FY 2026 Appropriations Process

The President’s budget for fiscal year 2026, released May 30, includes deep cuts to Smithsonian federal funding. Secretary Bunch explains the federal appropriations process and reminds us of the long road between initial requests and final budget.

Considering the complexity of the federal budgeting and appropriations process, we’re lucky anyone gets paid.

Earlier today, the White House sent the technical details supporting the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget request to the United States Congress. The White House requested $959.3 million for the Smithsonian, $839.3 million for Salaries and Expenses and $120.0 million for Facilities Capital. This is a 12% reduction from the Smithsonian’s FY25 appropriation, representing a decrease of $131.2 million from current levels. This is the first step in the FY26 appropriations process, which now moves to Congress for deliberation and passage.

As you can imagine, this level of funding, if enacted, would be a significant reduction to the Smithsonian’s federal budget that would impact the Institution for years to come. At the same time, a 12% reduction is smaller than the reduction identified for most non-national security federally funded organizations, agencies, or departments. We appreciate the President’s support and the careful review and consideration the administration provided during a time of major adjustments to the federal budget.

Congress will now review the President’s Budget, which could be a lengthy process. Over the next several months, it is possible that House and Senate Appropriations Committees could hold hearings to examine the request and hear from the Smithsonian. During this time, the Smithsonian will be responding to budget inquiries from Members of Congress and congressional staff and sharing information about the request, its potential impact, and our Institutional requirements.

The reductions contained within the President’s request are not evenly spread across the Institution. We were directed to protect certain functions, such as our public facing museums on the Mall. We also took a disproportionately large reduction to our facilities capital budget to protect our public operations and ability to provide public programming.  Like other parts of the President’s Budget, some of our libraries and scientific research centers received reductions that would, if enacted, require them to significantly streamline their operations and reduce activity on certain initiatives.

You will also likely see media stories about the proposal not including any funding for the Anacostia Community Museum (ACM) and the National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL). We expect to respond to questions from Congress and members of the public about these two requests. The President’s Budget instead proposes to integrate ACM into the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and to return to our previous approach of sharing the collections, programs, and educational content throughout the Institution that chronicle American Latino history and culture.

Both ACM and NMAL are an important part of the Smithsonian’s mission to increase and diffuse knowledge for all. Through these museums we foster a deeper understanding of American history and culture, with innovative programming, educational materials, and collections. As part of Congress’s budget deliberations, we expect to share more about the impact and significance of these museums and our commitment to the history they explore.

As I shared with you all recently, this will be one of the most challenging financial moments in the Institution’s history. Know that I am resolute in my commitment to the Smithsonian’s financial needs and the importance of our Institution’s role in serving the American public.  During times of change, our work must continue. It is acutely needed. I know this is a significant hardship and that uncertainty is never easy. Please trust and know that we are working to ensure the long-term viability of the Smithsonian for you and for generations to come. We will continue to articulate our needs and priorities to the Administration and Congress and will provide more information once we have greater clarity and/or when Congress enacts a final budget for the Smithsonian for FY26.

As always, thank you for all you do and for your continued support.