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Rep. Gregory W. Meeks Votes for the FY26 Minibus with Over $4 Million in Local Community Project Funding

January 8, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) voted to pass the Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water, and Interior-Environment funding package. This package advances numerous Democratic priorities and represents a significant improvement over the original Republican proposal in addressing the needs of the American people.  

The bill tackles affordability issues like rising utility costs, advances clean energy and environmental protections, and invests in public safety grants. It also includes $4.1 million to support important local community projects in New York’s 5th Congressional District. 

“Today, I voted for a spending bill that tackles rising energy costs, invests in water infrastructure, and makes our communities safer across America,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “I applaud my Democratic colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for their diligent negotiations to secure key investments while resisting harmful cuts proposed by the Trump administration.” 

In this package, Rep. Meeks secured $4,101,000 in Community Project Funding to directly support four local projects in New York’s 5th Congressional District, including: 

  • $1,031,000 for the Research Foundation of CUNY, Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Environmental Researchers to Serve Workforce Needs. 

  • $1,039,000 for the Research Foundation of CUNY, Empowering Underrepresented Students with Technology-based STEM Education. 

  • $1,000,000 for the Police Athletic League, Crime Prevention Through Youth Development. 

  • $1,031,000 for the Research Foundation of CUNY/Queens College CUNY, STEM Improvement Through Authentic Research Project.  

“This funding is important for supporting STEM research priorities at institutions in Queens that provide students and faculty with the resources they need to innovate and prepare the next generation of leaders,” Congressman Meeks said. “It supports crime prevention efforts by promoting youth development and keeping our communities safe. Investments such as these enhance our borough and keeps Queens at the forefront of opportunity and innovation.” 

This funding legislation will enact significant investments that: 

  • Reasserts Congress’ power of the purse through mandatory staffing thresholds, notification requirements, and funding tables. 

  • Helps address higher energy costs and rising utility bills, increasing investment in electric grid infrastructure by $375 million. 

  • Helps keep our communities safe by increasing funding for Violence Against Women Act grants by $7 million. 

  • Invests in water infrastructure and climate resilience by increasing funding for the Army Corps of Engineers by $1.8 billion ($10.4 billion total). 

  • Provides $3.1 billion for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy funding, repudiating the Trump administration’s crusade against clean energy. 

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