FY 2026 Federal Budget Update

There is cautious optimism for federal funding that supports libraries as Congress works to finalize the FY 2026 budget. Although the President’s FY 2026 budget proposal called for eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Congress has instead moved to sustain the agency, rejecting the administration’s elimination proposal and maintaining funding near FY 2025 levels. Earlier this month, the U.S. House advanced a bipartisan Labor–HHS–Education appropriations bill that preserves approximately $291.8 million for the IMLS.

However, final funding is not yet secured. The bill is now delayed in the Senate, where disagreements over whether to separate Department of Homeland Security funding, including concerns about ICE operations, have slowed progress and could still trigger a partial government shutdown if Congress does not act by the January 30 deadline.

Tell Congress to #FundLibraries

We know our members and library supporters here in Michigan have been vocal all year in support of IMLS funding in the face of funding threats. As Congress considers the remaining appropriation bills for FY 2026, advocates are encouraged to continue to tell their members of Congress to support full federal funding for Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) programs. Keep an eye out for more details on ALA's advocacy webpage.

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