Committee Releases FY27 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Appropriations Committee released the Fiscal Year 2027 bill for the Legislative Branch Subcommittee. The bill will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow, April 30th at 8:00 a.m. – immediately following the conclusion of the subcommittee markup for the FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies measure. The markup will be live-streamed and can be found on the Committee’s website.
Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao said, "As Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, it’s been a productive few weeks working to put together a bill that reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility while also ensuring the key functions of Congress. This legislation reduces unnecessary spending, focuses on core needs, and helps maintain the historic Capitol complex so it remains accessible for students, families, and visitors from across the country. It also increases funding for the Capitol Police to ensure Members, staff, and everyone who works in or visits the Capitol complex remains safe. I appreciate Chairman Cole’s leadership and partnership throughout this process, as well as my colleagues on the subcommittee, and I look forward to moving this bill to the full committee."
Chairman Tom Cole said, “The FY27 Legislative Branch bill is grounded in a simple principle: serve the American people – and do it responsibly. The measure strengthens the institutions that support democracy, safeguards the Capitol complex, and ensures Congress can meet its constitutional responsibilities to the nation with clarity and discipline. With focused investments in constituent services, oversight, security, and legislative capacity – we are reinforcing a more effective, responsive Congress. Chairman Valadao delivered on a clear focus of efficiency and accountability – while never losing sight of who comes first: the citizens we represent.”
Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill
The Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $7.3 billion, which is $42.5 million above the Fiscal Year 2026 enacted level and more than $1.2 billion below the Fiscal Year 2027 request.
In summary, the measure maintains funding for operations of the legislative branch, supporting key functions of democracy, constituent services, and safety of the Capitol complex for visitors, staff, and lawmakers. Given the rise in political violence, the legislation also prioritizes the protection and security of Members of Congress. It upholds core governance missions while continuing to fund the legislative branch in a fiscally responsible manner.
Key Takeaways
Enables Congress to better serve the American people by:
- Maintaining investments to ensure that Congress can continue its work to support President Trump’s legislative priorities.
- Prioritizing service to the American people by ensuring Member offices have increased resources to retain experienced staff, preserve institutional knowledge, and deliver responsive representation while upholding constitutional duties.
- Streamlining research and support agencies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Increasing funding for Capitol Police officers and the civilians who support their efforts.
- Continuing funding for Member security programs provided by the House Sergeant at Arms.
Bolsters U.S. national security by:
- Prohibiting the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from Communist China and other adversaries.
- Barring the purchase of drones manufactured in the People’s Republic of China or by a business affiliated with Communist China, except as allowed for national security purposes.
Safeguards American taxpayer dollars by:
- Reducing House and Joint Items from the FY26 enacted total.
- Requiring unspent funds from the 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.
- Providing for the responsible upkeep and maintenance of the U.S. Capitol complex, including investments in the renewal of the Rayburn House Office Building.
- Maintaining restrictions on the use of funds for computer networks that do not block pornography.
A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill text is available here.
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