Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
- Committees
- Appropriations Committee
- Last action
- Jun 30, 2025
Bottom line
The bill funds the operations of the U.S. Legislative Branch for FY2026 while incorporating specific policy directives on technology procurement, employee benefits, and training.
What it actually does
This bill provides appropriations for the Legislative Branch for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It allocates funds to various House and Joint offices, the Capitol Police, Architect of the Capitol, Library of Congress, Government Publishing Office, and Government Accountability Office. Additionally, it includes several administrative and policy provisions, such as limitations on vehicle leasing, cybersecurity assistance, amendments to child care center fund use, prohibitions on certain technology procurement, and restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion training.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill ensures the continued, efficient functioning of Congress and its supporting agencies, providing necessary resources for legislative operations, security, and public services. They would highlight the investments in cybersecurity, modernization initiatives, and programs like the Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program as crucial for a modern and effective legislative body. The administrative provisions are presented as necessary updates or safeguards for government operations.
Opponents contend
Opponents might criticize specific spending levels as excessive or insufficient, depending on their fiscal priorities. They may also object to certain policy riders, such as the prohibitions on specific technology or DEI training, arguing they are extraneous to an appropriations bill, infringe on operational autonomy, or reflect ideological agendas rather than sound fiscal management. Concerns could also be raised about the transparency of the appropriations process for such a comprehensive bill.
The bill is moderately complex due to its detailed appropriations and numerous administrative provisions. An informed reader would require a significant amount of time to thoroughly understand all its implications, which may be challenging given typical legislative timelines for omnibus bills.
Title I, House of Representatives
House of Representatives Appropriations
This section allocates approximately $1.98 billion for the salaries and expenses of the House of Representatives. This includes funding for House Leadership Offices ($36.56 million), Members' Representational Allowances ($850 million), various intern compensation allowances (totaling over $24 million), Standing and Select Committees ($184.79 million), the Committee on Appropriations ($31.29 million), and Salaries, Officers and Employees ($361.60 million) for offices like the Clerk, Sergeant at Arms, and Chief Administrative Officer. It also covers Allowances and Expenses ($491.78 million) and a Modernization Initiatives Account ($4 million).
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this funding is essential to maintain the legislative functions of the House, support Member offices, and ensure effective committee oversight. Investments in intern programs and modernization initiatives are seen as crucial for developing future leaders and improving efficiency.
Critics contend
Critics may argue that certain allocations are excessive or that the overall spending contributes to the national debt. Some might question the efficiency of current operations or advocate for different priorities within the House budget.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between providing adequate resources for a functioning legislative body and exercising fiscal restraint. Decisions on specific allocations reflect priorities for staffing, technology, and member support versus broader budget concerns.
Title I, Joint Items
Joint Committees and Offices Appropriations
This section provides funding for entities that serve both the House and Senate. It includes $4.28 million for the Joint Economic Committee, $14.9 million for the Joint Committee on Taxation, $4.86 million for the Office of the Attending Physician, and $1.90 million for the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services. These funds support economic analysis, tax policy expertise, medical services for Congress, and accessibility services for individuals with disabilities.
Title I, Capitol Police
Capitol Police Appropriations and Authorities
The bill appropriates $687.36 million for Capitol Police salaries, including $74.98 million for overtime, and $203.55 million for general expenses. It includes $15 million for tuition reimbursement, recruitment, and retention bonuses. A key provision prohibits the use of funds to purchase drones manufactured in the People's Republic of China or by affiliated businesses, except for national security purposes. It also amends authorities regarding international training and the appointment/termination of senior Capitol Police officers, granting more authority to the Chief and Capitol Police Board.
Title I, Congressional Budget Office
Congressional Budget Office Funding and Transparency Mandate
The bill appropriates $72 million for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). It mandates that CBO use at least $500,000 of this amount to improve technical systems, processes, and models to enhance the transparency of budgetary effect estimates for Members of Congress, their employees, and the public. This also includes increasing the availability of models, economic assumptions, and data.
Title I, Architect of the Capitol
Architect of the Capitol Facilities and Operations
This section provides significant funding for the maintenance, care, and operation of Capitol facilities. It includes $166.30 million for Capital Construction and Operations, $68.56 million for the Capitol Building, $19.94 million for Capitol Grounds, $123.67 million for House Office Buildings (including $10.5 million for the House Historic Buildings Revitalization Fund), $119.93 million for the Capitol Power Plant, $76.83 million for Library Buildings and Grounds, $74.91 million for Capitol Police Buildings, Grounds and Security, and $21.39 million for the Botanic Garden. It also includes $29.83 million for the Capitol Visitor Center. A provision prohibits incentive bonuses for contractors behind schedule or over budget unless specific conditions are met.
Title I, Library of Congress
Library of Congress Appropriations and Programs
The bill appropriates $501.90 million for the Library of Congress's general salaries and expenses, including funds for catalog development, preservation, and IT services. Specific earmarks include $10.36 million for the Teaching with Primary Sources program, $1.55 million for the Legislative Branch Financial Management System upgrade, $150,000 for the Surplus Books Program, and $4.38 million for the Veterans History Project. The Copyright Office receives $101.48 million (partially from collections), with $10.3 million for modernization. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) receives $141.09 million, and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled receives $68.00 million.
Title I, Government Publishing Office
Government Publishing Office Appropriations
The bill allocates $83 million for Congressional Publishing, ensuring the printing and distribution of congressional information. It provides $42.85 million for Public Information Programs of the Superintendent of Documents, which includes cataloging, indexing, and distributing government publications to the public and depository libraries. An additional $9.53 million is provided to the Government Publishing Office Business Operations Revolving Fund for IT development and facilities repair. The bill includes provisions for transferring unobligated balances and restrictions on printing documents after a 27-month period.
Title I, Government Accountability Office
Government Accountability Office Funding and Oversight
The bill appropriates $415.37 million for the Government Accountability Office (GAO), with an additional $35.42 million available from payments received for services. It includes a proviso that none of the funds may be used for projects or activities not requested by Congress or required by law, unless the Comptroller General provides prior notice to the Appropriations Committees with an explanation. Section 121 further limits the use of funds for civil actions under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 unless Congress adopts a concurrent resolution authorizing such action.
Sec. 110, Title I
Members' Representational Allowances for Deficit Reduction
This administrative provision mandates that any unspent amounts from Members' Representational Allowances (MRA) for fiscal year 2026 must be deposited into the Treasury and used for deficit reduction or, if no deficit, for reducing the federal debt. The Committee on House Administration is granted authority to prescribe regulations to carry out this section.
Sec. 115, Title I
Prohibition on Certain Information Technology Procurement
This section prohibits the use of funds appropriated by this Act for a Member, committee, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives to procure or purchase 'covered information technology equipment' if the manufacturer, bidder, or offeror (or any subsidiary/parent) is on specific U.S. government lists related to Chinese military companies, denied persons, or forced labor. Covered equipment includes computers, printers, and interoperable videoconferencing equipment for direct office use, but excludes services using such equipment (like cloud services).
Sec. 209, Title II
Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications Equipment Procurement (General)
This general provision prohibits the use of funds from this Act by any federal agency, office, or entity to procure or extend contracts for equipment, systems, or services that use 'covered telecommunications equipment or services' as a substantial component. It also prohibits entering contracts with entities that use such equipment. 'Covered telecommunications equipment or services' includes those from Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua, or entities connected to foreign adversary governments. A waiver for up to two years is possible with a compelling justification and a phase-out plan. The prohibition on direct procurement applies in FY2026, while the prohibition on contracting with entities that use such equipment applies in FY2027.
Sec. 211, Title II
Limitation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training
This general provision prohibits the use of funds made available by this Act for any office, program, or activity for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training or implementation that promotes or perpetuates 'divisive concepts related to race or sex.' These divisive concepts include the idea that one race or sex is inherently superior to another, or that an individual's moral character or worth is determined by their race or sex.
Sec. 212, Title II
Limitation on Discriminatory Action Based on Religious Beliefs Regarding Marriage
This general provision prohibits the use of funds from this Act to take any discriminatory action against a person (wholly or partially) based on their sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction that marriage is, or should be recognized as, a union of one man and one woman. Discriminatory actions are broadly defined to include altering tax treatment, denying grants/contracts/licenses/employment, or denying federal benefits or access to federal property.
Sec. 214, Title II
Prohibiting Acquisition of Vehicles Linked to Chinese Communist Party
This general provision prohibits the use of funds from this Act to lease, procure, or otherwise acquire a vehicle if its manufacturer, bidder, or offeror is directly or indirectly owned by, controlled by, or organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China (including specific companies like BYD Auto Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd.) or is on the list maintained by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (including Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL)).
Requires Federal entities providing cybersecurity assistance to the House to ensure constitutional integrity by applying minimization procedures to limit the spread or sharing of privileged House and Member information.
Sec. 112, Title I
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for sensitive areas like cybersecurity and inter-branch cooperation, ensuring that assistance doesn't inadvertently compromise the separation of powers or legislative privilege. It's a technical safeguard.
Case for: Proponents argue this is essential to protect the constitutional integrity of the legislative branch and the privacy of Member communications, ensuring that necessary cybersecurity support does not become a vector for executive branch overreach or information leakage.
Case against: No direct case against this provision, as it's a protective measure. However, some might argue that overly stringent minimization procedures could, in extreme cases, hinder the effectiveness of cybersecurity assistance if critical information is withheld.
Estimated impact: Ensures the protection of sensitive legislative information during cybersecurity incidents, maintaining the integrity of the separation of powers.
Amends the use of the House Child Care Center Revolving Fund to explicitly allow for the payment of telecommunications expenses (voicemail, land lines, cell phones for employees) and to allow funds to be used for salaries of 'assistant directors' in addition to the director.
Sec. 114, Title I
Why it matters:This is a typical technical update to ensure the Child Care Center's operations can adapt to modern needs (telecommunications) and staffing structures (assistant directors). It's a practical adjustment rather than a hidden policy.
Case for: Proponents argue these amendments are necessary to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the House Child Care Center, allowing it to cover essential communication costs and properly compensate key leadership positions, thereby supporting congressional families.
Case against: No specific opposition is typically raised against such administrative updates for the Child Care Center, as it is a widely supported service. General fiscal conservatives might scrutinize any expansion of eligible expenses.
Estimated impact: Minor administrative adjustment to allow for modern operational costs and appropriate staffing for the House Child Care Center.
Amends title 5, United States Code, to specify that for purposes of financial disclosure, the relationship between a Member of Congress providing direct medical or dental services to a patient shall not be considered a fiduciary relationship.
Sec. 210, Title II
Why it matters:This provision clarifies a legal interpretation for financial disclosure requirements, likely to address a specific scenario or potential conflict of interest for Members who are also medical or dental professionals. It's a technical legal clarification.
Case for: Proponents would argue this clarifies an ambiguity in financial disclosure law, ensuring that Members who are also healthcare professionals are not inadvertently penalized or subject to undue scrutiny for providing direct patient care, which is distinct from typical fiduciary roles.
Case against: Critics might argue that any exemption from fiduciary definitions, even for direct patient care, could create a perception of reduced accountability or potential for conflicts of interest, depending on how 'direct patient care' is defined and monitored.
Estimated impact: Clarifies financial disclosure requirements for a narrow subset of Members of Congress who are also medical or dental professionals, potentially easing compliance burdens for them.