Valadao Remarks at FY27 Legislative Branch Bill Full Committee Markup

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First, I would like to express my appreciation to you and your leadership staff for their support in keeping the appropriations process moving in a timely manner again this year. Returning the process to regular order has enabled our agencies to plan their budgets and priorities with certainty, making their operations more efficient and effective. Thank you for all of your efforts and the excellent results. I would also like to express my appreciation to Ranking Member DeLauro and Ranking Member Espaillat for their partnership and commitment to moving these bills. 

Today I am pleased to introduce the Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch Appropriation bill for the committee’s consideration.

I would like to remind our Members that this bill marks another step of many, towards providing final FY27 funding for the offices and agencies within the legislative branch of our government.  As we worked within our allocation, we did our best to respond to the priorities of the Members in executing their constitutional duties, while supporting the operations of the Congress, the Capitol Complex, and the people who serve it. 

This bill provides $5.4 billion for House and Joint Items; in keeping with longstanding tradition, we leave Senate items for the other body’s consideration.

I want to take a moment to note a few priorities for Members on both sides of the aisle. First, we maintain the new Member security program, increase funding for the U.S. Capitol Police, fully fund the request from the Office of Legislative Counsel, increase funding for the Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program, and the Members’ Representational Allowance to account for rising costs across the nation and to assist with workforce retention and institutional knowledge. 

This bill also supports the addition of new primary services for female Members of Congress through the Office of the Attending Physician, continues the ongoing investment for the critical renovation of the Rayburn House Office Building, and provides for the employees and programs of the Library of Congress and the essential services they provide the Congress.

I’d like to thank all Members for their requests, especially our Subcommittee Members for their contributions and engagement, and the Subcommittee staff. These efforts have resulted in this Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch bill. I look forward to continuing to work together in the days ahead as we move the bill through the legislative process both here in the House and in final negotiations with the Senate.