For this Federal Friday, we are highlighting some important Bills that will involve funding or directly impact your organization’s mission. Most of Congress is still working, which means you can communicate with your Representatives!
1. HR 5650 – Weatherization Resilience and Adaptation Program Act
Summary: “To direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a grant program to assist primarily low-income individuals in making their homes and property more resilient to the impacts of climate change, and for other purposes.” 1
Currently in House
Last Action: (9/30/25) “Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned” 2
Introduced: 9/30/25
Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15)
Co-Sponsors:
- Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA-2)
- Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37)
- Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-2)
- Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dov (D-CA-37)
- Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large)
- Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19)
- Rep. Scott H. Peters (D-CA-50)
- Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12)
- Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-4).
CCEDA’s Take:
This program would be geared to low-income property owners, property owners that have low-income housing, and manufactured housing property (i.e., the ground manufactured homes lease). As originally written, the appropriations would be $250,000,000 to the Secretary of the Interior for FY2026-FY2031, and $2,000,000 to the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology for FY2026-FY2028.1 These funds would be independent of the cuts recently enacted by the current Administration.
Program participants are defined as a State, federally recognized Indian Tribe, and Native Hawaiian organization. They could “use up to 15 percent of funds awarded under this Act for expenses related to administering such funds and for the outreach required.”1 It’s also important to note that “State” also included the District of Columbia and “any territory or possession of the United States.”1 From the Lakota Nation to Los Angeles to Puerto Rico, this program casts a wide net and seeks to empower communities that typically lack resources for climate resilience or adaptation. There is a very strong chance that CDCs and environmental organizations could be cut in on this program in order to increase reach and efficacy of program implementation–but in California, that would likely be a discussion for the Governor and CSD.
Potential funding and community activities aside, there are many potential, positive effects that would impact all organizations across California. Increased climate resilience in residential areas, particularly those in California frequently affected by wildfires, could bring the return of homeowners insurance coverage (to areas companies now refuse to cover) or lowering of rates which could make home ownership more accessible. Construction could bring more jobs, which stimulates local businesses and economies, and provide more skilled labor training, depending on how the “natural solutions” recommendation is implemented. “Natural solutions” was defined to be “changes that imitate naturally occurring ecological functions” to mitigate hazards–depending on the emphasis on natural solutions, there is a strong potential to see regional specialization and skill sets that will proliferate.1
Depending on program outcomes and popularity, there is a potential for further appropriations or State-funded programs to arise. Particularly with California, we have seen a lot of independent legislation developed in order to fill in the federal gaps. While climate change related programs are still in limbo or experiencing loss of funds, a program such as this could provide a needed boost to California organizations and communities.
2. HR 5371 – Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026
Summary: FY2026 budget
Currently in Senate
Last Action: (10/15) “Upon reconsideration, the third cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51-44.”3
Introduced: 9/16
Sponsor: Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK-9)
CCEDA’s Take:
It’s important to also consider H.Res. 722, which is procedurally related to HR 5371. HRes 722 waves all points of order against consideration of the bill and explicitly states that “[t]he bill shall be considered as read” (i.e., they will not need to read it out loud).4 It was introduced on 9/16 and passed on 9/17 on a bipartisan vote (216 yay/Republican, 210 nae/Democrat).5 Points of order are raised when procedures or rules are violated or about to be violated, and can be appealed.6 Essentially, this resolution means that the bill can’t be procedurally objected to, nor can a reading be used as a delay tactic or to raise awareness of the bill.
There are many in-depth reviews on HR 5371 and the ongoing shutdown, here are some of the ones we recommend:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbvseh3BJGc
https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/15/politics/bernie-sanders-aoc-democratic-party-shutdown
References/Further Reading
1Library of Congress. (2025, September 30). H.R.5650 – 119th Congress (2025-2026): To direct the secretary of the interior to establish a grant program to assist primarily low-income individuals in making their homes and property more resilient to the impacts of climate change, and for other purposes. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5650
2Library of Congress. (2025, September 30). H.R.5650 – 119th Congress (2025-2026): To direct the secretary of the interior to establish a grant program to assist primarily low-income individuals in making their homes and property more resilient to the impacts of climate change, and for other purposes. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5650/all-actions
3Library of Congress. (2025, September 16). H.R.5371 – Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5371
4Library of Congress. (2025, September 16). H.Res.722 – Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5371) making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 719) honoring the life and legacy of Charles “Charlie” James Kirk; and for other purposes. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/722
5Library of Congress. (2025, September 17). House Roll Call Vote 273. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/votes/house/119-1/273
6Haitshusen, V. (2018, December 12). Points of order, rulings, and appeals in the House of Representatives. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/98-307