Valadao Remarks at FY26 Legislative Branch Bill Subcommittee Markup

I am pleased to introduce the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriation bill for the subcommittee’s consideration.

I’d like to begin by thanking our subcommittee Members in attendance for their input and support throughout the hearing season and during the formulation of the bill we present for consideration this evening. I’d like to specifically thank Ranking Member Espaillat for his contributions and valuable insights.

This bill provides $5 billion – a 5.3 percent decrease from the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted House level. As the legislative branch, we believe it is our responsibility to lead by example and make responsible funding decreases where appropriate.

I want to take a moment to recognize the tragic events that took place in Minnesota since Congress was last in session. Political violence has no place in our country, and I continue to pray for the victims and those grieving the loss of their loved ones.

As appropriators on the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, we have the unique responsibility to provide for the safety and security for Members of Congress and the United States Capitol complex, the heart of democracy in the world.

The bill under consideration today includes increased funding for the House Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police, including double the annual amount requested for mutual aid reimbursements. It also continues to carry the increase in the Members’ Representational Allowance that began in 2017 for the purpose of providing Member security when they are away from the Capitol complex.

It is my understanding that the House Sergeant at Arms is developing a number of proposals regarding additional security measures for Member consideration. In the days ahead, we look forward to reviewing and discussing these proposals with our colleagues to determine the most appropriate path forward. As you all are aware, this subcommittee mark is the first step of this bill’s journey, and we look forward to continuing the discussion on security measures, particularly when we go to conference with the Senate where we will be able to address these concerns in a united fashion. 

Again, I’d like to thank all Members for their thoughtful contributions to the Legislative Branch Subcommittee’s bill and report. I’d also like to wish Mr. LaLota a very happy birthday- we appreciate him being willing to spend his birthday with us- we know there is nowhere else he’d rather be today.

Finally, I want to thank the subcommittee staff on both sides. From the majority, Lori Rowley and April Lyman, and from the minority, Faye Cobb. Thank you for the many hours of work resulting in this product and for your efforts to include as many Member priorities as possible.