LaLota Delivers $429 Million+ in Federal Investments for Long Island

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Nick LaLota (R–Suffolk County), the Northeast’s only Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after helping craft legislation—now signed into law by the President—that delivers more than $429 million in federal funding for Suffolk County.

The spending package invests in Long Island’s world-class research institutions, strengthens coastal protection and water-quality programs, and expands support for law enforcement and public safety across the region.

“I’m proud to have secured historic funding that strengthens Long Island’s leadership in scientific research while delivering real results for our communities,” said LaLota. “This funding provides record investment for Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Electron-Ion Collider, fully funds Stony Brook University’s advanced research programs, and expands support for the Long Island Sound, coastal resilience, and clean-water infrastructure critical to our shoreline economy.”

LaLota emphasized the local impact of the package.

“From restoring STEM education funding that had been eliminated to securing millions for water infrastructure and public safety, this legislation delivers measurable results for Suffolk County families,” LaLota continued. “My focus remains simple: ensure Long Island gets its fair share while advancing American competitiveness, national security, and constitutional freedoms.”

BACKGROUND:

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the House of Representatives passed three Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills—the Interior and Environment, Energy and Water, and Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bills. Together, these measures deliver significant funding and policy wins for New York’s First Congressional District. The President signed the funding package into law on January 23, 2026.

Historic Support for Brookhaven National Laboratory and Scientific Research

• $155 million for Brookhaven National Laboratory's Electron-Ion Collider construction, a $45 million increase advancing this transformational physics research facility;
• $182 million for operation of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at BNL in preparation for its transition into the EIC;
• $13.6 million for the NSLS-II Experimental Tools III project at BNL, a $3.6 million increase supporting world-class light source capabilities;
• $125 million for the nation's five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, including the center housed at BNL, strengthening Long Island's quantum technology leadership;
• $1 million for the Clinical Alpha Radionuclide Producer (CARP) project at BNL;
• $2 million for the Geo-Erosion Monitoring Systems (GEMS) research at Stony Brook University, protecting our coastline through advanced monitoring technology;
• $8.8 billion for the National Science Foundation, fully restoring $938 million for STEM Education that was eliminated in both the House bill and Administration request—critical support for partnerships with Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory;
• $1.85 billion for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a nearly $900 million increase that expands research capacity at Stony Brook's federally designated Quantum Research and Innovation Hub; and
• $8.4 billion for DOE Office of Science, a $160 million increase enhancing National Laboratories and foundational research.

Robust Support for Coastal Communities and Environmental Infrastructure

• $40.5 million for the Long Island Sound Geographic Program, a $500,000 increase supporting water quality and ecosystem restoration;
• $40 million for the National Estuary Program and $2.5 million in competitive grants, some of which will benefit the Peconic Estuary and Long Island Sound;
• $9.8 million for beach protection grants safeguarding our shoreline communities;
• $40 million for Army Corps Dredge Currituck replacement to increase frequency and speed of critical East Coast dredging projects; and
• $6.2 billion for NOAA, $1.7 billion above the Administration's request, strengthening weather forecasting, coastal resilience, and marine research vital to Long Island's maritime economy.

Increased Support for Law Enforcement and Public Safety

• $800 million for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) programs, a $383 million increase supporting police hiring, retention, and community policing across Long Island;
• $397 million for Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne JAG), providing flexible resources to combat violent crime, drug trafficking, and gang activity;
• $3.25 billion for the Drug Enforcement Administration, an $80 million increase to combat fentanyl trafficking and dismantle transnational criminal organizations threatening Long Island communities;
• $51 million for VAWA Transitional Housing Assistance, a $7 million increase providing crucial support for domestic violence survivors in high-cost regions like Long Island;
• $375 million for Juvenile Justice Programs, a $75 million increase supporting prevention and rehabilitation efforts; and
• Continued strong support for Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS), Drug Courts, and Veterans Treatment Courts.

Economic Competitiveness and Manufacturing Support

• $175 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), preserved after the Administration proposed elimination, supporting Long Island manufacturers;
• $235 million for the Bureau of Industry and Security, a $44 million increase, strengthening export controls and supporting advanced manufacturing firms engaged in dual-use technologies; and
• $466 million for the Economic Development Administration, a $36 million increase supporting workforce development, innovation hubs, and infrastructure projects strengthening local economies.

Additional Priorities

• $4 million for the 9/11 Memorial Act Grant Program
• $65.231 million for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, including $2 million for Never Again Education Act implementation
• $522 million for the National Wildlife Refuge System, $109 million above the Administration's request
• $73.812 million for State and Tribal Wildlife Grants, supporting conservation efforts

Rep. LaLota serves on the House Appropriations Committee and has consistently fought to ensure Suffolk County receives robust federal investment while advancing policies that strengthen national security, promote American competitiveness, and protect constitutional freedoms. These funding bills represent the culmination of extensive work with local officials, research institutions, and stakeholders across Long Island to identify and secure critical resources for the region.

As the only Republican from the Northeast on the Appropriations Committee, LaLota worked closely with Appropriations Committee leadership and colleagues to maximize federal support for Long Island's research institutions, environmental programs, public safety initiatives, and community infrastructure projects. The Congressman's focus on securing transformational investments in scientific research positions Long Island to maintain its status as a global hub for innovation while delivering tangible benefits to families and communities across Suffolk County.