On the 12th Day of Christmas, the Appropriations Committee Gave to Me...
ICYMI, this holiday season, the House Appropriations Committee presented the "12 Days of Appropriations," an initiative that unwrapped the many facets of the appropriations process. Read on to find a festive roundup of the different elements and processes that support our work to fund the federal government, ensure accountability, and represent Americans!
Day One:
Forget the red suit, we are talking about a different clause!
Article I, Section 9, Clause 7!
The Constitution makes clear: "No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.”
This is our foundation!
Day Two:
We don't have any turtle doves, but we do have two main federal budget categories: discretionary and mandatory spending!
Just like Santa checks his list—so do we. Discretionary spending is reviewed and determined by the Appropriations Committee.
Mandatory spending, however, is predetermined spending that is not under our jurisdiction. This end of the ledger is one of the primary drivers of our national debt.
Day Three:
When the budget bells are ringing, there are different sleighs forward. Here are three measures that can be utilized during the funding process:
- Regular Appropriations (12 annual bills)
- Continuing Resolutions (temporary funding)
- Supplementals (for emergencies and unexpected shortfalls)
Day Four:
It's our duty to assess the President's Budget! We hold oversight hearings to examine agency needs and target waste. This helps us establish whether requests and policies are "naughty" or "nice," ensuring good stewardship and transparency of taxpayer dollars.
Day Five:
While Members don't write letters to Santa, they do reflect the wishes of their constituents and national priorities throughout the appropriations process.
Members are encouraged to submit programmatic, language, and funding requests, which are reviewed by Committee Members!
Day Six:
We wish you a merry markup!
Committee markups offer a careful review of allocations and policies. Members debate and amend proposals to help workshop bills before they are advanced to the House floor.
Day Seven:
Maybe you want to trim branches or place new ornaments - amendments are like adding finishing touches to the tree. Amendments allow Members an opportunity to adjust bills and fight for specific priorities.
Our @AppropsAmendmts account is a transparent, non-partisan way to track amendments offered in the Committee and on the House floor.
Day Eight:
Just like Rudolph's guidance on a foggy night, accountability ensures federal funds and departments are doing their work right.
Essential to the appropriations process are accountability mechanisms, including reporting requirements, reprogramming, audits and investigations, and budget reviews.
Taxpayer-funded agencies are answerable to the people.
Day Nine:
Deck the halls with hardworking Members!
Our Committee is comprised of 34 Republicans and 27 Democrats, who represent Americans across the nation. The roster includes 12 veterans, 3 farmers, 1 judge, 1 sheriff, and more.
They tirelessly work to ensure our bills are marked up and ready for consideration!
Day Ten:
We boast 12 cardinals with many qualifications! Wielding the power of the purse, these Subcommittee Chairs oversee the appropriations process for their respective bill, from start to finish.
The Cardinals are composed of Rep. Hal Rogers, Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Mike Simpson, Rep. Judge Carter, Rep. Ken Calvert, Rep. Mario Diaz Balart, Rep. Steve Womack, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, Rep. Dave Joyce, Rep. Mark Amodei, Rep. Andy Harris, and Rep. David Valadao.
Day Eleven:
You won't find coal in our stockings, but you might see Chairman Tom Cole!
Chairman Cole is the first Native American and Oklahoman to chair the House Appropriations Committee! He's a steadfast advocate for taxpayers and small businesses, supporter of a strong national defense, and an avid reader!
Day Twelve:
We round out our 12 Days of Appropriations by highlighting all 12 bills that have passed out of full committee. Led by Chairman Tom Cole, the FY25 markup process reflected House Republicans' commitment to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation.
Progress on our Article I responsibilities is central to fulfilling our commitment to the American people.
Along with all House Republicans, the House Appropriations Committee is ready to chart a fiscally responsible path forward in the 119th Congress.
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