Frame by Frame: Through the Full Committee Lens

Washington, D.C. – As the August work period begins, members have traded the dais for the district. Before the cameras turn toward local events and conversations back home, we're taking another look through the full committee lens at moments from our final hearing before flyout.

Some moments made headlines.
Some images documented members in the midst of questioning.
Some scenes included birthday wishes.
And some photos recorded greetings after the final gavel.

Together, they capture a hearing beyond the transcript, offering a glimpse into the engagement, focus, and deliberation that shape the appropriations process.

 

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole delivers opening remarks, reaffirming that there is never a circumstance where a shutdown is preferable to keeping the government open and working.
 

Sen. James Lankford testifies on legislative proposals to reduce funding lapses while keeping Congress accountable.

 

Labor, HHS and Education Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt examines the structural and procedural factors that contribute to government shutdowns. 

 

Interior and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson listens as the discussion centers on restoring regular order and strengthening the congressional budget process.

 

Behind the dais, Appropriators receive copies of testimony, pads for notes, and pencils.

 

Rep. Tom McClintock, a hearing witness, engages in conversation about the importance of timely appropriations and fiscal responsibility.

 

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Carter highlights Congress's constitutional responsibility to fund the government and protect federal workers. 

 

Shalanda Young, former OMB Director and NYU Law Distinguished Scholar, offers testimony drawing on her more than a decade of experience working on the House Appropriations Committee.

 

Interesting fact: While most hearings are held at the subcommittee level, the size of this full committee hearing required a larger room to accommodate all lawmakers and witnesses. Thanks to the Financial Services Committee for allowing us to use their hearing room!
 

Before the hearing was brought to order, Rep. Mike Simpson shares a quick, bipartisan chat with Rep. Betty McCollum.

 

Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert discusses the national security consequences of continuing resolutions and funding lapses.

 

Vice Chairman and NSRP Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart questions how shutdown reforms can strengthen accountability without encouraging political brinkmanship.

 

Transportation and Housing Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack examines structural reforms to improve the congressional budget process.

 

Energy and Water Development Subcommittee Chairman Chuck Fleischmann prepares to question the witnesses on lasting reforms to prevent government shutdowns while preserving congressional accountability.

 

Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris and Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei listen intently during discussions on modernizing the federal budget process.

 

Rep. John Moolenaar participates in the proceedings examination of government shutdown reform.

 

Rep. Ben Cline takes notes on proposals to improve the appropriations process and restore regular order.

 

Rep. Ashley Hinson highlights the operational and economic costs of government shutdowns for agencies and the American people.

 

Rep. Julia Letlow discusses strengthening congressional accountability during funding lapses.

 

Details from the witness table. 

 

Rep. Michael Guest monitors discussions on reforms to prevent future government shutdowns.

 

Rep. Stephanie Bice and Rep. Scott Franklin engage in conversation before the hearing is gaveled in.

 

Rep. Jake Ellzey tracks testimony as questions on restoring regular order and preventing government shutdowns continue.

 

Rep. Juan Ciscomani argues that Congress - not the American people - should bear the consequences of government shutdowns.

 

Rep. Chuck Edwards highlights the impact government shutdowns have on disaster recovery and affected communities.

 

Rep. Mark Alford follows the review of legislative proposals being discussed and their potential impact on the appropriations process.

 

Rep. Celeste Maloy and Rep. Dale Strong take in the discussion on preserving accountability in the appropriations process.

 

Rep. Jefferson Shreve listens as lawmakers from both sides of the aisle question witnesses. 

 

Rep. John Carter greets former OMB Director Shalanda Young.

 

Rep. Tom McClintock speaks with Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart and Rep. Steny Hoyer as witnesses are excused.

 

Shared Louisiana roots make for an easy conversation, as Rep. Julia Letlow visits with former OMB Director Shalanda Young after the hearing.

 

That's a wrap! While the hearing may be over, the testimony, insights, and thoughtful dialogue will continue to influence the work ahead.

 

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