Committee Releases FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Appropriations Committee released the Fiscal Year 2026 bill for the Legislative Branch Subcommittee. The bill will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow, June 23rd at 6:00 p.m. The markup will be live-streamed and can be found on the Committee’s website.

Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao said, “As the Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, it’s been an exciting few weeks working to draft a bill that demonstrates our strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency in how Congress manages its own operations. This legislation reins in unnecessary spending, focuses on core needs, and ensures that every dollar is justified and accountable to the American people. It also fully funds sworn staffing needs for Capitol Police to ensure the Capitol complex, Members of Congress, and all who work and visit here are safe. I thank Chairman Cole for his leadership throughout this process and look forward to working with my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to get this bill over the finish line.”

Chairman Tom Cole said, “The foundation of our work is service to the American people, and this FY26 bill reflects that commitment through targeted and responsible investments. It supports functions core to democracy and upholds the oversight and accountability duties of Congress. The safety of the Capitol complex for constituents and visitors and operations of national institutions are also prioritized. Chairman Valadao's bill puts the American people first - in strengthening the institutions that represent them, protecting effective governance, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”

Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill

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.
Bill text is available here.
  

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