Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) has issued a statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026. The bill is the final in a series of twelve appropriations bills and marks a return to regular order for the budget process.
H.R. 7148 includes $9,288,000 for infrastructure projects in Yellowstone, Rosebud, Teton, and Cascade counties. Projects receiving funding include improvements to stormwater management at Billings Logan International Airport, paving work on Castle Rock Road in Rosebud County, upgrades to canal gates and hydropower capacity in the Greenfields Irrigation District, and roadway expansion at Great Falls AgriTech Park.
The legislation also allocates over $2.6 billion for the Sentinel Program, matching President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 discretionary budget request. This amount supplements previous funding provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for risk reduction activities related to the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program.
The bill now awaits approval from the Senate and must be signed by the President before becoming law.
Congressman Downing commented on the passage: “The days of Congress kicking the can down the road are over,” said Congressman Troy Downing. “Today, House Republicans passed the last of 12 appropriations bills, delivering on our promise to return to regular order. This legislation also reflected my advocacy for infrastructure development in Central and Eastern Montana and full funding for the Sentinel Program at Malmstrom Air Force Base. I was proud to support these initiatives and urge the Senate to take up this bill as soon as possible and send it to the President’s desk.”
Local officials expressed appreciation for Downing’s efforts. Billings Mayor Mike Nelson stated: “The City of Billings thanks Congressman Downing for his efforts to secure funding for the Billings Logan International Airport Stormwater Pond E project in legislation before the House of Representatives. This project is vital to the long-term success of the airport by facilitating future infrastructure development for this important transportation hub and economic engine for the City of Billings, the region served, and the State of Montana.”
Rosebud County Commissioner Ed Joiner added: “Rosebud County would like to express our gratitude to Congressman Downing for his efforts in helping gain funding for our Castle Rock Road project… Again, we appreciate the help and attention to help us out and a big Thank You from Rosebud County!”
Greenfields Irrigation District Manager Erling Juel noted: “Tremendous appreciation to Congressman Downing and his Team for recognizing the critical importance of replacing the aging Mary Taylor Bifurcation infrastructure thus avoiding a catastrophic, mid-season failure… These improvements will ensure sustainability and viability of District operations.”
Cascade County Commissioner Joe Briggs commented: “Creation and expansion of Agritech Park has been a slow process due to local funding constraints, but work of Congressman Downing to secure this funding will launch us forward… Thank you, Congressman Downing.”
Projects funded under H.R. 7148 include:
– $1.5 million toward expanding stormwater capacity at Billings Logan International Airport.
– $3 million allocated toward completing four-and-a-half miles of paving on Castle Rock Road in Rosebud County.
– $4 million designated for automating canal gates and installing hydroelectric generation equipment at Greenfields Irrigation District.
– $788,000 earmarked for extending roadways within Great Falls AgriTech Park.
