Committee Approves FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Appropriations Committee met to consider the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. The measure was approved by the Committee with a vote of 34 to 28. 

Image

Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao (R-CA) said, “After months of hard work preparing the FY26 bill as Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, I’m proud to see it advance out of full committee markup. This bill not only ensures Congress has the resources needed to effectively serve the American people—it also reins in unnecessary spending and refocuses our priorities to reflect our core values. Most importantly, this legislation provides the necessary funding to support Capitol Police as they work to keep Members of Congress, visitors, and staff safe. I’m grateful to Chairman Cole for his leadership and guidance throughout this process, and I look forward to building on this momentum as the bill heads to the House floor.”

Image

Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, “Our greatest duty is to our constituents—and this bill reflects that. The FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act makes targeted and responsible investments to strengthen the institutions that serve Americans. It protects key functions of our democracy, supports critical oversight responsibilities, and ensures the safety and accessibility of the Capitol complex. Under Chairman Valadao’s leadership, we’ve advanced a measure that upholds core missions and safeguards taxpayer dollars. It’s a clear commitment to transparency, accountability, and putting the people first.”

Subcommittee Chairman Valadao's opening remarks are available here.
Chairman Cole's opening remarks are available here.

Image

Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act

The Legislative Branch Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $6.7 billion, which is $51 million below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level and over $1.3 billion below the Fiscal Year 2026 request.
 
In summary, the bill maintains funding for operations of the legislative branch and provides for the safety and security of Members of Congress, while continuing to cut funding in a responsible fiscal manner.
 
Key Takeaways

Enables Congress to better serve the American people by: 

• Maintaining investments to ensure the Congress can continue its work to support President Trump’s legislative priorities.
• Continuing existing funding levels for Member offices, including the $25,000 added to each Member’s Representational Allowance (MRA) in 2017 for security purposes.
• Streamlining research and support agencies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Increasing funding for Capitol Police officers and the civilians who support their efforts, and doubling the annual average requested for mutual aid for partner law enforcement support, enhancing Member security.
• Strengthening the relationship among the House Sergeant at Arms, the Capitol Police Board, and U.S. Capitol Police for improving safety and security of the Capitol for Members and its millions of visitors annually.

Bolsters U.S. national security by: 

• Prohibiting the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from the People’s Republic of China and other adversaries.
• Barring the purchase of drones manufactured in the People’s Republic of China or by a business affiliated with the People’s Republic of China, except as allowed for national security purposes.

Safeguards American taxpayer dollars by: 

• Requiring unspent amounts from Members’ Representational Allowances (MRA) to be used for debt and deficit reduction.
• Restricting incentive or award payments to contractors for work on contracts or programs behind schedule or over budget.
• Prohibiting the use of funds for the maintenance or care of private vehicles.
• Redirecting the Government Accountability Office’s efforts to be reflective of congressional priorities and cutting funding to curtail the agency’s self-directed, liberal initiatives.
• Providing for the responsible upkeep and maintenance of the U.S. Capitol complex, with a priority on physical security and life safety.

Supports American values and principles by: 

• Maintaining restrictions on the use of funds for computer networks that do not block pornography.
• Eliminating the requirement for Members to use “low greenhouse gas emitting vehicles” for leased vehicles paid for with the MRA.

A summary of the bill is available here.

During the markup, Committee Republicans also stood with the America First agenda and rejected Democrat amendments that would have:  

• Stripped Congress of oversight, enabling partisan lawsuits and reports without accountability.
• Funded unnecessary green initiatives, such as efforts to eliminate plastic throughout the Capitol campus and continue an expensive, Speaker Pelosi-era program that forces the use of vehicles on the EPA low emissions list.
• Implemented an unwarranted increase in spending of taxpayer dollars.
• Targeted DOGE, an entity unrelated to the legislative branch’s jurisdiction.

Adopted Amendments 

• Valadao (Manager’s Amendment) – Makes technical, bipartisan changes to the bill and report.
  • The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
• Aguilar #1 – DACA employment eligibility.
  • The amendment was adopted by a vote of 32 to 29.

Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here.
Bill report, before adoption of amendments, is available here.

Additionally, the Committee advanced the Legislative Branch Subcommittee allocation for Fiscal Year 2026. The measure was approved with a vote of 34 to 28.

Adopted report language is available here.
  

###