aerospace workforce. (More information about the school can be found through Brevard Public Schools’ Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School page.)
Public safety: Haridopolos’ office said the bill includes $500,000 to modernize the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office search-and-rescue helicopter to improve response times and expand life-saving service to the community. The sheriff’s office outlines its operational and rescue-related functions on its Operational Services page.
Haridopolos also pointed to broader spending in the minibus tied to America’s space and innovation goals, saying the House secured $24.4 billion for NASA. House documents posted with the legislation include division-level summaries and tables tied to NASA accounts. (See the House document posted with the minibus, Division A (Commerce, Justice, Science).)
“My top priority in Congress is making sure the federal government works for the people it serves,” Haridopolos said in his statement. “That means investing in local projects that deliver real, tangible results for families across Florida’s Space Coast.”
The package must still clear the U.S. Senate and be signed into law before any funding is finalized. Readers can track the bill’s progress and review the full text through Congress.gov’s official H.R. 6938 text page.
