Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Bill, Updated Interim Subcommittee Allocations
2025-06-26
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Source: Congress.gov
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Call the meeting of the Appropriations Committee to order. I want to state the obvious to our friends in the minority. This is twice. 30 minutes last time, 40 minutes this time. I can get every one of my members here and start on time. So please don't do this again. I'm sure it was important. but it's incredibly inconsiderate. Or I could have had all my members walk out and leave and let you guys come to an empty room 40 minutes late. So let's just not do that. That's all I'm asking. Just begin on time. Okay, I'd like to welcome everybody to today's meeting, regardless of the time at which you arrived. Today we'll be marking up our legislative branch appropriations measure for fiscal year 2026. We'll also be considering an updated report on our interim sub-allocations with an update on the legislative branch bill. Today marks the last markup of what has been a very busy week, the Appropriations Committee, and I thank you all for your hard work thus far. I know you have worked hard. It's my intention to complete all work on the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill today. While we will obviously take a recess for four votes as needed, we will otherwise be here today until our work is completed, both on the Legislative Branch Bill and on the interim sub-allocations. With that, we'll begin the markup. Our first order of business today is consideration of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2026. I'll now recognize Chairman Valadao to present the bill. Thank you, Chairman. It's my pleasure to present the fiscal year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill and report for your consideration today. I appreciate the opportunity to work Once again, with Ranking Member Espaillat and the minority staff throughout the Fiscal Year 26 process, I'd also like to thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for their continued leadership.
We received a record number of requests from our colleagues and the members present today, and we had the pleasure of accommodating items from both sides of the aisle in a bipartisan manner. This bill provides a $5 billion, a 5.3% decrease from Fiscal Year 2025 enacted House level, By tradition, we do not consider Senate items in the House, Mark, but when we take them into account, the discretionary allocation is $6.7 billion, a $51 million decrease from fiscal year 2025 enacted CR. Well, we had to make a number of tough choices in this bill. We believe that as the legislative branch, it is our responsibility to lead by example and make responsible funding decreases where appropriate. As I mentioned in our subcommittee markup on Monday, we recognize the tragic events that recently took place in Minnesota, and I'm deeply concerned and saddened by the increase in political violence in this nation. As appropriators, We have the responsibility to provide for the safety and security of members of Congress and the United States Capitol complex. And the bill under consideration today reflects our ongoing commitment to this duty. In 2017, the member's representative allowance was increased for the purpose of providing member security when they are away from the Capitol complex, and this bill continues to carry that increase. It also includes increased funding for the House Sergeant-at-Arms and the United States Capitol Police. I want to take a brief moment to highlight the funding requested by the U.S. Capitol Police for mutual aid reimbursements. As noted in the report, the department requested five-year funds at the rate of $5 million per year for mutual aid. This bill provides 10 million for fiscal year 26, which is double the proposed annual amount. We intend to continue providing funds on an annual basis to ensure we are providing sufficient funding that is reflective of the growing needs at hand. I would also like to thank the House Sergeant at Arms and his team for the rapid manner in which they developed a number of proposals in consultation with members and leadership regarding additional security measures.
In the days ahead, we look forward to discussing these proposals with our colleagues to determine the most appropriate path forward. We plan to continue the discussion on security measures and recommend that we incorporate any needed changes when we conference with the Senate. Again, I'd like to thank members for their thoughtful contributions to fiscal year 26 legislative branch bill and report, and the staff from both House Majority and Minority. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back. Thank you very much. I'd now like to recognize the gentleman from New York, Mr. Espaillat, for remarks on the bill.
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