WASHINGTON – Today, the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee met to consider its Fiscal Year 2026 bill. The measure was approved by the Subcommittee, which Congressman Valadao chairs. 

“As the Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, it’s been an exciting few weeks working to draft a bill that demonstrates our strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency in how Congress manages its own operations,” said Congressman Valadao. “This legislation reins in unnecessary spending, focuses on core needs, and ensures that every dollar is justified and accountable to the American people. It also fully funds sworn staffing needs for Capitol Police to ensure the Capitol complex, Members of Congress, and all who work and visit here are safe. I thank Chairman Cole for his leadership throughout this process and look forward to working with my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to get this bill over the finish line.”

Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole said, “The foundation of our work is service to the American people, and this FY26 bill reflects that commitment through targeted and responsible investments. It supports functions core to democracy and upholds the oversight and accountability duties of Congress. The safety of the Capitol complex for constituents and visitors and operations of national institutions are also prioritized. Chairman Valadao's bill puts the American people first - in strengthening the institutions that represent them, protecting effective governance, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”

Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao began the markup with remarks on the bill. Watch his full remarks here or read as prepared below:

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 per cent 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 also 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.

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