LaLota Wins Full Funding for Brookhaven Collider, Adding $25 Million Beyond President’s Proposal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) today announced that the House of Representatives has approved $135 million in full funding for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory through the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act. This level exceeds the President’s request by $25 million and protects approximately 970 Long Island jobs tied to the project.

"As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I fought for and won full federal funding for Brookhaven’s Electron-Ion Collider project,” said Rep. LaLota. “This $135 million investment not only keeps construction on schedule and safeguards nearly 1,000 Long Island jobs, it ensures America maintains its edge in nuclear physics, accelerator science, and the breakthroughs that flow from them. The President’s request simply fell short. Long Island’s workforce and America’s leadership in science and national security can’t afford shortfalls.”

LaLota added: “The $97.9 million I secured in FY24 was a strong down payment to launch construction. But I promised to keep fighting for Brookhaven and Long Island. With this win in FY26, we’re delivering the resources our region needs to lead in energy innovation, medical research, and national defense technologies.”

Background

• In March 2024, Rep. LaLota secured $97.9 million for the construction of the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory after voting to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. 

• Brookhaven later determined $135 million was required in FY26 to keep the project on track.

• The President’s FY26 request included only $110 million, leaving a $25 million gap that threatened Long Island jobs and U.S. global leadership in nuclear physics.

• As a newly appointed member of the House Appropriations Committee, LaLota worked with Committee leaders to secure the full $135 million in the FY26 Energy and Water Development bill.

• On September 4, 2025, the House passed the legislation, which also strengthens U.S. energy independence and invests in critical national security programs.