(The Center Square) – The U.S. House inched forward in the annual government funding process Thursday by narrowly passing a third appropriations bill, leaving nine more bills to go.

The 76-page legislation allocates a total of $57.3 billion to federal agencies and programs handling energy and water infrastructure. Four Republicans ultimately joined all Democrats present in opposing the bill, resulting in a nail-biter 214-213 final vote.

“America’s prosperity begins with energy. The Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act unleashes American energy dominance, lowers costs for families and businesses, and restores confidence in our grid,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., said after the vote.

“Energy strength is national strength – fueling jobs,

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