Neguse Votes Against Spending Bills Over Omitted Protections for Colorado Research Center
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 22, 2026 – Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse voted against a package of three federal spending bills this week, taking a stand against the omission of statutory language designed to protect a premier scientific institution in his district. Despite successfully defending funding for other critical programs, the Democrat said he could not support legislation that fails to safeguard the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder from reported administration plans to dismantle it.
A Vote of Principle
On January 15, the Senate passed the three-bill Fiscal Year 2026 minibus, funding the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Energy, and the Interior through September. While Rep. Neguse secured protections for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the package, he ultimately opposed the bills in the House. His opposition stemmed from the absence of language he proposed on a bipartisan basis to prevent the Trump administration’s reported plans to dismantle NCAR, a world-leading atmospheric research facility located in Boulder, Colorado.
Neguse has forcefully condemned the White House’s moves against the research center, calling them “reckless, dangerous, and blatantly retaliatory.” Last week, he filed an amendment during a House Rules Committee hearing to reiterate sustained federal support for NCAR. The amendment was rejected by House Republicans in a 7-3 vote.
Key Facts: The FY2026 Minibus & NCAR
| Issue | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legislation | Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. |
| Neguse’s Stance | Voted “NO” in the House after Senate passage. |
| Primary Reason | Omission of language to block reported plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). |
| Successful Defense | Protected funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the bills. |
| Bipartisan Effort | Previously led a coalition with Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO) and Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper to protect NCAR. |
Statement from the Congressman
In a released statement, Congressman Neguse emphasized the national importance of Colorado’s research institutions. “Colorado’s research institutes and laboratories are central to the fabric of our state and our nation,” Neguse said. “While I’m proud that we succeeded in ensuring the CJS funding bill rolled back dangerous cuts to NOAA… I could not, in good faith, support legislation that fails to safeguard the extraordinary work being done at NCAR.”
He warned that dismantling NCAR would “place the United States at a serious competitive disadvantage” and urged the administration to heed a bipartisan call to halt its attacks on the institution.
Ongoing Bipartisan Push
This recent vote is part of a longer effort by Neguse to protect NCAR. At the end of 2025, he spearheaded a bipartisan push with Republican Congressman Jeff Hurd and Colorado’s two Democratic senators, urging congressional appropriators to prevent the research center’s dismantling. That effort was supported by a coalition of nearly 100 lawmakers from both chambers of Congress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)?
The National Center for Atmospheric Research is a federally funded research and development center headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. It is a leading institution for the study of atmospheric and related science, including climate, weather, and solar-terrestrial interactions.
Why did Rep. Neguse vote against the spending bills if he protected NOAA funding?
Congressman Neguse stated that while defending NOAA was a victory, the omission of explicit, statutory protections for NCAR represented an unacceptable risk. He viewed the administration’s reported plans to dismantle NCAR as a direct threat to American scientific leadership that required clear legislative prohibition.
What happens next for the funding bills?
The three-bill minibus has passed the Senate and the House. It will now be sent to the President to be signed into law. Neguse’s “no” vote was a statement of principle but did not prevent the package’s passage.